We Climbed the Crag

Yesterday was a Bank Holiday in the UK, and for the second time running we made preparations for a family Outing. This wasn't going to be a lazing about kind of an outing like the one we had the previous day, but a go-go-go type of an outing. A Crag Climb no less.

I have to fess up and say that I wasn't particularly keen on the idea at first. I had kind of gotten it into my head that we would be enjoying a leisurely stay-home day, and woke up feeling suitably lazy. All three Little People are fighting off snotty noses and sore throats and were very loud in their protests against being dragged out yet again. But J was having none of it. He single handedly assembled the picnic and chivvied us all into action with his no nonsense enthusiasm. Gradually we each began to come round to the idea, and after two good frothy coffees and a hot shower, I was raring to go.

As you can see, The Crag is still wearing it's brown winter coat (look at this post to see it's green summer coat), but the hedgerows were looking beautifully lush and pretty.

The start of this walk is a gentle, sweet amble along a level path around the reservoir.

But it's not long before you begin to climb. Slowly at first, a rough stony track leading upwards.

The higher we go, the more rocky it gets.

We have frequent "look how high we've come" breaks to catch our breath and admire the view. Little B is doing really great. It's his first real hike, his first taste of a proper climb, and he is full of excitement over it. He tells me he has lots and lots and lots of energy in his legs.

We have reached the real big rocks now, and the path all of a sudden becomes a major scramble. Poor Little B, he slips and suddenly has a huge confidence wobble and starts to cry, saying that it's too steep and he can't do it. All of us try so hard to say exactly the right sort of words to make him feel better, to encourage him and boost his confidence, and in the end it is Little Man who manages to coax him onwards and upwards. He wipes his tears and gets to grips with the climb, using every inch of his little body to get up over those big rocks. I am sooooooo proud of him (remember he is only three years old). What a little star.

It's an exhilarating climb. We aren't the only ones making the assent, can you see the couple coming up behind us?

Nearly at the top now, the hardest bit of the whole walk is safely behind us.

The views across the surrounding countryside are spectacular.

Little B is having a grand time now, puffed up with happiness and also I think a little relieved to have made it to the top.

It's windy up here and quite chilly. We hunker down in a hollow against the rocks and have a much needed drink and a snack.

We explore a little, marvelling at the huge boulders and the stunning views.

And then comes the descent down the other side which feels remarkably easy after the climb up. The Little People are suddenly ravenously hungry and want to know when and where lunch will be. Not long, we tell them, we will stop at the bottom near the little patch of woodland where we know there is a lovely little wooden bench.

Oh joy, there are bluebells here!! I feel so uplifted by the sight of them blooming their little hearts out, and by that luscious shade of purply blue against the vibrant fresh green. Beautiful.



This small patch of woodland is delightfully called "Milking Hill Wood" and it was wonderful to sit here and eat a picnic lunch. I kept looking at The Crag and finding it pretty unbelievable that we had actually been sitting right up there just minutes ago. Wow. We really climbed The Crag! Isn't that something?

After our lunch stop, the walking was easy. A long downhill track beside a farm, followed by a short stint along the roadside, then off across fields. I love how The Crag is always there in the background, reminding us of what we have just achieved.

The footpath across the fields arrives very conveniently at the back of this lovely village pub. We can't resist the temptation (and I really need a wee by this point), so we head inside for a quick refreshment stop. I remember the time when we did this exact same walk four years ago, when the Little People were five and six years old and Little B was not even a thought. Gosh. Time doesn't half fly.

The whole round walk is about 3.5 miles, and after the village pub we are heading back towards the reservoir by way of the road. The road is small and rural, with gorgeous little cottages and farms, ducks and horses along the way. We are all feeling weary, and I end up piggy backing Little B for the last 10 minutes or so. But I don't mind, it's unexpectedly nice to feel his warm weight on my back, his little hands twirling in my hair and his constant stream of chatter right next to my ear.

Another lovely family outing, and (I hope) more sweet memories laid down for the Little People. We are building their Childhood and (I hope) we are doing a good job. It is such a precious responsibility don't you think?

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Comments

[Louise]

Lucy, a friend of mine referred your site to me she was telling me which blogs she reads and enjoys. It was such a pleasure to see your hike to Embsay Crag and all the wonderful pictures. I grew up in Embsay and we walked the crag many times as a family just like you and that was 30 years ago, it's nice to see the same family traditions still exist. I now live about 45 min drive outside of New York City so it's really great for me to see a bit of 'home'. Thanks for such great pics.

