Lothersdale – Medium Walk 05/02/2017
Leader: Ian Pickering
Walkers: Lizzie, Sue Williams, Glynis, David Shaw, Ros, Angela Phipps ,Andrew Sanderson, Laurie, Pat Appleyard, Maddie Burrows, Robin, John Hamlin, Phil & Cyn
As we parked up in the Craven village of Lothersdale ,there was a few disgruntled faces as all we could see was hills. Shortly after setting off we were heading up one of these hills, which certainly warmed us up on a chilly morning. We joined the Pennine Way and continued to climb steadily to reach the summit point of Pinhaw Beacon.
We took a well-earned coffee break here and enjoyed some stunning views across the Dales, as well as been joined by a few excitable dogs. A welcome downhill stretch was now encountered, as we followed the Pennine Way across Thornton Moor. My warning of a very slippery boardwalk across a bog caused some cautious walking, but as we reached the end of the obstacle, Glynis took a tumble into the mud, luckily no harm done apart from mucky kecks.
After strolling through Elslack village, we headed up hill to the nice little Elslack Reservoir, where we took lunch and repaired Lizzie’s feet & boots after they had fallen apart. A steady climb through Standrise Plantation gave us some lovely views across the Craven dales, before emerging into a moors road, where Mrs Applepie came out of the woods with a bright orange ball she had stolen from a dog, who is probably still looking for his toy. The last climb of the day was over Ransable Moor, before picking up the Pennine Way again back to the finish. An enjoyable, although rather tough walk in decent weather, to a rarely visited area.
Marsden Medium Walk – 03/09/2017
Leader: Ian Pickering
Walkers: Sue Williams, Robin ,Eileen, Melanie, Lizzie, Jo, David Shaw, Laurie, President Pete, Sue Lund, John Hamlin, Beryl & the three Carols, Humphries, Jobling & Summers.
The day didn’t bode well at first, as the walk leader gave meeting directions to Marsden railway station & then for some unknown reason proceeded to park at the station, but the wrong station , in the wrong town of Slaithwaite. Anyway we got going along the Huddersfield narrow canal to the Standedge Tunnel, through which the canal runs underground for approx. 4 Miles. Here we met a lady from the Canals & Rivers trust, who couldn’t give us much information about the tunnel, but did try to sell us ‘Trust’ membership (No chance).
As we walked through a new Nature Reserve, we found a pair of glasses on a picnic table & Carol Summers tried them on and hey-ho she could see through them, and a bonus was, the colour matched her fleece. After crossing the lovely old packhorse bridge at Eastergate, we headed onto the moor via Willykay Clough, where a coffee break was taken. Next we climbed the moor and gained an extra walker, in the shape of a Mouse which was running up the path in front of us. We joined the Pennine Way and followed it to the trig point at Standedge and gained a very strong wind blowing across the ridge.
Lunch was taken besides Redbrook Reservoir but we quickly became lunch ourselves after being eaten by a swarm of hungry flies. Following the lunch break, I had planned a naughty little ‘sting in the tail’ up the steep side of Pule Hill, which is a tough climb but only short. It was all downhill now, along the top of Pule Hill & passed the WW2 monument , before descending steeply back to the Standedge Tunnel once again. To finish, we strolled back along the canal to the cars, but not before the Canals & Rivers Trust woman tried to extract more money out of us (still no chance).
Thanks Ian
Rishworth Moor – Sunday 5th November 2017
Leader: Robin Myers
Walkers, Jonathan Myers, Margaret Bye, Ann Cooper, Ros Smith, Denise Smith, Tonya Smith, Lizzy Low, Pam Pawson, Phil & Cynthia Hirst, Sue Williams, Joyce Briggs, Val Chadwick, Glynis Holmes, Beryl Kirk, Sue Lund, Mel Stockdale, Carol Jobling, Pat Appleyard, John & Sonia Hamlin, Jill &Andie McFarlane, Pat Smith, Bev Gaunt, David Lyon, Jane Elliott, Carol Petrie, Pat Ashby, Andrew Sanderson, Laurie Hutchinson, Jenny Pearson and Linda McLoughlin.
