Past Events - Coach Walks 2012

16 December 2012 - Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 69K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 13 MILES

Starting from Devil's Bridge we negotiate a caravan site and walk alongside Casterton Hall before arriving in the village of Casterton. Continuing northwards through Barbon then climb over boulders onto the south side of Thorn Moor via Devil's Crag where there should be good views of Ingleborough and the Lakeland Fells. After walking east for a mile there is a steep descent down towards Blindbeck Bridge from where we lightly ascend (i.e. do not make heavy work of it) onto Barbon Low Fell, hopefully seeing Morecambe Bay. The first and last thirds of the walk are low level and will be soft underfoot, unless frozen, the middle section on the Fells contains some easy yomping and one wall (no barbed wire) to get over. It will be worthwhile having a torch, if not for the walk then from the coach into Kirkby Lonsdale and return via a tarmac footpath. Amount of ascent is approx. 2300'.

Leaders Alan and Yvonne

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 11.5 MILES

Devil’s Bridge*Bees Nest* Brownthwaite Pike*Bull Pot Farm*Barbondale*Casterton. Brownthwaite Pike may be bypassed.

Leaders Jean C and Angela

C WALK - EASY - LINEAR - 8 MILES

Starting from Cowan Bridge tea rooms, we set off with a short riverside stroll along Leck Beck before following field paths and tracks to Devil’s Bridge on the outskirts of Kirkby Lonsdale. We then pick up a circular route out to the village of Whittington (what no cat?) and back along the River Lune to Kirkby Lonsdale itself which hosts a variety of refreshment opportunities. Please do bear with us navigation wise on the second half of the walk, as both the weather and underfoot conditions were so atrocious on the reccy that we only did the first half, although the second half was walked out by our backup in "summer" - you remember, that nice day we had in August?

Leaders Philip and Jenny

Honley, West Yorkshire - 18 November 2012

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 95K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 13 MILES

This is a 13 mile linear walk from Holmfirth to Honley, all in the Holme Valley.
It has many far reaching and varied views. Climbing up from Holmfirth the walk winds it's way through fields, woods and scrubland, past outlying villages (including our own) with a further short climb up to Cheese Gate Nab ridge. It then joins the Kirklees Way and follows part of the Holme Valley Circular before dropping down to the village of Honley' There are some slightly boggy areas as might be expected for this time of the year.

Leaders Penny and Nigel

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 11 MILES

We shall set off from Berry Brow and head for Castle Hill with its prominent tower....you see it from miles around: now we visit it and enjoy wide sweeping views. From here we make our way to Farnley Tyas and Thurstonland, cross the River Holme and head for Netherthong (don't you love the placenames!) We follow good field paths to Old Honley Woodland and make our way down from here to Honley, possibly skirting Mag Wood. Should the mud prove to anything like the recce we shall in places divert to quiet country lanes----some tracks were fit for neither man nor beast and your leaders will do their utmost to protect you from wallowing in them!

Leaders Diane and Penny

C WALK - EASY - LINEAR - 7 MILES

This will now start from Berry Brow and follow the same route as the B walk to Hall Ing Road where it will then follow the lane towards Honley taking the good path above the railway . This is a 7 mile walk with wonderful views from Castle Hill and an excellent lunch stop with benches and a view looking back to where we have been. There is a slope up to these but well worth the effort! We have eliminated as much mud as we could by diverting to quiet lanes but a couple of tricky spots remain and we recommend walking poles and gaiters. We shall bring some extra poles in case anyone would like to borrow. This walk will be led at a C pace with extra stops. The walk will end at The Jacob's Well Pub where tea and coffee as well as the usual bevvies will be available. The coach will pickup from outside here.

Please note the 'C' walk has been revised and the above map relates to the route as originally planned, but the route description is correct.

