Hawes - Waterfalls and pubs
Amazingly, after yesterday, the day dawned bright and clear, if a bit chilly. Ian had been awakened in the night by Misty scratching, Misty retching, the need for the toilet, a yappy dog barking, a deep voiced dog barking, sheep baaing, and cattle a lowing. I had slept through the lot till 8’o’clock. Lovely.
It was my turn for Misty so I fed her and we trotted off to the huge dog field right next to Dame Shirl. It’s very very muddy, but the dogs can run free, and there were several really enjoying the morning. Over the wall in the farmers field tiny lambs were gambolling in the sunshine. And the cattle were a lowing.
Back at dame Shirl I wiped off Misty’s muddy legs and settled in for my perfectly prepared coffee. (Ian’s turn for that).
Ian had decided to run tomorrow so today was Full English Day. A very nice one it was too. If I say so myself.
By the time the washing up was done, after all the lazing and pfaffing, it was Noon. The perfect time for a walk. The weather was perfect, warm in the sun with fluffy clouds, as we departed the site and followed the Hawes roundwalk. After crossing some fields, and a tense meeting with some Weds fans, we arrived at Hardraw Force. We stumped up our £4 each (no discount for OAPs!) and headed for the falls. We walked to the bottom, then up the hill to the top. There were also plenty of people to take our photos together.
After the nice stroll around the waterfall we were ready for a pub. And, hello, just by the entrance is The Hardraw Force Arms. A lovely old fashioned inn with loads of rooms. We wanted to sit outside but it was heaving in the sunshine so we found a nice inside table and Misty had a snooze on the stone floor
After a nice break and a chat we continued on up the hill where we came to the Simonstone Hotel. It looked lovely. High on the hill overlooking the dales on the other side of the valley. We could have had a drink here too but decided against it. On the face of it the next stage was dead easy, a walk across fields parallel to the valley with amazing views. Sadly Misty dosen’t do stiles, can’t leap up for the hole in the walls, and loves eating sheep poo. Ian had his work cut out. Also sadly, I didn’t get any good photos as it’s hard to hold a camera when you are roaring with laughter.
We eventually came to the very picturesque, tiny village of Sedbusk where we turned downhill again, over more fields, more stiles, more poo, and back to the road to the campsite. Perfect weather and a perfect Easter walk with a pub half way. Who could ask for more.
Back at Dame Shirley we got the chairs out and had a cuppa out in the sun. Ian dried and brushed Misty then headed off into town on a secret errand. I sat in the sun some more. Bliss.
A little later, showered and changed, we headed into Hawes once more for a meal at The White Hart. It was a good job we had booked as it was heaving. The food was really good, we both had the lamb after Ian had interrogated the waitress on the presence of mint. We were in the dog section and everyone had a dog of some description under the table. This lead to us getting talking to the couple on the next table with a cute little Romanian rescue dog. Turns out they too are on our campsite, (and weds fans!) as were the couple on the next table to them with a gorgeous golden retriever. A good night was had by all.
The stars were out later as we headed back to Dame Shirley, I was kicking myself that I had forgotten the star spotting device that Vicky had given me for Christmas. It’s going in as soon as I get home. We watched a bit of the news but then, tired and replete, it was bedtime.
OS Watch
Much to my displeasure OS have updated their app and it is now rubbish. Here’s a picture anyway. Might have to do Strava again in future
Neighbour watch
The old couple in the old motorhome next to us, very pleasant and quiet, were getting the bus to Askrigg and walking back. Kudos to them.
The other side there are two yappy dogs in a cage that bark incessantly when any other dog is in their eyeline. Misty just ignores them.
There are children across the way.
Nature watch
Some lovely goldcrest. Curlews. And dancing bats.
Lots of sheep, lambs, chickens, pigs and cattle a lowing
What a lovely day
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