The weather was wonderful, bright sunny and warm for the time of year. I could not believe it when 33 walkers arrived at Morrison’s car park. On arrival for the walk we parked at Boothwood Reservoir car park and set off gently climbing towards Rishworth Moor where we encountered our first obstacle, a six foot wall with a stone step style built into it. With a great deal of help from Andie we all managed to get over it. As we got higher reaching the ridge we were rewarded with panoramic views over the valley towards Baitings and Ryeburn reservoirs and further down the valley, the village of Rishworth.
At this point the moor slopes steeply downhill and as we descended I heard some sort of words about a trolley.
The muttering got louder when we had to negotiate a stream and deep mud at a field gate. Still undeterred, and with a brave face, I continued on regardless.
We took elevenses on the dot in a small and then continued down towards Baitings Reservoir wall which we crossed before turning right into the wooded valley of Ryeburn Reservoir. This area is a delight however at this point, my first mistake, I was so busy talking to David Lyon we missed the gate and path for about fifty yards before the thick mud stopped us.
As we made our way back David’s foot got stuck in the mud and he fell covering his trousers in thick mud. (Sorry David). The dark muttering about a trolley award were much louder now. Grimly we continued through woods and then took at some picnic tables at the end of the reservoir.
We crossed the reservoir wall and began to make our way up hill towards the valley ridge crossing fields and passing a 17th century house at Upper Cockcroft.
The walk continued in a big half circle with great views all the way but it was here I made my second mistake, I picked the wrong path down the side of a house and we had to turn round after about 200 yards. By now I was really worried, the trolley brigade were in full swing. We finally arrived back at the car park.
All joking aside I think it was marvellous that 33 people turned up for my walk and I thank all of them. I think everyone had a great day.
Bramhope – 5th March 2017
Leader: Glynis Holmes
Walkers: Pat & Graham, Pam, Bev, Jonathan, Ian, John & Sonia, Robin, Pat A. Carol and Peter met us there.
We set off on a bright morning from Golden Acre Park. The first part of the walk was along to Pauls Pond where the swans and ducks were being antisocial and stayed in the reeds furthest away from us. This part of the walk was good underfoot so were made swift progress to Grag Farm (The Care for Life centre) where we had our elevenses on a grassy area by the footpath.
I’d warned the group that the going got very muddy from here and Pat, Graham and Pam had planned to leave us at this point and retrace their steps back to Golden Acre. We’d just finished our snap when it started to rain so we said our fare wells, donned the waterproofs and carried on to Bramhope.
A Llama gave us a snooty look as we walked past his field and onwards through the old tips left from the building of the railway tunnel. We were soon at Bramhope where we sat in the park shelter as it was still raining on and off.
The rain was getting heavier and the cloud was low so unfortunately we didn’t get the views across from the Ebor way we had had on the walk over. We just got more mud; after 24hours of non-stop rain over Friday/Saturday the paths were very squelchy and there was talk of me getting the trolley award. Cheek!!
I decided to cut the slurry filled Bank Top lane out so we came down Arthington Road and joined the footpath to Lineham Farm Donkey Sanctuary. We discovered Ian needed to go back to Specsavers as he thought the donkeys were pigs! The sheep were pigs! Everything looked like a pig!
We headed off down Swan Lane and along to Eccup Whin Woods where I had to call Pat A back as she was heading down a path in to a swamp created by the very wet winter. Soon we were back in to Golden Acre where the Canada Geese were squawking and strutting their stuff. Spring is on its way and let’s hope it’s a dry one. I was really tempted to nip in the café as they do nice scones here but we did look like the creatures from the black lagoon so we decided to head straight home. We’d walked 8.3 miles in good company, shame about the mud and the weather but that’s winter walking in Great Britain. Baa Humbug!!
Long Marston – Sunday 6 August 2017
Leader: Lizzie Lowe
Walkers: Pam, Ian, Glynis, David Shaw, Carol Joblin, Laurie, Jane Elliott
We parked near the Sun Inn in Long Marston, then walked along a couple of streets to find the Village Hall hidden down a secret alley between some unremarkable houses. We followed a path to the right of the Village Hall; this meandered beside fields and hedges to emerge onto a lane. Turning left, we followed the lane, eventually turning right onto a field path that led us down to Stubbing Gate.