Leaders Lynn and Alan

B WALK REPORT

After an 'interesting' journey to the starting point at Berry Brow we leapt from the coach ready to enjoy the wonderful sunshine and even more wonderful views. Castle Hill was our first major destination and when we got to the top of the steps it was certainly worth the effort. Not only did we have an amazing panorama we also had a very instructive history of the area. Most important people through the ages seem to have been there including the exotically named Queen Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes.. But you can't stay on the mountain top all the time and down we had to go to sample the delights of leaf-strewn woodland, a complicated road system and a handy wood where we could have lunch. Refreshed, we continued to the substantial settlement of Netherthong and across the fields to the beautiful village of Oldfield. Honley hovered at the perimeter of our vision but was not to be assaulted until several fields and a precipitous Red Riding Hood wood had been conquered. At last the home stretch, but a daunting near-vertical hill remained before we could finally rest in the pub at Honley.
A very good day with excellent weather, beautiful scenery and a good place to eat and drink at the end. Many thanks to Diane T and Penny L for piloting us safely back.

Report by Diane E

21 October 2012 - Hurst Green (Forest of Bowland, Lancashire)

Photos above by Pat W

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 114K)

A WALK - MODERATE/STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 14 MILES

Return to 'Middle earth'! This is almost a repeat of the February 2005 coach walk from Ribchester. Iniitally we follow the Dean brook up to Greengore then it is downhill towards Ribchester. We climb again to Duddle Hill and on to Spire Hill (1148ft), the highest point on Longridge Fell. After, hopefully, admiring the view, we descend the Fell's northern scarp. The return crossing skirts the fell rather than ascending it. We pass through the grounds of Stoneyhurst College to reach Hurst Green again. Unfortunately, there are some muddy and/or overgrown paths and stiles in a poor state of repair along the way.

Leaders: Leonie and Leo

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 10 MILES

From Hurst Green High Street our path heads north and follows Dean Brook through the woods and continues uphill to Greengore (an old hunting lodge) and up to cross Old Clitheroe Road. We follow forest paths up onto Longridge Fell via Brownslow and Green Thorne. We descend steeply to Rakefoot and after a short walk along Thornley Road to Bradley Hall farm we have a steep ascent onto Spire Hill. If visibility is good we should have excellent views of the Bowland fells and Blackpool Tower! We descend via forest paths, farm tracks and minor roads to the River Ribble at Hey Hurst. We return to Hurst Green via Lambing Clough Lane. Webbed feet would be an advantage but gaiters may suffice.

Leaders Angela O'K and Penny L

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

For a change we will start with visiting "Millies Coffee Shop" to give a little trade to the local business. When we are ready we will head out of the village by a pleasant path through Mill Wood, by the side of Dean Brook, and a gradual climb towards Longridge Fell. There has been quite a bit of tree felling taking place and a lot of replanting. This all opens up our views. Eventually we meander down to cross the road again, heading to Stoney Hurst Park and the stunning College, back to Hurst Green. Unfortunately this was not my first choice for the route. But due to the recent rains, I had to make changes.

Leaders Glennys and Pat

16 September 2012 - Castleton (Derbyshire)

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 86K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15 MILES

Starting from Bamford, today's walk crosses three completely different geological areas and hopefully will give us a wide variety of superb views associated with the Gritstone of the Dark Peak, the shales of the Mam Tor Ridge and finally the limestone around Castleton. It is definitely a strenuous walk as we travel on all sorts of paths and tracks, but there is no moorland yomping. We have 1,000 metres of ascent and slightly less descent, but that does include a steep, rocky drop down Grindsbrook. There is a possibility we may have to cut the route short towards the end if we run out of time.

Leaders Martin and Yvonne

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 12 MILES

We start in Hathersage and walk initially along the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk. Crossing the A6187, we then start to climb out of the valley onto the moors with hopefully superb views of Ladybower Reservoir. Onwards, then along a Roman Road we drop down into Edale Valley and then over Hollins Cross, with a sharp descent into the Castleton/Hope valley. Can be muddy in places.

Leaders Lynn and Alan

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR

MYSTERY WALK TO BE ARRANGED ON THE DAY!!!!!!

