Not expecting this on the narrow lanes.

 We made a bit of a boo boo today. Convinced we had not been to Beningbrough Hall, that was to be our destination. Well no sooner had we turned into the drive and realisation hit us. Twas early in June when we last visited, the house was open, but only the upstairs rooms with that well-being photo display. So now a dilemma where to go? Fountains Abbey was fairly close by and yes we had also been around the Abbey but at that time, with so much to see and do, the walk to Studley Royal Deer park had to be given a miss. Great opportunity therefore to visit again.

The lake at Fountains Abbey

Much better day today, in fact quite warm. We found three different types of deer almost a mile away from the car park all huddled under a tree. There were Fallow, Red and Sika.  Rutting season was just around the corner and signs of some impressive Stags with antlers having been adorned with foliage for showing how strong he was, and also to woo the girls!
On our return we almost tripped over another herd of deer. All hidden in a dip we had taken another path to the car park and there they were. What intrigued both of us was this magnificent White Stag. It was amongst the Fallow deer but much larger. No idea what sort it was.

On our way home and the sat nav did her worst. A lane only wide enough for one vehicle and she took us down it! 3 miles before we could turn off and apart from one lorry met thankfully by a passing place, the only thing(s) that did cause a few worried moments were the wildlife. 

 

We found a park4night near to Leyburn. Bit concerned because it's right by a road and a very old notice said this is a private common used to exercise race horses and any vehicle parking must gain the owner's permission. The owners happen to be the council and we did wonder whether to leave but the fact that many a car was parked, mostly dog walkers but several with bikes standing by the car meant this notice had either been ignored or is so old not to be in use any more. We certainly didn't see any sign of horse hooves on the grass so we assumed it to be the latter.

And a very late brood seen at Studley Royal