Coach Walks 2004

Please click on the links below to read a full report

Edgworth - Sunday 18 January 2004

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Edgworth. Where is it and can we see it? Lancashire to the first question and not very well to the second. In drifting mist a coachload of DalesRailers descended on the small town of Edgworth. 'A' party was soon well 'on the edge' and disappearing into invisibility, some more than others. The walk was varied and exciting(the leader said so) and tracked across moorland, farmland, historic houses and reservoirs back to Edgworth. I don't think anyone found the voluptuous barmaid though.
'B' party made sure they visited all the reservoirs on offer. (Wayho? Is this a north eastern influence?) A bracing tramp across the moors was also enjoyed especially when the mist cleared just long enough for us to glimpse views of Winter Hill and later Holcombe Tower, bringing back memories of previous trips to the West Pennine Moors. They also took a turn around Turton Tower before visiting the final reservoir, Jumbles, and walking out to the hamlet of Hawkshaw. A slight drizzle threatened the end of the walk, but refuge was soon sought around the fire in the local hostellry where the lone barman realised he had made a mistake sending the rest of his staff home for the afternoon and had to call for re-inforcements.
'C' party raced to the coffee shop and then considered the day and the way the wind was blowing. They also visited all the reservoirs but in the opposite direction, starting with Jumbles and ending with Wayho via Turton Tower and the Witton Weavers' Way.
A good day in little-known but very enjoyable countryside. Everyone was extremely grateful that the ground was frozen or some members might well have disappeared without trace. Bearing in mind the number of slippery stiles we all had to encounter it was a major miracle that everyone returned safe and sound, but they did. Thanks to the leaders and backups, especially those who receed in bad conditions and still managed to enjoy the walk.

Diane E/Philip

Beverley - Sunday 15 February 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

A pleasant, sunlit journey along the M62 east, brought us to the gentle countryside of the southern end of the Yorkshire Wolds. The 'A' party debussed at South Cave, and from here, a sharp climb up the escarpment, followed by a couple of descents and ascents brought them to the Wolds Way.
Prizes were offered for the first sight of the Humber Bridge and Beverley Minster, but these appear to have not been claimed!! Ironically, despite most of the walk being very muddy, a stretch, which on the recce had been very bad, turned out better than expected.

The 'B' group set off from Welton (about 1.5 miles east of the 'A's), A pretty village with two unusual features - a church with a duck pond round two sides and the birthplace of Douglas's father. Leaving the village up a scenic but muddy valley, Pat failed in her attempt at a triple salko with pike, and finished up flat on her face! Happily the only thing hurt was her pride. To surprise and wonderment, Mary produced a large kitchen roll from her rucksack, to wipe her down. At the top of the valley, the party picked up the Wolds Way and at this point should have merged and followed the same route to Beverley, but there was no sign of them. Muddy paths and tracks led over gently rolling farmland, with distant views of the piers of the Humber Bridge and down the Humber Estuary. Beyond Skidby, the towers of Beverley Minster came into view. A mad, mass dash over the A164 led to more claggy paths in a long loop to the finish at the Minster. Most of the group enjoyed a relaxing hour in the strange back room of The White Horse Inn, known locally as "Nellies"!! A very old inn, the room had a roaring open fire, dark, sombre décor and illuminated with two miniscule gaslights! It was assumed that the small sash window was the emergency lighting. The 'A' group arrived about 15 minutes later. One member, who wishes to remain anonymous, said they'd been so long, Lewis had grown a beard!!

The 'C' group accomplished a unique first. With the other two groups on the coach and ready to leave, there was no sign of them! Had Betty overestimated the length of the route, had the dismantled railway been reclaimed or had there been a surge of religious fervour and they'd gone to evening service in the Minster?? For once, fiction was stranger than truth. Apparently three members coming by car got lost on their way to the start and had been rescued by the coach driver, on the outskirts of Beverley. Consequently, the walk didn't start till nearly 11.00 am, from the black windmill on the common. A circular route passing through some very pretty villages was enjoyed, especially the stained glass in Walkington church. The unfortunate start combined with the hard underfoot going, which slowed some members down, contributed to the late finish. Well done, Betty.

