I often pinch myself when I am out in the Dales at work! Even when I’m not walking with a group, I have to plan new routes for the guests who love to return several times for our regular Walking Breaks. I always promise that guests won’t do the same walk twice – there is so much beautiful walking in this area that it really isn’t ever a problem to find somewhere new to explore. I record every walk each guest does while on a break at the Lodge and it gives me the perfect excuse to get out finding places to take them on their next visit.
I recently discovered a dale I hadn’t been to before and it appeared on maps as the unnamed dale. I instantly fell in love with this unexplored, secluded and quiet valley which was previously unknown to me. Being so remote meant it held a wealth of birdlife and I was spoilt to see six different species with their young . . . . the joys of Spring! There were hares tearing across the moors, frogs in the stream and a mole above ground as well as all the chicks scurrying after their parents through the grasses
Often those on our walking breaks prefer not to worry about route planning, navigation or transport and enjoy being part of a group. The weeks are guaranteed to be sociable and there’s always plenty of chat and laughter. There’s much to be said for this and I do enjoy the variety of this as well as carrying out recce walks alone. It is a pleasure to share the beauty of the Dales with others but I also relish the moments of total solitude at the top of a hill completely alone with just the sound of the curlews haunting cry, the wind in the trees and feeling the heather underfoot.
Our next Walking Break starts on Monday and we have three spectacular walks planned in three different dales. The weather forecast is looking good and we couldn’t be more ready to get out in the hills.
