A beautiful day for a walk

Such a beautiful day, and we decided to walk up the Shibden Valley.

Collage shows:
Main picture the path way up the valley.
Top from left to right,
Shibden Mill Inn, which we past on the way.
Rowing boats on the lake, make a good perch for the birds.
Mum and son feeding the ducks.
The dry stone walling exhibition.

Down the left side:
The little miniature railway.
Shibden Hall.

A lovely walk through an unspoilt valley, with such a lot of history.

Staups House which we past near the beginning of the walk was built in 1684 by Joshua Crowther.

We followed a straight double-paved track across fields, which were designed to take heavy carts carrying products of the local mines and quarries higher up the valley, down to Stump Cross. We could see the grooves worn in them. ( see main photo of the collage)

Another house we passed further up the valley called Dam Head was originally an 1500s timber-framed aisled hall, substantially altered over the years.

Then passed Shibden Mill Inn dating from 1643, over the beck and up a track with
lovely views of the valley.

Back to Shibden Park, and up to see the Hall (which was closed) but the Dry Stone Walling Exhibition was fascinating.
I never knew there were so many different types of dry stone walls in Yorkshire alone.

It was nice to see families out in the park. Feeding ducks, riding on the little train, and many children with new bikes which no doubt had been delivered by Santa a few days ago!

So nice to be out on such a lovely day.
I hope you have all been able to enjoy it too.