Spofforth & Kirk Deighton

Wednesday, 28th December
10.6 km

Our last walk of 2011 and a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Crimple, or Crimple Beck as is it more popularly known.
The end of 2011 has been a bit of a disappointment in terms of walks - we just haven't seemed to find the necessary time to get out and about in the countryside, other things seem to keep getting in the way.  However, the final calculation sees me having walked 297 miles during the year, still short of that magical 300 miles mark; perhaps next year !?
The walk started in Spofforth.  Appropriate in some ways as the first walk we did in 2011 (on 1st Jan no less) also started in Spofforth.  From the village centre we headed away to the A661, the main Wetherby to Harrogate Road and, just before crossing the bridge, escaped to a marked way that runs along the side of Crimple Beck.  I must say that this was the time of year to be doing this walk as the path, although clearly marked, must be horrendously overgrown during the summer months.
The path crosses the beck after a kilometre or so and then keeps to the right hand side of the river until another stone bridge crosses back to the left hand side before cutting away up the side of a field and, eventually, turing into a metalled track that leads into Kirk Deighton.
Here we took a short detour to collect a Cache that is placed on the side of the old, and now abandoned A1. It's amazing how soon nature has reclaimed the road now that the A1 has been re-routed around Wetherby.
Back into Kirk Deighton and we headed away from the village (fast becoming a suburb of Wetherby itself) with a reasonably stiff climb into the teeth of an increasingly strong wind before crossing and then dropping on to the Harland Way.

This is, in fact, a cycle route maintained by Sustrans which follows the old railway line from Wetherby to Spofforth.  It really is easy walking on a well maintained and compact surface and the 4k was achieved in no time at all.  The route finally ends at a housing estate which leads back to the main road and into the village centre.

A relatively easy end to 2011 but good to get out into the countryside after the excesses of Christmas. a New Year's Resolution ??  Well, I'm not one for making them as it's far too easy to break them, but, I/we will try and get out into the countryside as often as possible (although there are a number of 6 Nations weekends which will take us away from Yorkshire) and I will also make an effort to keep this blog as up to date as possible, although it may be about journeys on trains and cars to Twickenham and the like !!

If you are reading this then I wish you all the very best for 2012 --- oh, well I suppose I do need to resolve that I will break that 300 mile mark next year !!

Ullswater

Saturday, 19th November
8Km (4.9 miles) 2hr 24mins

A number of weeks since we've  been walking due to other commitments and the weather.  Thankfully, this walk proved to be anything but seasonal.  Mid-November and we ended up walking in t-shirts !!
Thanks to friends John and Marilyn who had been given a free night's accomodation at the North Lakes Hotel and decided to share it with us !!  It was only fitting that I planned to Saturday afternoon excursion !

From the hotel we took the short drive to Pooley Bridge at the very top of Ullswater and, after exploring the village (a full ten minutes worth) we bought tickets for the Ullswater Steamer and boarded the boat for the short 20 minute journey to Howtown.  The weather at this stage of the day (midday) was chilly with low cloud over the hills, although there was a hint of blue. I have to say that sitting at the front of the boat I was pretty cold by the time the voyage ended !

Disembarking at Howtown Jetty (GR NY443198) a short walk leads to the road and just by the Howtown Outdoor Centre a gate gives onto the path and a short uphill stretch to another gate which gives on to a track.  The track hugs the wall as height is gained, almost inperceptably and the views spread out below you.

Also, as we gained height so did the cloud and within 10 minutes of starting the fleeces were discarded in favour of t-shirts.  The route was easy to follow and gained height almost without notice and the views became more and more extensive making it a delight to be outdoors at this time of the year.

The apex of the walk is a stone circle called The Cockpit (GR NY 482222) at approximately 330 mtrs. - 150 mtrs of ascent that hardly felt like it.  From the stone circle the anly way was downhill firstly across moorland and then along an old Roman Road that eventually became metalled and landed us back in Pooley Bridge.

A fantastic walk which, had we known what the weather was going to be like, would probably have been longer.  However, if I could  predict the weather then I wouldn't be writing this blog and the next day proved a point as, back in Yorkshire, the day from dawn to dusk was thick fog.

A selection of photos avaiable which probably don't do justice to the fantastic scenery.  Thanks to John, Marilyn and Gill for a fantastic weekend. Let's hope the weather at the weekends is better over the next few weeks and let's us get out - only 20 miles to go to crack the 300 mile mark for this year !

Viva Black-Vegas!!

Sunday, 30th October
13.7 Km (8.5 miles) - 2h:33min

Unbelievably on the penultimate day in October we completed this walk in t-shirts - the temeprature was around 14 degrees !!  The reason for visiting Blackpool was my father's annual holiday there. The excuse was there to walk from Blackpool up the coast to Fleetwood.
I have to say, and I don't want to sound snobbish, that Blackpool is still as gaudy as I remember it in my youth.  However, the Parkinson's Disease Society have held a week's event there and my parents have attended for a number of years.
The walk is very easy - ensure that the sea is on your left hand side and don't wander too far to the right ! It is also not a walk if you want solitude - the crowds were certainly out, and why not it was an absolutely glorious day.
If both Gill and I have any complaint it was that the whole walk was on concrete and both of us complained about sore feet and Gill ended up with some nasty blisters. 
Oh ! getting back ?  Thanks to the No. 14 bus which dropped us in the middle of town and left us with a half mile at the end getting back to our start point - a bit of a hobble if the truth be told.  Still, a very enjoyable walk.

Ingleton Waterfalls & Kingsdale

Sunday, 16th October

13 km (8 Miles) - 3 hr 18 min
OL2 - Yorkshire Dales (Southern and Western Areas)

Well, it's been almost three weeks since our last walk - in the meantime we have been busy moving my daughter into her new house in Lincoln (good luck to both Hannah and Alex in their new jobs and their new life in England) and also moving my father into a sheltered flat.
The latter has been quite emotional in respect that my sister and I have had to clear out the old house and, in the process, have unearthed memories of our childhood and family history that we had almost forgotten about.
In that respect this walk was also nostalgic given that (as far as I can remember) the last time I visited Ingleton's waterfalls was in my childhood - we lived some 20 miles away in the village of Langcliffe).
The walk itself really needs no detail as, once you reach the waterfalls (and pay your £5.00 entry fee), there is nowhere else to go but to follow the path that winds through woodland at first and then past Pecca Falls climbing steadily to Thornton Force.

