Snow lay all around, deep and crisp and even when Aycliffe Fellwalkers took to the hills above Bishopdale and Wensleydale, for their Christmas celebration walk last weekend.
Walkers ascended from Buckton village and from the head of Bishopdale to reach the high hills, eager to enjoy the wintry conditions. There was a generous covering of snow underfoot and bright sunshine with blue skies overhead. Distant views of snow-covered fells were enjoyed by all who ventured onto the higher ground, one group heading for Buckton Pike and the challenging terrain to the North, the other group heading towards Addlebrough, the prominent hill which overlooks Wensleydale. A third large group stayed low, preferring to enjoy the delights of Wensleydale to the challenging hills above, allthough they had lingered for a while before embarking on their walk, keen to warm themselves with an early coffee break at West Witton!
Having regained the lower ground of Wensleydale most walkers found time, before darkness descended, to visit and admire the mighty Aysgarth Falls, before retiring to the pub in Aysgarth village. All walkers eventually joined up at the George & Dragon Inn for a well-earned cooked meal.
The early evening party was launched by Chris, who entertained everyone with several tunes on his bagpipes; a novel quiz followed and this was so enjoyable that even the locals wanted to join in and compete for the prizes on offer.
It truly was a great day out for all and in the first snow since last winter! Noel, Noel!
