Winter in the Yorkshire Dales

We packed everything we needed for a serious walking holiday. But 'walking' didn't really took off. Like so many others we were confronted with heavy snow, icy roads and wonderful views.
We arrived the weekend before Christmas and didn't manage to drive up to Grinton Lodge (YH), where we planned to stay for the weekend. The road was one icy patch and we had to carry up our belongings. Needless to say that there were others with the same problems. But what a happy company we were, up there in the lodge:

- roaring fires in a grimly cold, but charming building,

- super friendly staff,
- good meals and wines,

- fellow walkers to laugh and chat with - sharing port, beer, tea and hot chocolate

- duvets brought downstairs to make ourselves comfortable

- serious sleighing.

And a great circular walk to Reeth and back. Though in summer this is an easy stroll, now it was quite an adventure. We had a break at the 'Kings Arms' where they served some delicious spicy home cooked soup.

For the coming Christmas week we had booked a cottage in Askrigg. Not our first time there and definitely not our last. All the walks we usually enjoy around Askrigg, Aysgarth, Muker, Thwaite, Keld(Kisdon Fell) and Gunnerside ...we now only could dream of. But the hospitality was great and the advantage is that you have more time to make new friends.

Disaster struck during the last hour before we left. Butch, my husband, broke his leg twice when he slipped on the ice whilst putting our luggage into the car. He was rushed to the Friarage Hospital in Norhtallerton where he had surgery.

Nevertheless it was one of the best holidays ever, because the breathtaking snowy scenery was extraordinary.