19 August 2012 - Goathland (North York Moors)

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 97K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15 MILES

We start our walk at Eller Beck and heads towards Wheeldale Lodge via Simon Howe. On to Hazel Heads and after a road walk of about 15 minutes we take a track to Park Rigg which re-crosses the road and takes us to Egton Bridge and Grosmont. We then have a lovely scenic walk to Green End and Darnholme before reaching our destination at Goathland. A lovely walk with, hopefully, a well earned pint at the end.

Leaders Sylvia and John

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 11 MILES

This is a walk of open moorland with good views, forest paths and a Roman road. We start our walk from the car park at Goathland. Take a path towards the tarn, then Two Howes - then to the trig point, then to pick up the forest path at Wardale Green. We follow this to Wheeldale Bridge. Pick up the Roman road, then field paths to Haze Head and New Wath farm. We make our way back to Goathland and Mallyon Spout will be optional on this walk, some of the paths can be slippery.

Leaders Derek and Alan J

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

After the usual refreshments we head south out of the village passing the Mallyan Hotel. We take a moorland path heading towards Howl Moor, descending just before Hunt House. After crossing Wheeldale Beck we have a short climb to reach the Roman Road. Here we turn north, to New Wath Farm, a short section of road takes us uphill to Julian park (no swings). We then head to Carr Wood, then our descent through the trees to recross West Beck to a very pleasant green, disused railway line, back into Goathland and the shops, cafes and hostelries. This is a very pleasant walk with good views and varied terrain.

Leaders Glennys and Pat

B WALK REPORT

Off to the land of the blooming heather which spread a purplish, sweet-smelling carpet over the moors. Starting from Goathland and avoiding suicidal sheep we made our way steadfastly up to Two Howes Rigg. A strange roaring sound alerted us to the spectacle of the
Red Arrows swooping their way to Whitby to celebrate the annual regatta. That excitement over we continued to the trig point from where we had a better view of the strangely-shaped triangular building which now marks RAF Fylingdales. Our next goal was Wardle Green where we entered the pine forest, eerily still and silent except for the shrieks coming from children playing in the nearby beck. Out on to the road(which informed us that it was weak - could it take our weight?) and on to the Roman Road which was made of sterner stuff having endured centuries of tramping feet. A slight downhill lulled us into relaxed mode which was soon broken as we made our way steeply uphill, fighting nettles and slippery stones on the way. Goathland appeared on the horizon but we were not there yet. A tricky descent through the trees and a steep uphill trudge brought us to decision time. Some opted to continue on the road, others descended to enjoy the wonder of Mallyan Spout where young people skipped about in flipflops and we proceeded cautiously in our well-heeled walking boots. All arrived safely to enjoy the pleasures of the split personality Goathland or Aidensfield as it likes to be known. Many thanks to Derek and Alan for guiding us safely there and back.

Report by Diane E

15 July 2012 - Forge Valley (E/W Ayton, North Yorkshire)

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 133K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15 MILES

Starting from Snainton, the route takes us through the grounds of Wyedale Hall, a retreat and conference centre of the Church of England's Diocese of York. Heading north on some overgrown field paths and past the earthworks at Scamridge Slack we then navigate safely on an interesting path to join the forest tracks in Cockmoor Hall plantation. The walk continues through Troutdale forest towards Mount Misery where height is lost down to the River Derwent and onto Wrench Green via the riverside path with pleasant views along the valley. The final stretch to West Ayton is via Forge Valley and the Castle remains. There is only a small amount of ascent but some sections especially in the woods might well be muddy.

Leader Alan K

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 11 MILES

The description of the walk as "linear" is, as a glance at the map will reveal, rather misleading. From Wykeham, there is a preamble, via the delightful village of Hutton Buscel, to the outskirts of West Ayton, close to our ultimate destination. Subsequently, the walk is a clockwise loop: along the Forge Valley; through the Raincliffe Woods (providing welcome shade from the blazing July sunshine!!?) to Thoxenby Mere; and across Irton and East Ayton Moors to return to west Ayton. Most of the walk is on good paths, tracks and minor roads with gentle undulations. However, there are two notable climbs: a short, steep, slippery ascent out of Forge Valley; and a longer, rough ascent from Throxenby Mere to Row Brow. Elsewhere, the main hazard is luxuriant, overhanging vegetation, especially nettles. Anyone with exposed legs is likely to suffer!

