We set off walking over Balderhead Reservoir dam, the  was shining but mist was visible on the hill tops and in the distance. The reservoir water levels were showing signs of the dry Spring. The route took us east along the Pennine Way and past the old youth hostel, now a wedding venue and reception barn. The weather on the tops was clearing and we could see our lunch time destination in the distance. We crossed several meadows, climbing over stiles and passing through gates with Curlews, Lapwings and Oystercatchers calling overhead to distract us from their chicks. At East Friar house we turned south and followed a moorland track to climb up to Goldsborough for lunch. Although it was breezy on the top, the views were amazing.

After lunch we set off back down the Pennine Way and turned east along a single-track road towards Willoughby Hall. We stopped to watch Lapwings wheeling and dancing, and to look at wildflowers in the roadside ditches. Turning west, we crossed a further 4 meadows with sheep and lambs for company until we reached Blackton Reservoir. We followed the northern edge of the reservoir seeing 150 resident greylag geese on the water and mountain pansies on the bank sides.

Our last destination, before returning to the car park, was Birk Hat and Hannah’s Meadow Nature Reserve. The meadow was a sea of yellow buttercups and silver topped grass, with pink clover, daisies, yellow rattle, ragged robin, bugle, marsh marigold and many more. At the top of the meadow we visited Hannah’s barn, before returning to the car park.

Author - John S

Photos - John S, Sue F,