Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Stroll Stage 2

I came to an early realisation that The Stroll is going to need a pragmatic approach to ensure the best of the weather. There is also the on going mess of rail strikes that have to be taken into account. So this week I took the train to Thorne (north of Doncaster) and walked south on the South Yorkshire Navigations  towards Donny as far as Kirk Sandall where I could get the train back. There were very few people around, and the dog was off the lead most of the way, the rain held off, I saw grebes and goosanders, heard chiffchaffs and had a a great walk. 



Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Wood


I cycled through Temple Newsham park in east Leeds, then on  tracks to Aberford and back to York. Not a long ride but very enjoyable and almost traffic free. I appreciate it. 

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Deer

I was able to cycle right through Leeds along the newly developed waterfront, where I got a coffee and croissant - very pleasant. In a swathe of  post industrial waste, where the Sustrans track takes you towards York, I saw a couple of roe deer, less than two miles from the city centre.

Monday, March 25, 2024

Ark

From Shipley right into Leeds I followed the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool canal. It is a beautiful route along the Aire valley, contouring the southern slopes. When I saw this sight, I thought it must be Noah's ark, but then saw there were more than two sheep, so it can't be.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

The Trundle 1


As well as The Stroll, I have embarked upon The Trundle, which is going to be a series of interconnecting bike rides. I kicked off with Bradford to York, nearly all the route was off road, including this Cycle Superhighway from Bradford to Shipley. I am full of admiration for Bradford Council finding the means and energy to build this at a time of real pressure on local authorities. 

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Nataliia Departs

Nataliia moved out last week, it was all a bit of a rush and we did not have a proper farewell. So she came round and ate with us a few days later, and kindly gave me this print to me (as you can see by the subject, she worked me out) and a lovely notebook to Danielle. Very kind of her, in difficult circumstances. We have really enjoyed having such a considerate guest. 

Nataliia is now with a new family in Cambridge and all is going well.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Tod


 Todmorden, squeezed into the Calder valley.