Here in my part of the world, we are extremely lucky to live on the doorstep of some amazing countryside, being only a hop and a skip away from the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park. There are wild and rugged bits, beautiful bits and charming bits. Gorgeous villages and sweeping vistas. High hills and low valleys. Rivers and gorges and tarns. And it's right there to enjoy, and mostly for free :: park the car, put on some walking boots and stride right out into the thick of it.
But sometimes, getting out into the wilds of the countryside can seem like quite hard work. And when you get to feeling like that, like you really want to be out amongst nature, but don't necessarily wish to prepare or work at it, then you choose the Easy Countryside.
For us, the easy option of choice is without question Bolton Abbey. It's easy as you can possibly get. A way to enjoy some magnificent scenery without having to really exert oneself. And crucially for the likes of me, there is no map reading involved and no danger of getting lost either.
So when my Dad and his Lady were staying last week, I decided on a simple jaunt to Bolton Abbey, to share the delights of the Yorkshire Dales and our local countryside without the need for maps, rucksacks or clonky footwear.
It was great. We rolled up mid morning last Monday and found only a handful of other folk about, stepped out the car and followed a beautiful wide and easy to negotiate pathway through lush, damp and very green woodland along the banks of the River Wharfe. We were headed for The Strid, to sit a while on the mossy rocks and be wowed by the forces of nature and the power of water.
After the noise and rushyness of the Strid waters, it was delightful to stroll back again and take in the calm reflections in the slow moving water further down river.
It was maybe an hours walk all told, nothing remotely strenuous, yet very good for the soul nevertheless. And at the end of the walk, a stop at the Cavendish Pavillion for my favourite spot of elevenses :: frothy cappuccino and a maple/pecan slice.
Between mouthfuls of maple and pecan slice, I was telling my folks the story of The Little People and The Money Tree. They found the whole thing intriguing, and asked to be taken to this magical place. So off we set, over the bridge and along the opposite side of the river to climb through the lush woodland....
...until we reached the Magic Tree.
We payed our respects, and shamelessly Wished Hard for Money.
I am still waiting for my wish to come true, but hey, I am patient.
After all that hard Wishing work, we set off to have a little explore of the ruins of the ancient Priory.
It was really beautiful, and quite peaceful even given the large party of school children who were visiting at the same time as us.
I'm not much of a one for history :: I can appreciate that these wall are pretty damn old, but I do not really need to know details. I prefer to wander round absorbing the views and atmosphere without needing to know the exact date of construction.
We emerged out of the small church to find the sky had darkened and a rather menacing storm was rolling our way. The quality of light was incredible, as was the speed at which the storm was approaching.
We turned our backs on the Abbey and walked rather speedily back to the car, arriving just as the first huge drops of rain were beginning to fall.
I was rather glad that we were not on top of a remote hill.
I was rather glad to climb back into my warm dry car and feel smug.
Sometimes, Easy Countryside Appreciation has it's definite advantages, most especially when thunder and lightening are involved.
xxx
beautiful pictures - the money tree is quite amazing - hope you get your wish!
Posted by: Julie | July 14, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Wow! you are so lucky to live near such beauty.
We visited Yorkshire for a holiday once (and got engaged there) and it is sooo beautiful - even in the middle of February!
Posted by: lucy@theantidote | July 14, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Some Lovely piccies, thanks for sharing. the money tree is great i need one of those!
Posted by: Naomi Rainford | July 14, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Breath takingly BEAUTIFUL! Such a wonderful way for me to start the day.. AMAZING PHOTOS!
Posted by: Sarah | July 14, 2009 at 12:32 PM
thank you for sharing. it is magnificent.
Posted by: OSP | July 14, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Your photos are beautiful! You are so lucky to be surrounded with such beauty!!!
Posted by: Tam | July 14, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Goodness what amazing piccis of the money tree, I have heard of these but never seen one. So pleased you have joined in my giveaway!
