20 January	Tealby, Lincolnshire
10 February	Hayfield, Derbyshire
9 March	Lockton, North Yorkshire
13 April	Buxton, Derbyshire
11 May	Hawkshead, Cumbria
15 June	Llandudno, North Wales
13 July	Helmsley, North Yorkshire
10 August	Tebay, Cumbria
14 September	Whitby, North Yorkshire
12 October	Prestbury, Cheshire
9 November	Castleton, Derbyshire
14 December	Caton, North Lancashire

14 December - Caton, North Lancashire

 

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 47k)

'B' WALK

After squeezing between the houses of Wennington 'B' party set off on a lovely firm road (no mud). Our luck continued as we made our way via fields and tracks to Gressingham. Here we had lunch in the quiet churchyard before continuing on our way. Due to the foresight of the leaders we avoided the hazardous mud down by the river although not the greasy stiles and came safely to Aughton. Then came the big hill of the day to which we had been looking forward, of course. However, the views of the snow capped Ingleborough and Clougha Pike made it all worthwhile. A steady saunter brought us to Crook o'Lune where we paused to fraternise with the 'C' party before wending our way along an impressive ex-railway track to Caton and its welcoming pub. A very good walk in surprisingly windless weather and with remarkably little mud. Thanks to Philip and Jenny for their excellent leadership and backing up.

Report by Diane Exley

'C' WALK

A 'C' walk that will be indelibly imprinted in the minds of all who were there!! The day started well, debussing in a car park high above the River Lune with an open air café dispensing coffee and a selection of bacon sandwiches etc. Although it was rather overcast, it wasn't raining (shades of Castleton!!). Brian led off on a good path, which didn't last long enough, then on to soggy field paths with diabolical stiles. Great pity that the obviously good views of the Lune Valley were marred by the haze and murky cloud. Some time was lost trying to find the way in and out of an overgrown plantation and lunch was taken in the hamlet of Aughton, where, on a three fingered sign post one was pointing to "Cul de Sac". Close scrutiny of O.S. maps of the locality couldn't find it! A steep descent on a narrow lane to the right bank of the Lune and across more very soggy grassland led to the base of the ridge we'd crossed earlier, and then it happened!!! On or rather in to, a stretch of the wettest, soggiest, deep, awful mud anybody had ever experienced!! Sinking nearly up to our knees, some did, a few members fell over and Joan did a beautifully executed swallow dive in to it. With a great struggle, all eventually got across on to firm but equally wet, slippery path through the woods, coming very close in places, to a sheer 30 to 40 foot drop straight into the river!! The relief on reaching the riverside path over solid ground to the café, was quite palpable!! A short walk along the abandoned railway to Caton, the " Station" pub and the coach. A most memorable walk for all the wrong reasons!! Many thanks to leader Brian.

Report by Trevor Grimston

 

9 November - Castleton, Derbyshire

 

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 46k)

'A' WALK

Photos by Ian Hull

The weather forecast was poor but we disembarked near Hathersage with hope in our hearts only to be met by a heavy burst of rain. Undaunted ,we set off downhill, knowing, in our wisdom, that this would inevitably lead to an uphill sooner or later. Gradually the rolling hills of Derbyshire came into view as we gained height and, as we observed the two minutes silence at the end of our coffee break, the sun came out to reveal the beautifully-coloured autumnal trees. The mudslide down to Bradwell was exciting but we all arrived intact and set off uphill again. By now the weather was closing in and we felt the full force of the wind and rain as we made our way across Bradwell Moor and on to the Limestone Way. Mam Tor, the hill at the end of the walk, began to swim into view and when we arrived, we were grateful for the stone slabs which eased our passage uphill. The twinkling lights of Castleton beckoned and a last trudge across the fields took us to the various hostelries on offer. Many thanks to Nigel who led us competently and firmly through the mud and to Penny who did a sterling job at the back.

