Morton Moor Colours

This was taken after climbing up from the Aire valley bottom about1.5 miles away. Uphill for 1.5 miles is quite a way but as you can see the views were eventually worth it.

This moor is right across the valley from where we normally walk and the far distant treeline seen here on the right above the fields is the edge of the St Ives Estate woods.

We started out in sunshine but as you can see the clouds built up and it was quite breezy here on the top making it cooler than in recent days. I chose this shot not just for the view but for the colours on the moor. In the foreground is the coming heather with patches of bright green bilberry plants. What really struck me was the pink grass which was blowing beautifully. The seed heads were very feathery and the stems were red giving the overall pink effect. Don't think it was Yorkshire Fog but I'm not sure. There were some young grouse on the moor, right by the shooting butts, thankfully oblivious of what is to be unleashed on them next month.

The walk itself wasn't the best, don't think it will make our top ten. Apart from the climb we had lots of brambles, discovered some holes in my top thanks to those and nettles to fight as is usual in high summer. Tricky stiles and streams to cross, misleading directions and a route through an equestrian centre with notices saying ..if the dogs are loose phone this number!
A highlight, having got through this episode unscathed, was a little yellow frog which leaped in front of me in the long grass.
Downhill of course from West Morton to East Riddlesden Hall back in the valley bottom and then a call at the Airedale Heifer for well earned refreshments.

Thank you R and Corinthian Column for taking me and leading the walk. Always fun!