Neighbour!

I emerged from our Hayloft this morning, boots in one hand and rucksack in the other to see this magnificent cow chewing the cud and watching me!  We've had a drizzly wander from the Farm, through Glaisdale Village, by the Beggars Bridge and then up, up, up through woodland on the turn in to Autumn, and by brooks heavy with water to high views across as far as Fylingdales and its hulk of an early warning system building.  Over the top of the hill, we rounded an ancient churchyard where one Commonwealth Grave was listed.  Sadly, we couldn't find it but we left our respects before dropping down through fields and woodland to Egton Station.  There we were fortunate to come across the Postgate Inn with an empty outdoor area and one table kept dry from the large umbrella.  We bagged it and ordered drinks and sandwiches with chips, a slice of normality very welcome after months of going nowhere.  I duly scanned my NHS QR code and tucked in.

It was time to complete the circuit and return to Glaisdale, which was done by the minor Rosedale road and part of the Esk Valley Trail.  Back at the farm we quickly dropped off what we didn't need and took the car to Danby Lodge, the North Yorkshire Moors Visitor Centre.  It was just an hour till closing so there were no crowds and we were able to look for a walks books in the shop in our masks and with easy social distancing.  The café next door was empty so we had another cuppa whilst looking at our booty from the shop.  I bought the follow up book to the excellent 'The Salt Path' by Raynor Winn, some postcards, a couple of Herdy coasters and a heilan coo face mask (that's a first!)  Whilst on books, I have just finished another very good read, 'Walking the Great North Line' by Robert Twigger.  Twigger walked from Christchurch to Lindisfarne, visiting the prehistoric sites en route.  He writes with intelligence and humour, sort of Bill Bryson with prehistory.