Today's walk started from Bolton-upon-Dearne and ended roughly 10 miles later at Conisbrough station, after a quick visit to Sprotbrough Flash nature reserve.
 |
| Today's route |
After a false start from the train station (that'll teach me to ask a four-year-old for directions!) we did a hasty U-turn and picked the trail up just outside the village. The first bit of the trail was rather busy with cyclists and dog walkers (but thankfully no horses) as it was turning out to be a fine day.
 |
| Easy to follow - my kind of trail |
Sybil was happy, as much of the trail was bordered by a strip of scrubby grassland where she could sniff to her heart's content. We soon reached the village of Harlington, where I amused a couple of cyclists coming up behind me by explaining to Sybil why she hasn't been in a pub yet. Of course I didn't know the cyclists were there, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who passes a bit of time by talking to my dog.
 |
| The River Dearne |
Some of the trail ran along the banks of the River Dearne. There's something about walking along a riverbank that makes me feel so relaxed and happy. Except for when I'm walking Sybil of course, who promptly went down to get a drink and emerged soaking wet. Luckily this time I didn't have to rescue her.
At this point we reached a particularly pleasant wooded section where Sybil kept out of trouble by looking for squirrels. Many of the trees were heavy with catkins and birdsong filled the air. I heard a nearby skylark burst into song, a sure sign that spring is on its way.
 |
| Spring is coming |
We passed the Earth Centre, which rather sadly is closed now to the public. Conisbrough Castle was also in full view now, but rather than heading straight down to the train station we continued on the path towards Sprotbrough Flash.
 |
| Conisbrough Castle |
Several of the trees we passed were covered in lichen, possibly of the
Xanthoria family. It was yellow, anyway. We passed the Conisbrough Viaduct and ended up alongside the River Don. I kept a close eye out for kingfishers or any signs of otters, but I only saw mallards and dog footprints.
 |
| Conisbrough Viaduct, with a distant Sybil |
 |
| Chilling by the River Don |
Then it was a short walk to the nature reserve. We didn't stay long, as dogs had to be kept on lead and that is no fun for either me or Sybil. Apparently it's a fantastic nature reserve with loads of species; I may have to visit it one day without my beloved dog.
 |
| Sprotbrough Flash |
We retraced our steps back to Conisbrough. On the way, we heard several huge bangs which possibly came from a nearby quarry. Sybil wasn't impressed and hurried whimpering back to my side. Other than that, the journey was pretty much incident-free, which must be a new record for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment