When we went to High Bradfield it was the hottest day of July and now it has got even hotter. In fact on that day there was a strong breeze so it was an agreeable walk around the village, mainly in the grounds of the church. (High Bradfield is often referred to on local weather forecasts during times of gale force winds).
The churchyard has several terraced areas. Nearby are fields where sheep were grazing and there's a farm and farm buildings at the top of the hill behind the church. It was pleasant wandering in the shade of the trees. Some locals were mending the fence just beyond the iron railing one, but mostly there are stone walls around the grounds of the churchyard.
From the hill we could see some of the village. The big hill in the distance is believed to be a Saxon mound.
We often sit in the garden of the pub, but we're not tempted at the moment.
Instead Mr P sat on a bench and I had a stroll around the church building which, of course, was closed.
a design of what look like three poppy seed heads
are on this downpipe
foxgloves and harebells
The watchhouse, which I've written about before. The watchman kept an eye out for body snatchers.
This path leads down to Lower Bradfield. Known as Kirkgate Steps or the Fairy Steps it was used to carry coffins up to the burial ground from the lower village and surrounding area as the lane to Lower Bradfield is winding and very steep. (It was a challenging hill for bikers when the Yorkshire Tour de France passed through in 2014).
lesser burdock
The village stocks have a new use as a planter.
honeysuckle and ferns
A water trough - a farm is located in the lane - and stone stile.
I didn't climb the stile, but if I had I could have walked along a grassy public right-of-way.
The farm opposite taken at a different time.
Back to Damflask Reservoir the water is so low that there's now a shoreline. People were sitting there or paddling in the shallows. There are warnings about swimming there as it must be very deep in the middle although rowing and sailing are sports activities that are allowed.
Ragwort - there's a lot of it about in the countryside although it's poisonous to livestock and, therefore, not good to see in a paddock or field where animals are grazing.
Many flower heads are now going to seed - a reminder that Autumn is not far away.
I hope that you're having a good weekend. Extreme weather is not my cup of tea, but we have shade from the fig tree in the garden so it's pleasant sitting out there, which is what I'm about to do now with a lunch al fresco.