Here's Gill stood next to the Force which, following almost a week of prolonged rain, was in good spirits !!

The going is good throughout and your £5.00 has obviously been well spent in creating and maintaining the footpaths.  A word of warning is that the outward stretch is reasonably strenuous with plenty of uphill sections - you are, after all, going against the river on this stretch and water, as we all know, flows downhill !

Just above Thornton Force the walk, which we got from the walkingworld website, deviates from the waterfall route and instead heads off up Kingdale.  A gloriously wide and flat bottomed dale with a single track road and quiet after the relatively crowded surrounds of the waterfalls.  The walk up the dale is via. the road as far as a ladder stile (GR SD702780) where we stopped for lunch next to the dried out Kingsdale Beck. Inagine our surprise then when the Beck suddenly sprang into life with the water filling as if the tide were coming in !
The route back is across meadow before a relatively easy climb over the shoulder of Wakenburgh Hill to re-join the waterfall route. 
Again, the route back is simply a case of following the signs for the waterfall walk as the return stretch down the River Doe again provides spectacular falls and gorges where the water gushed through.
By the time we got back to Ingleton the rain was fairly beating down but, I'm happy to say, my investment in a new pair of walking boots paid off as I was able to change without having wet feet !!  Congratulations to Scarpa - top class boots that didn't make my feet ache too much although it was the first time I had worn them.
Usual set of photographs is available from the link

Dallowgill and Greygarth Monument

Sunday, 11th Sept
11.7 km (7.2 miles) 2hr 55m
Explorer 26 - Nidderdale.

A wonderful scenic walk with clear views stretching for miles, although the wind was a bit pesky towards the end!  This was another walk from Paul Hannon's "Ripon and Lower Wensleydale" book and covered ground I did in May 2010, although this walk was clockwise !
The walk starts on a stretch of moorland road (GR SE199706) that can easily be missed. Once kitted up the first section follows a moorland path that drops quickly and easily into Dallow itself (GR SE197714). Dallow can hardly be called a village only containing a couple of houses but, once the settlement is left, the scenery changes as you skirt a wood and then drop to cross the River Laver by a footbridge (GR SE190714).  A short climb takes you into woods before crossing fields to a ruined farmhouse and up through a green lane to join the road.  A short stretch along the road, followed by an equally short climb sees you arrive at Greygarth Monument (GR SE 186723).  The monument contained our only cache of the day but the ability to climb up inside the monument to a "viewing platform" afforded long range views - as far as the eye could see and right across to the North Yorkshire moors.
After spending some time at the monument the "official" route is to retrace one's steps and then double back past the monument to cross Swetton Moor.  However, being cheats we went directly from the monument, across the moor dropping down to Swetton and eventually crossing Carlesmoor Beck.

Of point of interest along this route are a number of mosaics.  There are about ten of these (some photographed in the album that accompanies this blog), each depicting some form of wildlife or livestock.
The route from Carlesmoor is a lovely lane which follows the line of the beck before emerging onto the road. A short skip up the road and another lane gives way to the right which drops back down to cross a couple of fords before rising steeply to become Belford Lane.
This joins the main road just by the Drovers Inn before a further lane (Wetshod Lane) heads out towards Skelding Moor.  The final section skirts the edge of the moor before rejoining the road for the last 1/4 mile when the parking place is regained.
A superb walk in almost total isolation.  Dallowgill seems to be one of those places that no-one has ever heard of and we only met one other group of walkers. The weather was breezy but not uncomfortable apart from the last stretch along the road when we had to walk into it.  An enjoyable afternoon where we broke the 250 miles for the year mark !!  Photos available from this link (Note: the album is called Greygarth so it does not clash with a previous Dallowgill album!)

Oxenhope

Sunday, 4th Sept
10k (6mls) - 2hr 40m
OL21 - South Pennines

A delightful Sunday with the weather set fair giving us long distance views for miles on the "head of the valley" walk, right at the top of the Worth Valley.
Oxenhope is most famed as being the last station on the Worth Valley Railway and this walk started from the Station Car Park (GR SE032353). The walk quickly gained height as we strode up Dark Lane eventually emerging onto a back lane and dropping down to the main road before rising again to the Dog & Duck pub.
Here, thankfully, we turned off and up Sawood Lane, again gaining height pretty quickly to Cobling Farm and an amazing array of chickens and ducks (lots of variety of fowl - I need to look them up!).
From Coblilng Farm the scenery changes to moorland as Sawood Lane goes from being a metalled road, into track and, finally, moorland track.  This section was the real high point in more than one sense as the views afforded were truly spectacular.  Sadly, the camera doesn't catch these but we could make out Ingleborough in the far distance quite clearly.

After crossing the moor a road is regained (GR SE033331) and, after following it for a short distance, the route crosses fields to Intake Lane and eventually gives out at the Waggon and Horses.  After crossing the Hebden Bridge Road you descend Hard Nese Clough which was bathed in purple heather before climbing the other side of the clough to Lower Fold Farm (GR SE015345).  From here the route gradually descends along a road and then pathway to bring you back to the car park.
After the trial of strength last week this was an absolutely delightful walk with magnificent views.  The fact it took three hours less than last week and the fact that I can still walk shows that it was less than "challenging".
Link will take you to some photographs.

