Summer is gone and we are getting frost in the air already. Even the berries are falling now as we begin to remember the snow and ice of last winter. Early morning dog walks mean crisp grass underfoot, and the General runs around like she is a puppy again and that every touch of ice is a game. By afternoon, the air has warmed, and the rich autumn feels balmy by comparison. Our General will have to give up her fun this Saturday as we celebrate a late bonfire night. The neighbo

It is a five kilometer walk to the top of the caravan parks and back from River View Pateley holiday cottage. Just enough to fill an hour at any time of the day when you have nothing better to do than enjoy the scenery, the walk is gentle,easy going and full of hidden treasures. BACK TO BLOG #WalkingnearRiverView #Seasons #Localcolour

Growth in the hay meadow caught up in spades at River View Pateley despite an unusually dry start to the year. Guests at the holiday cottage oversaw a bumper crop this August, bank holiday, with so many bales that the barn was overflowing. The ground nesting chicks had flown the nest. Butterflies and the bees had taken their turn at flitting over the rich variety of grasses. Now it was time to harvest a crop to keep the animals going over winter. Sunshine on the field for fi

Bright reds and burned oranges chased each other over polished chrome. But the owners were distracted by the soft petal hues of the Rose Queen and her attendants the other Saturday. Pateley Bridge, came out to support and applaud members of the local primary school and their families in a parade to celebrate summer. A group of colourful under 11's gathered in beach wear and farming outfits. A couple rode a plastic pedal tractor and others rode a rather large canoe. "What's g

The Labyrinth had come to Knaresborough the day we went to visit. The pathway down towards Mother Shipton's magic waters was populated by a shy Gruffalo type creature, a knight and the Goblin King by the bog of eternal stench. Needless to say,, kids loved it. There is an educational aspect to a visit to the Cave. Recorded voices will tell you the story of Mother Shipton's life. They will also tell you how the objects under the water flow turn to stone in time. But this is lea

It was one of those days that made you glad to be alive. Nidderdale had got itself dressed up moody and sultry in dramatic colours and sharp golden light. The General and I walked through the chicken coop, down the slope and through the kissing gate at the corner of our field. From there it was a short stroll past the postbox off Wath Road. We continued up towards Heathfield on the tarmac to avoid the mud (and the naughty collie, who likes the General too much when she's on h