Having gone over a tiny stream, we then headed uphill between fields to Heulaugh Grange Farm. (Three weeks earlier, this path had been well-nigh impassable; overgrown with weeds and crops. I’d come prepared today, with secateurs. But delightfully, it had all been cleared since Glynis and I did the recce. No need for secateurs – Glynis’s complaint to the Ramblers’ Association and the York footpath officer had obviously paid off!).
At the far side of the farm grounds we came to a lane where we turned right. (There was a bloated dead sheep here on the recce day, but that too had been dealt with – Glynis’s complaints are effective!). When the lane ended we turned right again, uphill a bit then downward again to find a sheltered dell where we ate our elevensies in the sunshine (or shade, depending on personal preference). Refreshed, we continued around the edge of Nova Scotia Wood, to find a clear path that led us eventually to the Chequers Inn in the village of Bilton. We wandered through this apparently deserted village, admiring the elegant houses but puzzled by the lack of people. We crossed the B1224 by the ancient church of St. Helen (Norman), then took the small road opposite, which eventually became another long clear lane to Tockwith.
At Tockwith, we turned right along the road – sadly the verges were so overgrown that we had to walk on the tarmac.
Some of us ate our lunch whilst sitting on the verge – others pressed on along the road to the Obelisk which commemorates the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 (Oliver Cromwell won!). At the Obelisk we were reunited, and we all sat on the steps for a while, admiring the view and pondering about the Civil War so long ago.
Then it was onwards again. We didn’t even try the footpath that runs behind the village of Long Marston, because it had been completely overgrown with nettles on our recce day and we had no faith that it would have been cleared. Instead, we amused ourselves by keeping to the sidewalk and staring into people’s gardens as we passed through the village. At the far end, we found the cars, cast off our boots and headed for the pub.
Lizzie Lowe
Pendle Hill 09/04/2017
Leader: Ian Pickering
Walkers: Denise Smith, Sue Williams, Tonya, Joyce Briggs, Glynis, David Shaw, Angela Phipps, Jill & Andy, Laurie , John Hamlin, Carol & President Pete. Also joining us for a while was Ian’s friend & local lad Richard & his dog Alfie.
Shorts & t-shirts were required as we set off in glorious sunshine from Pendleton Village. Shortly after leaving the village we were on the up, heading towards Nick of Pendle, passing en-route a Ski Slope, skiing in lovely sunshine didn’t seem right, but it is a dry run. The Nick of Pendle is a gap in the fell ridge, from where we treated to wonderful views across the Ribble Valley to Clitheroe.
After a coffee break, we continued over Apronfull Hill and Black Hill, before entering a lovely little valley known as Ogden Clough. We now followed a paved path across Barley Moor towards the summit of Pendle Hill, it was at this point Joyce started to feel unwell, but Nurse Tonya gave her a magic potion, that tasted disgusting but seemed to help for a while. The summit was busy with people, but we managed to take over the trig point for group photos, which looked like it included several of the local Witches.
Leaving the windy summit plateau, we headed downhill & took lunch, before heading across Downham Moor, where the weather started to change & it got rather chilly. Joyce had another dizzy spell & got cramp, but was revived after a bit of treatment & a sugary drink, which apparently had been found on the fell earlier, nothing but the best for our members. Before heading south along the valley, we paid a visit to the farm that used in the classic film ‘Whistle down the wind’, but Jesus wasn’t in the barn. A steady trudge back along the valley passed a couple of lovely old halls, before we returned to Pendleton, thankfully with Joyce in one piece.
St Aidan’s 15/10/2017
Leader: Ian Pickering
Walkers: Jonathan Myers, Phil & Cyn, Roger & Ethan & Bailey the Dog. Margaret Bye, Anne Cooper, Jill & Andy, Andrew Sanderson, Pat Smith, Rita & Brian, Sonia Hamlin, President Pete & Carol. Mary Kennedy, Jenny Pearson, Terry, Ken, David Lyon, Bill &Hazel, Alan Redgrove, Eileen, Denise, Hazel, Jane Elliot & Jackie.
