So, I tagged along on an organised walk by the Clitheroe Naturalists at the weekend, an amble a round the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales town of Skipton, taking in the Leeds Liverpool Canal and Skipton Castle Woods.
The Clitheroe Naturalists don’t really have much of a social media presence, though one member does post photos of their flora & fauna finds on the Clitheroe Wildlife Facebook Page. Their walks schedule conveniently coincides with when my other half is working every other Saturday, they seem a friendly bunch, I could be tempted into a future foray…..if they’ll have me. 🙂
It’s always nice to wander along the canal side in Skipton. I am definitely one for checking out all the barges and wondering what it’s like to live on one!
We followed the canal to Skipton Castle from where Skipton Castle Woods are well signposted. The ancient woodland has featured on my blog before and is home to some beautiful willow sculptures. Over time the sculptures are looking a bit more worn out , a bit more shabby. Yet it’s still wonderful to come across them in the woods.
I quite enjoyed being out on a walk with fellow nature lovers. 😁🦢
sunshine and celandines 
I like Skipton, it’s a lovely little place but it’s several years since I was last there – I camped a few times at a lovely site in Cononley village about three miles from the town. I love the little dog on top of the narrowboat (they’re not barges, lol) and the cygnets look so cute 🙂
I think I may have camped at the Cononley site too on first camping trip.:)
I didn’t actually realise that a barge is different to a narrowboat. Now I do.😁
I’m pleased to hear that Clitheroe has a band of friendly naturalists! Looks like an interesting walk.
Yes just discovered them recently. 🙂
We’ve been to Skipton several times (more ancestors from those parts!) & have always enjoyed it there. Your photos are great & bring back happy days, even when it rained. 🤗💐🙋♂️
Thanks Ashley. Skipton is a fab town which I enjoy visiting. 😊
I almost misread the name of that organisation 🤦♂️
Looks like you had a good sunny day in Skipton. I enjoyed a walk in the woods there back in late March, but it was cold and grey unlike the sunshine you had.
Oooh too cold for misreading the name up North. 😆 Hope you liked Skipton..
Skipton is grand 🙂
Went to Skipton last year and need to revisit to have a proper look around, will kind this place in mind as it looks lovely
The woods are behind the castle which is interesting to visit.
That’s a very impressive family of cygnets! None of ours have done so well this year.
Gorgeous aren’t they. X
Such a lovely walk. I love the Orchids. Did you see the very rare Lizard Orchid on tonight’s BBC Springwatch? It can only be seen in the south of the U.K.
I didn’t see that. I have never seen any of the very rare orchids. Would be fabulous!
It sounds like you may have found yourself in a group of likeminded folk. Although in my haste, I initially read it as naturists. Oops!
It’s been far too long since I last visited Skipton. I’m definitely overdue a fish and chip lunch by the canal.
Those cygnets are gorgeous. Xx
It’s so easy to get those two words muddled up!
The cygnets are adorable 😍 x
I’m also not one for group walking but I do love it when there are knowledgeable people who point things out that I missed (birds usually!)
Always handy. Though the Merlin app is pretty good too. 👍🙂
Looks like a great walk and day out. It is nice to find a group of people who share the same love for nature and walk than you.
Too true. X
Pretty pictures. The huntress sculpture is very nice.
It’s very striking. 🙂