Leaders David H and Carola

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 8.25 MILES

Reccied in the pouring rain!!! with the pathways either like streams or so overgrown we could hardly walk them. We leave West Ayton with a brief distant glimpse of the castle ruins before entering the wood along the top edge of the Forge Valley. Weather permitting there should be views over the coast, then across fields to reach Cockrah Foot and Wrench Green. Unfortunately, we then have a L-O-N-G uphill drag (though we may try and omit this if possible) before entering Wykeham Forest, eventually arriving at Hutton Buscel and back to West Ayton.

Leaders Joan and Margaret

B WALK REPORT

The Forge Valley was a most surprising place to walk, with a very varied route with duck-boards in the valley to views of Scarborough from the high point, to rural cornfields with splendid poppies. Due to the rain of recent weeks, there was some mud, but not as much as we expected. One of the worst sections was the steepest climb through a wooded area which sees little sun. We needed
the leaders help to get over steep gullies where the rain had channeled its way downhill. This only made the walk more exciting.
We were blessed with superb weather and a welcome hostelry, which added to a great day.
Thanks to David and Carola for a most enjoyable walk.

Report by Glennys

10 June 2012 - Herriot Way, Bainbridge (Yorkshire Dales)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - WENSLEY TO BAINBRIDGE LINEAR - 16 MILES

This is really a long stroll through the Dales, above the River Ure, in particular the lesser known Apedale. Although there are plenty of ascents they are only gentle, except the first one (The descents are steeper!). The paths are generally very good, especially if the weather stays dry. There should be plenty of birds and wild flowers for everyone to see. (Plus horses, bulls, cows and sheep)

The route climbs through fields to Preston-under-Scar and then continues northwards across some quarries to reach the moors above Redmire. The first section is very pretty. We then start westwards to meet Apedale Beck and follow it to Dent's House where we descend and pass Castle Bolton. We then follow the main track contouring the hillside to just above Askrigg; keeping above Askrigg we go across wild flower meadows, crossing Mill Gill gorge before descending into Bainbridge (Viosidium) where refreshment awaits.

For information in 1848 the railway did connect with the Settle Carlisle Line and towards the end of the walk you can see the area of the Cam Road (Roman Road) which many of you will have walked from the train. Also Wether Fell which means castrated ram. There are ox in many of the names and Swaledale sheep are meant to be around. (the type which look as if they have had a perm) but we did not spy any. In the same way at Castle Bolton the sundial, 1325, is so positioned on the church, which shows it was there before the castle, which was built by Lord Scropes and Mary Queen of Scots is meant to haunt the place. She seems to have lived in several places in the area. You will see many mines and quarries of the past and present. The Herriot Way from Grinton is joined at Dent's House and we pass above Carperby where James Herriot had his honeymoon in 1941.

(Sounds easy!) Oh risk assessment, roads, barred wire, stony paths, and the area is very open, so plenty of sun oil if it is as hot as when we did it and there is a lack of shade. About 2000ft of ascent.

Leaders Christina and David

B AND C WALK DETAILS AVAILABLE ON THE COACH ON THE DAY

20 May 2012 - Stamford Bridge and Bishop Wilton (East Yorkshire)

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 19K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - BISHOP WILTON CIRCULAR - 15 MILES

From Bishop Wilton we follow the Minster Way to Great Givendale and pass the 12th. Century church of St. Ethelburger. We continue to Millington, then on to Sylvandale and Netterdale heading towards Huggate but veer left to begin our route back. During our walk we have a few steep climbs and an unavoidable stretch on a country road. A very scenic walk which can be shortened if necessary.

