GPS can be unreliable at times, so Barry and Dawn, our gracious host and hostess for our next VRBO sent directions. If you are familiar with Timble, I’m sure they make perfect sense. We made it down the narrow, rock wall lined lanes, over hill and dale, straight through the tree runnels, almost to Timble just north of Otley, on the other side of Ikley in Northern Yorkshire. That’s when we began to go in circles. Please, follow along:
“Heading out of Ikley take the A65 towards Ben Rhydding, Otley and Burley in Warfedale. Look out for the BP petrol station on your right hand side and a major set of traffic lights. Immediately after the traffic lights get into a small filer lane on your left and turn onto a small iron bridge. This crosses the river Wharfe. Cross the bridge and turn right at the end. Follow this road until you come to the village of Askwith. As you enter the village you will see the Black Horse Public House on your right. Just after the pub take the first left towards the school. Carry on this road for approximately 1.5 miles until you reach a T-junction. Turn left and carry on for approximately 3 miles until you come to a crossroads at the top of a steep hill. There is a sign warning you it is approaching. Turn right at the crossroads and carry on for approximately .25 miles until the road splits. Take the right hand fork towards Timble Village. The Old Dairy is the first house. Turn right after the house at the small grassy verge. Turn right and up the driveway and into the courtyard. You will see a house name sign “Southcroft”. The courtyard for the cottage is immediately on your right hand side. Welcome.
We discovered in this neck of the woods most homes do not have house numbers, only names. What is a “verge”? “Southcroft” is covered by vines. We considered sleeping in the car. Down the lane came a neighbor walking her dog. She pointed us in the right direction, got us to the “verge” and over the finish line.
We get out of the car, stretch and look around. This is what the doctor ordered, something remote and rural. The cottage is an extension of owner’s larger stone home. It has a little courtyard with roses and flowering vines. Inside it is quite modern. The windows look out to the rolling green hills dotted with sheep. This country life is all ours for several days.
We bring in the luggage; heave a sigh of relief and Terry breaks into song. Remember the old television series “Green Acres” with Eddie Albert and Eva Garbor? This is exactly where Terry wants to be; no crowds, no outdoor concerts, no castles just wide open spaces. I promise him that I will not to plan day-long drives, just quiet afternoons.
Barry and Dawn give us some recommendations for various things to do, lunch at the Timble Inn just around the corner, walk the woods and grounds at Bolton Hall, visit Ripley Castle and Newby Hall.
Terry isn’t getting back into the car just now. We have a quiet supper in this cozy cottage. Rain begins to fall and we listen to the thunder and watch the lightning. This is the wet, cold weather I have longed for since leaving Arizona. I find myself humming “Green Acres is the place for me…….