Forest of Bowland

Sunday, 28th August 2011
16.7km (10.3 miles) - 5hr 20mins
OL14 - Forest of Bowland and Ribblesdale

In my youth the Forest of Bowland was forbidden country, privately owned and inaccessible to all. So, when Country Walking Magazine published a walk in the area I could not resist - in retrospect I wish I had ! Described as a "challenging" walk it proved to be at the edge of our capability and, whilst the weather contributed to the challenge, it became a chore rather than a challenge. Looking back we probably shouldn't have set off for this exposed and wild location given the amount of rain that has fallen. Our reward was trudging through peat bog, almost shin deep in places which extended the time taken to cross the fell and turned "challenging" into strenuous.
Anyway, the route. We parked at a surprisingly populated layby just North-East of Dunsop Bridge (GR SD632511). The first part of the route was on well-made tracks and took us alongside Langden Beck to the strangely named LangdenCastle, a ruined shed, and the discovery of a cache. It was here that we encountered our first downpour of the day, but luckily we were inside the "castle" and escaped it. Clear skies ensued as we went further up the valley before turning up Fiendsdale (GR SD 598500). Here, a clearly defined path climbed the side of the dale gradually climbing 200 mtrs to Fiendsdale Head (GR SD588484)

It was at this point (moving from footpath to open access land) that the going got really tough.  The landscape was open fell with peat hags  and shin deep peat bog made the 4/5 kilometres extremely hard and slow moving. Added to this was driving rain and an absolutely howling gale. It was a great pity since the scenery was aboslutely magnificent, especially as we climbed to the high point of the walk with the cairn at 520mtrs.
Eventually, we reached the trig point at the top of Totridge (GR SD635487), although by this point the wind was so strong it almost blew us over. Both agreed that the preceding section was not enjoyable and was a slog through the relentless bog picking our way around the pools at the bottom of the hags.
From Totridge the route went virtually straight down hill (another challenge since both our calves and thighs were aching by this point) and dropped us to Hareden Farm where two very weary people then struggled along the riverbank and back to the car.
Certainly, the most strenuous walk we have done this year. As stated, given the amount of rain that had fallen in the preceding days we can't really complain about the conditions and I'm sure that looking back the magnificent countryside will outshadow the peat bogs !  We all live and learn !
Group of photographs available from this link - amazingly this doesn't show the extent of the peat hags and bogs. In fact, it looks quite idyllic but be warned the middle section was hard going !

Burnsall & Linton

Sunday, 21st August
11.6km (7 miles) - 2hr 40min
OL10 - Yorkshire Dales (Southern Area)

My third walk of the week (unless you count Sunday as the start of a new week !) and a walk we had promised to do a few months back but had abandoned because of the weather.  However, today was perfect walking weather - hot enough for a t-shirt, but not overwhelming - the temperature in the high teens.
I suppose one of the tips to give when trying to park in Burnsall is to arrive early.  Even at 10:30 on a Sunday morning all the "free" spaces had been taken, the riverside car park was nearly full and people were starting to arrive at the field, over the bridge.  It was certainly a differend story when we got back some three hours later when the place was cram-packed !

This is an old favourite of mine and is, to all extent and purposes, a gentle stroll rather then a walk. However, what it may lack in walking machismo it makes up for in the glory of its surroundings ! The first section is easy enough - find the river Wharfe and walk along it's banks crossing the river at the suspension bridge just North of Burnsall.  I couldn't be easier and if you feel yourself getting wet, then you've gone off course !  Along the bank we grabbed our first cache of the day at "Harry's Hollow" - just above Loup Scar where people were throwing themselves off the cliff into the river (a pastime I understand is called "tombstoning").

The river was pretty high which meant that the stepping stones across the Wharfe, just below Linton Church were not available, so we popped round the corner to cross the bridge over Linton Falls before climbing up a dropping into the village of Linton itself.

Linton is reknowned as a pretty village and it was nice to sit and have lunch overlooking the stream, although we did have guests in the shape of about twenty ducks hoping a crumb or two might fall their way !

After lunch the walk climbs up a gentle incline to join Thorpe Lane and drops into the hamlet which, reputedly, was missed by marauding Scots and became a refuge whenever the raiders from North of the Border were in the area !
The final section climbs out of Thorpe and cuts through some fields before the final stretch which can onlybe described as "stile practice" - there must be 10 or 12 stiles to negotiated before arriving back in the village and a welcome coffee at the Wharfe View Tea Rooms.

A delightful walk, although both Gill and I commented on it's seeming brevity !  Grabbed a couple of caches on the way round and took a few photographs, although the light wasn't that good.

Malham Round

Wednesday, 17th August
15.9k (9.8 miles) - 4hr 15min
OL10 - Yorkshire Dales - Southern Area.

I've often wondered why this walk is referred to as "Malham's Big 3" when, for me Janet's Foss (pictured above) is equally impressive ? Still, I don't write the books, I just do the walks!
Well, this was the last day of my holiday, so Gill and I decided to escape for the day and managed to get up to Malham before the rush started (and also managed to get free parking on the verge, rather than paying - true Yorkshireman you see!).
This walk hardly needs to be narrated since it is in nearly every book that's been written about the Dales.  It's also extremely well signposted.  But, for the record, we visited Janet's Foss before going up to see Gordale Scar

Gill, wasn't up to scrambling up the waterfall (and, to be honest, neither was I).  So, we went back down the gorge and took the (rather) direct route up New Close Knott - a pretty stiff climb, although it turns out it's only 150 mtrs climb (although it was in about a kilometre).
From the top of the Knott we struck out for the Tarn, making a small detour down Mastiles Lane to pick up a cache (delightfully named "Cerritus Securiferus" after the Roman Marching Camp which is close to the cache site). After the detour the Tarn was quickly upon us and a second cache find of the day.
From the Tarn the final leg takes you across and down Watlowes (the Dry Valley) before emerging onto the top of the Cove and the famous limestone pavement.
Finally, those steps.....wonderful if, like us, you are going down them but not so wonderful for those puffing and pulling themselves up them !
So, to Malham and after just over four hours a very welcome cup of coffee in one of the many cafes that always seem full.

An aboslutely excellent days walking.  I've walked Malham so many times, yet it never disappoints. Today was no exception......just hope I'll be able to get up for work in the morning as I've done 18 miles in two days !  Selection of photos available - thankfully I remembered my camera this time.

