Hudeshope Beck

Rest day today. 

Forecast as downpours and misty tops, we set today aside for a day off the bikes and a drive over to Middleton in Teesdale for a walk down and up Hudeshope Beck. I could not have imagined it would be so picturesque, from wildflowers and old mining ruins to wide grassy walkways through spacious areas of pine trees. We watched a blue tit family nesting in the wall of Parker’s Lime Kilns and later, spotted a few different types of moths (including this red-necked footman) and possibly caught sight of a goshawk returning to the woods.

Little Dog had to be ferried over a few stiles which she doesn’t make easy any more but she managed and did well on a long walk for her. 

Not wanting to head home yet, we stopped for a refuel in a cafe and a refuel of the car (£1.99/litre!) before another tour of hopefully, what will be tomorrow’s ride which looked utterly stunning in blue skies with black cloud backdrops.

We’ve been remarkably lucky with the weather but had eight sodden feet between us from the wet meadows.