First of two sets of pictures from a holiday in early July to the North Yorkshire village of Middleham.
Walk from Middleham down to the (L) River Cover and (R) meadow path heading towards East Witton.
Penhill beacon and Penhill Preceptory walk (4 July)
(Top) On the approach to Penhill. (Middle) View from the escarpment towards the upper end of Wensleydale and view west down High Lane, an example of a “green lane”, formally unclassified highways “adopted” by the local authority, but in practice only negotiable by rugged vehicles. Depending on ground conditions, green lanes can be enjoyable traffic-free walking (as here) or rutted bogfests ruined by 4-wheel drives. (Bottom left) The former chapel of Penhill Preceptory, a surprising relic of the Knights Templar. Pilgrims would deposit valuables in exchange for a “credit note” which could cashed in once arrived in the Holy Land. The “coffins” are mysterious as they are too small for an adult. (Bottom right) Village pond back in East Witton.