Report by Diane Exley

'C' WALK

Not having walked for the past two months it was inevitable that I'd be welcomed back with a 'wet one'!
Setting off after our usual cuppa, we paddled the muddy paths before heading upwards on to Lose Hill. Part way up Trevor decided he'd better put his overtrousers on, this entailed the help of THREE women (one was Jean) but between the four of them they still managed to get them on back to front - then the rain stopped.
Once on top we battled the elements along the ridge towards Mam Tor. As we approached a cut off point Philip and three others decided they didn't want to contend with the wind anymore so they dropped down into the valley whilst the rest of us continued over Mam Tor in a howling gale. As we dropped down to the valley floor the rain came back again with a vengeance and a very soggy lot we were by the time we reached Castleton and the coach. The four breakaways had craftily come across the coach parked up on the roadside and got a lift down into Castleton, they were the only dry ones out of the coach load.
Despite the weather it was a good walk and thanks to Chris and Brian for the careful leadership.

Report by Joan Thompson

 

12 October - Prestbury, Cheshire

 

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 30k)

'C' WALK

The omens were not good, leaving Leeds, mild but heavy overcast. Hopes rose as we descended into Lancashire - the clouds thinning, a wan sun breaking through. By the time we debussed in Prestbury, the sun was out, quite warm, and stayed that way all day!!. As Prestbury is too "up market" to have a "Greasey Spoon Caff", we had to walk a way before finding somewhere for coffee - our own!! Crossing over the local golf course, a foursome didn't look too pleased having to wait while we passed before they could tee off. Very carefully crossing the A523, we eventually came to the tow path of the Macclesfield Canal, very busy with pleasure barges in both directions, and followed it for about 2 miles, nice flat!! Unfortunately, not far along, Angela, who was already suffering from a 'poorly' leg, found it too bad to go on. When we reached the first road crossing, Pat Wilson volunteered to accompany her into Bollington and take a taxi back to Prestbury. Leaving the canal, after lunch, along a lane, over fields, a break on the bank of the River Dean, through a smelly farmyard, back over the A523, a footbridge over the railway, through the outskirts of Prestbury and back into town. There were conflicting directions to the coach but a long walk found it, only to be told there was a short cut through a churchyard!! Unusually, there were refreshments for all tastes!! Fine old pubs for the drinkers and excellent tea and cakes in the church hall. The excellent weather made a lovely day all the more enjoyable. Many thanks to leaders, Glennys and Sue.

Report by Trevor Grimston

 

 

14 September - Whitby, North Yorkshire

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 30k)

'A' WALK

 

An entertaining walk which saw the Damson One & the GPS Challenged One take an early bath in muddy waters (not together it should be noted!) & our gallant leader hone his snake charming skills after disturbing a sun bathing adder.

A pleasant stroll across moorland to Lilla Cross in all too rare sunshine preceded the merriment of trying to cross swollen Brown Rigg Beck amongst a veritable tangle of vegetation which obscured any hint of a path (& at times the person in front!). Eventually jungle & beck negotiated the hardy As relaxed near Billira cottage for a sunny lunch.

Generally good moorland paths followed with some views to the coast; then the tourist route with a dash of mud for good measure to view cascading Falling Foss & the Hermitage (we paid a visit but there was nobody home!); arriving at the pub in Sleights with it's lovely beer garden & accompanying real ale.

Thanks to Alan & Yvonne for devising an interesting route.

Photos and report by Ian Hull.

'B' WALK

Abandoned on the A169 'B' party quickly vanished into the rather muddy moorland heading for the open countryside. It was rather a shock to feel the sun on our faces and a communal stripping off soon took place. The steep downhill into Littlebeck was inevitably followed by a steep uphill. However, a tame robin cheered us on our way and we were soon deep amid the fields of uncut crops - a sad reflection on this year's weather. Minor surgery had to be applied to a nasty wasp sting but the victim survived and we were soon plotting our way through mud, trees and roads towards the coast. The beautiful weather had brought the crowds out on the coastal path and we were in danger of ending up with the wrong group at one time but our sturdy leader refused to lose us and we all ended up safely in Whitby to enjoy its delights for a couple of hours. Thanks to Derek and Annette for their leadership.

