I know, I know, I'm having a bit of a Woodland obsession right now, but honestly, can you blame me when it all looks so very utterly gorgeous out there????? It was absolutely freezing this morning, literally freezing, but the sort of glorious day that forbids you to remain inside no matter how low the temperature might be. It was crisp and bright with a definite bite in the air when we set out to walk up the steep, steep hill, along the farm track and into the top of the woods this morning.
We found the second willow sculpture which looked glorious in the sunshine - it's called "The Stalking Horse", a reference to the olden days when the Lord of the Castle would hide behind grazing horses in order to stalk and shoot deer in the woods. I found Anna and the Willow on Instagram (which is how I know all about the horse), and have enjoyed seeing these willow works in progress.
The little beck that meanders slowly through the woods captured my eyes this morning, I just couldn't stop gazing at the reflections held on it's surface. Even though the beck is flowing, the water moves very slowly so there is an illusion of stillness which makes the reflections very striking. In some places there were overflow pipes draining water into the beck, causing the most incredible rhythmic, pulsing ripples - it was mesmerising to watch, almost like an optical illusion of some sorts.
We stopped for a while beside the small waterfall, perched on a log in the morning sunshine, eating juicy satsumas and a little bit of chocolate too. It was the best kind of morning snack and even Little B was happy with the arrangement. We did lots of leaf kicking and larking about, eventually tiring ourselves out before beginning the short walk back to the warmth of home. Not a bad way to spend a Monday morning, that's for sure.
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Ooh Lucy what a great post! My friend and I are coming to Skipton next week and would love to visit the horse - could you tell me where to find it please. is it in Skipton woods on the far side of town? Just to say thank you for telling us about the farm shop in Skipton. We always stay at the premier inn at gargrave and have breakfast there but since discovering the farm shop breakfasts we always eat there now and love it!
Posted by: Deborah Taylor | November 12, 2018 at 06:02 AM
Just so beautiful photos! A lovely time of year.
Posted by: Tuula Maaria | November 01, 2018 at 07:56 AM
Just received the King Cole cottonsoft kit for the blanket. I am very pleased that you offered the kit in the cotton. For some strange reason I have started having allergic reactions to acrylic yarn. I have previously done serveeral of your kits. Always look forward to your blog and your beautiful photography. Happy Halloween !
Posted by: Charlotte. | October 31, 2018 at 08:54 PM
Catching up with your blog, oh my, what a lot has happened in your life. First of all I wish J. a quick and complete recovery.
Thanks again for all those lovely, inspirational photos and stories.
It was only when I read your description that I realized that the horse is a willow one!
Posted by: Marijke | October 31, 2018 at 03:42 PM
Once again, such gorgeous pictures, Lucy!
Thank you so much for taking us along on your morning walk - it was delightful!
I haven't been here for a while and I desperately needed a "Lucy Fix"! And this was such a lovely fix!
You are amazing and your children are so lucky to have you as their Mum!
I wish I could go there and see these beautiful scenes for myself!
Thank you once again for sharing this beauty with us!
Posted by: Carol D | October 31, 2018 at 03:21 AM
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Charlotte. | October 31, 2018 at 12:07 AM
Time for another lesson on English. We do use the word brook when speaking of a small meandering stream that is very shallow and gentle but it looks more meandering. So I'm wondering if a beck (not familiar with that term) means a man-made channel very similar to a brook. We must be sisters at heart since ripples and reflections are my favorite way to enjoy looking at water. Your pictures just warm my heart. I feel a warm ripple blanket coming up.
Posted by: Mary W | October 30, 2018 at 03:56 PM
I am sitting here with my woodland blanket over the back of the sofa, the sea side one keeping me warm and the hydrangea blanket on my hook! Doesn’t get any better. Beautiful pictures and a beautiful horse I too thought was real.
Looking forward to the next cal.
Posted by: Aly | October 30, 2018 at 03:28 PM
Beautiful photos and I to thought the horse was real. Hazel c uk
Posted by: Hazel | October 30, 2018 at 12:42 PM
Lovely photos, I always enjoy your walks, this is one to do next time I am staying in the area.
Posted by: Andrea | October 30, 2018 at 11:49 AM
Thought the horse was real. Everything was BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: Miss Daisy | October 30, 2018 at 11:37 AM
Cette foret est un enchantement pour les yeux, magnifique cheval. Une belle matinée pour se promener, je confirme que pour moi aussi, c'est agréable de respirer l'air pur et de retrouver sa maison, la chaleur du feu de bois, les ouvrages laineux. Belle semaine pour vous et votre famille. Merci pour le partage des photos. A bientôt de vous lire. Amitiés.
Posted by: Nadine G | October 30, 2018 at 10:36 AM
Beautiful, as always... and the photos are spectacular too! ;o)
Posted by: Kristine S | October 30, 2018 at 09:25 AM
The horse is amazing. I had to go back for a second look, I thought it was real!
Posted by: Fiona M | October 30, 2018 at 08:09 AM
Wow, just so beautiful 😀.
Posted by: Green Girl Gardener | October 30, 2018 at 07:01 AM
What a beautiful forest you have so close at hand! I also thought the horse was real and when I read your text I had to go back and look!! I'm still working on my Woodland blanket and I could indeed see the colors in those woods. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | October 30, 2018 at 05:38 AM
Such stunning Autumn colours and how lucky you are to have such a magical place so close to home. Thank you for sharing the amazing willow structures, I am now following Anna on IG.
Posted by: Jenny M | October 30, 2018 at 02:31 AM
Your photo's a fabulous! The artist/artists of the willows are amazing. The horse was quite realistic and the light was perfect for your picture. Love your blog and your use of the mere words to paint a lovely picture!
Posted by: Ari Doherty | October 30, 2018 at 12:43 AM
Just........wow ❤️
Posted by: Vicky | October 29, 2018 at 11:24 PM
Can't tell you how much it means to me to be able to go on your walk with you, sitting here in my city room. I feel refreshed.
Posted by: Gillian McM | October 29, 2018 at 11:22 PM
I looked at the horse,thought how lovely ,next photo and then read your blog again ,couldn’t believe it wasn’t real,magical. We have just returned from a foreign holiday to find our lovely Snowdon has an icing topper! Maagic again!
Posted by: Math Lloyd Jones | October 29, 2018 at 11:06 PM
...I'd put a comment on here about the sculptures i'd seen in the summer~ but im a numpty because i'd actually shared the photo on my instagram account 'kazzyloves' and not on my blog. my brain needs to go to bed i think ;)
Posted by: kazzy | October 29, 2018 at 10:12 PM
It's just beautiful out there right now isn't it. We always like to take a little snack along as well, there would be mutiny without one now I think! CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | October 29, 2018 at 10:08 PM
Oh, I seriously thought the horse was real! I was wondering how you'd got up so close - and what it was doing in the woods! I love sculptures like that xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | October 29, 2018 at 09:47 PM
Lovely photos! I love walking in the woods .
Posted by: Heather Coady | October 29, 2018 at 09:01 PM