Grassington meadows

Our Grassington walk took us downstream along the River Wharfe for a short way and then we climbed up the valley side through a series of hay meadows. Eventually we arrived at a meadow that has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, for the diversity of wildflowers that it holds. It was once the site of a hospital. That has now been demolished and a few new houses have been built, but the hay meadow has remained undisturbed by modern agriculture. It holds a number of unusual plants, many of which have delightful names: how about 'melancholy thistle', 'sneezewort' or 'quaking grass'? 

The flower you notice most is the ox-eye daisy, just because it's bigger and brighter than most, but scattered around is a rich variety including clover, vetch, orchids, water avens and yellow rattle, the latter a semi-parasitic plant that suppresses grasses and thus helps to encourage other wildflowers. I'm not that good at identifying wildflowers, I have to admit, though I love to see them.  

Beyond the meadow, the views open up. Some of the grass has been mown for sileage. Across the valley, if you look carefully, you can spot long, thin, terraced lines of old field patterns called 'lynchets'. Easier to see in low evening light but you can just about see them on the left of my photo.

Then we descended back into the little Dales town of Grassington, along an old walled lane known as High Lane. By this time, the sun was out so we were able to sit outside a café, enjoying its warmth, and have a well-earned cup of tea.