Yet again we can’t go anywhere in the car, no sign of the gritting wagons though I suppose they have their hands full keeping the main trunk roads open, our rural roads will be a long way down on the list.
We are lucky that we have a variety of walks from our doorstep so today we went off up Wardrew hill again.
This time I took the precaution of strapping on Snow Spikes to help me cope with the ice underneath the soft snow.
We were passed by Chris, the farmer from Irthing House in a digger, towing a car to the main road. They’d been staying in his holiday cottage but were heading home today. Even the heavy digger was having trouble getting purchase in the ice.
The snow spikes were working a treat, and I got up Wardrew Hill without mishap.
The black sheep were grazing hay put out for them, they’re a breed called Zwartbles and real characters (useful name to remember if you like scrabble!)
We headed down the footpath to the Irthing Gorge woods, Kay and Malcolm were sledging with their young daughter, lots of laughter and squeals. Two of the people staying at West Nichold Cottage came through the woods, they’re leaving at the weekend and are hoping they’ll be able to get back down the hill. I can think of worse places to be marooned, West Nichold is a 5* cottage.
Heading into the wood, lots of tracks again, foxes, deer, rabbits and pheasants but no squirrell tracks which is a shame. Snow was pilled high on the branches and kept dropping on our heads.
Jacobs sheep on the way down and a very happy little mule ewe posed for pictures.
Down into the village and back home.
Gilsland is a funny place, it doesn’t matter which way you go it’s uphill both ways, we soon warmed up and a bowl of broth hit the spot.
Wonder if we’ll be able to get the car out tomorrow?
Catch you later.
