Another Wolds walk, from South Cave

Good morning. It's a fab sunny morning here in North Lincolnshire, I've put the washer on, a good day to dry clothes outside methinks. I had a fab day yesterday, back over the river for some more ambling around the Yorkshire Wolds. I will get my money's worth out of this map, plenty of places to explore, and not too far to travel to get to the start. I went a little way up the main A63 and came off at the junction with the A1034, to go into the village of South Cave. Here I found a free parking place in a quiet residential street.  

This is the view from the road, of the Cave Castle Hotel, doesn't it look rather grand. There is a large pond, almost a lake, in the extensive grounds.

Here is a bit of blurb from their web site.

As you approach through the stone arch and up the tree lined drive you cannot fail to be impressed by the grandeur of Cave Castle with its original turrets, stone features and historic charm. Nestling at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds this is the idyllic country retreat for a relaxing and tranquil stay.

Cave Castle boasts an excellent 18 hole golf course set in the 150 acres of meadow and parkland which surround the hotel.

For the more energetic the Health Club has a well equipped gym, 19m pool and aerobic suite with a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room for those wishing to take things easier. 

This is the entrance. The building to the left of the arch seems to be unoccupied, it would make a lovely little residence. Reminds me of the sitcom, To the Manor Born. Penelope Keith living in the Gatehouse within the grounds of The Manor.  

I walked up the driveway to get this photo. Looks rather splendid. Think I might treat myself one day :o)

Next door to the hotel is the church. I walked out of the village along the road past the church where it turned into a track, and past the golf club.

On my way to North Cave, I passed through the small hamlet of Everthorpe.

There is a general stores in North Cave, couldn't resist treating myself to a Magnum ice cream. As I was ambling through the village I thought, wow, look at that tree up the side of the house. Got to have a photo of that, how unusual.

The church in North Cave stands magnificently on a little hill. The sun is shining on me today, and I'm feeling great. Feet are holding up ok in the new boots, though they are getting caked with mud.

Leaving North Cave, there is a tarmac path through a country park which leads to Hotham. As I came into the village I caught sight of Hotham Hall. This is a Grade 11 listed building, which opens it's gardens to the public as part of the National Open Gardens Scheme for Charity. This is the closest I could get to it. I like the bird sculptures in the pond.

Around the side is the vehicle entrance to the hall.

This little cottage in Hotham has an amazing roof. As you can see it has been extended two feet beyond the wall of the house, and is supported by eight wooden pillars.

According to the reviews on the Hotham Arms website, it is a very popular eatery, favoured by tourists and locals alike. I like the little tables at the front with the gingham tablecloths. A posh smoking area I think. The pub was closed when I passed, but not to worry, I am too mean to stop and spend money, ha ha.

Hey, what's happening here?!?!? Snow, yikes!. I was in South Newbald and had stopped to chat to a local gentleman who was tidying his garden. He was telling me about him and his son going for bike rides, he knew the area like the back of his hand. Always good to get some local knowledge. As I was walking towards North Newbald I could see the skies ahead of me turning white, with visibility diminishing by the second. I quickened my pace as I walked through the playing field, thinking I urgently needed to find shelter. The path came out in the village centre so I headed for the porch of the church.

My goodness, it's turning into a flash blizzard, ha ha.

As quick as it came, the snow went. Now look at it, brilliant sunshine and blue skies. I left the village by road, and came to the turn off to pick up the Yorkshire Wolds Way. I like the way the signs have been maintained in these parts, no guessing which way to go next. Makes finding your way a doddle.

And this is the way I am heading, Into Swindale, round Whin Hill, then cross over a couple of roads. These are the Wolds, wide open spaces of gentle rolling hills. As I walk through I am totally alone, time to drink in the serenity and peacefull beauty. I feel like I want to hop, skip, and jump, and sing. It's like being in a huge outdoor church. Indeed I do sing to myself as I stroll along.

I am out of the open dale now and heading into a wooded dale. This is East Dale, which leads onto Hunsley Dale. Not such easy walking as it's a steep downhill slope over a muddy and eroded path.  

The path eventually runs alongside a disused railway line, which is out of bounds as it's private land, though it looks as if people do walk it. I came out of the wood and turned right up a steep bank called Comber Dale. When I was almost to the top, this is the view I had as I turned round and looked back. Fabulous. I have hardly seen anyone on this walk, virtually had the place to myself :o)

A bit further along I joined a path I had walked on the previous walk, and came across the twisty wooden benches, remember them? Time to finish my sandwich and give my feet a rest for ten minutes. There was a few dog walkers about, luckily I had remembered to put a few dog treats in my pocket. I love making new doggie friends. Time to make my way back down to South Cave. I had a bit of a panicky moment when my car wasn't where I thought it was, then I remembered, I was looking in the wrong street, ha ha, phew. Once back I was ready for getting my boots off, and changing them for an old soft pair I took with me. Oh, bliss to put my slippers on, ha ha.

Half an hour later I was home. My feet have held out pretty well, it brought back memories of my first long walk, Blackpool to the Humber Bridge. There were times then when I thought I couldn't go on, when the pain was too much to bear, but when you are far from home you don't have a choice, what alternative is there? Sit down and cry, or keep on walking?

Toodle pip.