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Report for Whitley. Sunday 8th January 2012 Leader: - Glynis Holmes. Walkers: - Morwenna Holman, Carole Farish, Mike Mulhearn, Ian Hewitt, David Shaw and John Hamlin.
The weather forecast had been very poor and several of the long walkers had emailed or texted their apologies so I didn’t expect many to turn out. So for a change the Guys out numbered the Galls. Mike took his car with the chaps and I took the girls and off we went to park up at the pub at Whitley. It was cloudy and grey but we were very lucky and the rain held off all day.
We walked along to a tower called The Temple with fabulous long distant views all along the ridge. It’s quite an up and down area around Whitley with narrow steep sided valleys so by the time we got to Lepton we were ready for elevenses and the bench tables at the cricket club came in very handy for a civilised stop. John passed chocolates around which were a nice treat. New Year’s resolutions were mentioned and Mike said he planned to walk with the club more this year. It soon gets cold once you take the sack off your back so we pressed on at a good pace up to Lepton Edge, along to Common End, up through Kirby wood and on to Flockton. Then a short steep uphill section to “The Rough” where we had lunch on a sheltered banking in stand of trees. There was quite a cold wind blowing on the open sections. Ian was at the back a bit which was very unusual but he was full of cold and said he wasn’t on full form. Mikes New Year’s resolution had gone from walking with the club a bit more to walking to the pub more often. More chocolates from John were gratefully received and then we were on the last lap. There are three more hills between here and Whitley John announced with glee. A bit of a sting in the tail I agree but you need the hills to keep you warm, that’s my excuse anyway. So along the Kirklees Way to Briestfield then via Foxroyd Shrogg and Back Lane to Whitley.
Luckily we were just back to the cars as it started to rain.
All the best Glynis
2012 New Year’s Day Walk from Methley Leader; Melanie Walkers; Jill & Andy, Pat Smith, Pat Pitts, Jean & Alan, Pat & Dave, Trevor, David Marsland, Val, Lizzie, Morwena, Ken Dalton, John & Sonia, and Pauline Ford Despite this being the ‘day after the night before,’ 17 Walkers turned out in pouring rain for the first club walk of the year. Inevitably, as soon as we’d donned full waterproof gear, the rain began to ease and we enjoyed lots of chat and banter on the pleasant walk above the river on the Trans Pennine Trail path. Pauline joined us at the coffee stop near Fleet Lane bridge and walked with us for the next mile or so. John distributed chocolates and we stepped happily on through woodland paths by the edge of Oulton Sports ground. Then the rain started again. We crossed the A639 and on to join Leeds Country way, around Moss Carr Wood. The rain stopped but a chilly breeze kept us moving briskly to a lunch stop where we watched the mad rush of vehicles on the distant M62. As always, we commiserated with all the poor souls who had to dash to the shops when they could have been out in the open air enjoying the wind and rain! A pleasant walk along the lane to Scholey Hill helped to remove mud from our boots and since the weather was being kind to us as we came within sight of the church in Methley, we congratulated ourselves for having turned out for the walk. Of course, this turned out to be a bit premature. The heavens opened when we were 5 minutes away from the cars soaking us as we struggled out of our walking gear ! I hope it isn’t a portent of weather to come in 2012. Happy New Year Timble and Denton Moor 4th September 2011 Monks and Mushrooms Walk
Leader: Pat Smith (Graham Smith driving but not walking)
Walkers: - Mel, Ian Hewitt, David Marsland, David Shaw, Denise Robson, Terry Doolan, Maddison Horne, Glynis Holmes, Carole Farish, Pam, Bev Gaunt, Pat Pitts, Jonathan Myres, Susan Marr, Michelle Bray, Peter Howard + Carol Humphries, June Chilton, Ken Dalton and Hazel Kimberly.
It was 9:00am on Sunday and we all met in Morrison’s car park and sorted out who was taking who in their cars. Then we all went off to Otley to start the walk. When we arrived there was a nice pub and a big space outside it where we all parked. Then we set off up the road to Lane End Farm and Timble Ings. We had a little stop here for elevensies and I was really glad because I was ready for my chocky biscuit. Suddenly all the ladies disappeared into the woods for a ladies stop. We then walked through the woods and we saw some beautiful mushrooms that looked like the ones out of fairytales. They were bright red with white spots but we couldn’t touch them because they might be poisonous. As we were walking through the rest of the woods I was looking out for deer but we didn’t see any. At the end of the woods we came out on to the moor and walked onto Lippersley Pike. We crossed Denton Moor then stopped for lunch near Hob Beck. I had my coconut long bun with a lovely coffee from my flask. When I put my coffee down on the stones it tipped over on my knee but it didn’t burn me. After lunch we went past Ellarcarr Pike on the way we spotted two funny looking monks on some gate posts. We had our picture taken there. Then it was back to the car to meet with Graham.
