All was well. We had steaming mugs of our favourite Ramblears tea in paw.
"Thanks for making the scones, Southey, and giving Little Eric and I a day off from baking", said Grizzly.
"The cheese ones are scrumptious", enthused Little Eric.
"As are the cherry and ginger", called out Allen as he buttered another then lavishly spread raspberry jam.
"We've tucked in so much that the tin is almost empty", said Shaun with disappointment in this voice.
"Never fear", laughed Southey. "I another tin brim full for you all to enjoy."
"Great", cheered Tetley. "I'm still hungry and trying to keep up with our arch cake stuffer Allen."
Looking up on the iPad, Shaun commented. It is your 21st birthday on Thursday, Grizzly. There is nothing in the diary so maybe Dad will take us for a walk to celebrate."
"Ooh that would be good", he agreed. "And we can belatedly celebrate your 27th birthday Tetley from last Thursday. The weather and Dad's other commitments prevented doing this nearer the day."
"Aye that will be nice", agreed Tetley. "I never ever thought when Dad adopted me in Leeds, that I would have so many amazing adventures, and climb all those fells and mountains. We truly are a very fortunate group."
"Absolutely", said Shaun. "It is just wonderful too that we have written, with Dad's help, all the stories, so that we can bring back to life some of those many adventures."
Back to practicalities, Little Eric said, "so where to go on Thursday?"
"I know where we can start that will mean Dad cannot refuse our idea. From Elaine's at Feizor", stated Allen. "It is ages since we walked over there."
"You're right pal", agreed Tetley. "Let me think. Walk up to the Nick, then instead of climbing the stile and over the fields, take the track past the houses to the road. Then through Wharfe, and up Thwaite Lane, and leave this to go through Austwick, and along the tracks to Feizor."
"Perfect", stated Allen. He drained his mug, saying, "I'll go and ask Dad. Shaun can you please refill my mug for when I get back."
"Sure pal", as he watched Allen trot out of the door. "That must be his fifth mug", he laughed. "As you have said before Tetley, he must have hollow legs."
Shortly Allen returned. "Dad likes the idea, and said that we will of course get to go in to Elaine's afterwards."
"Here's to the best Dad in all the world", cheered Grizzly, lifting his mug in salute.
As Dad drove the ever so familiar route, he told us, "I plan to have a pot of tea before setting off."
"That's fine Dad. We made sure to bring a flask and some cake so we can have a snack", replied Allen, rubbing his tummy in anticipation.
Sharon's twins Scarlet and Sophie were serving and made a fuss of Dad. They are such lovely girls. Her husband Chippy was there too and Dad had a nice chat with him. He had come to paint some of the picnic tables.
Customers began to arrive so all ready and us with us safely tucked in the rucksack, off we went soon after 11:00, walking down the yard and going right on the lane by the tearooms.
The group are customers of what Dad refers to as the 'Birdie boys'. They were showing off and explaining about the birds before later flying them. They recognised and acknowledged Dad as we passed by.
"There's the old water pump", pointed Tetley.
"I have some notes", said Grizzly. "The pump made in cast iron with its fluted cap and spout dates from the early 19th century. The rectangular stone trough is probably earlier. Pointing, "it is actually in the extended garden of Stockdale House the rendered part of the terrace. It dates from the late 17th century and is Grade II listed."
Strolling on, Allen called out, "how beautiful is that wild rose bush. A must picture!"
Coming to the gate at the end of the hamlet....
...Dad strode the track that climbs right and leads to Feizor Nick by the sheep pens.
"That tree will be a nice picture, I think", said Shaun.
Sheep were grazing and much to Allen's chagrin, this lamb posed for its picture. "Hmph", grumped Allen. "There goes the sheep picture free story and so soon into the walk."
Reaching the Nick the views opened out. "Wow that is super of Plover Hill and Pen-y-ghent", exclaimed Southey.
Looking left, Tetley pointed, "and of Ingleborough."
Tearing his eyes from the view, Dad carefully followed the rough descending track. Our timing was perfect as we opened the gate just as a group of cyclists who were coming up, reached the gate. Without fail we got thanks from them all. Dad wished them a good ride.
