Another glorious day to look forward to, although the temperature had dropped a tad, the sun shone and not a whisper of a cloud to be seen. Today we decided on another of those NT places to visit. This time a place called Brimham rocks about 8 miles from Harrogate. Expecting a small car park, it surprised both of us as to how big it was and boy did they need plenty of spaces 'cos it started to fill up well before we arrived and that was about 9.45 am. We managed to find a spot where we could easily move out if necessary, didn't relish the thought of getting hemmed in, especially as a timed slot to visit Fountains Abbey had been secured for 13.00.
A site of Special Scientific Interest and Conservation Area, this 454-acre site, which was formed over 325 million years ago, had assumed fantastic shapes formed by wind and water. It became our play ground, even my knees held up long enough for me to clamber in holes and up steep sides. T'was great fun, our grandchildren would love this place and not a health and safety bod or fence anywhere.
Lunch was spent back on MB and then it was off to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens
Rievaulx Abbey was impressive but this place....wow. Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Founded in 1132, the abbey operated for 407 years, becoming one of the wealthiest monasteries in England until its dissolution by order of Henry V111 in 1539. The Abbey is now run by the National Trust but maintained by English Heritage. The grounds are extensive, about 323 hectors and includes the 18th century landscape water gardens.
By the time we had walked by the Abbey and then the water gardens the time had flown, and the closing of Fountains was soon upon us. Where did the time go? And I hadn't even got to walk around the Deer Park. Mind you I was about knackered! My Fitbit watch showed a total of 18,000 steps, the equivalent of 8 miles! Of course that did include the Brimham visit as well, but I was mightily impressed that I had managed to walk that far. This bodes well for our walk to Malham Cove as finding somewhere to park MB could be a challenge, which means we could end up walking several miles. Not sure yet what day to go, but at least next week we will be free of children. Half-term is over...yea!
And tonight our park4night is back on the Dales. Just love the feeling of freedom and who knows, with clear skies we may well get to see the Milky Way.
And wildlife today (lots)
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| Common Heath |
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| Damselfly |
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| ?? |
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| Blackcap |
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| Newts at Studley Water Gardens |
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| Remarkable birds, these Jackdaws. Figured out how to steal the bird seed |
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| Hen Pheasant |
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| Chaffinch |
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