[Mathea]

Building their childhood, indeed - it sounds like you are doing a good job too! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful part of it :-)

[Ana Soares]

Hi
This is such a beautiful place. Where can we find it? I am from Portugal, that's why I am asking.
Thank you so much
Regards
Ana

[Marylin]

Little B Power...wuuuuhuuuu! :) Thx for sharing your lovely family outing! Hugs, MO

[Catherine]

Oh my. I almost have a tear in my eye. I love your little family outings. I always feel inspired to get us all out and do some memory-building. It's so important I agree. You totally perk me up and inspire me to get out there. Thank you.

[Fiona]

Sounds like a really lovely walk. I really look forward to walks like that with my little people. At the moment it's a struggle as H is obviously still in a pram and we're struggling at the moment to get F to walk very far. We attempted a local pretty flat walk at the weekend and Simon ended up carrying him most of the way. I think your little B is about 9 months older than F so I'm hoping we might see some improvement in the desire to walk distances soon! Love all your pictures of beautiful North Yorkshire which make me feel rather homesick. Fiona x

[Pat F.]

What a beautiful post! Glad you and the family had a great time climbing and bringing us a long for the ride; it is truly beautiful and so peaceful! Thanks for sharing England's beauty - I do hope one day to visit your lovely country!

Pat F.
Las Vegas, NV
USA

[maggie]

Such lovely, lovely memories for your children. It will make for a lifetime of love and enjoyment of the wonderful outdoors. They will have some fantastic memories, I often wish I could be with you on your walks, but then I feel like I have been, when I read your posts. xx

[Janet O'Driscoll]

Your description and pictures of your walk remind me of our days with our two small people, who are now 31 and nearly 29 (so maybe not that small). They have children of their own.. Cherish and treasure the small people's days, they don't last nearly as long as they should. We are now re-living these days with the 4 grandchildren, the older two 8 & 6, they follow anywhere Grandad will take them; the nearly 2 year old and the nearly 1 year old are currently a 'work in progress'. Suffice it to say, there will be much recycling of wellies and walking boots (well, the boy nearly 1 year old might not like to wear pink wellies but after 3 grand daughters, we did not think a boy would come along!)Enjoy and keep the lovely pictures coming.

[Deb]

I enjoyed your account of your outing, Lucy! Wonderful memories for all of you.
How is the studio coming along?

[Laura Taylor]

I so agree. My children are now in their 20s and often used to moan about our dragging them out and up when they they would have preferred to stay indoors and watch TV, or play Playstation games. However now they surprisingly recall several such outings to the countryside or beach. My 26 year old daughter now loves trips to cricket matches having spent most of her Sunday afternoons watching her Dad play in local club, as a toddler and during her primary school years.
It's all about introducing them to things .

[keri]

That is wonderful, Lucy! What a gorgeous place to hike around!
And yes, I think you are building wonderful memories for those precious children! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm!

[Taylor]

What beautiful pictures! It seemed as if the hike was worth it too! Thanks for your sunny post.

[Brenda]

Hi Lucy, lovely photos, looks like you had a great day, am busy working on the crochet triangles, looking forward to you posting an address for them to be sent to. xxBrenda

[Kristen]

Gorgeous! I am such a fan of this sort of thing. My own little people are not so little anymore, but when they were, we hiked all over the place, and I so remember those proud faces when they finally made it to the top. They remember it too. Well done, mama. :)

[Gillian]

You are doing a good job and they will love you for this. And blimey, that crag is rather high!! x

[Niki Jackson]

Wow stunning views! My Hubby would love that walk, he is really into hiking and camping, me not so much :) It's definitely a great achievement for you all and your children seem to love it too. Beautiful flower in the last post, what was it? Blessings x

[Traceyr]

Just how bank holidays should be spent with family out in the sunshine. :)

[Linda]

Gorgeous photos, Lucy! How blessed you are to live in such a beautiful area! Love reading your blog, and I come to it regularly for crochet inspiration (Wow!) and your helpful tutorials. Like you, I am a married, mother of three young ones---I so relate to a lot of what you share. :) Your blog is such a pleasure; thank you!

[Sara]

I think you are doing a fine job. I know your little people will look back with fond memories and hopefully appreciate all your time and energies.

[Andréa Marques]

Que passeio lindo,sou mãe de quatro filhos e adoro passear com eles no campo.Um abraço;

[Elizabeth]

I totally agree with you Lucy, I feel the burden of "creating a childhood" for our son, but also the joy of seeing him have these experiences and meet these little challenges. We have a similar rule about a family adventure every weekend! We're off out in our wellies and waterproofs today!

[Veronika]

I just love the photos you make, it reminds me the time I spent in UK and Scotland, few years back. So this is like a wire travel agency for me ;-)
Great trip this appeared to be.

[DUVERT Anne Lise]

Beautiful country !!
And so , what about the french bird pattern ?
May I have an answer ?
thanks

[Saly@prettilyunraveling]

I've done that walk lots of times, it's a good one!