The Barghest is a mythical, monstrous, black dog who, legend says, lives in Trollers Gill, a narrow limestone valley up in the Yorkshire Dales near Appletreewick. He can turn you to stone with one look! Some say he was the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. The valley is also reputed to be inhabited by trolls who will throw stones to try to stop you travelling through. The myths have been enough to put me off exploring in the past but I decided that was very silly and, being up in the area, I took a short walk to see what lies there (even though I was on my own!)
I didn't see a dog or any trolls during my explorations, but there were a few rock climbers in the gorge. Thankfully, they were roped up, as the guy in red fell at one point and swung freely. That was scarier to witness than the Barghest! Anyway, I survived and got safely home. (I don't know whether he did!)
I once had a dog which could melt my heart with one look. As someone said, when you are owned by a Golden Retriever they steal your heart, and when they go they take it with them.......Bye, Bramble.
ReplyDeleteI think you were brave to walk there alone even without trolls being around. I'm always leery about isolated places as a lone woman.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful countryside, but quite rugged.
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave soul. Beautiful scenery, your pictures bring out the mystery magic. Scary climbing!
ReplyDelete