Like many people I think of long distance walking as a summer activity, best undertaken between Easter and the clocks going back. Long days to make the most of the light evenings, better weather, lighter packs with less jumpers to carry...
I've changed my mind.
This winter we've been walking both the Dales Way and A Dales High Way to check on the state of the paths and note any changes along the way. We publish guide books to both walks and like to make sure that the books and the websites - www.dalesway.org.uk and www.daleshighway.org.uk - are up to speed.
We've been walking both routes in smaller chunks to make the most of any decent weather and we've had some fantastic days out.
 |
| Barden Tower (Dales Way) |
There have been snowy days and sunshine.
 |
| Taking a break on Coniston Pie (Dales Way) |
The ground is has been generally firm underfoot, either with frost or more recently as it's begun to dry out.
 |
| Ingleborogh and Whernside from the Watershed Alternative Route (Dales Way) |
The shapes of the fells are stunning in their naked state before the trees come into leaf and the waterfalls have been magnificent. Routes are quiet and accomodation easily available and the joy of watching the landscape begin to wake up has been immense.
 |
| Snowdrops and crocus coming off Frostrow Fell (Dales High Way) |
And of course there's the lambs!
 |
No comments:
Post a Comment