Thanks to all leaders and backups who did their best with very poor material.

Trevor

Slaidburn - Sunday 21 March 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

Welcome to the first day of Spring. At least that's what we thought until it started to rain. However, to begin at the beginning… All debussed at Slaidburn heavily betrousered and waterproofed. 'A' party made for Giddy Bridge- where else would be so suitable?- after resisting all houses of refreshment. Climbing steadily but not too strenuously they made their way back to Newton, avoiding the rats in the forest, and thus to Slaidburn without any mishaps, unless you count the time the leader slipped into the mud (and that was before he'd had a drink!)
'B' party tracked the River Hodder to Dunsop Bridge (a monument to BT) also going via Giddy Bridge but not feeling any disastrous effects. They then struck out for Pain Hill, not living up to its name, I hope, and thus back to Slaidburn to enjoy the flesh pots at the Hark to Bounty(with dry shoes and no nasty waterproofs, of course)
'C' party decided to visit the beauty spots of East Lancashire in the shape of the local sewage works. They also tested out Giddy Bridge and made it without a fall in sight. However, too much excitement earlier in the day meant that the extra diversion to the waterfalls was omitted - but then by that time they were walking in the middle of one, which was much more exciting.
Thanks to all leaders and backups for a very pleasant day in beautiful countryside - the rain was not your fault!

Diane E

Farndale - Sunday 18 April 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

It was one of those days when you wondered whether you were quite sane to be contemplating a walk over the North Yorkshire Moors in pouring rain. At the end of the day the question was still open. We had come to see the daffodils and we did, masses of them, although they looked as sorry as we did in the rain - but to the walks!

'B' party stepped into the raincurtain first at Hutton-le-Hole and we waved them a cheerful goodbye as they made their way to Loskey Ridge. The spectacular views were unfortunately not available but gradually rolling hills and farmland came into view as they plunged down to Bragg Farm. The going was muddy and the River Dove a raging, brown torrent but lambs skipped and daffodils nodded and the subsequent open moorland views were nearly there as they trekked back to Hutton-le-Hole.

'C' party were next to brave the weather as they debussed into mist and bleak moorland - it was Blakey Moor so they were told and not a coffee shop in sight. They made all haste to escape to the relative comforts(?) of Farndale and enjoy the daffodils
between High Mill and Low Mill before reaching the fleshpots of Hutton-le-Hole.

'A' party considered asking the coach driver to drive them back to Hutton-le-Hole immediately but grudgingly admitted they would have to do what they had come to do and left the coach. An easy start along the disused railway geared them up for the unremitting climb to Wether Hill. Imagination composed the stunning views although scenery did start to appear as they descended to the valley and the rain did stop momentarily. Even motorists didn't escape-the car park at Low Mill was waterlogged- and few daffodil spotters were seen beside the banks of the angry River Dove. Competition for the mud-sliding championships hotted up but no one fell over and all came safely to Hutton-le-Hole by their various routes.

The company was good so never mind about the rain. Thanks to all leaders and backups and to the tolerant coachdriver as 50 odd (very odd) people clambered aboard with diverse garments of sodden appearance.

Diane E

Chirk - Sunday 16 May 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

Please click the links below to see the photos from the Chirk trip

'A' party, 23 strong (or not) started with a stiff climb out of Glyn Ceiriog in blazing sunshine. Many legs and arms came out for an airing and a shower of sunhats appeared. They successfully negotiated several farms and their energetic dogs, extricated themselves from parties of horsepeople and even engaged in a barbed wire collecting competition on Pen y Gwely, much to the delight of the sheep. Beautiful views of the distant Berwyns were the reward for the climb, but all things come to an end and soon they were striding along Offa's Dyke with Chirk Castle in view and the amazing combination of aqueduct and viaduct as the icing onthe cake - unless you count the inevitable hill just before the end, of course!