Posted by: joy williams | July 14, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Beautiful photos Lucy. Does the money tree wishes work if you look at it through a blog? I sincerely hope so! x
Posted by: simone | July 14, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Looking at your photos I feel like I'm there...it is lovely at Bolton Abbey. We love the farm too and of course the steam trains!! We go on the Santa train each year... S and S will be 7 on Sunday (bday party at Bolton Abbey each year), I don't think they'll want Santa train this year... :(
Posted by: Liz | July 14, 2009 at 12:51 PM
That does look a lovely spot.
Love the money tree too. Do you think it works by proxy, y'know, if I asked you to put a coin in for me...?!
And do you think needing somewhere lovely for a coffee and cake is a sign of middle age? Whenever I plan an outing with a friend, that is top on our list of requirements!
Debx
Posted by: Deb | July 14, 2009 at 01:19 PM
nice, really nice place, ... even more beautiful from my office chair,... I need some holydays!
Posted by: Marta | July 14, 2009 at 01:45 PM
This was a wonderful visit to a place I will probably never actually see. It's so fun to journey along with blog friends and see their world and their life. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Shelley in SC | July 14, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Hello Lucy!
Thank you so much to share and to tell us about these marvellous places :)
It is very important to listen and get the sugestions of the people who lives in the places; I do not like only to read the tourists guides, sometimes we can loose something beautiful :)
I will take note of your sugestions :) My husband will love it too :) We like walking in beautiful countrysides :)
As I told you before, we were in York (we liked very much) but we want to come back to see the countryside :) Now, it will be easier and funnier :)
Sandra
http://presepiocomvistaparaocanal.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sandra | July 14, 2009 at 01:55 PM
What a wonderful day Luce! How lovely to be by the river and listen to the water, to see all of the trees and other bits of nature. My kind of day!
xxxx
Posted by: Kar | July 14, 2009 at 02:12 PM
wow, you live in such a beautiful area!
Posted by: Casey | July 14, 2009 at 03:06 PM
How incredibly beautiful! Someday that's my dream...to visit some of these special little treasures of the world...yep, someday. But til then, I love seeing all your beautiful photos, thanks again for sharing.
Posted by: Vicki | July 14, 2009 at 03:11 PM
you are lucky! what a magnificent place!
Posted by: cassaundra | July 14, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Lucy ~it looks like you all had a lovely day out ~ the scenery is stunning and your photographs are beautiful as always! Thanks for sharing :O)
Posted by: Jackie | July 14, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Vicki - I'm saving up!!! LOL
It is on my life's list of things to do befor I expire, to visit the land of my English ancestors. It's been 4 years since I got to check one off, when I went to the Grand Canyon in arizona. I'm looong over due. What lovely pics Lucy!! You are blessed to live so near such splendor and beauty!
some day.......
Posted by: melissa | July 14, 2009 at 04:17 PM
I was on the Yorkshire Moors last year when just such a cloud approached us. Unfortunatley, we were about 4 miles from our car. They travel fast those Yorkshire clouds don't they?!
Posted by: Michaela | July 14, 2009 at 04:32 PM
I was at Bolton Abbey last week and visited nearly all the places you've mentioned. It is beautiful there,you're so lucky to have it on your doorstep!
Posted by: Marie | July 14, 2009 at 05:07 PM
Wow, that scenary is magnificent! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Anna | July 14, 2009 at 05:40 PM
That's a great photo of the Priory against the sky, I love blue skies with clouds behind striking buildings.
By the way, does the money tree have real present-time money in it? Or is it old money? Or is it not actual currency at all but just round flat pieces of metal? So many questions I know, sorry xxxx
Posted by: Heather | July 14, 2009 at 06:09 PM
The scenery is wonderful but your writing is delightful too ! You are very talented in telling stories.
Posted by: Karambar | July 14, 2009 at 07:23 PM
My day has been so enriched by this post. Thank you for sharing your amazing photographs. They are truely remarkable. I would love to come across the pond to see these wonders some day. I love the magic tree too! Thanks Lucy, you're the best.
Posted by: Meagan S. | July 14, 2009 at 07:38 PM