We passed Higher Bark House...
...and descended on to pass through the yard of Lower Bark House.
Keeping along the access, this brought us to the road Helwith Bridge and Austwick, by the mature trees.
Although not really needing any directions, Shaun nevertheless advised, "turn left."
"The buttercups in that field are pretty", pointed Grizzly.
Seeing the signed driveway, Allen laughed saying, "The White House. We are a long way from D.C."
Grizzly produced some notes and told us. "It was originally built in 1719 with late 18th and 20th century alterations. Built in limewashed rubble, stone dressings and stone slate roof. The central entrance is through the gabled porch, that has a moulded surround and decorated lintel dated and inscribed RL. The door has six panels the upper two being glazed. It is Grade II listed."
"Thanks pal", called out Southey. "Already we are learning more about the area."
Striding on Dad's progress was halted once again. "What are those lovely flowers on the verge?", asked Southey.
"They are wild geraniums. I remember that we had the cultivated version in the herbaceous border at home when I was growing up. They always flowered first", replied Dad.
At a corner Shaun instructed, "leave the road to the right and follow the rough track into Wharfe."
Wharfe is a small community of houses. There are no proper roads and no through traffic. Just tracks and footpaths.
Keeping on the main track Little Eric called out, "that's a nice house with pretty flowers at the front."
The path became grassy passing a house called Beacon Light. The owners Roger and his wife were sitting outside, and Dad got into a long conversation. Roger told us, "I worked on the building of the Channel Tunnel, so although I have never been through it on a train, I walked it. My job was the check the structural integrity of the steelwork etc., and deal with any leaks."
They had lived here for 23 years. Dad remarked about the date stone IWM 1726 above the door, saying "you live in a very old house"
"Oh", she replied, "that's the modern extension. The main building dates from the 17th century. It was originally a house with barn attached, but subsequently in the 18th century was converted into one single house." She went on, "the land was once owned by Furness Abbey and the path by the house was a route to drive sheep and used by the monks. In later times the sheep etc., would be driven from Scotland. The drovers would then return by boat, leaving their dogs to make their own way home, stopping at the Inns used on the way down, the landlords feeding the dogs and getting payment on the next drove."
We also got introduced and they liked the idea of us going on the walks and writing the stories. She said, "if we had a computer I would have read some of them."
A most interesting in time and we say thank you to Roger and his wife for the information.
Onwards, Tetley saying, "we will come to a junction by a tiny cottage, where we keep ahead."
"If we were to keep on and on along this path it will take us into Crummack Dale, which we have explored in the past with Uncle Bob."
"That's right pal", agreed Grizzly. "Shortly though there is a junction and we need to double back down and then go right."
Doing this Little Eric pointed to this sign. "That's interesting."
"That must have once adorned a gate on a railway line", stated Tetley.
"What's forty shillings?", asked Southey.
This we left Dad to explain. "It's a denomination of money before decimalization in 1971. Then the pound was divided into 20 shillings, and each shilling into 12 pennies. Hence in total there were 240 pennies in a pound. So, as far as this sign is concerned penalty was equivalent to two pounds."
"I see", replied Southey. "Thank you."
On going the path by Austwick Beck...
...became narrow and overgrown in places. Dad was in shorts, Allen saying, "take care there are some nettles."
"I will."
He safely avoided getting stung and we reached the road once again at Mill Bridge opposite Silloth House.
"Turn right", advised Southey, then branch right onto Thwaite Lane."
This track running by the hurrying stream Norber Sike, climbed steadily coming to a narrow road. "Left here", said Southey, "down to Austwick."
"Before we do, let's have our picture taken on that seat", pointed Tetley. "We always have to appear in every story."
Down the road to Town Head, then at the junction right into Austwick.
Pointing Tetley said, "that's an old house. Date stone 1673 with the initials I L/M."
"Indeed" agreed Grizzly. "The house is called Battle Hill. Dated as you said 1673 with alterations in the 1920s. Limewashed rubble with painted stone dressings and stone slate roof. As can be seen two storeys with a projecting two storey gabled entrance porch with moulded surround and decorated inscribed and dated lintel. The studded plank door dates from the 17th century. It carries Grade II listing status."
Southey asked, "what are the significance of the initials.
"Those of the people who built and occupied the property initially. The 'M' would have been the initial letter of the surname. While 'I' and 'L' would have been the initial letter of the first name of the husband and wife."
"I understand. Thank you pal", he replied.
Passing the Game Cock Inn, Southey commented, "Let's have a picture of those cottages to showcase more of Austwick."
Then we came to the triangle at the main road.
Grizzly told us, "that is the Market Cross on the green. The oldest part is the three step gritstone base probably dating from the 15th century. The pillar dates from about 1830, and is also gritstone, in the Tuscan style, and is surmounted by a capital and ball finial. The base is Grade II listed. "
He then went on, "behind is the Church of the Epiphany. This was funded by Charles and E. A. Ingleby. Constructed between 1839 and 1840, it was consecrated in 1841. It too is Grade II listed."
"Let's go and have a look inside", suggested Tetley. "We have not visited it before."
Here is the view along the nave. "The pews are made from wood from Lawkland Wood", stated Grizzly.
Walking down to the chancel...
...Grizzly told us, "this was added in 1883, and the stained glass designed by Lavers and Westlake was inserted between 1880 and 1890."
"Ooh I like the rose window", pointed Little Eric.
"My notes show that it was replaced in 1990."
Just before we completed our tour Dad took this of the font.
As we exited, Little Eric called out, "there's the post box. Please take a picture for my collection." As Dad lined up the shot, he went on, "it dates from the reign of King George VI."
"Ok", said Shaun. "We want to take the road left then soon go right onto Pant Lane, which leads to the path over the Little Bridges."
"They are referred to as Pant Bridge and are reputed to date from the 15th century, and carry the path over Austwick Beck. They are Grade II listed", Grizzly informed us.
The path led again to the road to the road. "Go left then take the track on the opposite side, Wood Lane, by Austwick Bridge" advised Southey.
"Yet another structure in Austwick that is Grade II listed", informed Grizzly. "It carries Graystonber Lane over Austwick Beck. It probably dates from the 18th century and was widened downstream in the 19th century. As can be seen there are two arches and on the downstream side, which we are viewing it from, there is a triangular cutwater."
Strolling Wood Lane, Tetley said, "that's a super view to Moughton. We climbed it twice with Uncle Bob, then again on our own and then with Uncle Eric."
"That was so that I could bag it", replied Southey.
Coming to a corner, Shaun instructed, "leave the track and cross the field rounding the hill to the stile onto Hale Lane."
Going right the path took us past the forlorn ruins of Meddings Barn, where we kept left at the junction.
Stepping carefully aside for a couple coming the opposite way, Dad said, "I was just making sure not to touch any nettles."
"Yes", replied the lady, "you've got your legs out."
At Cat Hole Barn, there were a group of young cows.
They were being split into two groups. One with the farmer on his quad bike were driven back towards Austwick. The others were walked to Feizor by farmer, with us following.
Before long we came into sight of Feizor.
At the gate the farmer encouraged us to pass the cows, and get to the road. "That planter is very colourful", pointed Allen.
A lady was waiting with her lovely collie called Ben, for the path to be clear towards Austwick. Seeing Dad take the above picture, she asked it he wanted to take Ben's picture. "Ahh", we all said.
Then, at the farmers request, the lady and I blocked the road so that the man on quad bike could get the cows safely into the farmyard.
"What a lovely walk", said Tetley, as we strolled back to Elaine's
"Yes" agreed Little Eric. "And a big thank you Grizzly for all the information that has added so much to the enjoyment of the adventure."
"You are welcome pals. I love doing research."
Dad now had a meal at the tearooms, and as usual we got to come in and sit on the table. We were fussed by Scarlet who liked Little Eric in particular.
To eat Dad had lovely chicken and leek pie with mash and vegetables. Tea and then cherry crumble and custard. Well he deserved it!
He had some chats with Sharon and her twins Scarlet and Sophie.
We were home about 17:00.
"Aye it was a grand day out", said Tetley. "Thank you Dad."