Diane E

The 'B' group, also starting from Glyn Ceiriog in glorious sunshine, took a gently climbing minor road for about two miles, resting at the top for coffee, with Bakewell tarts and slices of Battenberg supplied by Mary for her belated birthday. She also produced her ubiquitous kitchen roll (see Beverley walk) to wipe sticky lips and fingers! Superb views from the ridge walk over the Ceiriog Valley and hills to the north. Down a pleasant wooded valley and onto Offa's Dyke which was followed through magnificent gorse and beds of bluebells, with views of Chirk Castle, nestling in the trees on its hill, before dropping down again into the Ceiriog Valley and following the river towards Chirk. After passing through a wood carpeted with millions of garlic flowers, the route then followed the tow path of the Shropshire Union Canal, passing over a dizzyingly high aqueduct and into a pitch dark tunnel, 1,381ft. long! Cries of "I can't see Derek's hat" (white), and "I've lost Fiona's legs" (also white) echoed through the diesel fumes of passing long boats! Good job Douglas, leader, had had the foresight to bring some torches. The "Hand Hotel" was a welcome sight, to clear the throat of fumes.

Trevor

As a beautiful dawn broke over Yorkshire 51 'Tyke' marauders boarded their transport, not far from their headquarters, for an incursion into the north eastern region of Wales, soon to be joined on the way by a lone Lancastrian mercenary. On arrival at their destination Y Waun, (known in English as Chirk), 11 members of the elite veteran force, codenamed 'C' party, left the main group to begin their advance towards the Welsh stronghold, Chirk Castle. Crossingfirst the railway then the canal, passing through wood and meadow, King Offa's 1200 year old, 8 metres high earthen bank was soon reached and breached on the way to the beautiful hillside village of Fron Isaf. Circumnavigating the grounds to the north and west of the castle, a steep descent led to the Ceiriog Valley via Castle Mill and a return alongside the river to Chirk where some time was spent in meditation at the medieval church, while the remainder returned to the canal to view the 18th century aqueduct and quarter-mile tunnel.

Brian H

Photos by Trevor

Thanks to all leaders and back-ups.

Staveley - Sunday 20 June 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

The hard warning from the handout did not stop 14 'A' walkers having a precarious coach extension to the Kirkstone Inn. With steep ascents to lunch at Thornthwaite Crag the leader was both able to lead from the front and assist those less able on some descents. Excellent views of the coast and surrounding mountains. As promised, were diligently pointed out. Subsidiary peaks on the horseshoe failed to slow our progress and the descent through hay meadows, villages and local pathways continued even in heavy rain and hail. The back up had no problems whatsoever and the party finished the walk in such quick time that the coach was able to leave before its anticipated departure. It's surprising what can happen!!

Lewis

It was very much a what shall I wear to-day sort of a day, so as usual we were all in the wrong attire. The sun came out and the clothes came off. Jenny counted 21 'B's' off the coach at Crook and we all followed Brian on a delightful walk to Staveley with stunning views en-route. The walk initially took us in a southerly direction away from our final objective. We had lunch at Crosthwaite with great views and at that point we turned north towards our destination. The sun got hotter and there were cries of I wish I had put this on and I wish I hadn't put this on. Then the promised gentle climb started and things really hotted up, but what a panoramic view awaited us at the top to the northwest, practically the whole of the Lakeland fells stretched out before us. As we drank in the view the rain started and although we tried to ignore it, it didn't go away. When it was decided it was time for afternoon tea it had stopped but looked very menacing towards the north, as did a group of cows, calves and father who came to see what we were doing, obviously on a father's day outing!! After tea the rain really made its prescence felt as we joined the Dales Way path to Staveley, but hey we couldn't let it spoil such a lovely walk, so it was heads down to the Eagle and Child and other venues in Staveley. Thank you Jenny and Brian.

