A G-Free Day in the Dales

Grace-free. It's not so often Matt the Husband me get to date since Grace was born. We're too focused on learning to be great parents we forget we have a marriage to nurture as well. Life before Grace was packed with long walks off the beaten track, on the beaten track and generally anywhere that got us and the dog, Daisy-woof out into the fresh air. So when Grandma offered to take Grace for a spot of retail therapy, we jumped at the chance to spend the day in the wilds.

Dog lead and water bottle in hand, the weather looked clear so we set off for the 1.5hr drive up into the Dales. In actual fact we were on the very western edge of the National Park at Ingleton near Kirkby Lonsdale, a quiet little spot with a popular trail walk up along the River Twiss gorge and back down the River Doe gorge.

We were lucky the trail was quiet, possibly because we set off early, or maybe because folk have things planned to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee? Either way, we were grateful. Daisy got to run off lead for the most part, just back on for crossing farmland... she like sheep and not in the cuddly kind of way. The guide said to allow 1.5-4 hours to do the 4.5 mile trail. We were back at the car in 2. Note to self: must slow down to appreciate the scenery more next time... I was just so chuffed to be child-free and able to pace out I didn't expect the trail to be over in the blink of an eye! Ah well!

and of course, one of the best bits of a child-free day is coming home when they get giddy to see you!