Wetherby, Linton & Sicklinghall

Tuesday, 16th August 2011
13 Km (8 miles) - 2hr 34m

This was almost a repeat of a walk we did back in February but had added "mileage" starting from Wetherby rather than Linton.
Anyway, it has been ten days since the last blog - and a very busy time.  Many, many congratulation to my daughter, Hannah and her husband Alex on their "wedding".  I put wedding in inverted commas as, technically, they married last year in Florida but last Friday, the "Glorious 12th" we had a formal celebration of their marriage where they re-affirmed their vows to each other.  Without being too sentimental (and I did spend a large part of the day weeping) they just seem a perfect couple.
Following the wedding we entertained Carol, Alex's Mum, Michael, his stepfather, Nicole, his sister and baby Sophia.  It was a real pleasure to meet them for the first time and an equal pleasure to show them our part of Yorkshire (albeit briefly).  With Hannah and Alex planning to come back to the U.K this autumn we look forward to seeing them and showing them even more of "God's Own County".

Anyway, back to the walk. This is another Paul Hannon walk from "Harrogate and the Wharfe Valley". The start was pretty difficult to find (GR 397483) and is a small turning off the Wetherby to Linton road, but once established the first section of the walk drops to the banks of the Wharfe and heads off across Wetherby golf course before re-joining the road which leads into Linton.
The village is now the home to many Leeds United players and is extremely affluent both in the size of houses and the numbers who appear to be employed in maintaining  it's gardens but it was a peaceful stroll through the village and down to the bridge that crosses the Wharfe (GR 388465).  The river is not crossed but the walk takes in the last of the luxury houses of Linton before turning right and heading through woodland to join Trip Lane.  Half way up the lane I bagged my one and only cache of the journey.
Trip Lane is followed until just before the entrance to Wood Hall Hotel, here the route bears to the right crossing fields and circling a wood, evetually emerging at Sicklinghall House.  A short stride up the drive (away from the house), another bridleway is picked up before a sharp right turn leads into the village of Sicklinghall itself.
Sicklinghall is described as a commuter village and was certainly very quiet on a Tuesday morning. It looked immaculate and is obviously well kept, even down to the man who came out, as I was sitting on a bench to ask if their was any "bird muck" as it was his job to keep the benches clean !!
From the village pond a road leads away, dropping down to Sicklinhall Lodge before rising to pass Stockeld Park House.
The final stretch crosses the busy A661 before dropping down the Harland Way, a disused railway line that has been re-furbished as a cycle/walking track. The final mile and a half is, therefore, level and returns you back to the car park.

A pretty walk through pleasant countryside.  The weather threatened rain throughout the walk and it was pretty muggy but nevertheless and enjoyable couple of hours.  Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, so you are spared any photographs this time !!

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Tuesday, 2nd August 2011
9 km (5.7 miles)

A walk of contrasts with a mix of nature and tourism !!  This walk came from Country Walking magazine and allowed us to take in the whole of the island.
After crossing the Causeway there is a visitors car park just before the village (GR NU 126 423). The walk took us firstly into the start of the village before turning left and left again onto a track which quickly turns into a green lane and strikes directly north across the island.  It's added benefit was that it took us away from the crowds who were just beginning to gather !

The lane finally gives out and the route continues through dunes to the site of our cache (we dropped off the trackable from the day before. 
Just beyond the cache we had a moment of absolute magic as we sat and watched seals basking and swimming off Castlehead Rocks (GR NU 131 439).
We then cut across the top of the island to Emmanuel Head with is pyramid obelisk.  Whilst the guide said we should be able to see the Farne Islands and Bamburgh Castle unfortunately the sea mist and gloom meant our views were limited.
After Emmanuel Head the walk again followed the shoreline taking us down to the castle, and a re-introduction to tourism (overheard "I'm not paying to go into the castle, I've just paid a bloody pound to get here on that bus").
After visiting the (outside) of the castle, we headed over to the Priory before returning to the car park just in time as the rain set in.
A fantastic end to three days in the North-East.  The sight (and sound) of the seals was a truly memorable moment and really put the icing on the cake.  Sadly, the weather was not conducive to photography and the seals demanded a long lens (which I don't have). Still, and idea of the day is available from the link

Boulmer, Craster & Dunstanburgh Castle

Monday, 1st August 2011
20.7 km (12.8 miles)

Our 30th Wedding Anniversary and a couple of days away in Northumberland.  We stayed in the Hope and Anchor in Alnmouth and, after visiting The Alnwick Garden on Sunday decided on this walk on the Monday (the actual date of our anniversary).
We began from Boulmer (pronouced "boomer) GR NU 265 139 and the first part of our walk took us along an unmarked road and past the helicopter station at RAF Boulmer. The road eventually reaches the village of Longhaughton, a linear village that stretched for over a kilometre.  At the end of the village a path led through fields to join yet another road (GR NU 243 166) at Howick Grange. This road runs down and passes Howick Hall, famous for its gardens and arboretum. 
Here, thankfully, the road walking finished and we headed out across fields and over the shoulder of Hips Heugh before cutting through Arnold Reserve and emerging in Craster (GR NU 258 198).  This is a delightful Northumberland finshing village which owes much of its popularity to its proximity to Dustanburgh Castle.
The approach to the castle is a good walk along the coast with the castle itself dominating the horizon.
Here we picked up our normal cache - grabbing a trackable which, I later found out, had arrived from the Netherlands two days previousy.
We returned to Craster and then returned via. the coast path back to our start point in Boulmer.
A fantastic day's walking - the coastline walk was absolutely spectacular and I'm sure that my photographs do not do it justice.

Top Withens

Sunday, 24th July
9.44 k (5.8 miles) - 2hr 30 m
OS OL21 - South Pennines.

Glorious walking on a perfect summer's day.  When we actually got to Top Withens the views stretched for 20 or 30 miles !!
However, getting there proved to be the most difficult part as my Sat-Nav first wanted me to do a u-turn in the middle of a three lane road and then wanted to take me down a No Through Road - and I thought technology was there to help us.  Anyway the walk begins at a car park on Moor Side Lane (GR SE 018361). Immediately opposite the car park a track runs away to Drop Farm and is clearly marked to Top Withens.
The way is very straightforward with good, clear signs and shortly after the farm strikes out across the moor before meeting a good track that heads towards Harbour Lodge (GR SD 998353).  The path circumnavigates the farm and, after a short climb, contours around Harbour Hill before dropping down Crumber Dike.  At the bottom of the Dike the Bronte Way is encountered and the path  begins to climb towards the pinnacle of the walk, and its ultimate destination.

