Friday 23rd June 2017

A day off from boating as we wait for Fiona and Jon to join us tonight. We took the train from Bingley to  Ilkley. This involved two trains and a short walk across the car park at Shipley to change train lines.

The trains were most efficient, clean and they all ran on time. Felt rather envious of the good service which is sadly lacking in the immediate Devizes area.

Ilkley is quite a large town and gave an air of prosperity. The weather did not show the town off at its best as we had rain/ heavy drizzle all morning. Not deterred we set off to walk across Ilkley moor to the Cow and Calf which is a large rock formation consisting of an outcrop and Boulder. According to local legend, the Calf was split from the cow when Rombald the Giant was fleeing an enemy, and stamped on the rocks as he leapt across the valley. Unfortunately neither Graham nor I could see a resemblance to either a cow or a calf! This photo was taken up on the moor which shows the weather conditions. As you can see, we were "baht'at".

On the way to the rocks we passed Ilkley Tarn, a very pleasant stretch of water.

Whilst shopping in Ilkley we discovered a Supermarket called Booths. To all intents and purposes it was a Waitrose in disguise - even down to the free tea and coffee! We'll be looking out for them from now on.

Planning to move the boat to the foot of the Bingley 5 locks later this evening so that we are ready for the ascent in the morning.