Ravenstonedale and Smardale Gill Nature Reserve

[dittzzy]

Looking for new walks not too far away from home, I thought we'd try this:- http://www.countryfile.com/walk/smardale-gill-cumbria-yorkshire-dales
Well, I can't recommend it highly enough, especially to those that love wildlife, and flowers in particular.  7 miles in the Yorkshire Dales in Cumbria, (yes, I know!)  Just brilliant at this time of year.
Herewith a few pics.  Start of the walk, looking over to Smardale Gill Viaduct



And this is Melancholy Thistle



Marsh Orchid


Rock Rose



Bloody Cranesbill
 

Crossing the viaduct



From the other side



Bird's Eye Primrose


Looking back at the end


As I said, I couldn't recommend this one highly enough.  We've even decided to buy one one of the houses on route (when we win the lottery).   Will happily go back and do this one again and again.   

[April]

Nice photos dittzzy  Looks like nice walking there 

[adalard]

Great photos, Dittzzy.     I love all the wildflowers that are around this time of year. 

[pleb]

Great stuff. 
I have been over the viaduct..........but what kind of marsh orchid? Southern or Northern? 

[sunnydale]

Lovely pics Tracey, especially the Birds Eye Primrose!

[dittzzy]

Great stuff. 
I have been over the viaduct..........but what kind of marsh orchid? Southern or Northern? 

I'll be honest Pleb,  I have no idea!  There were so many orchids there, some dark and some light like the one in the pic and some in between.  I didn't check the leaves, so they could be anything.

Lovely pics Tracey, especially the Birds Eye Primrose!

Thanks Tracey, and it wasn't in the nature reserve.  I was dead pleased, since I've not seen one before. 

[richardh1905]

Great stuff. 
I have been over the viaduct..........but what kind of marsh orchid? Southern or Northern? 

Sounds a bit 'Holy Grail' to me 

[richardh1905]

Looks like a lovely spot, dittzzy; it has been recommended to us before, but never got around to it. That may change.