Report by Diane Exley

'C' WALK

After the horrendous weather of last month at Tebay, what a pleasure it was to walk in glorious, dry, sunny conditions with wonderful views. The 'C' party, led by Stan, debussed on the harbour side in Whitby and we made our way through teeming hordes of trippers, to the Beachside Café for our usual pre walk refreshments. Suitably satisfied with scones, toasted tea cakes and bacon sandwiches, a climb to the cliff top footpath and we were off. Soon turning inland, over the golf course and across fields through long grass, where the path was only visible on the map and descended into a wooded valley with a small lake. Judging by the colour of the water, a sign saying "No Fishing" should have read "No Fish In"!! A climb out up a very slippery, muddy path led across uncut wheat fields to our lunch stop, with a distant view of Mulgrave Castle and a glimpse of a cruise liner sailing south. From here we then passed through the beautiful, protected, Mulgrave Woods to Sandsend, were boots were washed in the stream. Here the party split up, some walking back to Whitby, some catching the bus (especially those with passes), and some walking half way, were they made their way to their choice of refreshment. Many thanks to Stan and Kath for a most enjoyable day.

Report by Trevor Grimston

 

 

10 August - Tebay, Cumbria

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 29k)

'B' WALK

Given that the rain buckets in the sky have been going into overdrive this 'summer' we did not set out very hopefully. Patches of blue brought cheer but nearby blankets of grey looked ominous. However, gallant as ever, 'B' party began their trek from Tebay West services after a slight dalliance for refreshment - well it was lashing it down at the time. We climbed steadily to Blease Fell with an everincreasing wind which threatened to blow us off our feet or at least remove several rucksack covers and intermittent torrents of rain to increase our joy. Auditions for Mary Poppins came to mind as we were forced to study the art of keeping our feet on the ground and the umbrella in the air. The summit was reached but concentrating on the view was life-threatening and so we turned back to the safety of the valley slopes and a comforting road which led us gently back via Raisgill and Coatflatt Hall to join the River Lune and finally the comfort of the Cross Keys in Tebay village. Many thanks to the leader and backup who struggled valiantly with the adverse conditions.

Report by Diane Exley

'C' WALK

Our walk deviated somewhat from the intended! Having watched the 'A' and 'B' parties disembark into the torrential rain we alighted at Tebay services for our usual cuppa. As we were preparing to set off on our walk, Eugene, our considerate driver, put forward the choice of 'going elsewhere' or battling with the elements. A vote was taken and 'elsewhere' won so we re-boarded the coach and ended up in Penrith. Some did their own thing but the majority did the Town Trail led by Glennys, which was very interesting. We did have some rain but only heavy showers and when the sun came out it was very warm. We left Penrith in sunshine only to hit the rain again as we approached Tebay. We felt a bit guilty at not doing our walk but when we saw the state of the others on their return, were rather glad we'd had another option. A definite 'one-off' and probably the first and last time it will happen but it was much appreciated. Thanks to Glennys for our alternative stroll.

Report by Joan Thompson

 

13 July - Helmsley, North Yorkshire

 

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 30k)

'A' WALK

Sunshine & shorts & not a rain jacket in sight ...could have been forgiven for thinking it was summer as the As & Cs debussed at Helmsley , No bacon & coffee for an army of "As" , our GPS wielding leader tearing out of the car park with her party close behind . Turning our backs on the Cleveland Way forest tracks were followed culminating with an ascent of Cowhouse Bank ; disturbing the peace of a lone camper as we basked in the views as the tree line cleared . Lunch near Potter House Farm then turning South East with uninterrupted views back across to Cowhouse Bank Wood . After passing through a campsite one Dalesrailer gave a successful demonstration on how to quickly dismantle a temporary road sign directing parents returning to pick their childern up ...if only he'd packed his hammer & a few nails ...who knows which way the arrow was supposed to point ! Tangles of brambles & nettles were somehow or other negotiated up High Tun Way & across to Reagarth Farm & Helmsley . An enjoyable walk making good use of forest tracks....and it stayed DRY !