Leaders Sylvia and John

B WALK - MODERATE - STAMFORD BRIDGE CIRCULAR - 11.5 MILES

A peaceful stroll by way of field paths and woodland to Kexby Bridge, returning along the bank of River Derwent which marks the boundary of the EAST Riding of Yorkshire. Terrain - field paths, farm tracks and minor roads. Can be muddy in places. Grade - easy, no hills (couldn't find any). Start and finish in Stamford Bridge car park, the route follows old railway lines and cycle paths, goes through woods and involves some walking on minor roads. Very pleasant on a sunny day, muddy if raining. 2 pubs and a café in Stamford Bridge at the end of the walk.

Leader Kevin H

C WALK - EASY - STAMFORD BRIDGE CIRCULAR - 8 MILES

A very level walk along cycle/bridle way with a short stretch through Scoreby Wood down into Kexby, returning via field paths top Low Catton and a final stretch along the riverside into Stamford Bridge. The first half is nearly all on metalled road, unfortunately, but in case you're missing a bit of mud, the returning leg makes up for it ( extremely in some parts-sorry).

Leaders Joan and Margaret

Great Broughton (North Yorkshire) - 15 April 2012

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 22K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 14 MILES

This is a wonderful walk following the Cleveland Way to Hasty Bank, with sweeping views across to Roseberry Topping and Middlesborough as well as looking down on tiny hamlets. We start at Osmotherley and leave via St. Catherine's Chapel heading up onto Swinestye Hill. Following the ridge to the trig. point (982 feet) at Beacon Hill where once warning beacons were lit and now BT booster masts are sited. We should enjoy sweeping views as we head down to Scarth Nick, notch created by melt water in the ice age. The way stretches ahead of us to Coalmire plantation and Scugdale Beck. We sweep across moors following the miners trod and drop down to Lord Stones café in the rock (closed and looking for a buyer, sorry!). Next we make our way up Cringle End, in and out of the col on to Cold Moor, scrambling through the Wain Stones and onto Hasty Bank. We then head down into Great Broughton and refreshments. Many of the tracks we follow were used by the miners who worked the alum and ironstone mines……and the jet miners who searched for seams of fossilised wood in the Victorian period and today they form part of the Cleveland Way and Coast to Coast route. Absolutely no yomping.

Leaders Diane T and Penny L

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 12 MILES

This is an attractive route along the edge of the Cleveland Hills. We begin by climbing up to Scarth Nick where the Cleveland Way is joined and followed through Scugdale and across Live and Carlton Moors. After dropping down to the Lord Stones, we follow the "Jet Miners' Trod" to Broughton Plantation before dropping down through the forest and following field paths to Great Broughton. The first half of the walk is on good paths but mud is likely to be encountered after the Lord Stones. Given clear conditions the route offers extensive views, particularly northwards to Captain Cook's monument, Roseberry Topping and industrial Teesside.

Leaders David H and Carola

C WALK - EASY - LINEAR - 7 MILES

Disembark at The White Swan, Kirby for tea and teacakes. Follow the route out to the escarpment and then by paths and roads arrive at Great Broughton.

Leaders Douglas and Mary

B WALK REPORT

Beautiful blue sky, radiant sun but what are those clouds in the distance doing? We soon found out. Starting from Swainby we jostled with the 'A' party along the Cleveland Way but politely allowed them to lead the way eventually. Gold Hill was conquered and , passing the neglected-looking gliding club, we set out for the summit of Carlton Bank only to be met by horizontal, stinging hail. It was not a place to linger and we slid down the stones to the safety of the valley and lunch. Snow and cheese sandwiches are an acquired taste but nevertheless welcome. Leaving the Cleveland Way for the 'A' party to pursue, we slid along the mud of the 'Jet Miners' Trod 'until we reached the shelter of Broughton Plantation and the mud thickened. However, we were soon strolling through beautiful green fields scattered with tiny lambs to arrive safe and sound in Great Broughton in brilliant sunshine. A very good walk with panoramic views and excellent leadership. Many thanks to David and Carola for their care.