The very good October weather helped a good turnout for this very nice local wander. After filling the car park at Fleet Lane, we headed off through Lemonroyd Marina, which was full of narrow boats. Following a steady stroll along the River Aire, we had a coffee break at Caroline Bridge, where I had laid some lovely flat boulders to sit on.
Shortly after the break, we had to say Bye to Margaret for a while, as she had left her walking pole back at the boulders & returned with young Bill. A narrow path along an Ox bow lake brought us to Woodend & we picked up a bridleway that led to the nature reserve at St Aidan’s. Lunch was taken besides the visitor centre & Oddball, the large dragline from the old mine.
An adventurous swimmer in the lake entertained us before we headed up a small hill. The walk along the top gave us some lovely views of the whole reserve & we watched some Kestrels looking for lunch. Making our way through the waterways & reed beds we arrived at a causeway to cross one of the lakes and take us back towards the river. A steady plod along the perimeter of the reserve finished off the walk on a lovely sunny day.
Thanks Ian
Barwick in Elmet – Sunday 12 March 2017
Leader: Lizzie Lowe
Walkers: Ian, Robin, David Shaw, Sonia, Sue Williams, Andy and Jill, Melanie, Peter and Carol
The walk began at the Black Swan Public House in Barwick in Elmet. The weather forecasters had told us we would be cold and wet, so we were wrapped up cosily. We began by walking through the pub’s car park and taking an alleyway that led us past ancient earthworks into Meadow View. Passing various bits of suburbia, we emerged onto Potterton Lane and then endured a bit of road walking until, after twists and turns, we found the A64.
Having crossed this busy road, we turned right to find a stile that led us to more peaceful places – some fields, then a long track called Mangrill Lane. This took us to the Thorner/Bramham Road. We turned right, and went downhill, eventually crossing the road to take a footpath down to Wothersome Lake. After crossing some rather unsteady stepping stones over a stream, we climbed to a ledge where we sat with our elevensies. The sun was out, and we took off a layer or two of clothing.
Onward – left, then after a mile or so, right – we stumbled through muddy woods on a variety of rutted tracks. We reached Pompocali in time for lunch, sitting atop what are rumoured to be Roman remains. More clothing came off; it was getting actively hot! Full of sandwiches, we proceeded past the ruins of Scarcroft Mill, along a stony track, then across a couple of fields to reach Thorner Lane.
Turning left, we followed the lane uphill then took a stile on the right into a field full of lunching walkers (not very communicative folk so we don’t know where they were from). We passed some interesting Georgian houses, then took an alleyway that became a lane, crossed some stiles, descending and ascending muddy tracks and emerging in Thorner itself. Sadly we found no ice-cream vans or shops – we really were getting very warm indeed.
Uphill out of Thorner – Kirkfield Lane then Ellerker Lane, then Saw Wood – and we were back then playing the dangerous ‘Cross the A64’ game. We all survived, and descended to a beck which we followed through many a field till it was time to stop for an afternoon rest. The beck’s waters twinkled in the sunlight – unbelievably for early March.
It would have been nice to finish on that agreeable track by the beck, but alas, we had another muddy uphill scramble to get back to Barwick. Very hot and sweaty, we returned to our cars at around 2.30pm. Barwick’s tearoom and ice-cream shop were firmly shut, so we headed home.
The lovely weather was a real bonus – I wonder if the forecasters will apologise for getting their predictions so wrong?
