Mastodawn

It's eerily quiet today. Just the one line of eight cars roaring back from Alston to wherever they come from.

I wonder if they do an A66/M6 circuit via Penrith and the Hartside Pass? It's a challenge.

Lambos gonna Lambo, despite the price of fuel. #Teesdale #NPennines

If you are looking for a walk in #Teesdale this weekend, try this in Baldersdale, an offshoot of the main valley. It visits Goldsborough, one of several ‘table mountains’ in the area. Great views. See https://www.happyhiker.co.uk/MyWalks/Co.Durham/Hury%20Reservoir%20to%20Goldsborough/Hiking%20Pages%20-%20Hury%20Reservoir%20to%20Goldsborough.htm

Mick Garratt Mar 16

Egglestone Abbey— The Poorest House in England

Just under two miles south-east of Barnard Castle, the remains of Egglestone Abbey stand above the south bank of the Tees. They are, not to put too fine a point on it, rather good.

Egglestone was a Premonstratensian house, founded around 1195. The Premonstratensians — known ...

http://www.fhithich.uk/2026/03/16/egglestone-abbey-the-poorest-house-in-england/

#BarnardCastle #NorthYorkshire #Teesdale #history #medieval #monastic

Ivor Mar 15

Pretty harsh conditions for birds out here today. There are four Lapwing holding territory, down from 6 a few days ago. One male, who is bowing and scraping on a mole hill, has a female close by.

Two rose up to mob a female hen harrier that crossed quickly from east to west, also putting up some wood pigeon from the Scots pine.

A snipe flew erratically, drumming. There are three geese with two curlew probing the wet ground. How they survive in these conditions is amazing. #Birds #Teesdale

Ivor Feb 22

10pm last night I saw hazard lights in a gateway up the road. They looked like vehicle was at an angle. I knew it wouldn't be the farmer.

I set off with a torch and there's a small transit, front nearside deep in the soft verge, stuck. Inside, a single female failing to get phone signal. I knocked on the window and reassured her.

Took half hour to dig wheel out and tow it back onto road. If you're coming out here, please be careful, it's been very wet, easy to go off and get stuck. #Teesdale

happyhiker Feb 15

This easy walk in #Teesdale #CountyDurham (marred by a couple of obstructions- hopefully fixed after 4 years) takes you over pleasant countryside with nice views, to the upmarket village Romaldkirk with its spectacular church and huge village green. See https://www.happyhiker.co.uk/MyWalks/Co.Durham/Mickleton%20to%20Romaldkirk/Hiking%20Pages%20-%20Mickleton%20to%20Romaldkirk.htm

Ivor Feb 14

Harwood can be extraordinarily beautiful on a day like this with snow lying and sun and no wind.

Delivery driver dropped off a parcel then took some 360° views, just taking it all in, smiling. He says drivers like coming out here as they're allowed extra time between drops because it's so remote. Less pressure than town or city driving. #Teesdale #Snow #SemiAlpine

Ivor Feb 13

A fair amount of snow up here from last night. I believe the A66 was closed at Stainmore again for a time. The road here is passable but we were out yesterday, so no need to go out today.

The rabbits have had a play in the snow and I've put Bramble into the catio for half an hour as the cats are going stir crazy.
#Teesdale #Snow #SemiAlpine