Ne’er cast a clout ’til May is out. In May, Doncaster Outsiders visited Wensleydale in North Yorkshire. Group A started out on quiet country roads from Masham. Our route took us through allotments, then onto Marfield Wetlands. Former sand and gravel quarries, they are now an important site for swallows, goldfinch and a variety of wading birds and plants.
The weather was cooler than we would hope for in May. It was overcast but at least it was dry. We continued along gentle hills to Low Ellington, the point where B Group started. There was plenty to see – horses racing, lambs baa-ing and Bev bringing a herd of cows into line.
We turned north-east towards the River Ure, and Kilgram Grange. then northwest to Thornton Stewart where we enjoyed a quick coffee break and some blue skies.
Finally, we reached The Queens Head in Finghall and a drink of choice for our endeavours.
For our afternoon walk, Len lead us on a fine circular walk. Garlic was still in flower and laced the air with its pungent aroma. Elsewhere was lush greenery festooned with fluffy white blossom of mountain ash, horse chestnut, hawthorn and the pale green of cuckoo pint in the verges.
Thank you to Phil, Bev and Len for leading a fantastic walk and thank you to folks for sharing their photos. Our next walk is on Sunday 16th June around Bingley and will be lead by Nigel and Ken. Hope to see you there..