Photos and report by Ian Hull.

'B' WALK

The 'B' walk was advertised as a mystery tour so we set off eager to solve it. Starting from Hambleton we dived into trees to emerge on Cote Moor. A short walk brought us to our coffee stop at Cold Kirby which' to our relief' was not cold at all but bathed in lovely hot sunshine. Energised with vitamin D we proceeded to make our way to Byland Abbey and thence on good paths to another site of pilgrimage, Rievaulx Abbey (an optional extra for some - ice cream included) Then spiritually and physically refreshed we girded up our loins for the final assault on Helmsley via the Cleveland Way. Our goal achieved we were able to enjoy the culinary delights and sights and sounds of this busy market town. Well done to Glennys and Pat for taking on the task at short notice.

Report by Diane Exley

'C' WALK

No doubt Joan must have been terribly relieved when she learned that Glennys had volunteered to do the 'B' walk. The thought of having to lead at least thirty odd 'C' walkers must have been quite daunting!! Having said that, she did a great job with the fifteen she got, and no doubt the Ryeburn Tea Rooms, Helmsley, were very glad to see them, too. Also, nice to see Paddy and Stuart and hear that Paddy is making good progress. Suitably fortified with scones, toasted tea cakes, tea and coffee, the group set off over pleasant meadows and up heavily wooded Ash Dale on a very tricky, nasty muddy path - at least in glorious sunshine, and were glad to climb out on to a firm track to the outskirts of the hamlet of Carlton and stop for lunch. Young lambs dashed up, expecting something to eat, but soon disappeared when the farmer arrived with a teated bottle. Back to the woods and a very difficult descent into the very pleasant wooded Riccal Dale, passing through a scout camp. Another climb out and then it was all down hill back to Helmsley with its bustling market square and ample choice of refreshments. A lovely walk in ideal conditions, with many thanks to leader Joan and her faithful back-up Margaret.

Photos and report by Trevor Grimston

 

15 June - Llandudno, North Wales

 

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 30k)

'B' WALK

Off we sallied to the land of the leek and the daffodil leaving the dark clouds of Yorkshire far behind. 'B' party embarked on a walk of three halves - don't go into the maths - which proved very pleasant. The first half was through undulating meadowland which led us, by lunchtime, to a magnificent front row view over the sea. The second half took us to the beach which luckily was dry and firm enough for us to walk on after we had negotiated the monster pebbles. The third half was the sting in the tail - the ascent of Great Orme which we had been able to see looming for some time. However, heads down - all the better to see the butterflies and flowers - and muscles primed we made it to the top. Here, two of the party bravely went to rescue a sheep which had unexpectedly toppled onto its back. The sight of them bearing down soon gave it the momentum to jump up and run away and we continued our descent to the ancient church of St Tudno with its fascinating graveyard. It was downhill all the way from there and we arrived in time to sample the culinary delights of Llandudno. Many thanks to our careful leader and his faithful backup.

Report by Diane Exley

'C' WALK

Photos by Trevor Grimston

Due to unforeseen circumstances Stuart Twidale was unable to lead the walk so at 24 hours notice Trevor Grimston stepped into the breach. Armed only with a computer print-out map of the area and Stuart's brief outline of the walk we set off along the prom - straight into the beach cafe for our 'usual'! The walk took us round Little Orme then past Penrhyn Old Hall, through open countryside, parts of which we could have done with a machete to chop down the nettles and brambles - bare arms and cropped trousers were not a good idea - eventually passing Bodysgallen Hall before dropping down into Deganwy with a brief glimpse over the bay to Conway Castle. The final stretch was along the seafront back into Llandudno. This was a lovely walk with sea views near and far throughout the day and wall to wall sunshine was the icing on the cake. Trevor did a sterling job, getting us all back safely in time for fish and chips! Our heartfelt thanks go to Trevor for standing in at the last minute - THE BOY DID GOOD!!

