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Sleddale
The secluded valley of Sleddale, derived from the old English term ‘slaed’ for a wide flat valley, is enclosed by the moors. The farmstead, once part of the lands belonging to Gisborough Priory and formerly Sleddale Close, stands isolated amidst the heather. While historical records indicate its enclosure during the priory’s ownership, there’s scant evidence…
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Dandelions: Underappreciated but crucial for bees and insects
Ah, springtime in Britain—a vibrant tapestry of flowers, from the delicate snowdrops to the cheerful daffodils to the stunning bluebells. But amidst this floral symphony, there’s one unsung hero—the humble dandelion. Have you noticed how they transform roadside verges into seas of yellow, only to later sprinkle the landscape with their delicate ‘clock’ seedheads? It’s…
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Midilest Middleton
En route to Edinburgh, I found myself in need of a leg stretch. Upon consulting my map, the name ‘Middleton Old Town‘ leapt forth in an intriguing Gothic script. Without hesitation, I decided to explore. The remains of this medieval hamlet straddle the Coldgate Water, with the stream and a sunken path dividing it into…
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Capt. Cook’s Monument
The obelisk to Captain James Cook on Easby Moor, a familiar sight from the Cleveland plain. Cook is a local hero. We all know of his epic voyages to the Pacific, they are taught in schools, but his legacy is being reassessed as we look at events at that time through 21st century eyes. Cook’s…
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Kissing trees
Nineteen years ago in February, the landscape draped in snow, I found myself fascinated by a pair of beech saplings, their slender forms intertwined like old lovers. Over the passing years, one of the trees has asserted dominance, its girth swelling, while its companion languished in subservience, scarcely growing at all. Yet, despite this apparent…
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The merry month of May
Bluebell season has undoubtedly arrived, yet the spectacle seems somewhat diminished compared to previous years. Perhaps it’s premature to judge. If May proves to be as chilly as April, the following proverb may come to mind, though its exact significance eludes me. A cold May and a windy, Makes a barn full and a findy.
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Thirlwall Castle
An excess of photographs from the recent walk along Hadrian’s Wall. However, not all remnants were of Roman origin. This ruin is distinctly medieval. Erected in the 1300s, Thirlwall Castle served as a fortified home for the Thirlwall family. Built from robbed stones from the Wall, its stout walls shielded them from Scottish incursions during…
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Hadrian’s Wall
On yet another day of our journey, Hadrian’s Wall remains a constant companion as our route leads us further eastward. This is a distant view of Crag Lough. But why did Hadrian build his Wall. It seems it wasn’t purely defensive, certainly not against an invasion. There is evidence of livestock and other resources making…
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Bleatarn
Day 2 of our six day crossing of the north of Britain isthmus following the route of that wonderful piece of Roman civil engineering that stretches across North Britain isthmus from the Solway to the Tyne, Hadrian’s Wall. Yesterday we had caught the bus from Carlisle to Bowness, with the intention of walking back to…
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Port Carlisle
In the early 18th century, there were high aspirations to transform the Solway coast into ‘a second Liverpool.’ A canal was built, connecting the coast to Carlisle, and what was once a smattering of houses burgeoned into a flourishing village. This canal facilitated maritime navigation into Carlisle. The photo shows the entrance to the canal…
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