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.
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.
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!
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 and 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, and 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.
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 I 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!
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.
Report for Sunday 8th August 2010 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
Short Walk Report – 17th October 2010
Leaders : Sue & Roy Duckworth
Area: Otley/ Clifton / Farnley
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.
Weather: Perfect walking weather, clear blue skies, light winds, cool with no rain.
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.