Sunday, November 26, 2017

Another Fine Day in the English Countryside (Showing Off "a Small Island" - Part 4)

England.  Footpaths.  Sunshine.  Flowers.  Pubs.  Which one of these does not belong?  Some days, you get it all!  Come along and see, in Part 4 of my series featuring our tour for my sister and her husband this summer.
Signpost; BW means Bridleway; FP means footpath

My in-laws, Spousal Unit, my sister and her husband
Following a hearty breakfast at Elm Cottage (a self-catering cottage means a talented chef known as Spousal Unit can prepare a delectable feast of his choosing), we were exhilarated with another blue-sky day, ideal for a walk to the village of Kettlewell.

It is believed that the name Kettlewell is Anglo Saxon and comes from Cetel Wella, which means a bubbling spring or stream.  At first, the footpath clings to the River Wharfe. 









Soon enough, meadows push in and open the vista.












We are grateful for the shade when the footpath joins up with a fencerow, where the oak trees stand in formation like an army of tin soldiers.  I wonder about the landowner those many years ago, deciding to sow the young oaks in this majestic panorama.


As we enter the village, we are mafting (read: hot) and there's little choice but to seek out

refreshment in the beer garden of The Racehorses Hotel.

Have you ever tasted Pimm's?  Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based liquor made in England from dry gin, liqueur, fruit juices and spices.  It was invented in 1823 by James Pimm, who served it at his oyster bar in London.   A thirst-quenching, supremely summery drink, Pimm's Cup mixes lemony soda (or ginger ale), fruit, cucumbers, mint and a fortifying shot of Pimm's.  I first met Pimm's (the drink) at the school Field Day during our expatriate assignment in the UK (yes, there was alcohol at a school event).  I have been a fan ever since.  So refreshing!

Temptation? To linger in the beer garden, sipping Pimm's.  But the splendor of the countryside beckons, and we return to the footpath.  One of our many rewards is the flora soaking up energy 'while the sun shines.'

That evening, we easily found our appetites at The Crown in Hawes.





This pub has a distinctive beer garden with an upper level offering an unparalleled outlook on the dale.

I couldn't defy the urge to snap pictures in the beer garden and on the street as we strolled back to the car - I wish everyone would be as meticulous with their gardens!




Summer nights are a treasure ... they go on forever!  Once we returned to the cottage, I had the occasion to burn off my risotto on another footpath nearby.

England.  Footpaths.  Sunshine. Flowers.  Pubs.  I belong here. 

Linking to



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20 comments:

  1. Thank you Angie for taking me away to the land and paths I love to see and experience, especially with a pause at a local pub! Have a wonderful week!

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  2. Such a lovely place! I love all the pics of flowers. :) Have a great week. Kit

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  3. Angie every time you take me "home" I feel more and more that I belong there too! Was it Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales that you visited? Love that area and contemplated moving there when/if we ever leave Normandy.

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    1. Yes, the stunning Yorkshire Dales. A little slice of heaven.

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  4. Such fabulous photos. the English countryside is always so beautiful and Yorkshire can't be beat. I am glad that you shared.

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  5. Wonderful photos and words about a lovely day in the English countryside. The light in the last photo is amazing.

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  6. Such a lovely wander with you in your photos of those those lush green fields and pretty garden flowers! I drank a Pimms Cup for the first time on a trip to New Orleans. It was very good!

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  7. oh, these pics are so beautiful. You set the story perfectly!

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  8. Great tour of the island. Very beautiful and scenic.

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  9. Now, that is definitely my kinda day. I'm not a fan of gin but would definitely give a Pimm's Cup a try.

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  10. I think we could be good friends if I lived closer! What a great time you had.

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  11. Hello, what a lovely tour. I would love to walk in those meadow filled with flowers. I have never heard of Pimms, I wonder if it is sold here? The pub food looks delicious. Lovely series of images, thanks for sharing the trip! Happy Wednesday, enjoy your day!

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  12. What glorious shots. I miss the English countryside so much. That last shot is just gorgeous!

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  13. Absolutely lovely pictures!
    What wonderful place to roam around in.

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  14. Awww..this is such a beautiful post with beautiful pictures. I wonder when I will be able to do that. Absolutely beautiful description and photos.

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  15. Beautiful British countryside and such fun at the pub ~ love Pimm's so refreshing ~ Lovely photos too! Fun time for all.

    Happy Weekend to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  16. So pleased you enjoyed your trip to Yorkshire. We have spent many happy times camping in the Yorkshire Dales, Wensleydale especially. Next time you must visit the Red Rose County, Lancashire.Thanks for visiting my blog and your kind comments.

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  17. Love the landscape views you showed, especially the last one - so beautiful. Also the flower boxes -cant make out the middle one is that a clematis? Thanks for visiting and your kind comment on the white rose!

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  18. I have not visited England but this looks great :)

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  19. Such a wonderful trip -- Pimms Cup made me wish I could drink gin (Bill loved them).

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