We got the bus to Hayton Lane End on Sunday; it is only a ten minute bus journey to get to Gelt Woods. It was a dull and murky day, drizzly and damp, the woods would be good cover from any heavier rain.
Beefy and Squeaky in Gelt Woods
Waterfalls on the River Gelt
We entered the woods at Low Gelt Bridge and Squeaky could be let off the lead. There are no sheep about here normally.
The River Gelt
Not as much water in the river as normal. From Middle Gelt Bridge we joined the footpath to Greenwell. We stopped for our lunch at the usual place next to the river.
On the bridleway to Castle Carrock
It was muddy on the bridleway and our boots were caked in mud by the time we got to Castle Carrock
The reservoir near Castle Carrock
We had a chat to a very nice man along the path here who was out with two dogs.
The reservoir again
The weather hadn't improved any! Once back in Castle Carrock we retraced our steps to Greenwell.
Beefy talking to a horse; Horse ignoring Beefy
Squeaky on the way to Greenwell from Castle Carrock
There had been no sheep when we'd come down hear earlier so it was safe to let her off the lead for a bit.
Gelt Woods beyong the pretty fields
We took the path into Tootop Woods. We were wanting to walk through the village of Hayton, a place we'd not been to before to get to the A69 and our bus. We turned left at a signpost to Townhead and got slightly lost in Townhead Wood
There were paths all over and we'd taken the wrong one. We backtracked to get back on track. The map on its own was no good so my compass came out at this point to point us in the right direction
It started raining in earnest as we walked through Hayton. It was busier than I expected, lots of folk about. We'd had a good leg stretch and we weren't too wet when we got to the bus shelter. Our route was Hayton Lane End - Low Gelt Bridge - Middle Gelt Bridge - Greenwell - Castle Carrock - around the reservoir - Castle Carrock - Greenwell - Tootop Woods - Townhead Woods - Hayton - A69 18.2km with approx. 200m ascent.