I had a great time on the walk. Thank you walking club
By Maddison Horne
Report for Sunday 9th October Yarnbury
Leaders Glynis Holmes Walkers: - Carol Summers, Sue Williams, Joyce Briggs, Val Chadwick, Ian Hewitt, and John Hamlin Weather rain rain and more rain
The plan was to strike out over the moor to Meugher (all access land). The trouble was (after 2 failed attempts) I couldn’t get to walk it out because of the shoot, so I went to plan B. We would do Capplestone Gate. It was persistently raining when we got out of the cars at Yarbury so we all donned our waterproof gear. There's no such thing as bad weather if you’ve got the right gear!! So we set out across Grassington Moor aiming for Coniston Turf Road; striding out in fine style on this good track. The rain just beat down so it wasn’t a day for hanging around. The magnificent seven were still jolly and a bit of rain wasn’t going to spoil our day was it? Or was it? After a while Sue said her Paramo trousers were leaking and she was getting wet. Then Val announced her boots were leaking and Carol said her new waterproof gloves weren’t waterproof after all and her hands were frozen. I’d done a daft trick and pulled my socks over my waterproof trousers to keep them clean and now had soggy feet as the rain wicked down my socks. We found a bit of shelter at the junction of Bycliffe Road and Coniston Turf Road and huddled by the wall to get our elevenses. I filled my coffee cup and put it down to get my coconut long bun out of my bag. When I turned back for my coffee it had gone. Joyce was looking bemused, “oh is that yours” she said. She’d drank my coffee thinking it was her own; you’ve got to watch this lot!! “You can’t have anything to yourself” we laughed. Sue went for a comfort stop and declared she was wet through to the skin and would turn back and Val offered to go with her. I decided it was better we did my shorter option as there was no sign of the weather improving and we were more like the soggy seven by this time. Although John and Ian said they were still dry. We would return via the Dales Way and then at least we would have made the best of it with about 8 miles done. We quickly marched back to the cars and were glad to get the wet gear off. Even John’s waterproofs had failed to keep the rain out and his shirt and trousers were soaked. So there was only Ian who was not let down by his gear. It’s an ill wind they say! Sue went down into Grassington to buy new trousers as we were going to Black Sail the following weekend. Carol also bought new stuff so the kit shop was doing a good trade. Most of our stuff just needed reproofing but it’s a day like this that brings it all to light. John, Ian and I had our lunch in the car before making for home. It had still been better than staying in all day.
Report for Sunday 10th July Kilnsey and Coniston Dip
Leaders Glynis Holmes Walkers:-Andy, Elise and Charlie the dog, Jill and Andy MacFarlane, Carol Summers , David Shaw, Sue Williams, Michelle Bray, Rod and Adele, Hazel Maddy, Joyce Briggs, Val Chadwick, Trevor Foster, Susan Marr and Ann Minke. Weather dull and showery on the moor.
We set out from Grassington and down to Linton Falls which were fabulous after the rain. Andy, Elise, Sue Marr and Ann Minke were quite new to the club so it was all new terrain for them. We made our way up through Threshfield, Skirethorns and Wood Nook Camp site to High House; where we had elevenses among the ruins. It’s a good pull up so we had earned our break. We then headed out over Malham Moor where the rain came down very heavy. I was too warm to be bothered with waterproof trousers but I was wet through in a matter of minutes. We came down Mastiles Lane in to Kilnsey and then across the fields to Coniston. Susan Marr exclaimed, “your having a laugh” when we said we were going up the other side. We reassured her that after a rest at lunch break she would be fine. The rain had stopped and we had all dried out a bit so we had lunch on the rocks at the bottom of Coniston Dib. There was lots of banter and laughter going on mainly about the forth coming 3 peaks event and whether we’d all be fit enough.
After lunch we took a steady plod up the dib. Susan and Ann, couldn’t believe the way we were going was a proper path and Susan exclaimed “You’re having a laugh, I can’t get up there and Oh My God” at every turn. Ann followed some of the gang up and was ready to take photos of Susan doing the dib. With some guidance from Sue W. and lots of cheering on from the folk already at the top, Susan Marr popped out of the dib with an expression of total amazement shouting “I don’t believe it!!” Everyone clapped and cheered. This is Morley Walking Club all over; helping people achieve more than their wildest dreams. Lots of photos taken!
We all had a breather before pushing on up Bycliffe Road to Kelber. Andy M. has always doing a great job as back marker allowing folk to take their time on the hills. The hard work over and it was an arm swinging finale back down to Grassington via Bare House and a nosey sheep. I took Susan and Ann to a Tea Shop but unfortunately the others had to dash off.
Report for Sunday 12th June 2011-Hebdon Bridge
Leaders Glynis Holmes Walkers:-Bev Gaunt, Jill MacFarlane, Carole Farish, David Marsland and Brian Richardson.
The forecast was for lots of torrential rain (another Great British Summer) so I wasn’t surprised when only a hardy few turned out. When we set out for Hebdon Bridge it was dull but dry so we made the best of it with a nice walk by the canal to Charlestown. Then we headed steeply up hill in nicely timed zigzags; taking a breather for elevenses on a banking with nice views across to Stoodley Pike. We carried on up to Blackshaw Head and then down into Colden Clough where there were lots of Bilberries just waiting for a bit of sunshine to ripen them off. Maybe we should come here in July and pick them for a pie. Now Following the Pennine Way it was up hill again to cross the moor at Clough Head Hill where the clouds rolled in and the rain started, slowly at first enabling us to get into the cleft of Hebdondale before it throw it down. We found a rocky overhang with two sections (one for the girls and one for the boys) where we sheltered to get our lunch. A grey veil of rain crept down the valley and it was raining sideways but I kept spirits up by promising a stop at Gibson Mill with its Tea Shop and indoor loo. After which we made a hasty retreat back to the cars. Rain didn’t stop play; we’d had our exercise and lots of laughs as usual.
Sunday, 21st August 2011, starting from Denton near Otley
Leader: Pauline Ford Back marker: Melanie Stockdale Walkers: Bill, Hazel, Ken D, Steph, Jerry, Bev, Pat Smith, Jill, Andy, Glynis, Lizzie, Cynthia, Ros, Helen , Saray, Betty, Gerry Verbrugge, Ann, Olga, Ros Weather: Clear and sunny
We started from a lay-by just below Denton village, passed through the village and soon took a footpath to Middleton on the left of the road. This passed through several woods, and plunged down to the valley of a couple of streams. We had our coffee break just before we emerged on to the road again, on a nice grassy mound, which, I suspect had been a tip in the past, but I did not share that information. The views were good. Trips to Morley Festival and other outings were discussed. We turned right up the lane and turned right, passing through Hill Top Farm, and following a track up to West Moor House. At this point Ros found she had left her stick at the coffee stop, so she and Glynis went back to get it. Mel waited for them. The rest of us turned right and went down to the Fairy Dell and another stream, where we did some clever stick arrows to show where we had crossed it. We approached Hollingley Farm and turned left to toil up a hill, where we could see Ros and party were catching us up with the lost stick.
