I’ve already reported on our trip to the North Pennines – lovely hills, a mountain pass, and cuppa at a local café. Since then we’ve had two trips to the North York Moors – both with the obligatory stop off for afternoon tea. We’d also planned to visit the cathedral in the centre of Durham city but we didn’t quite make it – we tend to end up in the countryside. Our first trip to the North York Moors was in the rain. I forgot the camera so no shots of the very colourful coastal villages or misty hills and moors. We called into the quaint seaside village of Straithes – the windy cobbled streets and higgledy-piggledy cottages where a delight. Next was the larger town of Whitby. Amazing ruined abbey on the cliff top overlooking the harbour – managed a quick visit from the car park between showers. Despite the rain the drive through the moors was beautiful. Green hills, winding valleys, rushing streams. Lovely stone villages dotted about. Too bad my camera was sitting at home!
Our second visit was on a beautiful sunny day – I was armed with my camera, ready to take some amazing photos. We drove through the countryside rather than the along the coast. Passed through the village of Yarm – apparently the “in” place to live in the area. Lovely market square. We arrived at the moors to find everything a bit hazy – not what we were expecting at all. A bit strange! Crossed over a rather barren hilltop into the next valley – deeper into the moors. Things got even hazier. We found out from some locals – over afternoon tea – that it’s the time of year the park rangers burn off the heather. Leaves a smoky haze that just hangs in the air – a bit on the eerie side! Apparently all part of providing a better habitat for the local sheep and birds. So I did get some amazing photos – just different to what I had thought. Headed home happy.
Love Di and Reg
P.S. The dogs are keeping us busy. Bert is a cute as ever.
This entry was posted in England, House Sits, Stockton on Tees, Durham, United Kingdom