Follow the leader.

Walking in the Dales you never know what you will come across.
We started out today from Austwick, and just out of the village we had a pleasant surprise as a herd of sheep came running down the lane, and we had to quickly stand aside to let them pass.
I think the farmer was bringing them down from the fells to the fields below.
May be time for lambing, although we did see a lot of lambs already out in the fields.
No dogs or shepherds crook. He was following on a quad bike, shouting at them from the rear.
Spring has really sprung up there now.
Daffodils along the roadside. Fields full of new born lambs. Birds singing everywhere. I was delighted to hear my first curlew today.
Disappointed I didn’t see a dipper at Clapham, but there were a few grey wagtails bouncing around on the rocks in the river, which made up for it.

26 turned up, and we split into 4 groups as we didn’t all want to do the eight and a half mile walk, which included a steep climb.
Our circular walk to Clapham was just over 4 miles.
Met up with some of the others for a drink. In the Game Cock Inn to finish off. Perfect end to a wonderful day.

Not so good on the drive home. Got stuck in a traffic jam just before Gargrave. Waited ages, and ended up turning round and coming back via Gisburn.
Fortunately the rest of the journey home was quite good.

Now having a cuppa, before preparing tea.
The chicken casserole is only to heat through, and the rhubarb and orange pie already made.
Just the wine to open!

Hope you have all had a good weekend.
Have put a few extras up too.