THE recent snow meant that I had to drive less and stroll more. I enjoyed two strolls in beautiful weather, although there was plenty of snow up on the hills.

My first couple of strolls were both interrupted by falls of snow.

Although the scenery is beautiful after snow, even experienced walkers should take no chances.

I appreciate the bravery of our local rescue groups who provide a life-saving service for free. I get very angry when I read of people who take risks without thought.

As I walked from Langcliffe towards Victoria Cave I passed a young woman with a child on her backpack. She was wearing heavy shoes but with very high heels. She was having difficulty keeping her feet. My walking companion took over the child and its back pack and escorted the two of them to the car park.

The lady's comment was: "It was fine when I set off!"

After this I abandoned my highland route and strolled around the River at Stainforth. Icicles were hanging off the packhorse bridge and surrounding trees

A dipper seemed to ignore the conditions and was busy collecting moss and starting to construct a nest. Dippers do start breeding early and occasionally they can produce three broods in a year.

This route took me along the A65 into Settle and then turning right at the bridge and up into Ribblesdale.

Once the snow had cleared from the road between Downham and Barley I was determined to explore Pendle. These days there are several well-marked footpaths and I parked on the road between Black Moss and the hill.

Obviously it was cold but the clear blue skies meant safe walking along magnificent scenery. Within 20 minutes of setting off I had watched a fox charging through the snow, a red grouse and a flying display by a hen harrier.

A breeding project has been carried out by the RSPB and United Utilities in the Bowland area. This has been very successful and the hen harrier, one of Britain's rarest birds, is now seen in other hilly areas especially in winter.

Five minutes later I saw a short-eared owl, which is now resident on Pendle. Towards the summit of Pendle the snow was becoming deeper and deeper and so I retraced my steps to the car.

This was yet another warning. We should all enjoy the countryside in winter but we need to be careful.

I love our area at any time but in winter it is full of fascinating wildlife and glorious scenery.

During the snow, the village of Tockholes was cut off for a while and so, weather permitting, this is where I am heading for next week's stroll.