It has to be said that the last 1/2 mile or so are a pretty sharp climb up to the ruins of Top Withens itself.  Even though we had a reasonably early start there were plenty of people around to view what is, after all, only thought to have inspiration for a place in a book !!
We carried on slightly past the farm to grab our first cache of the day - transferring a "trackable" that had first started life in Western Australia via. the Druid's Temple to its current position !!

The other point of note (and one which all guide books make) is that the signs are duplicated in Japanese, although the one in the picture is the only one I saw and no Japanese were spotted to justify their existence !
Once Top Withens had been conquered we retraced our steps down the Bronte Way eventually grabbing our second cache of the day close to Bronte Bridge (GR SD 998358).  From there the path is straightforward, although signs of erosion, and led us back to the car and a more gentle journey back without the aid of Satellite Navigation !!
A fantastic walk on a day like today - it may be different in the depths of winter.  Usual set of photographs are available

Bingley and the 5 Rise Locks

Saturday, 23rd July
8.8 km (5.5 miles)

 

The inspiration for this walk will, for the time being, have to remain a mystery but we decided to do this relatively short walk which only took 1 1/2 hours, on a Saturday evening and what a bonus it turned out to be.

Firstly, the weather was aboslutely fantastic with hardly a cloud in the sky, although there was a chill wind which made it ideal for walking.  Secondly, who would have thought that the urban surroundings of Bingley - an old West Yorkshire factory town, could have provided such pleasing walking.

The walk started from the car park next to the Railway Station and, after a short distance along the Main Street cut off onto a path that skirted behind the houses and gave a real feeling of being away from it all. Having said that it was a case of "tiptoe through the dog p**" at times before emerging onto the road opposite Bradford & Bingley rugby club.

A skip across the bridge and a  gateway gives onto what looks like (and undoubtably is) someone's garden ! However, a clearly defined footpath skirts the manicured lawn and, for the next couple of miles the path hugs the banks of the River Aire and you feel as though you are truly out in the country, although looking upwards shows you the Aire Relief Road  zooming above you. 

As the footpath that follows the river dips away, the route takes you up and on to the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool canal and over an aquaduct. From here it is a stroll back into the urban surroundings of Bingley passing one of Bingley's landmarks the Damart Factory. A short step on and you come to the world famous (?) 5 Rise Locks.  What always surprises me is the height that is gained in such a short distance.   After a trip to the top of the locks we turned and retraced our steps crossing the road by a footbridge to regain the car in the car park.   A wonderful, short walk which had plenty of interest and scenery.

Usual selection of photos are available from the link

Ilton Moor & The Druids Temple

Wednesday, 13th July
16.4 km (10.2 miles) - 3hr 48 mins
Explorer 26 - Nidderdale.

 

Highs, lows and the bizarre. The walk starts near to an angler's parking spot next to Leighton Reservoir (GR SE 156787) a good 30 miles drive from home. The first stretch is along the road (surprisingly busy considering it's location and mid-week), until the access road to the reservoir is reached.  This was my last human contact until I got back to the car !!  The reservoir itself seems popular with anglers who lined the bank.

Eventually, you reach the dam across Roundhill Reservoir and,at the far end, head off up the moor. Here I had a distinct change of scenery as the path wound its way through heather and past a number of large boulders. The views across Arnagill and back to the reservoir were spectacular as height was gained. At the head of Arnagill the path meets a broad track (GR SE155753) mentioned in the guide book as an old monastic route.

This route is followed as it gradually rises to the highest point of the walk at Sandy Hill (356 mtrs) and long range views across to the Hambelton Hills and beyond !

After a further trudge across the moor a fork in the path descends to Ilton. The road then descends further to a bridge over Sole Beck before rising up the other side of the valley and access to Druid's Plantation and the Druid's Temple.  Before visiting the "Temple" I had time for a spot of lunch before bagging two Cache's including a "trackable" that I had taken from Pikedaw.

What can one say about the "Temple" - bizarre is one word. Apparently the folly was built just to keep the estate workers busy !  Long live English Eccentricity.

The final section drops from the plantation down to the bottom of the valley and across Pott Beck before a short climb to rejoin the road by the side of the reservoir and back to the car.

A delightful walk with the added interest of the folly and a couple of good "caches" along the way - that makes four for the week !  A selection of photos (as always) is available

Pikedaw and Nappa Cross

Monday, 11th July
5.5 miles (8.9 km) - 3hrs 02
Map : OL2 - Yorkshire Dales, Southern and Western Areas

Pikedaw from Malham

A warm day and (eventually) a stiff walk with plenty of climbing involved!  Malham is, perhaps, best visited at this time of year, on a weekday when both parking and the crowds are diminshed and this was true for this walk.  At 11:00 a.m. on a Monday morning when everyone else was beavering away at their desks I ws able to park on the verge of the road as it enters Malham itself.
The walk commences along a track behind the National Park Car Park which runs parallel with the main street of Malham but, at the first opportunity, turns left and away from the village rapidly gaining height until it branches again by the Water Treatment Works and head straight for the first highpoint of the walk - Pikedaw.
Leaving the track you find yourself on lush pasture before the ascent begins. Whilst the main track skirts the side of Pikedaw, my goal was the cairn at the top, so from Hoober Edge I did just that and set my sights on the cairn and went straight up the side of the hill. This was about 100 metres of straight ascent and it really got the lungs and legs screaming for mercy !! The scramble was accompanied by increasing and more frequent stops but I determined and achieved the summit (surprisingly the Ordnance Survey does not give an actual height to Pikedaw itslef but is is around 430 mtrs).
As with all effort their was a reward and the most stunning views down Malhamdale itself were utterly spectacular and the photograph cannot and does not do it justice.

