After a leisurely breakfast, planned so as to let the sun appear, we headed out into the Abbey park.
The sunlight did all sorts of magic things to the ruins and although it was only about 10 degrees, the walking was really pleasant.
This is such familiar territory for us and so welcome.
Taking the loop walk from the Abbey and along the river Skell we headed towards the water gardens (about 1km away). Toddled along as only old folk can and found that by the time we got to the gardens there was only enough energy for the retunn journey. The Water gardens themselves will have too wait.
This walk includes the abbey ruins themselves (right), the redirected river Skell engineered by the monks nearly 1000 years ago (the abbey was mostly built before 1200 though stared around 1090) and, nearer the west gate and our cottage a stately mansion (below) built using some of the stone from the abbey around 1600 after Henry VIII had dissolved abbeys such as the Fountains one.
Back at the cottage we loaded what we needed in to the car and headed for Harlow Carr and Betty's for a little sustainance. Must keep the stremgth up you know (and use those gift vouchers so thoughtfully provided by T & C). Thanks once more team!! If we return overladed (personally, you understand) we will know who is to blame.
Back to the cottage mid-afternoon and Jilllienne got her head down cooking for our visitors. Jan and Dave had been asked round together with some relatives of theirs we had met at Dave's birthday last year - Colin and Judy. The cottage had some decorations adjusted/created and the food was all ready when they arrived (fine arrangement actually). Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves despite heavy rain and wind outside - great for us, we didn't have to drive home in it!!!
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