I was booked into the Cow and Calf Hotel which had the Cow and Calf rock formation on one side of it and a valley on the other on the edge of Ilkley Moor.
There was what appeared to be a stately home in the valley and I was told later that it had been converted to a hospital but what it was called and how old it was I don't know. If anyone can tell me, I would love to hear from you.
Ed: I have now found out that this is not a hospital but a Convention Centre called Denton Hall at West Ilkley and approximately 3 klms from where I took the photograph.
http://www.denton-hall.co.uk/
The following day, my friends picked me up for a visit to Harewood House, the home of the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood. What a magnificent building it is and how impressive the grounds are with the Bird Enclosure and superbly maintained gardens and grounds not to mention the Adventure Playground for the children, the stables (now converted to a restaurant and tea rooms) and the areas set aside for the many events now held there.
If anyone would like to read more about the history of Harewood House, the link is www.harewood.org/
Back at the Cow and Calf, I found that there is one thing that motorists must understand about this part of the country (and ,no doubt, other areas, too). The sheep have right of way !
Not only on the roads but they like to claim other areas, too !
"I wonder what the food is like here."
"I think we'll try somewhere else."
The following day, another forum friend arrived and after a very enjoyable meal in Skipton near the canal.....
We headed off to have a look around Skipton Castle, which is one of the best preserved Castles in the country.
Mags and Lucy appeared to be enjoying themselves but Graham looked as though he was wishing he was somewhere else !
This was a lovely shaded spot at the time when we were there but I'll bet it could be a very cold hole in mid winter.
It seemed a little incongruous to see a common old light bulb in a castle of this magnitude.
After climbing up and down stairs, a brief moment of rest....
....before Lucy was urging us on again.......
......while Mags tried to figure out just where we were and how many more rooms we had to go.
After a refreshing afternoon tea in the Castle Tearooms, we headed back into the shopping area of Skipton where Lucy carefully inspected all the shops while Mags couldn't resist buying a new dress. Perhaps that was why Graham wasn't smiling much - he knew what was coming !
Back at the Cow and Calf we had a few drinks and taught someone how to use our cameras....
.....and then it was time to say goodbye after a great day in good company.
Thank you Graham, Mags and Lucy for making my stay in Yorkshire a memorable one.
More information about Skipton Castle can be found at www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/ -