We had lunch at the top and turned right into a track through some beautiful looking heather, which, unfortunately, was full of black flies. However, we all survived that, and turned right down pleasant lanes to return to Denton. On the way a car drew up, and out got Les, who had shown me this walk. He and his wife were having a Sunday drive, and thought they would see if we were on the right track. We continued back to Denton village, speculating on the nature of a large round stone at the entrance to the village. I offered to show people the church, but there were murmurs “cappuccino”, and “cake”, so we went back to the cars and some went off to the local tea shop.
Three Peaks Challenge Walk - Saturday 6th August 2011
Leader:Sue Williams Back Marker: Glynis Holmes Walkers: Michelle, Hazel, Val, Jill, Elise, Andy, Carol, Morwenna, Adele, Rod, Uncle Mike, Mark and Charlie the dog Back Up Team: Bev, Pat, Graham, Jim, Andy, Kev, Susan
We had all been watching the weather forecast all week in the hope that they would forecast a good day for our epic walk. As we all mustered at Morrison’s for 0550, we were hopeful that the rain might hold off for us as it was dry. On reaching Horton in Ribblesdale, it was dry but dull looking so I got everybody to get ready quickly so that we could get off by 0730 and get as far as possible before the rain came.
We all got to the top of Pen-y-Ghent in a reasonable time, had our photos taken and then quickly set off again for Ribblehead viaduct, as we had about 10 miles to do in total to get there. We saw the rain in the distance and heard rumbles of thunder, so I made everybody walk as quickly as possible to meet my schedule of 1130 at the viaduct. Other charities were out in force, dressed in all sorts of unsuitable clothing, but what can you do. We came across a group of three girls in a boggy area, one of which was up to her hips stuck in a bog. The other two girls were just stood looking helpless and laughing (obviously didn’t want to get their nails dirty) so we helped pull the damsel in distress out and then proceeded to pick our way through the bogs (everybody else then followed our route as they must have realised that we are proper walkers and know what to do!
On arrival at Ribblehead, we were greeted by our fantastic back up team who had everything ready for us despite the heavy rain which had just started. After a short break we set off (thunder was now crashing overhead plus lightning which was rather frightening). The climb up Whernside was extremely wet to say the least and by this time our gear was extremely wet. Poor Elise was starting to struggle as she had started with an ear infection in the week and was not up to par. Thankfully, Glynis stayed with her giving her lots of encouragement and support whilst we pushed to the summit of Whernside. By the time we got to the top, I was getting very concerned about Hazel, as she also had started to struggle with a very sore knee and was in agony. Again, Glynis came to the rescue and looked after Elise and Hazel whilst we then pushed on down to Chapel Le Dale for our second rendezvous with the back up team. The rain was starting to ease off a little but by this time everybody was soaked to the skin, so at Chapel Le Dale most people did a quick change of some clothing which boosted morale a little bit. Unfortunately, I had to rush my troops here as we were getting short of time to complete the challenge in 12 hours. Poor Hazel dropped out here as she couldn’t go any further plus Carol finished here too as she was only doing two peaks.
The climb up Ingleborough was soul destroying due to the weather as it started to rain again and the mist had come right down. Some people’s faces when we got to the base of Ingleborough were a picture in itself due to the steep climb that they now had to do. Some thought they would never get up it – but in the true spirit of the club, everybody did get up there despite injuries now creeping in to a few more people. Morwenna had a bad fall on the summit and took a while to come round and then Michelle’s knees started to become very painful indeed and could barely bend them. Again, Glynis came to my rescue and looked after the walking wounded whilst I charged on with the rest of the party to get them back to Horton in the 12 hours. Adele, Rod, Uncle Mike and Mark from the Middleton Equestrian Centre (whose charity we were helping out with as well as the Club’s challenge) all succeeded in completing the walk in 11 hours 30 minutes so very well done to them for that. Jill, Val, Andy, Morwenna, Charlie the Dog and myself also finished in 11 hours 30 minutes (by the way, Charlie the Dog was a little star). He started out as a very white dog and finished as a very brown dog and maybe slightly shorter legs. Glynis, Elise and Michelle finished in just under 12 hours so we all completed the challenge in under the allotted time and can now call ourselves “ The Three Peakers”. Our back up team were there to greet everybody coming in and made us all feel special. They were on hand to provide hot drinks, food and even massages for our weary bodies despite being bitten to death by midges.
I would like to end this report by saying how proud I was of everyone taking part in the challenge. A big congratulations to Adele, Rod, Uncle Mike and Mark for completing and raising much needed funds for the equestrian centre. A big thank you to all my walkers for making my leadership of the challenge a pleasure to do as I made you all walk at a fast pace with not much time to rest and in terrible weather conditions, and not one of you complained. Another huge thank you to Glynis for back marking and bringing in the walking wounded. Finally, last but not least and big thank you to our fantastic back up team who were there for us at each check point with fantastic support and provisions which kept us going till the end. They even had lots of food and water for Charlie and at the end a nice comfy seat for him to rest his blistered and weary feet.
The Short Walk - Sunday 20th February 2011
Leader: Lizzie Lowe Walkers: Carole Farish, Cynthia, Trevor, Gill and Andy, Pat Smith, Bev, Clare, Daniel, April, Ryan, Glynis, Madison, Hazel, Terry, Michelle, Ros, David, Rita and Brian, Melanie, June, Peter and Carol, Pauline Weather: A cold grey day
The walk began in the small public car park behind the Fox and Hounds pub in Bramhope Village. It had snowed the day before, and although most of the snow had melted, there was a dank cold feel to the day.
