Battle of the National Parks

I headed from the North Pennines to the Yorkshire Dales to try out another direction from base camp. Thwarted at the first bridge, which looked like it had been closed for some time but with no mention on Google or Garmin, I had to do a few miles detour to cross another bridge. Luckily, it was the flat section of my day but so early on, it got in my head a little!

I soon picked my road back up though (without taking a tempting shortcut) and began convincing myself that my legs would be OK despite starting feeling a little jaded.

At Richmond, the hills began in earnest and I remembered, my legs prefer these steady ups over continuous undulation.

Near Leyburn, the firing squads began in earnest and I watched a few 2D men go down (as well as a fair few misses!) It was tempting to wave but I thought better of it and chuckled  on. The red flags were flying everywhere - it was clearly practice day!

I noted the heather out but in lots of places, a rusty red not pink - I read recently it’s been a bumper year for the heather beetle and this is the damage.

Chilly today! I had my autumn top in after nearly leaving it at home. It didn’t come off either and was often zipped right up.

I do love the Dales and enjoyed dropping into Swaledale before picking up The Stang to get back over to the Pennines.

Hungry and tired, I’ve scoffed and showered and am now playing Sagrada with Bex L and Bex R. So, back to business!