Bluebell Treat - Thursday 19th May

We made and early start today and there was still low cloud and mist over the hills as we left the back to back houses on the outskirts of Skipton and approached the village of Low Bradley with its ubiquitous Mill Chimney.

At Low Snaygill we passed this enormous Hotel Boat moored next to a land hotel.

We spotted two deer chasing one another in a field on the off side. One of them jumped into the gardens of a house whilst the other ran down the field towards us and I managed to get these photographs before he was away up the hill.

Sited next to a swing bridge is a memorial to Polish airmen who lost their lives here whilst flying a Vickers Wellington XI on the 23rd September 1943. A little further on, on the towpath is a cross and flowers to the same airmen.

The canal clings to the high side of the Aire Valley wending its way through lovely wooded areas with great views across the valley below.

This carpet of Bluebells in one wooded area was absolutely stunning and seemed to shimmer in the morning sunlight as it shone through the trees.

As we entered Silsden the home of the Drum hire boat fleet we caught sight of this gypsy caravan and horse and then as we exited the town somebody had cleverly crafted this swan from an old tyre.

We moored up in Riddlesten near to the Marquis of Granby pub which has a High Class Fruit and Vegetable shop next door.

The other side of the B6265 road from our mooring is East Riddlesden Hall, a National Trust property. It is a 17th century stone manor house complete with tithe barn and is set in mature grounds with a duck pond and beech trees. There is a fine collection of oak furniture, pewter, textiles and amour.

Near to bridge 197A is this unusual object imbedded into the towpath. I am not sure what it is but it looks as though it is an old cannon barrel.