Dalby, the Great Yorkshire Forest

A quiet day today. Dave left to drive to spend time with his grandparents and sister.
Paul dropped Mel and I off at 'Dalby the Great Yorkshire Forest'. There were a variety of walks and fitness levels - we chose a moderate one with a steep climb and timed for 3 hours. It was steep, there was an amazing view, and I'd just like to say we did it in an hour and a quarter. Rae would be so proud of me!
The English forest is very different - all the trees are deciduous where we are used to green natives. So the forest is very light and airy, very windy on exposed or high ground. It was well maintained, you could hire bikes for all the family for some of the trails. There was a café, shop, toilets..... not at all like the kiwi 'go for a tramp' we are familiar with!
Paul collected us at 12.30 and we headed home for lunch. Amelia and Crys had gone for their own walk. Paul headed off for a solitary stroll, and Mel, Amelia and I decided to explore the rear of the farm where we are staying. Another great thing - there are public walkways everywhere, even cutting through farmland as we found in Welford. 

Looong legs!

It means you can hike for miles and not be on the side of the road, just brilliant. We followed a stream for a while, then decided to leave the public path and head straight uphill for a better view. 

They're pointing to where we're staying, they're not making gestures!

Amazing vews

Good idea - but so muddy! Half way up our boots resembled spice girl chunky heels! We laughed so much!

 Took our photos, came back down and started for home. We stumbled across Crys and Ali feeding some horses so joined forces and all walked back together.

We found some horses

 Great afternoon! Took a while to clean the mud off the boots though. I was very grateful Crys had loaned me her hiking boots and I wasn't wearing my townies. That would've just been sad!
Home for some cards, then tea - the sausage meat we forgot to stuff the turkey with, made into delicious patties with roast veges, lots of herbs, the kitchen smells amazing!
Good times.