We began by going through the village, along Old Lane and then Eastgate. We then turned right, just past a parade of shops, onto a footpath which ran alongside the spoil heaps left over from the digging of the Bramhope Railway tunnel in 1846. Eventually the path rose to be on top of the spoil heap, then we went down a flight of tricky steps, past one of the air shafts for the tunnel, between two ancient gateposts, through some trees, and out onto the road.
Crossing over, we found another path, which led us across some very boggy fields, via a couple more air shafts, through some woods, over a little footbridge and onto Otley Old Road. By now we were very muddy (particularly the children – Ryan, April and Madison!).
Having crossed Otley Old Road, we found another nice squelchy path running between a fence and a wood – it took us out onto gently rising fields. We climbed upwards, passing yet another air shaft. Finding some convenient stones near Crag House Farm, we perched and had our elevensies. There should have been nice views here, but it was misty. We could hear airplanes taking off from Leeds/Bradford airport though.
From Crag House Farm, we descended towards Cookridge Cricket Club; there turning right and following a well made track as far as Kings Lea. We then left the good track to descend on a muddy one to Mosely Farm and Mosely Beck; here crossing the railway line via a bridge and getting a good look at the entrance to the railway tunnel as we passed it on our right. Then upwards again past a ruined red brick mill, and through the yard of Dean Grange Farm. The track then took us to a strange subterranean building – the children were brave and went inside, but we still don’t really know what it was for. Maybe an Anderson Shelter, or an old Ice House? Anyway, we turned right just above it, crossing a stile to pick up a path that ran along the top of some fields, through some woods, past Oak Farm, and eventually out onto Scotland Lane. On the way, we saw two cars that had been parked overhanging a precipice – they looked as if they had been dumped many years ago, but it must have been really tricky to get them into position. We also had some lunch, perched on top of some grassy mounds near a wall. At Scotland Lane, we turned right, then right again down a stony track to Dean Head, Dean House, and a little footbridge over a stream. Then upward via yet more muddy paths and fields (one of which contained two very bouncy young lambs), to Otley Old Road. We turned left, passed High Trees Garden Centre, then turned right onto another up-and-downy sort of track which took us to Woodlands Farm and then another road.
We followed the road for a short way, then turned right and crossed diagonally yet another crop of muddy fields (in which Ryan managed to fall flat on his face), to finally arrive in a hedged and walled way which led back to Old Lane in Bramhope. Turning right, we found the car park, which sported nice loos but no tea-room – what a shame! All in all a nice walk, and it was good to see three children enjoying themselves and behaving so well.
Morley Walking Club Medium Walk - 6th February 2011 - Rishworth
The Party: Pat and Graham, Jill and Andy, Michele, Glynis, Carol, Sue, Tonya, Joyce, David, Brian, Clare, Daniel, April and Ryan,and Pat and I. The Day: Sunday 6th February 2011, rain and gale force winds forecast for the whole day. Winds matched the forecast but only a short but torrential downpour around lunchtime. The Walk: I was surprised to see that 18 brave souls had turned out for my walk, billed as 'strenuous' on a day with a horrendous weather forecast. But then; Morley Walking Club has lots of brave souls.
We drove via the motorway to junction 22 at Windy Hill then via the A672 towards Halifax and parked in the water company car park by Booth Wood Reservoir. Young Ryan had been in a grumpy mood when we left Morley but he was soon his old self as we started the walk with him designated chief stile spotter and gate announcer!
We first walked along field boundaries with several slippery stiles towards Rishworth Village and eventually dropped down into the steep sided valley of the River Ryburn below Ryburn Reservoir where torrents of water made a spectacular sight as they cascaded over the dam wall. After walking along the top of the dam we took coffee at a convenient picnic spot on the side of the reservoir.
As we climbed away from the reservoir we discussed the merits of various GPS products which was lucky really as it soon became apparent to Daniel that his GPS had disappeared! The group called a halt whilst Claire, Daniel and Michele retraced our steps back towards the picnic spot. Fortunately it wasn't long before they reappeared having found the device on the footpath by the water's edge.
We passed through Lower Wormald and Parrock Nook and our eyes were drawn to the looming climb up towards Blackwood Edge, our next target. We took the climb in our stride - some striding more easily than others - but we all made it to the top. By now Ryan had his mind fixed on his next meal but we kept him going with the promise that lunch would be taken 'when we get over the hill'.
We did, eventually, get over the hill - quite a battle against a gale force wind determined to send us back whence we came! After an easier section alongside the water collection channel for Green Withens reservoir we rounded Sam Hill and took lunch in the shelter of a large building by the reservoir. At this point the heavens opened and no matter which side of the building we were sitting the downpour seemed to find us.
After lunch we followed Green Withens Clough down to Oxygrains Bridge and wandered back to the cars via the path which runs south of the road and later via the old road passed Rishworth Lodge, formerly the old Halifax and Huddersfield to Rochdale turnpike. My GPS recorded 8.66 miles.
