Smardale and Scandal Beck

Smardale Viaduct

Last of the wonderful sunny spring days? Anyway we parked at Newbiggin-on-Lune, crossed the busy road and walked paths which I had never been on past the reedy tarn that is Hag Mire. We happened across a ewe which was having trouble giving birth, but feeling rather helpless, as soon as we approached her she tried to walk away. Having retired to a "safe" distance, she managed to get the lamb out, we hung round to make sure the lamb was ok. Onwards and we reached the disused railway, it was built to transport coal and coke from the Durham area to the ironworks in Barrow. Sadly closing in 1963, the Smardale viaduct has been preserved and is quite magnificent. Having crossed the viaduct we walked back on a permissive path to the bridleway before crossing fields and following Scandal Beck to Ravenstonedale. More Bridleways and field paths led us via Will Hill back to the car. Another beautiful day sunny day in a quiet area.