Low Force

The forecast was for fog and rain all day and we nearly didn't go out, but then decided that we had our wet weather gear, so what the heck!

The drive across the moor was very atmospheric, with low mist and sheep round every corner, but by the time we got to the Bowlees Visitor Centre (as recommended by blip friend Elspeth), the weather had improved considerably.

We did the short walk to Low Force and were amazed at the amount of water pouring down the rocks. A lovely series of waterfalls and a bonus when a young canoist launched his canoe into the river and dropped over the centre of the falls! The man in red trunks is his father, who was on hand to jump in if his boy got in to difficulties:-). Fortunately, he wasn't required to jump, much to his relief - we spoke to him as we passed by.

My husband managed to persuade me to agree to walk the 1 1/2 miles along the Penine Way to view High Force from the opposite side to a few days ago. It was a lovely walk, with the river rushing by just feet from the path and tumbling over rocks to form mini waterfalls all along its length. We saw a dipper and some dragonflies as well as lots of wildflowers.

The view of High Force from above was very dramatic, especially with the river in full spate after all the heavy rain, but there was an even better photo opportunity a few metres before that where you could view the falls head on. Worth all the aches and pains I know I'm going to suffer tomorrow, as I am so unfit:-)

We missed a turning on the way back to our cottage and did a 5 mile diversion over the moors from Middleton on Tees and back in a loop. Quite unintentional, but what a fantastic drive with views on every side, in spite of the mist that was coming in again.

Got back just as the rain started in earnest, so another great day in spite of the weather forecast!