Morley Walking Club Short Walk – Sunday 16th Jan 2011 Starting from East Hardwick Leaders: Roy & Sue Duckworth Walkers: John & Sonia H, Andrew S, Michelle B, June C, Jean R, Trevor F, Peter H & Carol H, Hazel K, Betty B, Terry D, Carole F, Sue L, Lorraine E, Mike M, Cynthia B, Jonathan M, Brian R, Hazel M, Pauline F. (23 Total) We had walked out this walk 7th November 2010 with Melanie Stockdale and Hazel Kimberley. It had been a nice day and made very interesting due to input by Mel who had explained several interesting facts about High Ackworth village. The forecast all week for Sunday 16th had been for heavy rain. Consequently I was expecting a muddy and wet walk, in fact it turned out bright and dry. So much for weather forecasters , the only job I know where they get it wrong all the time and still manage to keep their jobs! We experienced heavy rain ‘on the drive back’ to Morley. We parked at the side of the road in East Hardwick. I led and Sue acted as back marker. The walk was a “Wilkinson’s walk” from October 2010. It took us over pleasant countryside around the East Hardwick and Ackworth area. Coffe stop was beside a stream and sheltered from the breeze by trees. We continued on towards Low Ackworth and eventually up to High Ackworth where we stopped for lunch beside the ancient medieval cross. After lunch I tried to inject a bit of culture into the walk by explaining about the local history. The cross was erected in memory of Father Thomas Balne of Nostell Priory who preached here in the 1400’s. He died on a pilgrimage to Rome. Ackworth is a Saxon settlement and is mentioned in the Doomsday book. It states there was a church and a mill here in 1066 at the time of the conquest. The present church near the cross dates from 1852, (Rebuilt after a fire). John Gully (MP for Pontefract) and prizefighter is buried at the church with his family outside the church walls. He fell out with the rector because he was a notorious gambler and performed baptisms ‘on demand’. He once went 59 rounds in a bare-fist championship bout (and lost). He died in 1863. I took the walkers to see his grave – outside the church walls. The village of High Ackworth is full of interesting buildings etc, including a coach house and a wonderful road sign with a ball on top and dated 1827. We all arrived back in the village of East Hardwick safely. Everyone saying how much they had enjoyed the walk.
Morley Walking Club Medium Walk - Dunkirk - January 2011
The Leader: Dave Bennett The People: Lizzie, Michele, Sue, Pat & Dave, Graham & Pat, Bev, Hazel, David, Brian, Jonathon, Trevor, Lynn, Carol S, Carol F, Ros, Andrew, Jill & Andy and Marian The Day: A nice bright start, turning cloudy later. Around zero degrees - the ground was mainly frosted with occasional ice patches.
Dunkirk is nothing more than an isolated farmstead sitting at the southern edge of Askwith Moor. My original intention had been to walk from Burley, via the stepping stones across the River Wharfe to Askwith and then northwards via the farmstead and on to Ellercar Pike before a return trip south across the moor. The original walkout with high water levels in the river and snow on the ground persuaded me to abort the route and go to plan B.
Plan B: I wanted to keep Dunkirk Farm since that was the programme title so I devised a route which started and ended at Denton but which touched Dunkirk on the return.
A nice crowd had braved the cold to meet up at Morrisons for the drive to Denton and all the cars arrived pretty smartly. Unfortunately other cars had taken up much of the car park even more smartly so some of our cars had to park on grass verges on the outskirts of the village. We left the village in a westerly direction and almost immediately I succumbed to cries from the ladies wanting a toilet stop. A short wooded section in a slight valley gave the ideal opportunity the ladies had been craving. It was at this point that my eyes were drawn to Marian, who, with a woollen cap pulled down and sun glasses had contrived to get tufts of hair either side of her face, looking for all the world like a long eared owl! There next came another, steeper wooded valley with Bow Beck flowing in the bottom. Having negotiated this valley we were soon entering the outskirts of Middleton. After several more field we reached a junction of several tracks over Middleton Moor. Here we had a coffee stop seated on wooden 'benches' which some of the ladies suggested was like sitting in the cinema. From here we were soon on the open moorland and could see Beamsley Beacon in the distance. The going got a little harder on this section though the paths were still quite wide - 'not a Dave Bennett walk at all' I heard said. It was along this section that Andrew decided to try out his skating technique on the ice. The leap in the air went well but he pulled out of the somersault too soon and land on his posterior in a puddle.
The path did slowly become narrower and eventually disappeared altogether, primarily because I deviated 100 yards or so to gain a small enclosed wood where lunch was taken. 'That was more like it' was the cry. After lunch we went by more wide farm tracks via Dunkirk Farm and back to Denton.
Judging by the comments received they all enjoyed it and if I devise more walks of this type I could well lose my hard won reputation!
Short Walk Report – 17th October 2010
Leaders : Sue & Roy Duckworth Area: Otley/ Clifton / Farnley Weather: Perfect walking weather, clear blue skies, light winds, cool with no rain. List of Walkers: Melanie, June, Lizzie, Pat & Dave, Andy & Jill, Trevor, Pat & Graham plus daughter Catherine, Pat Pitts, Cynthia, Pam & Pete, Denise ‘W’, Sonia, Lorraine, Glynis, Hazel ‘K’, Hazel Maddy, Carol, Michele, Olga, The Pendery family-Daniel, Claire, April and Ryan, Brian Richardson, Sue & Roy.
We parked in the main car-park in Otley. (Free on Sundays) The good weather must have tempted many people to go walking. There was a good spread of ages on this walk, the reason being we were joined by the Pendery family, which included young Ryan and April. The kids were obviously good walkers with plenty of energy. They both sported proper walking boots and Ryan even carried a walking pole. The kids were nearly always up front running and climbing with no sign of fatigue. The Pendery’s had joined us for the first time, and we hope to see them on future walks. Our first stop was a 5 minute coffee break in the village of Clifton. The views from the ridge above Lindley Wood Reservoir were magnificent thanks to the crystal clear autumn weather. We had walked the walk out on the previous Sunday along with Melanie, Hazel & bill. That had also been a perfect sunny day. We never dared hope that the weather would be as good on the actual walk day..................................... but it was. Everybody seemed to be enjoying the beautiful weather and the walk itself. We stopped for lunch overlooking a panoramic view near Farnley. The only let down from my point of view was the road walk down Farnley Lane back to Otley. This was relieved at the end by a walk through the lovely park in Otley. The walk was from an old walking book I have had for at least 30 years. The only diversion was at Haddockstones Farm. Here the path which had originally been through the farm was diverted round the perimeter to avoid entering the farmyard.
Report for Sunday 8th August 2010-Unknown Ingleborough
Leaders Glynis Holmes and Sue Williams Walkers:-Val Chadwick, Mary Kennedy, Joyce Briggs and Trevor Foster.