Here, believe it or not, I did my first bit of Geocaching of the day.  The clue read "Nobby's cross - which will make sense when you see it". Never was a truer word written.  In true Ronseal style the clue did what it said on the tin.
From the cairn and it wonderful views the walk then heads unerringly upwards to a gate at GR SD 874639.
Through the gate the map marks the location of Nappa Cross - a "waymark" on a monk's trail. Sadly, I did not find this, although I did bag my second cache of the day !
The next stretch of the walk descends gently, with views of Malham Tarn to a crossroads which again allows you to descend to the very top of Watlowes - the "dry valley". Instead of dropping into the valley the route tracks along the top side -with views of the limestone pavement on the top of the Cove until reaching a road. A few steps up the road and a gate leads across the field to a lane which eventually meets your outward track by the Water Treatment Works.  Malham is soon regained and the end of a thoroughly enjoyable walk and a well earned rest !!
As usual I attach a selection of photographs

Down the Ure, Up the Swale

Sunday, 3rd July 2011
12.3km (6.7 miles) - 2hrs 55 mins

High summer has arrived !!  This was, thankfully, not a strenuous walk as temperatures hit 23 degrees centigrade.  It was also an easy walk to follow as the title suggests.
Starting from Boroughbridge's main car park, where the parking is FREE! (always a bonus for a tight-wadded Yorkshireman) the route follows the River Ure downstream from the bridge in the centre of the town.  This was pleasant walking, on the level just above the slow flowing river and took in Milby Lock, where a "cut" has been manufactured to allow boats upstream (eventually reaching Ripon).  Just beyond the lock Gill found the first "cache" of two we discovered that day.

 Eventually the route reaches the confluence on the River Swale, although there is hardly a conflict between the two rivers who seem to meander together rather than compete with each other.
Here the route turned up the bank of the Swale until we reached Myton Bridge - a remarkably sturdy and ornate structure that seems to lead from nowhere to nowhere !
Here you cirmcumnavigate the site of the Battle of Myton, also known as the White Battle. Fought in 1319 between the Scots and an army raised by the Archbishop of York, it turned out to be a one-sided affair in favour of the Scots with the English army, which contained many clerics (hence the alternative title) suffering huge losses.
After a circuit of the site, which is now a battle between broad beans and wheat !! A stretch along a quiet country lane was in direct contrast with a section along a frighteningly busy road to reach Milby.  A short walk brought us back to Milby Lock and a quick stride back into Boroughbridge.
A pleasant walk on a very pleasant day, and whilst it may have lacked the spectacular views of the Dales it did afford us long distance views across to the White Horse of Kilburn.
Usual display of photographs available from the link.

Wycoller

Saturday 25th June
10.5 Km (6.5 miles) - 2hr 37 mins
Map : OL21 - South Pennines.

 

A trip into Lancashire and a wet Saturday afternoon !  Let's start with an apology for not keeping this blog up to date.  We have been out since the last walk recorded here, but lethargy has set in (plus, a small matter of the RFU - but that's a story for another blog, perhaps?) and I didn't update with details of that walk.

After an apology, it's always good to have a rant !  About twelve months ago I bought new boots. They were Hi-Tec and, let's be absolutely honest and straight talking as a Yorkshireman should be.  "THEY ARE THE WORST BOOTS I'VE EVER OWNED".  Within 300 mtrs of starting this walk my feet were absolutely soaked and I feared for "trench foot" by the end of the 10k.  The problem seems to be the tongue of the boot which (although it appears to be sown in) let's in water. Result is squelching around the Pennines for a couple of hours and sore feet through walking in a puddle of water for that length of time.  Time to start saving up for a new pair.

This walk started near Wycoller, just outside Colne on the Yorkshire/Lancachire border (GR : SD 925395). A couple of hundred yards up the road and the first problem, as I headed for Great Thorn Edge, was the lack of a stile, although it was marked on the map. As mentioned above the walk headed through pasture land and the wandering back and forth trying to find the stile in knee high grass meant my feet were thoroughly soaked,

Indeed this was a wet walk.  It drizzled throughout the whole two and a half hours and, by the end I was literally soaked to the skin - even my underwear was wet !! From the farm a good, metalled track struck out across the moor. I presume the views must be fantastic as you gain height but sadly all I saw was mist. Eventually, at a crossroad of paths (GR : SD 924385) I turned right to circumnavigate Germany !!  Obviously the name of the farm, rather than the country.

Just after Germany I made an error, missing a turning and almost ending up in Trawden. However, a quick re-adjustment took me up Lodge Hill before regaining the my planned root and dropping down to Beaver (GR: SD 928373). Skipping (well, as near as I get to skipping) over the stile I was faced with "Blair" the Bull. After a couple of seconds of facing each other we each determined the other was O.K and he let me pass.

One of the joys of this walk was the number of Curlews and Plover darting around and as I dropped through meadowland they all seemed to come out to see what was about.

A the bottom of the descent I picked up the Pendle Way which climbed unerringly to the highest point of the walk at around 320 mtrs. The Pendle Way suffers, as do many other of the pathways, from "mountain bike spread".  As each succesive group of bikes comes along they appear to steer just to one side of the last set of tyre marks, the result is a four foot wide patch of rutted mud, which on a day like today was wet and clinging mud.

At the bottom of Turnpole Clough I had a change of heart and route.Originally, I had planned on reaching Foster Leap and the Pendle Atom (a panopticon - see the pictures). However, faced with a pretty steep climb and the incessant rain I decided on the Bronte Way which leads straight off the moor to Wycoller itself.  A short stroll through Wycoller and I regained the car and (thankfully) some dry clothes!

This is a walk I want to do again when the weather is bright and clear.  I'm sure the views will be magnificent and the photos will reflect this rather than the group of ducks that feature in this set !

Pateley Bridge & Brimham Rocks

Sunday, 5th June
15 km (9.3 miles) 3:20 mins
OS Explorer 26 : Nidderdale

This was almost a repeat of a walk we did back in January when we started from Patelely Bridge and hugged the side of Nidderdale returning via the riverbank.  This time however we continued the walk ending up at Brimham Rocks.  This is a weird and wonderful place where the rock has been eroded to form extraordinary formations with huge boulders teetering on the merest of foundations.
The walk was pretty stiff, with the ascent from Pateley Bridge itself quite a trek and the final climb up to the rocks themselves being a real gut wrencher. As with all effort the reward was in the achievement and sitting amongst the rocks and having one's lunch - why do sandwiches taste better when eaten ourdoors ?
The second reward for a long climb is that the return is, invariably downhill and this was the case here as we descended to Smelthouses and Low Laithe to pick up the River Nidd which was followed all the way back into Pateley Bridge.
On returning home I happened upon an old book which had belonged to my Grandfather called "Striding through Yorkshire", the author is A.J. Brown and the book appeared to have been published in a revised edition in 1949 !  Here is his description of the Nidd "She is the Persephone of the rivers, desired alike by Pluto and Ceres" No, I've no idea what he means either !
I can find little about Alfred J. Brown other than he was a Bradford born writer who wrote for "Country Life" magazine. He eventually moved to Goathland on the North Yorkshire Moors and is buried in Sleights near Whitby.  His writing is certainly from a bygone era and I must sit down and read the book in full !
As always a selection of photographs from the walk

