This turned out to a magical mystery tour. Magical because it became full of promise, we may have seen fairies, elves, maybe even a goblin or two.
Mystery.... I made it up as I went along !So, the track to Grenofen Bridge is getting rougher, the underside of my car took a bashing, perhaps it's the way I drive it! Off back over the bridge, no salmon to be seen, through the gate that leads to the wonderful Gem bridge. The swing is still there ,but looking in need of some TLC so no swinging tonight. Everything has an ethereal quality in our torchlight. On and over the skew bridge, quite difficult to build, something to do with angles and things, you know. Up to the Down, to take in the familiar treeline and down the long long track to Bucktor .
This is where the magic begins, we spotted wonderful creative fungi, different sorts of honey fungus I think, glowing in the torchlight, taking on an out of this world experience. And it gets better, but first a little sit down and refreshment at Double waters and watch the dark, sparkling waters racing by. Watching midges and dragonflies by torchlight, myriads of tiny fish ( sticklebacks, minnows??) in the sheltered shallows.
I didn't want to leave.
On round the lump of rock and up the track and down again to the river, past the waterfall bit, so beautiful that bit and on towards the chimney stack. We stood open mouthed, gasping..... No not for a beer this time........but for a truly magnificent castle of glistening fungi surrounded by smaller settlements. We took photos which really didn't do it justice, before reluctantly moving on back to the parked cars.
Back to the Whitty where an old hasher was enjoying a wine. A nice chat and a beer was enjoyed.
So a very pleasant end to our magical mystery walk !!
Brenda