The Washburn Valley

Happy Monday!

The Autumn is well and truly underway, and as the trees continue their cycle from Green leafy abundance to vibrant loveliness it was great to be able to get out into the sunshine this weekend. My search continues for my final year development project, and this weekend I spent quite a lot of time around the Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs near Blubberhouses (great name!). I visited the Washburn Valley Heritage centre which is located within the church of St. Michael and St. Lawrence, Fewston.
There is a lovely little cafe serving hot drinks and homemade baking. It's location close to Swinsty is fabulous for an afternoon out. The Church originates from 1697 and is Grade 2 listed. There is an abundance of local historical information to be had in regards to this area, and the longer I spent here, the more I fell in love with it..

My travels also took me farther afield to Dob Park, Timble, in search of the old Hunting Lodge which is now a ruin. It took me quite a while to find and I had to don waterproofs and wellies, and traverse through mizzle, heather, fields and bogs to get close up to it. It was worth it, the building is just a shell but what remains is part ruin. It is very atmospheric and has an almost romantic air about it. The surrounding countryside is awash with rust coloured heather and fern, Pheasant and Grouse and the odd glimpse of the reservoirs. The area is dotted with moss coloured stone walls and vibrant vegetation such as the picture book Red and White spotty mushrooms I saw near the banks of Fewston reservoir.

                                               A beautiful stone wall near Swinsty reservoir

      The Washburn Heritage Centre and Old Vicarage.

                          Detail of pretty cross stitch work from previous inhabitants of the vicarage.

                               The aisle, Church of St. Michael and St. Lawrence, Fewston. 
                                   Colour infiltrates through the stained glass windows.

                                   Simple yet stunning coloured glass windows near the altar.

                               
                                     A cup of tea and Bara Brith at the Heritage Centre cafe.

                             
                                 The Church of St. Micheal and St. Lawrence, Fewston. 1697. 

            Amanita Muscaria near the shores of Swinsty. Almost picture book perfect, I half expected to                                                                                                             see a pixie sitting underneath!

                                  The colourful Autumnal countryside of the Washburn Valley.

           The Old Hunting Lodge, Dob Park, very atmospheric! See Swinsty and the 'Golf Balls' of the  American listening post faintly in the background.

Interior detail, windows, doors, a fireplace and internal staircase are visible

        Beecroft Barn near Timble, a Grade II listed barn in need of refurbishment..could this be the one!