Brimham Sunset

It was one of those days yesterday, loads of stress and bad feeling at work, so it was a real relief to get out of the damned place, I don't know how I manage to keep a lid on it sometimes.  Helen wasn't on top form either, a bit wishy-washy and feeling sorry for herself, probably a consequence of the migraine attack she had on Monday. We needed to get out and I knew an effort was required. I put new batteries in our headtorches, threw a lightweight jacket in my bumbag and literally dragged her to the door, there are times when I have to make decisions for her and this was one of those times.

We headed up to Nidderdale and parked in Dacre, this village is a good centre for a number of trail runs and the Nidderdale Way runs straight through it. There was a definite nip in the air and it all felt very autumnal, one of those "I'm glad I've got me helly on" evenings .... a bit sad really, I always get a bit fed-up when summer disappears and of course, yesterday really was the first day of Autumn; I think the weather Gods were listening. I've got a nice circular route from here, so we headed up to Brimham Rocks and were treated to the most gorgeous orange sunset, I got to the fell gate first after the long climb up and just stood there watching, all of a sudden the cares of the day melted away and it was just me and the landscape, a tapestry of green fields slowly fading from view as the sun slid behind the horizon.

From here we turned around and headed South, the route takes you through some dark woods and along some truly ancient pathways, eventually finding the River Nidd and the return to Dacre. Our headtorches were reflected from the sleeping river and the calm of the place seemed to give strength to my legs, I felt strong and wanted to run and do justice to the setting. All too sudden we back at Helen's pug (her little Peugeot car) and knocking the mud off our shoes.

I think the effort was well rewarded.