It's still winter in the dale!

With a decent day forecast amidst some fairly rubbish weather, we headed over to Teesdale. A glorious walk by the river Tees - not a lot to see, but good to hear so many Curlew babbling away and to see/hear displaying Peewits. Obviously the landscape is gorgeous too. So there was lots to see, just not as much of interest as in the summer. We parked at Hanging Shaw and walked down by the river to Widdybank. Sadly, we knew Rocky wouldn't make it round the full loop we normally do, as he wouldn't manage the scramble up Cauldron Snout: a good decision given the way he threw himself at, and over the styles! 

Looking back to Blencathra from the Hartside Pass.

The Tees and Whin Sill.

Oystercatchers.

Swaledales enjoying the sunshine.

The willows are only just in bud.

The Bird's-eye Primrose is showing signs of life.

Looking down the dale. 

Spring Gentian in bud.

And Bird's-eye Primrose in bud.

Blue Moor-grass in flower.

And a Small Tortoiseshell sunning itself - nice!