Jean G

There 20 'C' bodies to de-bus at Plumgarths to climb Cunswick Scar and a coffee stop with spectacular views. We could see Morecambe Bay and Blackpool Tower very clearly, along with Lakeland hills and the Yorkshire Dales. From here we could only go down, to eventually reach Underbarrow and lunch in the churchyard, basking in the burning sun. We meandered along leafy tracks and lanes, passing what must be the most desirable care homes, at Capple Rigg (for the aged walker, maybe?). After crossing the road on which we started our walk, we reached Kott Hill and afternoon tea. Not before time, as just as we were packing up, the hailstones began, as big as peas, followed a little later by thunder and lightening! By now we were not far from the end, but just to finish the day off the last mile was completed in very heavy rain. Everyone said they had enjoyed the walk, regardless of the changing weather, but it was made even better for Sue and myself by the fact that very few of our group had ever walked in this area, even the more experienced members.

Glennys A

Terrington - Sunday 18 July 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

The strenuous walk was mentioned to be the 'jungle walk' of North Yorkshire with a warning in the walk description of DEEP vegetation to be expected. Anyway the leader came prepared with a broomstick although he called it an 'AVD', that's an Anti-Vegetation Device. However, thanks to NYCC footpaths dept., the worst two areas were cleared and the AVD proved useful in keeping the party under control as they could not safely pass the leader.
Anyway the 'A' party of 14 departed Whitwell-on-the-Hill before 9.30am for a leisurely 17 mile stroll through the Howardian Hills taking in part of the Castle Howard estate. Nice views of the House, the Wolds and the North York Moors were to be seen on a rare sunny day. At lunch stop we met up with another party led by one of footpath dept staff to whom thanks were passed on for making our route clear. We 'finished' our walk four miles short at Hovingham where the heat in the beer garden was almost too much but the hospitality and refreshment were excellent. A renegade party broke away and raced the last 4 miles to taste the delights of tea and the lavender fields.

Alan K

Edale - Sunday 15 August 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

After a shortish coach journey, we arrived in sunny Derbyshire. 'A' party commenced their walk from Ladybower Reservoir, climbing steeply up Crook Hill. Our 'birder' soon slowed the pace by assisting us all in locating the resident little owls and their young. Buzzards were also seen soaring in this area. We continued along undulating high level tracks with magnificent views in all directions. After lunch below Alport Castle, the promised yomping began in earnest. Onwards and upwards until finally we reached Madwoman's Stones. There were some madmen amongst us by this time! Then followed a delightful stroll round Kinder Edge where heather bloomed brightly in the warm sunshine. After passing the outcrop known as Ringing Roger, our descent involved more steep yomping through fragrant heather and bracken before reaching Grindsbrook and the steady trail to Edale for refreshments. A wonderful walk, thanks to our intrepid leader and back up.

Yvonne W

The B party set off over the fields after an encounter with a rather out-of-season Father Christmas (yes, in August!) and started with the steepest climb of the day to the Hollins Cross, just below the Mam Tor ridge. Arriving in various states of exhaustion, (particularly this author!) a welcome coffee break was enjoyed with views of both the Dark Peak gritstone to the north and the White Peak's limestone to the south. The trig point on Mam Tor itself was attained followed by an undulating plod along the rather unfortunately named "Rushup Edge" which I don't think anybody did!
Lunch was taken on the edge of the moorland followed by about a mile or so of synchronised bog-trotting towards the Kinder Scout plateau. We didn't quite lose anyone to the bogs, although one member did disappear up to her thighs before being hauled to safety. The advantage of having done an early climb meant that we were rewarded with long-ranging views for most of the day.

During the afternoon we reached the infamous "Jacob's ladder" descent towards Edale itself which was undertaken at a steady pace and for the last couple of miles we followed the Pennine Way in reverse before heading, appropriately for the Rambler Inn at Edale (do they take walkers?). Thankfully they did and a most pleasant time in the beer garden was spent by many of us.

