Everyday Adventure: Ripley Castle

Today we took our bikes out for a spin down the Nidderdale Greenway.  It is a 5 mile, relatively flat, paved trail that connects Harrogate to the village of Ripley. It's a former railroad bed that has been paved and goes through beautiful country side.   Bike riding is a big thing here - I think it's especially big since the Tour de France ended its first leg in Harrogate in 2014.  We see professional looking bikers everywhere - but it's a very intimidating for two reasons: (1) they ride on crazy roads with 60 MPH traffic and regular hairpin turns; and (2) there are some SERIOUS hills here.  While I am not the biggest biking fan, I was THRILLED to find the greenway because there is no way I could imagine myself riding the roads here. In any case - here is a photo of P on the trail and my bike in front of a Tour de France sign:

After our bike ride, we arrived at Ripley Castle.  Built in the 1300's, the castle has an amazing history of a lot of very strange people (like the owner who went to the market in his bathrobe sans underwear) or the owner who built a hiding spot in the castle in case someone got cross with them.  Despite its interesting history, it is a beautiful place.  In addition, it has beautiful walled gardens and lots of sheep (just like everywhere here).  The leaves are starting to turn here, so you'll see some stunning red leaves:

The arched gateway.  There are bullet holes where Oliver Cromwell shot his prisoners at one point in history!  

Hello fall!  Where is my PSL when I need one?

No castle is complete without a beautiful manicured walled garden!

We also spent some time with sheep.  You'll see Ripley castle in the background:

This sheep seemed to be posing for photos.  He was following me around to pose.  Hello Mr. Sheep: