We had the loveliest morning out in Teesdale today. The snow was crisp, clean and brilliantly white – a rare little gift for February. There’s something wonderfully refreshing about looking out over a snowy landscape; it makes everything feel still, calm and just a bit magical! What made it even more striking were the flashes of green peeking through where the snow had either melted or never quite settled. Those soft contrasts between winter white and fresh green gave the whole valley a layered, almost painterly look. And after weeks of gloomy skies, the sun finally decided to make an appearance. The light bounced off the snow and shone across the fields, making Teesdale feel alive again. You might think it’s grim up north, but honestly – it couldn’t have been further from the truth. The place was absolutely glowing. A simple morning out, but one that lifted all our spirits.
Kirkcarrion On New Year’s Eve, my wife and I set off from Middleton-in-Teesdale to Kirkcarrion—a walk we’d been meaning to do for a while. The air was icy cold, and pools along the path had frozen solid, glinting under the pale winter light. Stone walls lined the way as the hills opened up before us, quiet and still. Middleston-in-Teesdale Kirkcarrion is a striking ring of trees on a hilltop, marking the site of a Bronze Age burial mound. The trees were planted in the 19th century by a local landowner to shelter the summit and make the landmark even more distinctive against the skyline. Kirkcarrion Kirkcarrion Kirkcarrion The wind was fierce, but the panorama was worth every step. Standing there together, we felt a real sense of achievement—a simple, perfect way to end the year. Kirkcarrion Here’s to more walks, more views, and more moments that matter.