Otley Chevin and weather(ing)

Visiting Otley Chevin your attention is drawn to the colours of the dramatic Millstone Grit boulders and outcrops. My geological knowledge is pretty non-existent so West Yorkshire Geology Trust is a good place to information about the geology of the Otley Chevin Trail.

The weathering of stone and vegetation results in a wonderful collection of colours, patterns and shapes and textures, a decomposing weather worn stump covered in mosses and lichens being a good example .

Here's a view over Otley, with a stormy weather front approaching from the left.

A few minures later, heading back to the car, this was the view back across the valley. With the rain clouds heading our way we made a dash for it, brrrrr.

Getting backto the car, this Goldcrest provided a final flash of colour in the trees on the edge of the car park. Chiffchaff, Curlew, Blackbird, Crow, Robin, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit all made an appearance during our walk.

Otley Chevin

This weekend we ventured out to Otley Chevin Forest Park to experience the fresh air and autumn woodland views. Parking in East Chevin Quarry Car Park we walked in the direction of the White House & within a few minutes encountered these colourful vistas of the crags, the old quarried areas of Millstone Grit of the Upper Carboniferous age, seen through the golden autumn foliage of broadleaf trees. In the foreground the golden leaves of Birch and Beech, the rusty shades of bracken, and rich greens of grasses and ferns.

Stunning views, provided by a colourful combination of the underlying geological features and the surrounding vegetation tinged with an autumnal glow .   

The Friends of Chevin Forest maintain a very good website, and the West Yorkshire Geology Trust (pdf) have more information about the geology of the area.

Another spectacular view, across the valley overlooking Otley town centre and the surrounding Wharfedale countryside.

Towards the end of our walk, on joining Miller Lane we heard birdsong in a treetop overhead and could just make out the silhouette of a small bird, moving on a few steps for a better view it turned out to be a Goldcrest, whoop whoop, a first for me & a lovely conclusion to the walk.

Having worked up an apetite, we headed up the road to the Cheerful Chilli, a nearby cafe and restaurant, and what a treat! I opted for the Chocolate Nemesis a chocolate extravaganza whose texture was half choc brownie and half choc torte. Needless to say I defeated my nemesis, selflessly saving just enough room to tuck into half of Andreas sandwich, packed with Stilton and Apple and Pears, oh my!  Possibly the best post walk grub we've ever encountered, which might just mean that we'll become a little more familiar with Otley Chevin in the months ahead.

Otley Gallows Hill

On a visit to Otley Gallows Hill Nature Park patchy sunshine brought out plenty of Comma butterflies with over 10 spotted during our walk, feeding on thistles, resting on brambles, foliage and basking on paths.

From the bridge we glimpsed a flash of electric blue as a Kingfisher shot upstream and waited patiently to watch it zip back downstream a few minutes later. Far too quick for a pic so instead here's the view from the bridge.

Andrea spotted these caterpillars, close inspection revealed over 20 of them feeding on nettles. They're Peacock caterpillars, thanks to Dean for his help with identification.

As you can see Ive been messing around with a new template and have tried again to get the hang of the new editor, and to be honest both are pretty infuriating, because there are so many inconsistencies, borders on photos no borders on photos blah blah blah, I'm even boring myself. Anyway I'm sticking with this until I can summon up the patience to have another crack at it, which may be never. grrrrrrr.

And relax.......phew!