Big Birthday, Big Toys, Big Fund Raiser

We have had a week of tractor fun!

Last week Chris turned 60 and he chose to go on a three pub tractor run with his farming friends, cousins, brother and nephew.

The Farmer Arms in Muker was one 

of the pub stops

Then on Sunday 27th May was our bi-annual Keld Charity Tractor Run. 

This year we chose to support 

the Motor Neurone Associaton and raised over £1000.

Forty three tractor of all shapes and sizes, colours and vintage set off from Keld.

Rising up out of Gunnerside, out onto the open moor ....

... and to the top of the world!

The day couldn't have been better.  Thanks to everyone for their support. 

Wild flowers on parade.

The sun has been shining for days and the temperatures are rising which has triggered 

an explosion of wild flowers of every description up and down the dale.

Everywhere pale froths of Forget-me-nots mix with cool white wild garlic...

whilst whole orchestras of Bluebells stand patiently awaiting the conductors baton.

And Hawthorn blossom, as delicate as a bride's veil, adds serenity to the scene.
At last it seems we have turned the corner, spring is here to stay and the harshness of the long cold winter is a fading memory as we all enjoy & appreciate the warm sunshine. 

Lambing Round Up 2018

Lambing is almost at an end but not quite. 
It is the same every year, a few sheep keep us hanging on!

But while we are still in lambing mode here are a few photos to round off the lambing season.

I love my Mum!

Grazing together and enjoying the sun on their backs.

Twins have that special bond.

A couple of single lambs born indoors and waiting for a warm day to go outside.

One of the first warm spring days of the year and both sheep and lambs love to relax in the sunshine.

Springtime in Upper Swaledale

Its been a long time coming but finally it feels like spring has arrived in the dale.

Despite the weather the birds still nest and hatch their chicks.  

Today I stumbled upon two lapwing chicks.  They are tiny and when crouched close to the ground look just like sheep poo!  A strange but effective camouflage.

The flowers are more weather dependant and remain dormant until the sunshine warms the ground. 

 

 

All the ground nesting birds are experts at camouflage and concealment.  I was very lucky to spot these snipe eggs, deep in a hidden hollow.

Keld Charity Tractor Run 2018

Every other year Chris organises a charity tractor run that takes in some of the the most spectacular scenery in Upper Swaledale.  Chris' chosen charity this year is the Motor Nurone Disease Association

The tractor run takes place on Sunday 27th May.  The tractors assemble in the car park in Keld village.  Grateful thanks go to the Rukin family for the use of their car park and to Barbara for opening the cafe. Bacon sandwiches and cups of tea are 'a must' before any tractor run!  

We are expecting over 40 tractors of all shapes & sizes, both vintage and modern.  The entry fee is £20 per tractor; half goes to the charity and the other half pays for lunch.  This year the lunch stop is at the Black Bull in Reeth.

Raffle tickets are now on sale.  Prizes include a B&B voucher, a stay in a Shepherd's Hut, meat & meal vouchers, baking, bottles etc etc.  The raffle will be drawn at lunchtime.

If you are in the dale on Sunday 27th May and see the tractors driving by please give them a wave or come into Keld in the morning and watch them set off - its quite a sight.  If you would like raffle tickets please get in touch.  Tel: 01748 886845 or email: glenda_calvert@hotmail.co.uk

Thank you

Swale Trail - family friendly bike trail

The Swale Trail from Keld to Reeth

Swaledale's dramatic & untamed landscape has always been popular with experienced mountain bike riders but what about families and novice cyclists?  Many of the well trodden / well riden paths are too challenging or simply not suitable for the whole family.  

Not any more.  Welcome to the Swale Trail!.

The Swale Trail is a Yorkshire Dales National Park initiative and a huge amount of work has gone into creating the trail and erecting new finger posts.  On Sunday 29th April the route was officially opened and with a group of friends from Keld I took up the challenge to ride the 12 miles from Reeth to Keld.

 As the majority of us had not ridden a bike for decades we decided a little help was sensible and we pedalled our way up the dale on electric bikes courtesy of the Dales Bike Centre in Grinton.

These e-bikes are amazing!  They provide different levels of power depending on the steepness of the incline ahead.  

Myself, Jacqui and Karen are all Bed & Breakfast providers and we are keen to encourage families and young people to come to Upper Swaledale.  How could we possibily 'sell' the Swale Trail if we hadn't done it ourselves?

Almost the entire trail is on bridleways or on largely unused, very quiet lanes.  The Swale Trail can be done in sections depending on ability and age.  At the Reeth end the first few miles are very gentle with some lovely picnic spots by the river where you can skim stones and dangle your feet in the water.

 The section between Gunnerside and Keld becomes more challenging but I'm sure more experienced cyclists would take it easily in their stride. 

I completed the Swale Trail.  I have earned the knowledge and am here to help.

  If you have your own bikes both Pry House B&B and Hillcrest Cottage have secure bike storage and bike washing facilities.  If you haven't I can thoroughly recommend hiring from the Dales Bike Centre.  Come and have a go - you will love it!