Roecliffe and the River Ure

Sunday, 30th May
8.5 km (5.3 miles)

Perhaps a stroll rather than a ramble or a hike this was, nevertheless, a delightful walk which begins in the beautiful village of Roecliffe near Boroughbridge (GR SE 376659). The walk takes a pathway by the side of the church and within a couple of minutes you are on the banks of the River Ure.
The walk was taken from Paul Hannon's "Ripon and Lower Wensleydale" and his directions are certainly easy to follow as the majority of the walk simply follows the riverbank.
Spring is drawing to a close and the meadows and woodland are reaching maturity with the path through some of the woods being thigh-high in greenery.  I only mention this because it rained pretty well throughout this walk and my trousers were absolutely soaked from wading through the vegetation. However, it wasn't cold and the trousers soon dried out.  Sadly, the same can't be said for my boots which, despite being treated, let in water at an alarming rate.  It's the first time in many a year I had to wring my socks out at the end of the walk.  Sorry, but Hi-Tec aren't getting my business again and I really do need a pair of dry boots pretty soon!

Anyway, enough ranting ! the route takes you through Cherry Island Wood before emerging at Westwick Lock.  This is one of a number of locks on the River Ure that enable it to be navigated by quite large craft. Shortly after lock the view shown on the picture to the right suddenly (and I mean suddenly) emerges. This is Newby Hall, one of Yorkshire's famous stately homes.  Sadly, the weather meant that few people were around, even on a Bank Holiday Monday.

Shortly after passing the Hall the route cuts away from the river and joins a narrow back road for approximately a mile before heading off towards Roecliffe Grange Fam and back into the middle of the village with it's very inviting pub !

Usual selection of photographs from this link.  I wasn't able to find any information about the cross that appears in the churchyard of St Mary's Church, although the church is meant to date from Pre-Norman times.

Kirkby Lonsdale

Wednesday, 25th May 2011

13.1 km (8.1 miles) - 3 hrs

OL2 - Yorkshire Dales (Southern and Western Area)

I've neglected this blog for a couple of weeks as I've been too busy to keep it up to date.  That doesn't mean I (and Gill) haven't been out walking though.
Firstly, on Sunday 22nd May we did the Leeds WellWalk in aid of Diabetes UK.  This turned out to be (a) a little disappointing in the numbers who turned up for it, only about twenty or thirty people and (b) two circuits of the same walk.  This is always a little disappointing as one never really wants to go over the same ground twice unless it can't be helped.  In this case it couldn't and Gill (in particular) set off at a cracking pace which meant we completed the two circuits and covered approximately 9.54K in 1hr 30mins - not bad for a couple of old 'uns.

On Wednesday, 25th I had a rugby meeting at Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC, so took the opportunity to pack in 13 k on the hills above the town. The route came from my old friend Walkingworld.com which, after some deliberation I have subscribed to for another year.  I think this walk justified the subscription !
Setting off from the car park next to "Devil's Bridge" the route took me out to High Casterton before cutting back and striking up the fell to Fellfoot Road.  This track, high above the valley take an almost straight and un-deviating route across the side of the fell before it drops back down towards Casterton.

A feature of the walk are a number of sheepfolds alongside Fellfoot Road. Each of these sheepfolds was rebuilt and a scuplture by sculptor Andy Goldsworthy placed inside each one. Sadly, I'm no conniseur of sculpture, so wouldn't want to comment on the merits or otherwise of the pieces. However, they added interest to the walk.

After the end of Fellfoot Road the walk descends to Casterton and what (on a Wednesday afternoon) seemed to be games day at the local school. The final stretch circles the school before heading off past the golf club and back to Devil's Bridge. To finish the walk off I then took the riverbank along to the Radical Steps - 86 (or 87 - depends on your view and I didn't count them) steps almost vertically up the riverbank. This leads to Ruskin's View, named after the critic of the same name and painted by Turner.  Ruskin is reputed to have call the view "the finest in England, and therefore the world". Finally a stroll through Kirkby Lonsdale brought me back to the bridge once more.
An excellent walk - well worth the travelling (well I had to do it anyway) and the chance to visit some scenery I wouldn't normally have encountered !

Above is Ruskin's View (can't say I disagree with the first part of his statement).  Other photos of the day are available from the link

Farnley and Lindley Wood

Sunday, 8th May 2011

6.5 miles (10.5 Km) - 2h 07m

OS 297 - Lower Wharfedale and Washburn Valley

Circumstances meant that we needed to do a walk close to home, so a chance to do some further exploration of the Washburn Valley and a chance to circumnavigate another of the four reservoirs presented itself.

We parked just outside the church at Farnley (GR SE213480) - only about four or five miles from our home and set off along a track to the wonderfully named Haddockstones farm.  The well marked path tracks across the side of the valley and affords magnificent views both down the valley and across to Otley.

Soon the busy road from Otley to Blubberhouses is encountered for only a short stretch before a path cuts across Farnley Moor and eventually meets a metalled track that drops down the valley to Dob Park Bridge (GR SE196508).

This is a wonderful 17th century packhorse bridge across the River Washburn and had the added attraction of a cache which we found quite easily.

From this point the route is extremely simple and follows the path down the side of the river before arriving at the viaduct (GR SE202498).

Crossing the viaduct the path is regained and goes through delightful woodland, hugging the side of the reservoir.

The final stretch saw a stiff pull up the hill and back to the starting point. Suprisingly, the walk only took us a couple of hours but went really quickly.  Again, there was a strong breeze that hid the fact that the temperature was nearly 20 degrees !!

Photos from the link.