The C party also headed up towards Hollins Cross, although by more circuitous and gentle route. They had an option to do Mam Tor but we understand that none of them availed themselves of this opportunity. Instead views of Edale from above were enjoyed before returning to the valley bottom via Upper Booth for refreshments. A couple of members of the C party were interrogated but insisted that "nothing exciting happened" on their walk. That's what they tell us!

Philip (with additional material courtesy of Betty and Kevin)

How Stean Gorge/Pateley Bridge - Sunday 19 September 2004

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'A' party , 17 strong, tripped off the coach first for a change and found themselves in Summerbridge. Initially following the Nidderdale Way our leader set a good pace up on to Heyshaw Moor. Intermittent showers and sun led to uncertainty about which bits of clothing to don and which to discard but in the end we didn't get too wet, although there were times when our feet sank unexpectedly into bog. The walk was not only scenically beautiful but also historically interesting, including as it did a tour of a lime kiln and plentiful remains of lead mining. Arriving in the environs of Pateley Bridge the leader had one more trick up her sleeve, a lovely steep hill to finish with, although this was compensated for by the panoramic view thereby afforded. Thanks to the leader and backup - I'm sure he was there somewhere!

Diane E

The weather forecast for the day was for fresh to strong winds and intermittent squally showers, so with light hearts the party of 14 'B' walkers, led by Alan Jagger, clambered quite happily from the coach in the village of Lofthouse into early morning sunshine and relative calm. Leaving the village by road, we were soon tripping up Trapping Hill but before long, as the gradient increased, the tripping degenerated into slogging. Reaching the crest of High Scar we took to the ridge footpath, immediately realising that the weather forecasters had not been wrong on either count, as we headed initially north, eventually swinging round to the west along Dale Edge towards Scar House Reservoir. Lunch was taken adjacent to Scar House before making our return via the Nidderdale Way, on much kinder terrain along or just above the valley floor alongside the River Nidd. On reaching Lofthouse, the majority headed towards How Stean Gorge for a well earned 'cuppa' at the restaurant. Three hardy souls however opted for the scenic route via Middlesmoor Church.

Brian H

The 'C' group, 'surviving' a white knuckle journey from Pateley Bridge (£5 a head on Blackpool Pleasure Beach!!), finally debussed at How Stean. Led by Les Crook and backed by Joan Thompson, the party made their way to the "How Stean Gorge Café" for coffee (and toasted tea cakes for some!). A good way to start a walk. Sheltering from a short, sharp shower, we then set off up field paths to Middlesmoor, a small village with a big church, on the shoulders of a steep hillside, giving superb views right down Nidderdale. The route now led up a rough walled track, In Moor Lane, to a slippery descent, from the top of which we had a breathtaking panorama of rolling clouds, wind swept fells and a rather rough Scar House Reservoir, down to the dam for lunch. 15 managed to squeeze into the tiny shelter, while the other 2 ate in the lea of the abandoned toilet block! A short descent down the road to a track across the NE shoulder of In Moor and back to Middlesmoor. Here the party split up, 12 making for the more refined environs of the "How Stean Gorge Café", while the other 5 reprobates chose the dimly lit bar of "The Crown", in Lofthouse. A most enjoyable day - thanks to Les and Joan.

Trevor

Darwen Tower/West Pennine Moors - Sunday 17 October 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

'A' party started off at a deceptively low gradient and also deceptively near to Darwen Tower. But of course we got as far away as possible from it and took to the moors. In some cases the moors took us as loud splashes and faint shrieks from the back bore witness. Great Hill was scaled and lunch was taken in the ruins of Hollinshead Hall before the real excitement of the day began - a plunge across Darwen Moor following the Witton Weavers Way- led carefully by the leader who offered his head as a stepping stone should it become necessary. Darwen Tower seemed tantalisingly near now but somehow it slipped round a corner again before emerging in full glory ready for the assault. It was all downhill from there (honestly!) and we just beat the rain. A beautiful day with lovely panoramic views. Thanks to our trusty leader and his backup.