Lizzie Lowe
Thixendale Medium Walk 2/4/17
Leader: Angela Phipps
Walkers: Mel, Pat Smith, Sue Williams, Denise Smith, Margaret Bye, David Lyons, Anne Cooper, Jill & Andy MacFarlane, Pat Pitts, Laurie, Robin, Trish Ashby, Andre & Ros
In spite of rain dances all week to keep numbers down for my first walk, the weather was lovely and we made a decent sized motley crew. We set off from the village hall west to bear left onto Thixendale. After a march up Milham Dale we arrived at Thixendale Grange at the stoke of 11 for coffee. Some of the group were heckled by a friendly passing chap on a horse & cart wanting to join us for coffee. (So far so good)
Refreshed, we walked on up to turn left onto the Roman Road on the North Wolds Walk. Before leaving the road Pat Pitts was armed with a copy of the walk and intended to leave us to cut the walk short (on the condition she saved us some cake in the Village Hall coffee shop). Just as she was about to leave us our eccentric friend with the horse & cart was passing, and offered her a lift which she was very happy to accept. We took photographic evidence and waved her off not entirely sure if we would see her again! (One down)
The rest of the group headed down through the fields crossing Waterloo Beck and admired the beautiful mass of daffodils in the garden of Waterloo Cottage. Heading towards Kirby Underdale we met up with our now best friend and chauffeur who was keen to tell us where he’d dropped Pat off and where she was heading. (To bag our cakes at the tea shop we hoped…)
We stopped in the lovely churchyard of the old church at Kirby Underdale for lunch, and a few people explored the church. Then it was time for the uphill. Passing Painsthorpe Hall, Ros was wishing she’d eaten her apple at lunch and not tried to eat in it en-route while puffing & panting! We were also blessed with the promise of some good luck as a bird left a present on Laurie’s forehead. Luckily Margaret had some wet wipes and cleaned him up.
Back at the Roman Road we followed Pat’s footsteps down Worm Dale, then back onto Thixendale following the Yorkshire Wolds Way back into Thixendale in time to beat the black clouds that lurked menacingly. (Ian will be pleased to know that I managed to miss the hare and pheasant with my camera as is my want.)
We were reunited with Pat Pitts in the tea shop and there was enough cake to go round.
Counted them out and counted them in. (Phew!)
Gargrave Sunday 4 June 2017
Leaders: Peter and Carol
Walkers: – Peter, Carol, Glynis, David Lyons, David Shaw, Angela, Ian, Jenny, Robin and Pat Appleyard.
We set off from the public car park in Gargrave with a beautiful Sunny morning to enter the canal heading towards Flasby. All went well until we discovered that we had lost David L who had gone back to retrieve the poles he had abandoned some way back. Lovely views were to be had of Flasby Fell along with Rough Haw and Sharp Haw. I did manage to get us all off track when Glynis wanted a ladies’ stop as we all followed her through a gate which I said was the right way.
I’d been chatting and missed the turn so I got some flack for that! Carol narrated historical facts at regular intervals that she hoped added to the interest and I entertained with some jokes with calls from Glynis of “not to give up my day job”
The leader’s timing for coffee stop was brilliant for as soon as we all settled it tipped it down. We all sought shelter under a large tree until it stopped, but the rest of the time it managed to kept fine.
There were some terrific views overlooking the Aire Valley and Pendle Hill beyond. A pleasant two mile stroll along the canal from Stirton brought us back to Gargrave and the car park.
Wensleydale Wander 13/08/2017
Leader: Ian Pickering
Walkers: Anne & Chris Gott, Sue Williams, Ros ,Sue Lund, Robin, Phil & Cyn, Andrew Sanderson, John Hamlin, Jill & Andy, Lawrie, David Shaw, Roger & Elise & Bailey the Dog.
A lovely sunny day & an easier grade walk brought about a decent turnout of 17 walkers. We left the market town of Leyburn via ‘The Shawl’, a lovely stretch of high ground once frequented by Mary Queen of Scots. After the Shawl, we dropped down into the valley and through Gillfield Wood, where we took a coffee break by a stream & re-arranged the park bench so Anne could sit in the sunshine.
Our next destination was the pleasant village of Preston under Scar, before heading downhill to cross the Wensleydale Railway. Ros gave us facts about the tourist line, which runs along the valley, and as a train came past, we all waved madly, just like The Railway Children. Now we made our way into Redmire village and passing the old 12th century church of St. Mary’s with its lovely open bell tower. We took lunch beside the River Ure, and did a short de-tour to visit Redmire Falls, where our view was blocked by two large objects, but the young ladies moved to allow us a photo opportunity. Heading back eastwards, we encountered several tight stiles, which caused a few problems for Roger & Elise’s dog, Bailey, who was very well behaved all day.
Lawrie had brought some carrots along in case we passed some horses & he got his chance as we walked through a field of them, Sue Lund joined him. A nice cool stretch through a wood brought us to the grand mansion house Bolton Hall, butler Jackson was going to make us tea, but we needed to press on with the walk. After leaving the grounds of the hall, we entered the pretty village of Wensley and whilst admiring a lovely floral garden, Elise almost lost her hair to a contraption on the back of a tractor. After a slight climb out of the village, several fields were crossed before a final ‘sting in the tail’ was reached, in the form of an old sunken track, which was quite a challenge near the end of the walk. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day & quite deserved our drinkie in the pub.
