Burning the heather on Farndale
Carrying on from my last walk, at Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire, I would like to take you over the Moors to Farndale. It’s always a dramatic sight when you crest a hill and see the heather smouldering, but the burning is done on a carefully controlled basis to keep the heather young and vigorous.
I had read that medieval monks from Rievaulx planted the first daffodil bulbs in the valley, but the petite wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is one of our native plants. In any case, I’ve known of the Daffodil Walk at Farndale for as long as I can remember. It’s coming to the end of the season now but, 2 weeks ago, when I was there, we admirers were out in earnest.
Old and young, and many a happy dog, ambled or scampered along the well trodden path- each at his own pace. The common factor? A smiling face! The tiny, nodding yellow folk and the enfolding warmth of the sun seemed to create a special world. No frowns or scowls allowed!
The tiny, yellow folk
Such a joyful sight!
Time to cool off!
Oh, no! Come back!!!
Some of us aren’t so badly behaved!
On the lead, or off- I guess that’s the difference. With barely a cloud in the sky, it was an English day to be in love with. And I was!
Such a tidy, bare hedge!
Then a low-flying plane drones past
Disturbing the peace, but not the shadows
Are you feeling thirsty yet? We’re approaching The Daffy Caffy. Yes, you read that right! Only in England? But first we should inspect the pretty window box.
Full of Spring flowers, of course
But the good news is you can have everything from a bacon sarnie (jumbo size!) to a cooked meal, or just a naughty piece of tiffin or cake. Go the whole hog, if you must!
And then there are choices to be made. I don’t mean sitting in the garden or indoors, but that’s a choice too, so long as there’s space. You can now either retrace your steps, beside the river, or you can carry on, on a circular route which will make your total walk about 3 and a half miles. Well- ‘in for a penny, in for a pound!’ It’s too nice a day to waste, and there’s the added enticement of St. Mary’s Church.
If you haven’t already got one, pick up a Farndale leaflet before you leave the Daffy. The map will keep you right, but in daffodil season the route is fairly obvious. The village of Church Houses lies ahead, at the end of a short track.
Looking back at Church Houses
Just beyond Church Houses you cross a stream, beside which the Church of St. Mary’s is signed. Dating from 1831, it’s worth a closer look.
I hope you’re in the mood for hopping over a few stiles, because that’s what comes next. They come in all shapes and sizes as you cross the fields.
Or maybe this one?
Complete with stile!
Last but not least…
Safely back to earth, I hope you enjoyed our wander. Maybe it’s one to bookmark for next Spring? Already the tulips are rampant and I found some shy fritillaries in our garden.
If you’re driving into Farndale there’s car parking at Low Mill, but it might be possible to catch the Moorsbus during daffodil season, from March to April. This map will help you with location.
I won’t be publishing a walk next Monday because I’ll be in Poland, so you have the Bank Holiday to roam at will! I’ll be back with you on Monday, 11th May, when I hope to settle back into my usual pattern. Thank you for your tolerance in the meantime.
I have so many walks to share with you this week that you might need a very large teapot at your elbow! Grateful thanks, as always, to all my contributors. My Jo’s Monday walk page will tell you how you can join me.
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It’s always a pleasure to follow Debbie. Where she leads, I’d just love to follow!
A Walk around Historic Corstorphine
Waltzing across the floor would be a dream in this place. I might give up walking!
A UNESCO Heritage Site always has plenty to offer :
This might appeal to those of you who like a shorter walk (and a bit of shopping) :
A small stretch of our legs in Moncarapacho
Amy captivates this week with a romantic meeting of deer :
And the wild flowers tempted her to Monday walking last week too!
Monday walk : Texas Countryside
Come on a twilight adventure with Cherry Blossom. Thanks, Yvette- it’s a beauty!
And talking of the extraordinary, have you ever ‘walked with swans’? A delight from Violet Sky :
I am honoured to share with you Suzanne’s beautiful venture onto a laptop :
Uncertainty and the Great Ocean Road
When Cardinal Guzman shares you can always expect a great photo!
Whilst this post has Jude stamped all over it, even though there’s a boat or two :
Lisa is more often to be found afloat, but managed to catch up with some great Street Art!
Walking the All Fresco Street Art Festival
A Scottish walk is often bracing but no worries- there’s fish and chips!
A short walk along the promenade in Largs
Could anywhere be more different? Pad Thai, anyone?
And some thoroughly English gardens! Do you know this one, Jude?
Hall Place and the Queen of Beasts
Rounding off with Tobias. Don’t miss the Art Deco!
That should be enough to keep you all going while I’m gone! Once again, many thanks, and happy walking!
restlessjo 
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