Diane E

Unusually, crossing from Yorkshire to Lancashire, the weather appeared to be turning brighter, and so it turned out. The 16 'B's, setting off from Ryal Fold, had a most enjoyable day, passing through woodland and by reservoirs before ascending along part of The Witton Weavers Way and then across open moorland, with sight of Darwen Tower, the next objective. The tower from a distance resembles the type of rocket ship used by Dan Dare! Most of the group wound their way up the internal spiral staircase (hardest climb of the day) to be rewarded with a fantastic 360 degree panorama !! The Ribble Estuary, Blackpool Tower, Pendle Hill, to mention just a few of the sights. Passing across the last muddy field, several of the ladies were not enamoured with a herd of very noisy cows and some "clever" ones (myself included, trying to avoid an extremely muddy gateway, found themselves having to be helped over a wall or through a barb wire fence!! All in all, a super walk and many thanks to Philip and Anne.

Trevor

The forecast was not bad for the area we were visiting, but to get the party into the mood for the "C" walk we started in the visitor centre café.
Refreshed after the journey, 16 walkers set off to circle around the side of Darwen moor before ascending the hill to the tower, where a few brave bodies climbed the tower to see the view ( or just to say they did it!). The wind was rather blowy on top of the hill but most were able to find shelter in which to eat lunch.
We then headed across the moor to descend to Tockholes Plantation where we had been told we might spot some deer ( not to be!), continuing along the waterside path which, very pleasantly took us around Roddlesworth Reservoir and along the side of the river, which has a very interesting river bed. After crossing the bridge, the smell of Corned Beef Hash was too much for some who had power in reserve to get to the café in double quick time.
After a cool morning on the hill, the afternoon was dappled with sunshine through the trees, perfect!

Glennys A

West Burton - Sunday 21 November 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

"A" small but select group set off from West Burton on a cold and frosty morning. Negotiating black ice we first visited the falls before climbing up onto the moors. The frost ensured good surfaces underfoot, but challenges when crossing styles. Coffee was taken at a ruined Templar chapel followed by a climb to the top of Penn Hill. Unfortunately this was covered in mist but our leader described what we might have seen. The descent brought us out of the mist with views to the East and a stop for lunch. In the afternoon a pleasant trek across further moor land brought us round to the pretty village of Carlton. The return to West Burton across Carlton Moor was spoiled because the track is churned up by off-roaders. The final descent was stunning but again treacherous and the welcome refreshment rounded an excellent day out. Thanks to Sylvia and John.

John C

"B" Group: As the coach meandered along through Aysgarth towards West Burton, in order to allow the "C" party to alight at the Fox and Hounds to partake of their ritual Coffee and cakes, our eyes took in the splendour of velvety green vales and distant hills and we gave thanks to God for allowing us to walk in such a majestic setting. We were totally unprepared therefore when, some twenty minutes later and a couple of hundred feet higher, we stepped off the coach at a point just north of Cray into the frozen waste! Our heading was north, the conditions were grim, as we ascended a track covered in several inches of snow with polished ice down the middle where vehicles had attempted to either leave or return to the isolated farms served by this very track. Goaded on by Richard Castle our splendid leader and ably assisted on the day by the young lady who at some earlier point in his life had tickled his fancy, we climbed the heights of Kidstones Fell, crossed Thoralby Common, passed to the south of Addlebrough, began a steady descent to Thornton Rust and crossing Aysgarth Moor arrived at Thoralby, having suddenly realised that the ravages of winter were but a distant memory. It was now only a short stroll, albeit with a little sting in the tail, to our arrival in West Burton and a welcoming warming drink in the Fox and Hounds.

