Redmire Force.

You could call these falls Aysgarth’s little sister.
However for me this is were I would prefer to be.
A perfect picnic spot. We had the place to ourselves.
Just the sound of the water. A little dipper
(see extra) washing himself in the river.
Several grey wagtails flying up and down. A heron poised to catch a fish, and we saw lots jumping. The icing on the cake was the flash of four kingfishers flying low over the water.
Two at first, then another, and another.
No chance of a photo there.

You will have guessed by now that we found our way there and back.

Started at West Witton and found the path easily. However we then came to a gate, and there didn’t seem any proper path across the field.
Luckily a young man and his dog came along and he was going our way, which was diagonally across the field.
I was always told if in doubt ask a policeman, and would you believe it he was. Working in Leeds, but living in the village.
The way he took us was a little further than the one I had planned, but when he turned off, the rest of the way was reasonably well signed.
Lovely view of Castle Bolton in the distance.
( see extra)

However after lunch our walk along the river Ure wasn’t quite so easy.
Not a proper path. Ended up climbing up a bank, crossing a stream and then over a barbed wire fence!
Then we eventually found a sign back to West Witton. Again after the first field the path disappeared. We decided to go right. Took us about a mile in the wrong direction, but eventually found the path we had been on before, and so retraced our steps back.
Probably the 5 miles were nearer 7.
Were very glad of a cuppa at the Withywood Stores and Tea Rooms. ( see extra)
Sat in what used to be the parlour. Now turned into a book exchange with just three tables and a couple of easy chairs.
A lovey lady served us, and brought home made biscuits too.
We had bought sandwiches there for our picnic. All delicious and freshly made.
On explaining where we had been, she said the paths are mainly only used by locals, and they all have a different way.

The weather was good. Dry and lots of sunshine, even if cooler. Better for walking.
Just had a shower about 50 yds from the car.

Another of Yorkshire’s hidden gems, A great day out, and no long drive home.