"I could just fancy some cheese, Gromit. What do you say? Wensleydale?"

[English Bloke]

From Hawes we pressed on into the Dale and found ourselves at Semerwater, Yorkshire's largest natural lake. Legend has it that the ancient village of Semer is submerged beneath it. A village cursed by a vengeful saint.




Access is a bit tricky in places but we passed over this lovely old bridge with pedestrian passing points to tuck into if caught out by a passing hay-wain. Safe enough despite the road falling away.




Even on such a drizzly, overcast day the lake's natural beauty is obvious...




We braved the full array of the best of British weather. There was sunshine, rain, hail, sleet, snow... Wait, sorry, there wasn't any sunshine. I have been in warmer places it must be said. (That's snow going down my neck hense the ram-rod pose.)




Definitely lovely weather for Ducks.

[English Bloke]

On the way home we stopped at a pub in the hopes of a warming brew. The Rose and Crown, with original buildings dating back to 1445 seemed like just the place. It advertised itself as "open all day". Unfortunately not on the day we chose to call... we pressed on.




We took the scenic root home. It really is glorious countryside, even on a wintery day with the cloud-base covering the snow covered hilltops.




On the way home we also passed the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. A bit bleak on the day we passed by but it can be positively breathtaking on better days.




(Not my picture)
It really is an industrial wonder. It took four years to build with the work carried out by 2000 navvies. It's 104 feet (32 m) high and is 440 yards long (402 m). The viaduct is Grade II listed (means the bean counters can't knock it down in the name of progress) and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is part of the Steam hauled, Settle to Carlisle Railway line.

But I'll save that journey for another day.