The forecast was good and we left Morley with high hopes for fines views from the top of Ingleborough. I went off with Trevor to pick Mary up from Gildersome as it was on route and would save Mary the walk into Morley. We caught up with Sue and the others at Ribblehead where we would park near the Tea Cart. Setting off in shorts and sleeveless T shirts, hoping that the dark looming clouds would pass over and give us the good day we were promised by the weather man. We went up the nose of Park Fell then contouring round Simon Fell and on to Ingleborough which is a lesser used route. Sadly by the time we reached Simon Fell the clag was down and it was quick change in to full waterproof gear while we grabbed a soggy elevenses. We plodded on to the top of our descent route and then gave the gang a choice, did they want to go to the Summit of Ingleborough as we had no view whatsoever or shall we head on down. Val had never been up Ingleborough before so we all agreed to go for the top and with Sues extensive knowledge of Ingleborough and her trusty GPS we knew we’d be fine even though by this time we could barely see one another. As usual there was a gaggle of folk in the summit shelter and we sat there for our lunch donning winter hats and gloves as it was very cold on the top. We didn’t linger too long and were soon carefully descending the steep stepped path down towards Humphrey Bottom and then along the Lime Stone Pavement to Great Douk Cave. By which time the sun was out and we could see the whole of the ridge we had walked earlier and the top of Ingleborough was clear (Sods Law). All the winter/wet gear stowed and back to the shorts and T shirts. Sue took some of the gang down to see the cave as I stayed up top with Mary and all the bags. They opened the trap door to look inside-see photo. We had a nice afternoon stop sitting in the sun before heading back to Ribblehead and the cars. Mary bought us all an ice cream and we all agreed a good day was had even though we’d had every season in one day and all our gear had been worn at one stage or another. It just goes to show it’s always wise to carry your wet weather/winter gear because the weather man tells lies!!!!!! Luv Glynis
The Tea Shop Walk – Sunday 11 July 2010
Leader – Lizzie Lowe Walkers – Melanie, Margaret and Michael, Carole, Sue, Lorraine, Mandy, Siobhan. Weather – dry and windy The walk began in Golden Acre Park car park. We left the area via a small gap in the wall, and turned right along the A660 for 100 yards. We then took a bridle path leading into the woods, and thence up a steep bit of banking to the Fish Pond. Here we admired the water lilies – but alas, the leaves supported neither frogs nor handsome princes. So we left, descending to the path and through a gate onto a well-made track that led across fields to Pinfold Lane.
Pinfold Lane is long. At the far end, we crossed Cookridge Lane, and then went through a rather elegant area of housing, taking Smithy Lane, which led onto another broad path through fields. At Crag House Farm, we turned right along a narrower footpath, and settled upon some rocks to eat our elevensies.
Turning right again, we took the Leeds Country Way, which ran behind houses and deposited us back at the top of Smithy Lane. We went through the elegant housing area again, then back along Pinfold Lane and the broad path to The Fishpond. A slightly different route took us back through the woods and along a boardwalk into Golden Acre car park. We went through the tunnel under the A660, and into Golden Acre Park, where we walked anti-clockwise around the Lake. The walk ended at the Tea Room, which was busy – but we were happy to receive eventually our scones, cakes and teas as a reward for the (rather easy) walk.
Walk Report – 10.1.2010 - Morley Area
Leaders - Sue & Shariff Walkers - Jill and Andy, Glynis, Hazel, Denise, Tonya, Pat and Graham, Trevor, Dave and Val January certainly caused major disruption to our walk’s programme as mine was the second one to fall foul of the weather. Shariff and I had planned to do Win Hill, but thanks to lots of snow the roads from Sheffield were closed and the ones that were open were not really safe to drive on. We made a decision during the week to change our plans and do a walk round the Morley area. Most people who rang on the Saturday were mightily relieved not to have to drive anywhere on the Sunday.
We set off from Morrison’s car park through Scatcherd Park, down Hillycroft and up to Rooms Lane. We picked up Denise and Tonya there, carried on over the motorway and out onto Gelderd Road. From there, we started out on a footpath up towards New Farnley. By this time, some of us ladies were in desperate need of a stop – some more than others as Val seemed to be leaking not only from the obvious, but there was a fountain of water gushing from her shoulder as well – a very unusual place if you ask me but needs must. We all cracked out laughing and poor Val could not concentrate on the job in hand for a good while. It all happens on our walks with the club!!
Once Val had gained her composure, we reached New Farnley, found our way round with some help from the locals and headed towards Cockersdale. It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and the snow crisp and sparkling. Some of us couldn’t believe that this was actually near Morley as so far we had hardly been near any towns as such and felt so much in the countryside. Once through Cockersdale, we headed to the outskirts of Gildersome where we had lunch not too far from where Harold Hargreaves used to live.
Once through Gildersome, we negotiated our way through the industrial estate and out onto the top road (A650). By this time, Denise, Tonya, Dave, Pat, Graham and Glynis had left us. The rest of us continued to go through Brow Woods and towards Howley Hall. The snow clouds were now building up again so Shariff and I decided to have a five minute afternoon stop – yes you read correctly, Sue having an afternoon stop!! As the snow got heavier, we cut the walk short by this time and headed through the golf course and back towards Morley crossing over the M62 and through Dartmouth Park. In all we walked 11 miles, everybody enjoyed still being able to get out and some were really surprised as to how nice it had been considering the walk was around the Morley area.
Family Walk - Ilkley June 27th 2010
Leaders: Val Chadwick & Tonya Smith Well with England playing in the World cup that day and very hot temperatures forecast the turn out wasn't good, but all was not lost as Tonya brought along a new member who enjoyed the day so much, she promises to bring along another new member on the next walk which is what the day was all about. John & Sonia brought along 3 young men who enjoyed climbing the rocks but the going was tough in the heat so on reaching the Cow & Calf the boys decided to stay and play after enjoying a lovely picnic lunch, which left John & Sonia sitting back enjoying the lovely weather. Tonya, Mandi and myself continued the walk passing many of the interesting rocks/stones such as the Pancake stone, Haystack rock and the Idol stone. After a very enjoyable walk we made it home just in time to watch England get defeated O'Dear, O'Dear, O'Dear!