Thanks Ian
Castleford – Sunday 19 November 2017
Leader: Lizzie Lowe
Walkers: Bill & Hazel, Peter & Carol, Carol Joblin, Pat & Graham, Eileen, Sonia, Laurie, Sue Lund, Ian & Diane, Phil & Cyn, Jane, Glynis, Terry Smith, Pat Pitts, Rita & Brian, Marj Rapley, Terry Doolan, David Lyon, Ken, Jonathan, Beryl, Robin, Alan, Jill & Andy
We parked behind Wilco’s in Castleford, then set forth across the Millennium Bridge, over the River Aire onto Duck Island. Back streets led us to the main road, then left, to cross a road bridge over the Aire and Calder Navigation. Here we turned left along the river bank, soon arriving at the confluence of the rivers Aire and Calder. We took a right, onto a path by the River Aire. This took us past the Boat Inn, to Allerton Bywater. Here a minor diversion led us around some buildings, then back to the river bank, and onward, past various lakes. We perched on the flood bank to have our elevensies.
After the final lake, we turned right onto a bridleway. A little further on, we took a minor path right, to walk beside a lake then upward, through a gate, to what was once a railway line. It’s now ‘The Lines’ – a combined cycle route and footpath. We turned right, following The Lines for a couple of miles, until we came to new houses on the far side of Allerton Bywater.
We had lunch in a little park here, some of us sitting on a metal bench around a tree, others perched on a wall. The local folk looked worried! We left the park via Beeston Way, arriving in Allerton Bywater right opposite the delightful delicatessen/tea room ‘Samuel Valentine’s’ – but we didn’t stop there. Instead, we crossed the main road to Robinson Street, then took an alley which led us back to the Boat Inn. Then we turned left to retrace our steps along the riverside to Castleford. By the Millennium Bridge, we found a functioning flour mill – and it had a tea room.
Some of us went in, to sample its wares before we headed for home.
Lizzie Lowe
Walk Report for January 8th 2017
Leaders: Sue Williams and Mel Stockdale
Walkers: Jill and Andy MacFarlane, John Hamlin, Glynis Holmes, Laurie Hutchinson, Ian Pickering.
Only seasoned walkers would have turned out on such an unpromising foggy, damp morning. We set off from Morley hoping that the fog would lift by the time we parked the cars at Hetton but it was not to be. The leaders set off up the walled tracks of the Dales High Way and Cross Lane at a cracking pace – with visibility so poor there were no distractions.
We had to imagine the views over to Ingleborough as we navigated the large field towards Long Hill and it was difficult to persuade Laurie that Winterburn reservoir even existed. Some of us were in more of a fog than others!
It was unseasonably warm as we slogged blindly up to Weets top causing some disrobing stops. At least we saw the trig point and Ian was able to add the photo to his collection.
A breeze started to clear some of the mist at last as we stopped for lunch under Sue’s windswept umbrella trees and snatches of scenery appeared. Unfortunately this also lowered the temperature so all the gear went back on.
By the time we passed Know Bank there were even some hints of blue sky. On the way back down the tracks it was possible to appreciate some of the incredible landscape and much to the leaders relief, Winterburn was where it was supposed to be.
We all agreed that this walk needs to be done again in better weather to reveal its full glories.
RYLSTONE LONG WALK – 10.12.17
LEADER: SUE WILLIAMS
WALKERS: Robin, Angela, Ian, Andrew, John, Jill and Andy
Eight brave souls set out in very cold, icy weather for Rylstone. On arrival, it was overcast with snow and ice on the ground, but later on, the sun did peak through at times. We left Rylstone duck pond – ducks pirouetting on the ice for us to bid us farewell. Whilst walking through a series of fields, I did manage to attract quite a few potential new members for the club. First of all, a herd of sheep, all in a line, came to take over as leaders for me (I think they didn’t trust my navigation skills). Then a gaggle of geese decided to join in as well, but, unfortunately, they then had a change of heart at the next field and left us to our own devices!