Report by Joan Thompson

11 May- Hawkshead, Cumbria

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 30k)

Sketch map (Adobe PDF document, 398k)

'C' WALK

After a sight seeing tour of the Lake District, the 'C' party finally debussed in a hot and suuny Hawkshead, the omens were good and coffee and scones were taken at leisure in the Hawkshead Coffee Shop. Leader, Joan, set off across rolling fields and through bluebell carpeted woods, with hazy views of Wans Fell and the Fairfield Horseshoe. After passing through the grounds of the magnificent Wray Castle (built in 1840 and rented by Beatrix Potter for family holidays), lunch was taken on the shore of Lake Windermere, watching the antics of the "Hooray Henry's" with there 'G & T's on their yachts and cruisers. A delightful path along the lake shore brought us to the quoted "sting in the tail"!! The route now left the shore on a long, steady slog up through the forest. About half way up, while taking a breather, spots of rain started to fall. The phrase "Don't think it'll be much, forecast was good, it'll pass over" was bandied about!!! Within minutes these 'spots' became the size of 20P's and came lashing down, accompanied by lightening and deafening thunder!! As far as "passing over" was concerned, the damned storm appeared to move at the same speed and direction as we were going, and stayed with us most of the way back to Hawkshead, the path now a small stream, with most of the group soaked through. How on earth Annette Little stayed so dry is a mystery?? What a relief to reach the coach, dry shoes, the café and the pub, and get wet on the inside!! Many thanks to Joan and Margaret.

Report and Photos by Trevor Grimston

 

13 April - Buxton, Derbyshire

 

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 30K)

 

'C' WALK

Photos by Trevor Grimston

As we left Leeds in pouring rain we thought we were in for a typical Twidale walk - wet!! How wrong we were. We all had teacakes and coffee in the Duke of York in Burbage which was very welcome after what had been a very long journey. The walk, (which turned out to be quite hard and yompy due to the very boggy moors), commenced with a long steady climb on to Berry Clough, no views though as we were in very low cloud at the time. The weather stayed fine and we had a lovely lunch stop overlooking Errwood Reservoir. The 'excitement' of the day happened later in the afternoon when Paddy unfortunately slipped on the boggy path and broke her ankle. Why can you never get a mobile phone signal when you need one? Brian and Glenys climbed out of the valley and did eventually get through to the police and fell rescue. As there was nothing the rest of us could do, Philip took over the leadership of the 'C's and when the 'B' party passed the accident area, Lynn Saleh with her medical expertise also stayed with them. By the time we got back into Buxton, Stuart, etc., were already back having been dropped off by the Fell Rescue team but Paddy had been transported to hospital near Stockport. Stuart contacted the hospital when we got back to Leeds to find that Paddy was being kept in and that it was a very bad break, in three places, necessitating an operation to pin it back together. This has obviously curtailed her walking for some time and we send our love and best wishes for her speedy recovery. We thank Stuart and Paddy for the initial walk, Philip for taking over and leading us safely back and Brian, Glenys, Lynn and Fell Rescue for their much appreciated assistance.

