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!
Morley Walking Club Short Walk Starting from East Hardwick – Sunday 16th Jan 2011
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.
Coffee 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 prize-fighter 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 – 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.
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.
Report for Sunday 12th June 2011 – Hebden Bridge
Leader 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 Hebden 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 Hebdendale 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.
Three Peaks Challenge Walk – Saturday 6th August 2011
_Sue Williams Back Marker_ Glynis Holmes
_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 and 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 backup 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 was 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. 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.
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 and Ros
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.
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