On reaching Rylstone Cross, it was time for coffee whilst admiring the lovely views. During coffee, I got on to the subject of the twenty-degree difference in temperature that day between Scotland and the south of England. Robin said that the scots are tough guys and would still have nothing on under their kilts unlike us! John then commented “but they do have hairy sporrans to keep them warm” if you get my drift. After that, we headed for the Rylstone Memorial and eventually dropped or more to the point, slid down off the fells into Thorpe.
On reaching Cracoe towards the end of the walk, I took my party into a “TEA SHOP” as I do now have a tea shop reputation to keep up! After a nice cup of tea and cake, we headed back to Rylstone and home.
Burley in Wharfedale – Sunday 9 April 2017
Leader: Lizzie Lowe
Walkers: Rita and Brian, Graham and Pat Smith, Terry Doolan, Marg Rapley, Trish Ashby, Jonathan, Brenda Fox, Julie Jowett, Melanie, Sylvia Reece, Hazel Marshall, Jenny, Pauline Ford, Sonia Hamlin
An unseasonably hot day – more like July than April. We parked in the public car park on Long Meadow, and set off uphill to the railway station. Here we passed over a footbridge, then turned left along a quiet street that soon became a stony track leading up to Hag Farm. Passing through the farmyard and some woods, we turned right along a track leading more steeply uphill. A stream babbled on our left as we climbed. We paused in a field for a refreshing snack, then ever upward, to the Guisely – Ilkley road.
Having crossed the busy road, we took a footpath immediately opposite the one we’d just left, then crossed the stream via some stepping stones, to head upwards along a track that led out onto the moors. And still we climbed, till eventually we reached a stony path on a ridge. Here we turned right, with some amazing views to keep us entertained. We followed the stony track till we came to a little brick building resembling a bus shelter. Then we started a very gradual descent, past two farms which allegedly had distant views of York Minster (can’t see how, but one farm was actually called York View).
At a third farm we turned left along a level stony track. Soon we had to turn left again along an indistinct grassy track that led us round a disused quarry to find a narrow track along another ridge – more fab views! We stopped for some lunch. Onward again suddenly the track descended into a ravine where we crossed Coldstone Beck via some very dodgy stepping stones. It was quite a scramble up the steep bank the other side. But now the climbing ended. We took a downward trail that led us through fields to a busy road. We had only a short walk beside the road, then we turned left along Stead Lane – another stony track past scattered houses.
After about 1 km, we turned right through a kissing gate, and followed a green path along the valley – it wove about a bit, and we finally joined yet another stony track to emerge near Burley station. We followed the road down into Burley.
Hot and tired, most of the walkers headed for The Coffee Station to have their tea and buns. Some rebels went to the pub instead. And sadly, I had to rush home – the hot weather and the hills had rendered us very slow, and I was too short of time to have a cake on my own tea shop walk. How sad is that!!
MINCE PIE WALK – 17.12.17
LEADER: Sue Williams
WALKERS: Thirty-Nine Walkers
Despite the wet and dank weather, thirty-nine people came on the Mince Pie walk from Kate’s house at East Ardsley. We walked up the side of Kate’s house across the fields, which were all fairly frozen. We then joined a minor road around The Fall and very quickly went back into the woods and down to a newly developed nature reserve alongside the railway line. The path along here became quite icy in places and whilst we grown ups walked gingerly along the edge of the path, the children did the opposite and were sliding all over the place and great fun.
We stopped for coffee by a frozen pond which was close to the M1 motorway, but still in the nature reserve. Unfortunately, we did not see any birds on the pond, but there was plenty of ice about instead. I was pleased to hear that some of my party, although locals to East Ardsley, did not realise that this reserve existed, so, hopefully, a few more walks may take place around here. We then came up Car Lane and onto a bit of Stubbs Lane before coming into East Ardsley again and back to Kate’s house for a fantastic feast of food, hot drinks and mulled wine. It was nice for everyone to catch up with friends having had a lovely walk and buffet.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kate, Glynis and their helpers for laying up a lovely feast of food that everyone had brought. Also thank you to my walkers for their support, ribbing when I got slightly off track at one point and for their good humour. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.