What did the sheep parent say to the lamb? "It's pasture bedtime." - Reader's Digest

 June 1, 2026

This morning dawned grey and wet and we knew we were in for a long day. An 18 km day with misty drizzle and hazy landscape, trying to avoid all the cow and sheep poo on the trail. We arrived at Romany Cottage in Buckden at 15:58 (check in was not before 16:00) and found the first bathtub! What a treat to soak tired muscles in a warm bath. We opted for a light supper tonight - half a ham and cheese sandwich, an apple, a large cup of tea and a scone. It will likely be early to bed tonight. 

Here are a few pictures from today -

Grassington was a quaint spot to visit and it was fun to see the setting of one of our favourite TV shows.

Day 3 - here we go!!

It was a steady climb all morning but the vistas were worth every step.

The Dales sit on thick limestone rock and instead of tunnelling deep, workers quarried limestone from the surface and burned it in lime kilns to make quicklime used for farming and building.

Stiles are kind of fun to cross, but after the 10th one in a day, I really don't care if I ever have to cross one again.

There are several types of stiles. This one is a gated squeeze style, for obvious reasons.

In spite of the rain, it was very pretty today.

The sheep leading Andrew north toward Buckden.

The smart sheep tucked themselves near a stone wall and under a tree to try and stay dry.

These huge black slugs are in abundance.

Finally arrived in Buckden and looking forward to good rest tonight. The River Wharfe has been our companion for three days but tomorrow we will say goodbye to it.

"The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all." Proverbs 22:2 (KJV)

 May 31, 2026

Today we knew it was a fewer km day, so we took our time departing from Appletreewick. There was a White Rose cyclist race going through early and it was a constant zipping as 100+ cyclists zoomed by the inn. It was forecasting rain, and sure enough, just as we were about to leave, the skies opened, so we donned our rain gear and set out. Thankfully it didn't last long and we continued strolling along the River Wharfe, taking in all the scenery. 

Happy to be hitting the trail again, knowing we didn't have far to go to Grassington.

Full rain gear, but blue skies ahead.

Just some cows relaxing in buttercups by the river.

Primary school in Burnsall founded in 1603 and still functioning. I'm thinking it would be a lovely place to learn!

Another lovely church door.

Little Emily's packhorse bridge (13th century) in Linton.

St. Michaels and All Angels Church - the oldest part dates from the 12th century (Norman period). Over 800 years old, it was very quiet and as you enter the church there is a sign overhead with the title of today's blog.

Note the red and black checked floor -  my dream hallway and/or kitchen floor. And I now want to wallpaper some rooms in our house but I don't think Andrew is on board!

Crossing the river once again on a one lane suspension bridge.

Heading into Grassington - it is so, so pretty here.

A couple of flower pics for the garden enthusiasts.

The English roses are incredible.

View from our window in Grassington. This little village has gained a lot of tourist interest as the setting for the TV series "All Creatures Great and Small". The building across the way is known as Skeldale House where James Herriott has his veterinarian practice and we stayed overnight at the Drovers Arms where the characters in the show go for their nightly pint. 

We will certainly watch "All Creatures Great and Small" with a different lens now.