Ravensworth, Kirby Hill, Whashton, Hartforth & Gilling West circular

Parked up on a Sunday lunchtime at Ravensworth village Green - Mild & Dry, not bad weather for a January day. Although would have preferred snow and ice if I was honest.

The village contains the remains of the 14th century Grade I listed Ravensworth Castle - Not much left to see I'm afraid.

Can't go wrong here !

A very friendly but noisy welcome from some of the locals.

Looks like a climb up to Kirby Hill coming up - well the clue is in the name really !!

Yep - not quite the lakes but a short sharp ascent for a few minutes and you're there.

Looking back in the direction of Ravensworth and the A66.

Kirby Hill & The Shoulder of Mutton

Kirby Hill is a settlement built tightly round a small village green dominated by the church . According to the Domesday Book a church and priest existed here in 1086. The present building dates from the 14th century and is dedicated to St Peter and St Felix.

Kirby Hill also doesn't like public footpath signs - the path I took here (and looked back towards the church) was not the right one for me today - I had to return and take the alleyway at the Southern end of the Green - Fortunately due to this, I met up with a friend of mine (Emily) who lives in the village and enjoyed a chat with her for 10mins.

Next stop - Whashton

Rarely this happens, but the path (or lack of one) crosses this field without any sign of it being there. There didn't seem to be a track round the perimeter either. So, here I am heading towards Hartforth Wood where the path gradually re-established itself.

Now that's the money shot ! Hartforth Hall & Gilling Beck. Spotted some 'Dippers' along here (Not the 'Skinny' ones !)

After a brief stop in Gilling West, I headed back out into the countryside via the public bridleways and tracks that head for Whashton directly. Gilling West is tucked behind the large barricade of trees - It is there if you look hard enough.

Crabtree Lake - Plenty of Greylags enjoying the location.

The country lane gradually turns into a track after the very impressive Crabtree House & Farm

Smelt Mill Beck and chance to wash some of the mud off my boots

Back in Whashton and that odd feeling when you think you may have to walk through someones back garden.

Over the fence - and back into a field. Probably best to just follow the adjacent lane down to the beck.

This time a path had been established around outskirts of the field - saving muddy boots and the crop.

As the sun descended and the light slowly darkened, I arrived back at Ravensworth.