Rocking Moor Walk Report May 2nd 2010
Leader; Melanie Stockdale Participants Hazel Maddy, Jonathan Myers, Graham & Pat Smith, Pauline Ford, Carol Deighton, David Shaw, Lorraine Eastwood, Carole Farish, Brian & Rita, Pat &Dave, Pam Alderson, Andrew & Christine, David Marsland, Terry Doolan, Lynne Darby, Hemma Mistry, Carol Summers, Jean Bell. On a bitterly cold, overcast day, 24 hardy souls set off from Thruscross reservoir car park .Everyone had sensibly got their winter walking gear out again after our brief taste of summer last week. I marched them very briskly up North Moor Road (that’ll teach ‘em to moan about the cold), then along the bridleway to Spittle Ings House, where we turned North through the gate, to enter the access land track for Rocking Moor. Although it was cloudy, the visibility was good and Rocking Hall stood out clearly across the moor.
Large gritstone boulders made an ideal shelter for an early coffee stop which gave Hazel time to consult with Dave about the finer points of info on the OS map. This was her first foray into walking with a map and she was just mastering the complex skill of reading the map without tripping over obstacles on the path. The wind was behind us on the steady climb up to the Hall and the views were spectacular over Thruscross and to Menwith Hill to the east. Graham claimed that he could see over to the Kilburn White Horse, (but he does have a good imagination!)
We had plenty of time to explore this imposing looking 19th century shooting lodge with the rocking stone between the 2 buildings, before going through a rickety gate in the wall to the left and on to a grassy path by shooting butts. Surprisingly, since we’d had 2 days of heavy showers, the going over the moor wasn’t too boggy and path finding through the burnt heather was relatively easy. We surprised a few sitting grouse and could hear lapwings and curlews calling on the wind.
Once off the moor we reached a vehicle track with grassy banking which made a good lunch stop. It was sheltered and fairly mild until we’d got our goodies unpacked and then, unbelievably, it started to hail. Being a stoic lot of course we just sat through it and were rewarded with entertaining pairs of noisy Canada geese circling overhead. The field paths back to Thruscross involved a series of stiles, so we got really strung out by the time we reached the eroded banks of Capelshaw Beck and we had to wait to congregate again at the road in order to embarrass Jonathan with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday which silenced any birds in the vicinity. A pleasant walk along the permissive path around Thruscross soon brought us back to our cars, and guess what – the sun came out.
Middleton, Leeds Walk Report March 21st 2010
Leader: Lizzie Lowe Walkers: Pauline, Jonathan, Melanie, Trevor, Cynthia, Pam, June, Sue, Lorraine, Hazel, Andrew and Christine, Roy and Sue, Bill and Hazel, Terry
Weather: A fine and sunny day – the first day of Spring! The walk began at the main entrance of Middleton Park, on Town Street in Middleton. We walked down through the park, which had pretty sprinklings of crocus dotted around the grass. Sadly, the cafe is now defunct, but we took a path behind it, into the woods, wound around hither and thither in the trees, and then bore left to go uphill between the park and the golf course.
Eventually we emerged to cross over Beeston Ring Road, then down Bodmin Road, to turn down a little alley and onto grassy land and a path that wound for a long way, skirting the woods and the litter and climbing to give lovely views over Morley. We stopped for a mid-morning snack at the top of a ridge, with some convenient ‘sitting trees’ to perch on (lucky, because sitting in dog poo is never appetising!).
We followed the track for a little further, then came out by Thorpe Garth. We crossed Thorpe Lane, but the track opposite (which we should have taken) is colonised by vicious dogs and geese owned by the scrap merchants. So we turned left and after a short walk, found a path on our right that led onto fields. Here we found a faint path down to the motorway and railway line. The ground by the railway line was a bit of a mess – there’s obviously some major pipe-laying going on – but the track that goes under the motorway was fine. We popped out right by a new estate tastefully arranged in a bog and surrounded by electricity pylons and motorway noise – glad I don’t live here..... Again, a short road walk, then another rather pretty footpath through woods, leading up to a little tunnel under a road, then into the village of Thorpe on the Hill (no tearooms whatsoever!). We crossed the motorway again, via a plastic tunnel bridge, and passed Thorpe School and some houses, to get to rhubarb fields where, after following various paths, we lunched (whilst watching the strange manoeuvrings of a 4 x 4 that was skidding about on the muddy tracks between fields).
Eventually, we crossed Throstle Carr Beck on a little wooden bridge, and entered an area where the paths were blocked by the building of a huge new housing estate. Roy and Andrew found a way through the metal fences and barriers, and we wandered past many empty houses (recession = no sales at present), till we found ourselves by St. Georges Medical Centre, the tip, and the forlorn shops of Middleton.
Here we crossed Beeston Ring Road again, then went down Sharp Lane and Newhall Road, to find a path on our left that led across scrubland to Middleton Wood. We entered the wood on a broad trail that took us to the right – then joined the main path into Middleton Park. It was uphill all the way back to the cars then – haunted by the sound of an ice-cream van that we never actually found! Sad – it would have been a nice way to celebrate one of the first nice days after a remarkably long hard winter.
Strictly Walking...on ice! Sunday 17 January 2010
Well, you’ve never seen anything like it with Morley Walking Club; we have an Adventure Group section to the Club, but the heart of the matter is that we’re all ‘adventurers’ really! Christmas was ice-cold; snow upon more snow – just like the Carol, and so much snow, no-one had been able to get out into the fresh air but a sunny day was forecast for January 17th; most of the snow had melted, and Morley Walking Club was raring to go!
