YOS Weekend 1

The first weekend of 2026 York Open Studios is over. It went well, with plenty of visitors, sales pretty good, and interest high. I had little time to photograph things, but here is a shot.

 

Stroll 60 Sheffield to Hathersage

The path from the centre of Sheffield up to the Peak District is a great experience. Leaving the pleasing city centre up on the hill, the path goes through the University, then the marvellous botanical gardens before following Porter Brook through, first a formalised park, then a wilder public space, before leaving it and climbing to the moors. That is where I found this beautiful track across the peat bogs. Right up my street.

 

Stroll 59

From the same canal, this house had a bit of a creepy feel.

I have been very busy getting ready for Open Studios. Treating the wood on the front of the house, trimming the hedges, sweeping the yard. And doing the labels, putting up the signs etc.

All starts tomorrow.

 

Stroll 59 Congleton to Macclesfield

Tuesday was a spring day. First Shorts Day for me too. Just perfect for a walk on the wonderous Macclesfield canal through Cheshire lands. Plenty of people getting their boats ready for the summer too.

 

Stroll 58 Sunderland to South Shields

 

I walked along the North Sea coast to complete the section of my stroll from Middlesborough to the Tyne in  Newcastle. An amazing walk, the beach and rocks at Sunderland never fail to surprise me with their drama and beauty.

Easter

 Rowan came home for Easter, a very pleasant time. Adrian and Cathy came for Sunday lunch, and we had Alfie for the night as well. 

We walked at Escrick, you can see Danielle Rowan and Alfie to the left, with Layla cooling off in the beck.

Stroll 57 pt2

 

There is no doubt about it, having Jarrow Abbey surviving in this most unpromising environment is a thing of wonder.