Report by Diane E

Slaidburn (Forest of Bowland, Lancashire) - 18 March 2012

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 21K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15.5 MILES

A real Lancashire Bogfest featuring Peat & the Turks' head yomps. Bring high-energy top-ups to supplement…

Starter: From SD689501, Giddy Bridge, Hodder Bank Fell, Burholme, Dunsop Bridge (3.2 mls)
Main Course: Beatrix, Beatrix Fell topped with a 431m trig point, Dunsop Head (6.6 mls), Whitendale farm and on to the head of Whitendale (10 mls)
To Finish: Two miles of the Hornby Rd track before yellow-topped poles lead us to Croasdale (13.5 mls), then it's nobbut a stride back to The Hark to Bounty (15.5 mls)

Safety tip: If you come across an inviting, flat, luscious green expanse, let the one behind you go first!

Leader Jack W

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 12 MILES

We start in the small village of Tosside which is just in Yorkshire. We walk through the Forest of Bowland on paths and tracks and after some climbing come to Bowland Knotts. Crossing Old Moss we can see Stocks Reservoir in the distance with its fishermen ever hopeful. Good tracks down to the reservoir are our way and we then skirt the west side of the water. We walk over the dam and into very boggy fields and pass Hammerton Hall, a 17th. Century manor house with many fine features. Our way then takes us to Slaidburn where refreshments await. Gaiters would be useful.

Leaders Alan and Lynn

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7.5 MILES

Our walk starts with a stroll to the tearooms. We then have a 2 mile level section by the river Hodder to the village of Newton where we will have a short break. We then have a 2.75 mile section to our highest point of the walk at Smelfthwaites (300 ft of ascent) by way of Newton Bridge, Gibbs and Blue Gates. Lunch will be taken on this section. The last 2.75 mile section is by way of Meanley to the footbridge over the river Hodder (afternoon break by the river) and on to Slaidburn, passing the church and having the most important feature of the walk (THE PUB) pointed out. 7.5 miles in total with as few stiles as possible.

Leaders Mike S, Harveydog and Philip

A WALK PHOTOS

Please click here to view the photos by John Wood (external web link)

B WALK REPORT

The sun could not have tried harder. Acres of blue sky and amazing views over rolling countryside all contributed to a really interesting walk. Leaving Tosside there was some competition between us and the cycling fraternity but this soon faded away as we strode deeper and deeper into the forest. The 'some climbing' referred to in the walk description turned out to be a long steady uphill on the road up to Bowland Knotts. The reward was a far-reaching panorama of the surrounding countryside as we enjoyed our lunch. Stocks reservoir, our next goal, was in full view and we eagerly tramped downhill passing New House which looked pretty ancient and 17th century Hammerton Hall which looked very well for its age. We did encounter some of the promised bog but no one disappeared and we arrived back in Slaidburn ready to test the refreshments. Many thanks to Lynn and Alan who led us very competently through the woods and bog.

Report by Diane E

Helmsley (North York Moors) - 19 February 2012

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 30K)

Please click here to download the route descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 47K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 15.5 MILES

Today we are dropped off on the A170 at High Lodge and walk north visiting Old Byland, Tylas Farm and Shaken Bridge. We then have a bit of road walking south to the B1257 before turning east to an "interesting" track through a wood towards High Baxton Farm and Carlton Grange. We finish our walk by heading south down Ash Dale to the refreshments in Helmsley. Could be some mud but weather permitting there are good views. Total ascent approximately 1700ft.

Leaders Moya and Sylvia

B WALK - MODERATE - ALMOST CIRCULAR - 12 MILES

We leave the coach at the village of Sproxton (about 2 kms. from Helmsley) and are quickly into rolling countryside. Walking down Hag Lane, we come into a plantation of trees and the ground was full of snowdrops. We then walk along a quiet road and then descend to a further forest with good tracks. Crossing over the A170 we then proceed northerly with lovely views of the countryside. Reaching the Cleveland Way, we walk for a short way along this long distance footpath and then stroll up to the village of Rievaulx, with its interesting church and very impressive Abbey remains. We then take a direct path back down to the Cleveland Way and into the town of Helmsley.