For anyone who is reading this blog, Gill and I will be doing the Leeds WellWalk on Sunday, 22nd May.  This is a 10k circuit around Temple Newsam.  We do need sponsorship so please visit our "giving website".  All contributions are very gratefully received and will help Diabetes UK continue its valuable work.

Timble & Swinsty

Friday, 29th April & Monday 2nd May

5.7 miles (9.3 Km) 

OS Explorer 297 - Lower Wharfedale & Washburn Valley

For many years, particularly when the children were young, a group of us used to go away to various locations for weekends.  Central to these was a whole day's walk on the Saturday, always followed by a fancy dress party in the evening.  I think we did enough by emphasising the party (and party games!) to fool the youngsters in to walking further than they thought they could ! 

My role on these weekends was to plan Saturday's walk and I became infamous for the phrase "It's only around the next corner" when being asked where the finish was!  Anyway, with four Bank Holidays in quick succession we decided that it would be good to get together again and walk - sadly, this time there was no promise of a fancy dress party and, consequently, no children !!  In their defence it has to be said that the youngest "child" is now in their twenties !

This is the sole reason that the walk appears twice - I did it on the Friday (to escaps the Royal Weddding) but also to ensure I knew the route.  It's O.K. getting lost on your own but leading a party of fifteen astray does nothing for one's credibility.

I seem to have become a resident of Timble over the past couple of weeks and this walk also starts there (GR SE180529).  Leaving the hamlet the track drops quickly to Swinsty Hall and then follows well maintained pathways through Swinsty Moor Plantation to the car park (GR SE186537).

After crossing the embankment the route once again follows the Yorkshire Water maintained footpaths which hug the side of the reservoir.

Here, on both days, we did a bit of Cache-Finding and congratulations go to Dave Sumpner who found the cache on the second day.

Finally, the walk leaves the surrounds of the reservoir and drops down Swinsty Embankment to pick up the River Washburn.  This was, probably, a surging torrent until the reservoirs - there are four in total, reduced it to a mere trickle !! 

The final section provides a bit of sting in the tail as the path turns at the bottom of Timble Gill (GR SE188517) and provides a stiffish climb back to the village.  

Monday provided a pleasant stop at the Yew Tree Inn in Otley.  

A good walk on both days with a stiff breeze that made us forget how warm the sun has been.  It was great to see Marilyn & John, Phil & Gill, Dave & Sally, Pete & Norma, Steve and (not forgetting) our daughter Charlotte !  Here's to the next one !

As usual a set of photos from the link

Blubberhouses Moor

Monday, 25th April

11.7 Km (7.2 miles) - 2hr 55 mins

Only 6 miles from our front doorstep and you feel like you are in the wilderness !! This walk is on the opposite side of Ilkley's more famous Cow and Calf Rocks and affords great views both back down the Washburn Valley and across to Ilkley's more famous location. 

The walk started at Trimble itself (GR SE179529). This small hamlet if a favourite starting point for many ramblers, not least because the Timble Inn used to offer refreshment after one's exertions.  Sadly, in the current economic climate it only has limited opening times and (strangely) Bank Holiday Monday isn't one of them !!  Bah ! I was quite looking forward to a pint!

After a short stretch of road walking the routethen heads past Sourby and climbs towards Ellescar Pike (GR SE159522).  Here the true moor walking begins as we followed High Badger Gate - a path!  Apparently,and  according to the guide book, a badger was a corn merchant and the moors are criss-crossed with route used by these merchants. 

Our next port of call was finding Geocache GC1K2KP This was easier than expected as the heather had all been burnt leaving the rock, under which the cache was hidden, more exposed than it would have been.

A stride further on took us to the high point of the walk at Lippersley Pike (GR SE143524).  From here it is a quite strenuous stretch (although, thankfully a short one) across Gawk Hall Ridge to Gawk Hall Gate itself.

Here, I'm sad to say, the guide book did not really help and the way is quite confusing across Blubberhouses Moor itself.  However, we managed it and landed (eventually) at Anchor Farm.  From here it is a short stretch through Beecroft Moor Plantation and back to the starting point.

Another good day's walking (apart from the confusion across the moor).  The weather was mixed, starting with bright sunshine but becoming cloudy and breezy on the way.  Still, a good way to spend a Bank Holiday.

Set of pictures available from this link

Twisleton Scars

Friday, 22nd April

11 kms (6.84 miles) - 2:35mins

A glorious day (Good Friday) with hardly a cloud in the sky, although there was quite a haze, as Gill and I got into some training for our Diabetes WellWalk which is due to take place at the end of May.

Chapel Le Dale, where the walk starts from, has long memories for me.  My mother went to school here.  Sadly, the school is now a bunk barn but in the early 1940s she would walk some three miles from home near Blea Moor Tunnel to attend school. Secondly, in the early 1970s I was part of the Skipton (Congregational) Scout Group.  Each year we would man a checkpoint at the Hill Inn for the annual Dalesman Axe Walk.  I can't find any mention of this competition now, so can only presume it no longer takes place.  Anyway, we would arrive on the Friday evening to pitch camp and then spent the night in the Hill Inn.

A group of hungover men would then stand around waiting for the competitors to descend from Ingleborough to be checked in before the set off up Whernside.

Enougn reminiscence, the walk starts at Chapel Le Dale (GR SD 737771) and the first port of call is St. Leonard's Church.  Here lie the bodies of a number of navvies, killed whilst working on the Settle to Carlisle railway and, in particular, Ribblehead viaduct which is only a couple of miles away. The route takes a path by the church and climbs away to Ellerbeck, one of those distinctive Dales farms that looks idyllic in warm April sunshine but must take on a different complection in January and February.

Here the route turns away and heads straight across the moor, with spectacular views back across to Ribblehead and Ingleborough which looms large throughout the whole walk.

Ewes Top (GR SD705760) provided a welcome stop for some lunch before descending Twisleton Scar End and briefly joining the long string of walkers on the Ingleton Waterfalls Walk. Whilst they headed for Beezley Falls, we turned left onto the old Roman Road that leads under the Scar back to Chapel Le Dale and the walks end,

Superb weather, if a little hazy and a good start to a month that gives four Bank Holidays and the prospect of more walking to come.  

Set of photographs from the link