Yesterday we really felt the benefits of being retired. It was a lovely day, we had no grandchildren commitments so we took ourselves off for a pub lunch and a walk.
We went to the Cross Keys on the A59 at East Marton near Skipton, which does lovely food. We'd been there for an evening meal the other week on our way back from the Harrogate Flower Show and were keen to return. The pub is in a very picturesque setting next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
After lunch we decided to walk along the canal. I like canal walks because they are flat, easy walking--no tiring hills. It was hard to believe we were only a few hundred yards from the busy A59, it was so peaceful. We passed a few canal boats as we walked along.
This little church, tucked away amongst the trees had a sign which said 'open all day'. It was on the wrong side of the canal for us to visit.
After about a mile and a half we reached an access point to the road, so we headed off along the lane in the direction of West Marton.
I've seen a lot of this wild flower about recently. I think it is Jack-by-the-Hedge or Garlic Mustard. There was lots of it along the lane. It's very pretty.
Our final lap of the journey was to walk back along the A59 to East Marton, not an easy walk as the road is very busy and there is not much in the way of footpaths on this stretch.
Our walk was about 4 miles and it took us an hour and a half. A good afternoon's walk although my feet were aching.
