A Family weekend visit to Leyburn

This weekend I was due to make my regular visit up over the Pennines to visit my mother in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.  I usually go up and down in the same day but Nicholas decided to make it a family weekend.

Michie had not seen much of the area so the plan was to visit my mother and explore.  Also we could catch up with my neice Sarah and son Matthew who were over from Oman enjoying the cool weather.  We also fitted in a Saturday evening meal at Leyburn's gourmet restaurant  "The Sandpiper"

The visits to Mother went very well as she and Marisa got on very well.  In fact Marisa was a hit with all the residents. 

I made it for you Nanna

After our first visit to see mother we went up to the local park for some exercise and to admire the local view.

When we managed to drag Marisa away from the park we went on to Aysgarth Falls where Michie remarked that water looked like coffee.  I have visited these falls many times over the years and know the colour comes from peat but from now on I shall remember Michie's comment which was so descriptive.  The falls are not particularly high but they run over a mile on the limestone river bed and there is a nice walk along the banks.  A scene from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed at this location. 

Nicholas and Michie at Aysgarth Upper Falls

 Our evening meal at "The Sandpiper" was excellent and I look forward to dining there again.

On Sunday morning we visited Mother again and then drove to Castle Bolton and had a trip on the heritage Wensleydale Railway from Redmire to Bedale.  Nicholas got to drive the car to meet us at Bedale.  We were due to meet Sarah for a pub lunch in Burneston just a few miles south of Bedale. 

After lunch in the village pub there was just time for Marisa and Matthew to play in the park before we drove back over the Pennines.

Marisa with Matthew Hill

Matthew and Marisa escape the troll under the bridge.

Marisa declared this had been a very good holiday and when were going again!!