Report by Joan Thompson

'B' WALK

Accompanied by the reassuring sound of church bells 'B' party left the village of Taxal to climb up to Taxal Moor Road and thus to Taxal Edge. The wide-ranging views promised were obscured by lowering mist and clouds. We reached the stone flagged path leading to Shining Tor with a sigh of relief. Views improved but the going below our feet did not. We slopped, slid and tumbled our way down to Goyt Moss with eyes glued to the ground in case it suddenly precipitated us into the bowels of the earth. On our way we passed eight wild-eyed slithering souls (the 'A' party, we believe!) More drama was to come. As we made our way across Wild Moor we came across the leaders of the 'C' party waiting for the emergency services to reach them, as Paddy, the backmarker had fallen and sustained an injury to her ankle. In that frustrating way of mobile phones no signal could be received from where they were and others members of the 'C' party were to be seen wandering the hillside trying to make contact. Having reassured ourselves that Paddy was as comfortable and warm as she could be under the circumstances, we continued our journey to Buxton, catching up with the rest of the 'C' party who were now being ably led by Philip. In the distance we heard the wail of an ambulance siren and hoped that it was coming to rescue Paddy. Arriving in Buxton we scattered to various watering holes with plenty to talk about. We hope that Paddy is making a good recovery and look forward to seeing her out and about soon.

Report by Diane Exley

'A' WALK

 

 

A wonderful rollercoaster of a walk enjoyed by a select few not put off by the A-plus grading . Start as you mean to go on , splashing through mud uphill from Chapel en le Frith then down to the railway station for coffee . We could have cheated & caught the train to Buxton ; instead continued up & up to the clouds on Comb Edge ; one walker who shall remain nameless heard to shout " must we go up here ?"....is the Pope Catholic ?!

Moorland "paths" were much the order of the day as the sun broke through with far reaching views across to Manchester from our lofty perspective . WIth sticks flayling our leader marched on with his troops in hot pursuit ; even cyclists were overtaken on the Midshires Way before lunch near Errwood Res .

A skid pan of a descent claimed no casualties before the highlight (!) a steep vertical climb on to aptly named Wild Moor & long distance views across the reservoirs with the C party glimpsed far below . The massed gatherings forming the "B" party were passed heading in the opposite direction to the "As" ...surely we weren't going the long way round to Buxton !

To the delight of the Damson one the road was shunned in favour of a narrow moorland path above the River Goyt ....which parelled said road to Derbyshire bridge . A final pit stop & onwards & upwards to the trig point on Burbage Edge in bright sunshine & all round views . We could finally see Buxton , it was there after all (!) ; by way of a greasy steep descent to a lane & a final loop through somebody's back garden , woodland & the golf course to Buxton's Pavilion Gardens .

A memorable coach walk , well devised & led on a not very obvious route by Martin & ably backed up by Yvonne.

Photos 1 to 15 and report by Ian Hull. Photos 16 to 21 by Martin Housley.

9 March - Lockton, North Yorkshire

Photo above by Martin Housley

 

Walk descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 29K)

'A' WALK

Photos above by Ian Hull

Photos above by Martin Housley

'B' WALK

Photos above by Diane Taylor

 

C' WALK

After the weather of the last week, the Gods were good and the 'C' party were blessed with a beautiful day. After a very slippery descent from Lockton and along an equally muddy path through the pretty wooded valley of Wedland Slack, it was a pleasure to hit the road, albeit very steep, up to Levisham. Not having a refreshment venue in Lockton, Joan had arranged coffee/tea at "The Horseshoe Inn" and it was enjoyed on the green in front of the pub. From here the route across Levisham Moor along a firm track, gave wonderful distant views and down into the "Hole of Horcum". From the lunch break on the rim of the "Hole", the Fylingdale Early Warning Station, stood out like a giant Trig. Point! and opinion was that the old "Balls" were more attractive!! Descending into the "Hole" and the route through, gave some idea of its huge size. Out of the "Hole", it was up and down across muddy field paths which brought us back to Lockton and the waiting coach, ready to take us back to the finishing venue and the delights of the bar of the "Fox and Rabbit". A most enjoyable day on a very interesting route and many thanks to Joan and her faithful back up, Margaret.

Photos above and report by Trevor Grimston

 

10 February - Hayfield, Derbyshire