Some quality daughter and dog time at the National Trust Gibside estate. One of my daughter Abigail's favourite places to walk. This 18th century landscape was fashioned for spectacular vistas and "wow" moments, commissioned by the coal baron, George Bowes. Being Easter we expected it to be busy, so we arrived when it opened at 1000hrs. Abigail knows the walks well and decided to guide me on the longest and hilliest one of c5miles. This was an excellent choice as the crowds were few with most not venturing past the cafes and children's play areas / trails. Although a pleasant walk, I have to say that Abigail is very "Gazelle" like and takes the terrain in her stride, whereas I plod along more "Hippo" like!
Abigail & Symphony
Although the estate was intended to induce a "wow" factor, the biggest "wow" factor for me was getting out of the car in the car park and seeing a drake Garganey duck flying a circuit overhead! A two year tick! (no images!). Another year tick was c4 Jays. Other birds included many Nuthatches, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Red Kite Buzzards and Sparrowhawk.
Roe Deer
Some of the flowers
Cowslips
Violet
Primroses
Just a wild patch
I didn't do very well photographing the birds!
Coal Tit
Buzzards
Beware of the Hedgehogs at Gibside!
And the Dragonflies!
Gibside ruins
The Orangery ruins
The Avenue and Palladian Chapel
Peaceful
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