1st of January and it's more snow

Yet again we can't go anywhere in the car, no sign of the gritting wagons though I suppose they have their hands full keeping the main trunk roads open, our rural roads will be a long way down on the list.

We are lucky that we have a variety of walks from our doorstep so today we went off up Wardrew hill again.
This time I took the precaution of strapping on Snow Spikes to help me cope with the ice underneath the soft snow.

Footpath to Gilsland through Irthing House Farm

We were passed by Chris, the farmer from Irthing House in a digger, towing a car to the main road. They'd been staying in his holiday cottage but were heading home today. Even the heavy digger was having trouble getting purchase in the ice.
The snow spikes were working a treat, and I got up Wardrew Hill without mishap.
The black sheep were grazing hay put out for them, they're a breed called Zwartbles and real characters (useful name to remember if you like scrabble!)

Zwartbles

We headed down the footpath to the Irthing Gorge woods, Kay and Malcolm were sledging with their young daughter, lots of laughter and squeals. Two of the people staying at West Nichold Cottage came through the woods, they're leaving at the weekend and are hoping they'll be able to get back down the hill. I can think of worse places to be marooned, West Nichold is a 5* cottage.
Heading  into the wood, lots of tracks again, foxes, deer, rabbits and pheasants but no squirrell tracks which is a shame. Snow was pilled high on the branches and kept dropping on our heads.

Spa Bridge

River Irthing

Over the Spa Bridge and up the hill to Gilsland Spa itself, the views over Gilsland from the Hotel are wonderful, although with the falling snow today it wasn't particularly clear. 

Gilsland

Nice views to Temple Mount, showing the hill we'd climbed up before reaching the woods.

Temple Mount

Past the church and a dither over whether or not to risk the path down to the stepping stones. Several of the 'steps' were washed away in the heavy rain before Christmas so we decided to stick to the road.

Jacobs Sheep

Jacobs sheep on the way down and a very happy little mule ewe posed for pictures.

Mule ewe

Down into the village and back home.
Gilsland is a funny place, it doesn't matter which way you go it's uphill both ways, we soon warmed up and a bowl of broth hit the spot.
Wonder if we'll be able to get the car out tomorrow?
Catch you later.