Leaders Lynn and Angela

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 7 MILES

Leaving the market square we take a leisurely stroll along part of the Ebor Way to the village of Harome. The return leg takes us through fields and farms before crossing the A170-WITH CARE!-and into Riccal Dale Wood. We have a short steepish climb as we enter but soon level out again as we head back to Helmsley.

Leaders Joan and Margaret

Barton-upon-Humber (North Lincolnshire) - 15 January 2012

Walks Map and Leaders Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 29K)

Please click here to download the route descriptions (Microsoft Word document, 48K)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - CIRCULAR - 15 MILES

From Barton on Humber to Thornton Gatehouse, 15 miles long, taking in a Mote and Bailey Castle. An ancient church at Goxhill, a Howe, an even more famous Gatehouse at Thornton Abbey, the largest in the country, then a wartime aerodrome, where Clark Gable was stationed, in the war, and lastly the banks of the mighty River Humber, where we see the remains of the claypits and the works along the river, which, which are now transformed into wetlands, with all the assorted birds which live there. I hope everybody enjoys the walk.

Leader Peter C

B WALK - MODERATE - CIRCULAR - 11.5 MILES

This is a lovely walk with lots of points of interest. We set off from Barton Haven and look towards the Humber Bridge to see if we can spot the 'C' party crossing and then follow the Humber along an excellent elevated path crossing the Clay Pits and Far Nature Reserve. We should have time to look in the visitors centre. We pass Chowder Ness point and South Ferriby Cliff then on to Ferriby Hall from where we see Read's Island, artificially created as grazing ground for cattle that were taken across on flat bottom boats from South Ferriby. From South Ferriby village we make our way onto the Horkstow Wolds (John of Steeleye Span came from here), past Turton's Covert and across the A15 taking farm tracks and lanes into Barton ,Keep your eyes open for anything unusual as we found Doctor Who had taken up residence in his Tardis! We pass Baysgarth House Museum which will be open. The walk will include a look at St Peter's Church. Famous for its Saxon Tower built in 970AD and at St Mary's which has a Norman aisle as well as the pagan man carved on one of the columns. We will finish back at the Rope Walk centre which has a tea shop….and a licence. For those who would like a little more we will head for the visitors centre at Water's Edge which also has a tea shop. There are a number of real ale pubs.

Leaders Diane T and Penny L

C WALK - EASY - LINEAR - 5.5 MILES

A walk over the Humber Bridge, 40 minutes, then west along Farings Road. Look out for water voles, a declining mammal. On to the Viking Way back along the Humber Estuary, under the bridge and onto Waters Edge Country Park and Visitors Centre, to finish in Barton Upon Humber.

Leaders Glennys and Les

B WALK REPORT

The ice sparkled as we left Leeds and sped towards the mighty Humber Bridge, a beacon in the surrounding countryside. Resisting the temptation to walk across the bridge we began our walk with a visit to the Far Ings Nature Reserve. This was not just in the hope of seeing rare birds but a necessary comfort stop since Barton upon Humber had decided that no one would be needing public toilets this weekend. From there we trod the foreshore path to South Ferriby, accosting twitchers and admiring South Ferriby Hall on the way. The next stage was momentous. We had to walk uphill - a secret which had been kept from us - but we took the task on gallantly, climbing up to Horkstow Wolds from where we had an amazing view of the estuary and the great spread of arable land surrounding us. Finally we turned to head for the mighty bridge and Barton, creeping in the country way past Baysgarth House Museum and on to St Peter's and St Mary's church, both pointers to the long history Barton has enjoyed.
A lovely walk with far-reaching views and interesting buildings. Ideal for this time of year when anything can happen weatherwise! Many thanks to Diane T and Penny L and not forgetting Angela at the rear.

Report by Diane E

back to top of page