Narrow escape.

Out in the sunshine this morning to complete our 6th big pathwatch square walk.

The route took us above Goit Stock ( our last square ) and along the route of Cow House Beck towards Cullingworth.

I like this view, you can just make out one or two of the buildings in the village of Cullingworth, in particular the church spire. (Notice the gorse having a second flowering here too.)
I was born in this village, (a whole 1.5 miles from where I live now) and the Church of St John the Baptist was the place of my baptism, marriage and my childrens' baptisms as well as my parents and sister's funerals. So it's a special place for me and I love to catch a glimpse of the spire as I pass.

Heading to Catstones Moor we went up Dolphin Lane and was surprised to see bits of cow pat strewn about as it is not a route for cattle. There was a pretty ripe smell too. We realised it had come from the 'muck' spreading in the next field - and then we heard the tractor!

Never made it to the top of Dolphin Lane so fast! It is quite steep but we made it. Phew!
We enjoyed the rest of the walk back home on the edge of the moor with good views of all our neighbouring villages and down to Bingley in the Aire Valley.

There's a music festival going on down there this weekend and it will be packed. We used to attend when the Saturday nights were free. Headline acts included Wizard, Suzi Quattro, Showaddywaddy, Boney M, Manfred Mann culminating with fireworks. They have much more 'modern' acts on now and charge but still have fireworks so we will be looking out for those later as we can see them from home. We won't be going down though as Chris has made his Green Tomato Chutney this afternoon which has to simmer for hours. Our eyes will be watering soon!