Hike around Stanhope Common / Fell and a 5k Trail Run + Meal out at the new Bells

I was back to work after Boxing day and it was a lovely day so took my running kit and did a 5K trot up the old railway line and back, nice and flat with only a couple of small clicks. It has been six months since I last ran a 5k so was hard going to say the least. I started out slow then once I got warmed up it was not too bad. Just over 35 mins! need to start loosing some weight and getting it under 30minutes again and hopefully back nearer to the 25 min mark! Friday I did not get out, no spare time and but got a few jobs down around the house once I got back in.
Yesterday the forecast was looking good with dry, warm, sunny weather so we headed off up to Stanhope. The only problem was the 59mph gale force winds. We parked up at the Dales Centre and me, Jane & Angus headed off on our normal route up through the quarry where the path is going to be closed for the next six months! Looks like they might be replacing the two bridges. Once we were out of the quarry and starting the next leg of the climb onto the moor you could hardly stand up. Once at the top we swung right, we had a massive tail wind. The wooded section was quite dry, we were expecting it to be ankle deep mud all the way.  With hardly no rain for weeks the steeping stones at the ford was possible. The temperature was reading 11 to 13 degrees in the van on the way home and the wind had gone. Below area some snaps, enjoy and hopefully more soon -

We have also been to the new Bells at Framwellgate Moor (part of the old GMD garage) we had a sit in meal and its pricey! Tenner for fish n chips and £2 for a small glass of pop! the takeaway around the side was also very busy. My sister has been to the takeaway and said the chips were very greasy! ours were ok in the restaurant.