And ‘go’ we did! Ros, our leader said ‘Ice’ll lead you all on a (n)’ice walk’. Her walk in the Pennines was still inaccessible due to... guess... snow, so she moved her walk to the ‘safer’ locations of Drighlington and Oakwell Hall. So 36 members, frustrated with being snowed-up for weeks, met in Driggie, and the first thing they did as they drove onto the car park was to skid in their cars on the ice! Having parked, with great bravery they extracted themselves hanging on for dear life to the wing mirrors, doors, bumpers, anything that gave stability really, to get to the cars’ boot to put on walking gear. Then still hanging on they made their way to the one patch of grass which looked safe to stand on only to find it was equally slippy – no not due to ice.....let’s just say, poor dogs, they have to go somewhere!
Off we set through the snicket by the 7-11 Chinese takeaway, keeping to the edge of the path because of the ice, but still finding it slippery (we won’t mention why). Out onto Moorside Vale and across the ‘glacier’, finally reaching The Moor. Walking in the road was safest – for all sorts of slippy reasons! Intrepid Dave B thoroughly enjoyed himself ice-skating ahead of the group: he clearly has a technique for walking in these conditions, developed from years of climbing snowy mountains – at least, we don’t think he’d got his ice crampons on! Crossing stiles in icy conditions as we slid over the fields to Oakwell was a new experience: don’t think the Club has ever seen such elegance as demonstrated by Pat S! Most of us were squealing, feet going from under us whilst swinging our legs over, but not Pat - she practically piroette-ed over! I think we’ll have to ask her for a demonstration at the next Christmas Dinner-Dance!
Footpaths all over Oakwell Hall grounds were just like an ice-rink. Peter H showed his bravery as he ‘skated’ into the woods; John H flew by the turn-off; Sue and Roy took a short-cut through the woods avoiding ice-laden paths; Bev, Hazel and a few others did a bit of ‘via ferrata’ holding onto wooden railings, but Andrew S should take a prize because he, even in walking boots, was clearly an old hand at ice-skating – pushing his feet forward in the right way, holding his body at the correct angle for good balance. Never mind crampons Andrew, you need to keep a pair of clip-on blades in your rucksack!
The girlies need a mention – Lizzie, Carol and Ros, were brave to go into the Tea Rooms; it was a real struggle to eat chocolate muffins and only helped by a decent cup of coffee! Just think of the risk we endured to our figures!
Whilst some were in cozy-land Tea Room, the highlight of the walk was happening! Those sat by the stream with their flasks and snap, balancing carefully on the wall, were happily overlooking the stone ram...until a brisk breeze blew a sit-mat over into the water! Skating speed-o Andrew was quick off the mark to throw himself over the wall, dangle up-side down, dangerously heading towards the stream – all of 2ins deep – held by the legs by Pam A as he retrieved the mat. Then seconds later (and I’m sure this was a put-up job by those who hadn’t seen the act) he had to do it all again as Glynis’s sit-mat flew into the water as well! Who says MWC walks don’t ever have a moment of excitement! What a great start to the new year!
Report for Sunday 3rd January 2010
Leader:- Glynis Holmes.
Walkers:- Pat and Graham Smith, Dave and Pat Bennett, Andy and Jill MacFarlane, Ann and Chris Gott, Ken Dalton. I had walked a walk out at Addingham for this slot in the club programme; but the Christmas and New Year season has been a wonderful winter wonderland, full of snow and ice and last night we’d had more snow. So I consulted with Eric Walsh, a club member who lives in Addingham and decided it was safer to do a local walk straight from Morrisons Car Park. Don’t worry we won’t miss out, I’ll do Beamsley Beacon later on in the year.
So I said that we would go through Briar woods and on to Howley Park, passing the ruins and then we could work our way around the quarry on to Rein Road. We could then go through the ginnel to Topcliffe Lane and come back via a part of the old Railway line, through the Bridge Street allotments and then on the pavement to Morrisons. Dave decided to take his car home and meet us on the top road. Ann and Chris walked up from Cherwell and met us on Corporation Street.
It was a cold crisp blue sky morning and we had lovely views over to Castle Hill at Hudderfield, with Holme Moss beyond and the iconic Emley Moor mast on the skyline. The sun shone for us and everyone was on good form with the banter flowing fast and furious. Exchanging tales of their Christmas and New Year adventures, everyone seamed glad to be out with the gang once again. As we dropped down through Briar Woods (Birkby Brow on the map) we could here shooting and Dave quipped, “Those wearing cockerel looking hats should be very careful”. A guy shouted keep to the main path as we passed a group on a Clay Pigeon shoot. No Probs, that’s what we had intended anyway!
Once we were out of ear shot we had coffee stop on a sunny banking on the Leeds Country Way. Across the fields a train came rattling along to go into Morley Tunnel. The Tunnel starts in Howley Park and goes under America Moor, Britannia Road, Hopewell Farm Housing Estate, Town End and The City areas of Morley, underground for about 2 miles before it pops back out again at Morley Low Station.
After a well earned break and a round of Pat and Grahams Quality Streets to give us a bit of humph we plodded up the hill to Howley Ruins where we stopped for a group photo. Picking our way through the snow I could see Rein Road and Terry and Judith’s house came in to view. I rang to say Happy New Year and when Judith realised we were so near she invited us in for tea/coffee, homemade Christmas cake and cheese. It isn’t everyday we get to eat our packed lunch with The Lord Mayor of Leeds and her consort. Ken fulfilled a boy hood wish as he’d always admired this house and wanted a guided tour. No problem, Judith and Terry showed him around their home. Judith wanted a group photo, Terry gladly obliged and we all bid our Happy New Years.
Only the last lap remained, up Rein Road through the ginnel, down Topcliffe Lane, along by the allotments and we were soon passing my flat where Dave, Pat and I branched off. The others made their way back to Morrisons to pick up their cars. We’d done about seven miles and made a good start to 2010.
Thanks to Eric for his Addingham weather update and to Judith and Terry for their warm welcome. |
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