Brian H

A traditional DalesRail start was made to the "C" walk by getting off the coach at the village green and adjourning straight to the pub, but only for coffee initially. After enjoying the view of the waterfall in West Burton itself, we made our way via field paths and stiles all in varying degrees of muddyness, slippyness and icyness (yes - that's three new words for the price of one) to Aysgarth where lunch was taken on an excellent viewpoint overlooking the Lower Falls. The Middle Falls were bagged after lunch followed by an all too brief glimpse at the Upper Falls.

There was a small contingent from the usual "B" walkers making a guest appearance on the walk and - having been warned on pain of death not to force the pace - it was observed that it was in fact a couple of the regular "C" walkers who came close to having their legs slapped for being deemed to have left the walk. Readers may wonder who this was, but Dennis has asked to remain anonymous and we will of course respect this confidence.

After a short pause at Aysgarth rock garden, a slight drizzle appeared briefly in the air as we ascended Folly Lane track to the dizzying height of 244 metres before heading down to the village of Thoralby, with a rest on the way down to allow us to acclimatise and refill our oxygen tanks before a final ascent (there's always a hill at the end) estimated at up to 100 yards to bring us out at the top end of West Burton - the coach and pub now being within easy reach.

Altogether an excellent day among good company and despite the mist obscuring the more distant vistas, there were still some good views of the Wensleydale scenery and the snow-topped fells.

Thank you to the leader and backup.

Philip

Washburn Valley - Sunday 19 December 2004

Walks Information Sheet - Please click here to download a copy.

Photos - click on the links below to view

[Photos 1 to 8 courtesy Ian Hull; Photo 9 courtesy Trevor Grimston]

'A' party strode away from Swinsty Reservoir and were soon ice-skating over the fields to Denton and Blubberhouses Moors. The strength of the sun soon changed that though and it was more 'where shall I put my feet so that I don't disappear altogether?'- something which nearly happened to our leader.
Excitement came in the form of an encounter with a bull whose cows skipped down a lane to avoid us but left the master behind. He was the perfect gentleman, however, and waited patiently for us to climb out of his field before rejoining his harem.
More excitement was to come as we crossed the most dangerous road in Britain, not once but twice, and all survived! Views from the moors were splendid and far-reaching and it was with reluctance that we left the high ground and came down to join the river and the reservoir side. The beautiful reflections in the water made it all worthwhile though - a perfect end to a perfect day. Thanks to the leader and backup. For once the gods were on their side!

Diane E

With this months walks venue being only a short distance from Leeds, the 'B' party, ably led by Meryl and backed by Alan Jagger, set off from the village of Leathley at 9.00 AM (must be a record start time) in chilly but glorious weather, which for once, stayed with us all day. Field paths and slippery stiles, a brief encounter with two friendly llamas followed by mince pies and hot mulled wine, kindly provided by Pat and Glennys, led to the shores of Lindley Res. before climbing out of the valley and through Norwood Edge Plantation, with extensive views. A distant, snow covered fell caused much debate as to its name, the general consensus being Gt. Whernside. Lunch was taken on Little Almscliff Crag, in warm sunshine. Passing Scargill Res. a short climb brought us to a Dales Way Link path which was followed (apart from a short diversion to look at the remains of John O'Gaunts hunting lodge) to the finish at The Sun Inn, where the Christmas spirit was happily celebrated!!! Thanks to leader and back up. A super walk made more enjoyable by the unusual December weather.

Trevor

The weather could not have been more perfect for the lovely, though muddy, walk undertaken by the 'C' party round Swinsty reservoir then over to Timble before returning to Swinsty and back to the Sun Inn for a 'bevvy' to round off a beautiful day. The lunch stop found us sitting in glorious sunshine holding our 'Christmas Fuddle' - wine, quiche, pork pies, christmas cake, etc., we were so replete it's a wonder we could finish the walk!

My thanks to Stan and Kath for allowing my grandchildren (and their parents) and Joan, a 'Friend' who isn't able to participate very often, to join us, they all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Joan T

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