Author: Fhithich
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Bransdale Mill
The National Trust is currently finishing off the renovation of Bransdale Mill as bunkhouse accommodation but the waterwheel and milling mechanism is badly in need of preservation to prevent further deterioration. The mill dates from the 18th-century and rebuilt in 1842 according to a datestone although a mill probably existed on the site since medieval…
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White Hill
A large swathe of clear felling on White Hill. It may be a coincidence but the clearance is almost exactly on the disturbed ground of the 1872 landslip when the Stokesley to Helmsley road was covered to a depth of up to 24 feet with rocks, shale and soil. The argument about who should repair…
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Dryads’ Saddle
Dryads were tree spirits of Ancient Greek protected by the gods whose wrath befell anyone who damages a tree without first appeasing these shy and elusive nymphs. They would presumably use this bracket fungus to sit on when riding their ponies. It is quite common and supposedly edible when young but quickly becomes hard and…
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Two months to the Glorious Twelfth
While mother hen feigns an injured wing tempting me off the dusty track, and flying fast and low above the ling, the cock screams ‘Go back, go back, go back’ their moorfowl chick lies perfectly still but in just two months ready for the kill. Open Space Web-Map builder Code
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Roseberry from Newton Moor
A cracking morning. Out and back before the crowds make the pilgrimage to the summit. Open Space Web-Map builder Code
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Great Ayton Village Fete
It’s carnival day in the village. A biennial event. The procession begins to leave the Low Green on its slow progress up to the High Green. Open Space Web-Map builder Code
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Troutbeck Valley
What wonderful freedoms we enjoy having access to the hills and countryside enshrined in our Open Access legislation and Rights of Way system. The Scottish Access Code or Sweden’s Allemansrätt are, I admit, very enviable but we should treasure and protect our hard won rights to enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors. This…
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Chaine Memorial Tower
Two years ago I was waiting to catch the ferry from Larne and ended at the Chaine Tower. I pleasant quiet place to a pass an hour or so away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. The stone tower was built at the entrance to Larne Lough as a memorial to James Chaine,…
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Back of Benbulbin
The plan was to climb Benbulbin, a 525m high distinctive tabletop mountain overlooking Sligo but it proved difficult to find out any info on the best way which seems to be a hidden secret. Web forums talk of an approach from the north but also mention recent access issues with an irate farmer. To avoid…
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Mallaranny Saltmarshes
This is the season of thrift, the sea pink. There is so much of it about. The saltmarshes and machair at Mallaranny in County Mayo have a carpet of it happily grazed by the sheep. They must have a unique flavour.