Swaledale from Kisdon Hill

Today we went over the Cote de Buttertubs to Swaledale. On the way over Buttertubs we were able to still see the road graffiti from the Tour de Francein July. I was amazed when I saw the crowds lining the climb on the TV, but now having driven over the pass I was even more in awe of the cyclists, but also of the thousands of spectators who made their way up there on foot or on bike.

We made our way to Muker in Swaledale, and had a walk along the paths through the hay meadows along the river towards the the village of Keld. The meadows and stone barns were very picturesque. I can't wait to come back in spring/ early summer to see the meadows in full flower. As we were climbing up through the woods away from the valley floor we were slightly startled to be confronted by a group of people who were making their way down with a pair of horses complete with saddle packs! They sounded German and wanted to know whether the going was better further down. It was but how they intended to get their horses through some of the stiles was beyond us. But they made it somehow as we saw them again once we had got back to Muker.

Our return leg from Keld took us along the Pennine Way higher up the side of Kisdon Hill. The path was hard going in parts and not as well defined as expected, but we were rewarded with some glorious views, such as this looking down on the hay meadows and river Swale near Muker.

The day was rounded off with a curry and a pint of Black Sheep Velo.

Many Thanks for all the comments and stars and fav's on my Heavenly Barns blip from yesterday, it briefly hit the spotlight, my second ever spotlight appearance. They are most appreciated.