On the Wharfe

We wanted to make the most of the lovely weather today so we were up early to drive up to Barden Bridge at Bolton Abbey on the Devonshire estate.

We needed to get there early for a free parking space by the bridge, parking in the official car parks is expensive if you’re not stopping all day.

We did the Strid walk along the River Wharfe through the woods above the river and then descended to the Cavendish Pavillion. Having started out early we had to wait for the cafe to open at 10.00 am to get a coffee. We walked back along the other side enjoying the Wild garlic in the woods and the Cicely and Cow Parsley edging the river. Some love reflections and I did consider entering one for Wide Wednesday - Riverside scene but I couldn’t resist this heron on the beach just before reaching the Pavillion. The little bird behind him looked familiar but I can’t recall its name.
So you’ve got a compilation I’m afraid. ( The greens really were so green ) 

It was a lovely walk as always, pleasant in the woods and quite hot out in the sun. We saw several lots of ducks with ducklings, one had 9, one a Goosander or some sort of Merganser and the  last one was a Mandarin which we nearly always see hereabouts.
As we got in the car we spotted a Greylag with goslings, more waterfowl youngsters than I’ve seen anywhere.

We came back for lunch, when I did this walk with the ladies, now before lockdown, we used to call into to a tea shop and get a later morning cream tea!

Drinks then with friends as usual including Yorkshirebred who is celebrating her birthday today so was on free gin and tonics!

A lovely Wednesday.
The bird is a common Sandpiper.

Whilst out we got a message that s i l  John  was going to be on Radio Bristol talking about the totally recyclable poppy he has designed for the British Legion. I’ve tried to find the programme on i sounds but haven’t succeeded yet,* he’s also going to be on the BBC local news programme Points West at 6.30 but we can’t get that here. Well done again John.


*With the help of instructions from son Alex I’ve managed to hear the broadcast which concluded with the broadcaster saying how great it was for the West Country and John’s  company to be involved in this iconic product. I agree, wish I could have seen him on TV too


** We’ve now managed to watch both the lunchtime and evening Points West on i player. Brilliant were so proud.