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<p>Helene and I stayed for a week in a barn conversion cottage just outside Skipton.</p>
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<p>It was possible to walk into Skipton along a public footpath, then along the Leeds/Liverpool canal. It only took 30 minutes and we did it on a couple of occasions.</p>
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<p>Our first visit was to Skipton Castle which for 3 years withstood a siege during the English Civil War. It wasn't explained how they fed and watered themselves during those 3 years.</p>
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<p>Whenever I tour old castles and churches I do wonder how hardy the inhabitants had to be to survive the cold.</p>
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<p>Our first long walk involved a drive to Malham Cove. It wasn't warm in the biting wind but we still managed a smile. We parked in Malham, walked to a waterfall (Janet's Foss) before heading for the top of Malham Cove. On the way we crossed a road where a mobile food van was parked so we shared a delicious warm pasty. I confess we missed a turn and walked a couple of miles beyond the limestone pavement but we back-tracked and found the correct path.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Malham-CoveApr23-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7727"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Looking back towards the cove on the return journey to Malham village</figcaption></figure>
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<p>By pure luck we chose the best weather of the week to visit <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://boltonabbey.com/your-visit/bolton-abbey-map/" target="_blank">Bolton Abbey</a>. We visited the abbey and walked the complete circuit of the Wharfedale path. We stopped for lunch at the Cavendish Pavilion where it was warm enough to sit outside. It was so sunny we both picked up some colour. Another 8 mile trek on a delightful day.</p>
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<p>The following day we decided to take it easy. We drove the Grassington where they were filming an episode of All Creatures Great and Small.</p>
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<p>We couldn't walk across the market square so after a coffee we headed down Wharfedale towards Burnsall.</p>
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<p>Another day and another walk into Skipton. We wanted to explore Skipton Castle woods. It was a lovely area behind the castle and on the very edge of the town.</p>
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<p>There were items of interest along the paths. The bird song was delightful and every slope was covered with wild garlic about to flower.</p>
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<p>On our final day we walked from the cottage along public footpaths to Flasby. There were superb views across the moors.</p>
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<p>We covered about 8 miles and although there wasn't a pub or café along the route it was a good challenge.</p>
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<p>We reached a trig point at 375 metres above sea level and had to take a pause for a selfie. Despite the brisk breeze we had unzipped our coats because the climb had made us very warm.</p>
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<p>Still smiling after all the effort. It was great to be using an Ordnance Survey map again and taking the challenge of following the route. I do have a reputation for getting off track so I was very careful to check frequently.</p>
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<p>During the week we ate out on several occasions. Fishcake and chips (very strange fishcake made of two potato layers with fish in between); Turkish; French, Take away Pizza and a couple of stir fries back at the cottage.</p>
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<p>The Kia Niro EV only needed to be charged once and we managed to do that whilst at the French restaurant.</p>
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<p>On our way home we called into Saltaire to finish the holiday.</p>
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