Friends of DalesRail | Past Events

20 January 2013	Summerseat, Lancashire
17 February 2013	Whalley, Lancashire
17 March 2013	Bollington, Cheshire
21 April 2013	Bamford/Hope, Peak District
19 May 2013	Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire
16 June 2013	Cropton, (near Pickering) North Yorkshire
21 July 2013	Filey, North Yorkshire
18 August 2013	Castleton, North Yorkshire
15 September 2013	Brough, Cumbria
13 October 2013	Ripon, North Yorkshire
17 November 2013	Kettlewell, North Yorkshire

We start the walk by wandering through Kettlewell. On the outskirts of the village we start to climb steeply on a road and good paths. As we ascend the incline gets less steep but the quality of the paths deteriorate until we reach some peat bog. The walk continues to the summit of Buckden Pike 702mts. There should be good views of all the surrounding hills and dales. We descend towards Buckden then down the valley taking in a couple of small ascents to Starbottom and finally finishing at Kettlewell. The walk is roughly 13 miles with 3000 ft of ascent. Gaiters may be required!

We start in the pretty little village of Kettlewell and take the Top Mere Road out on to Cam Head. Hopefully the views will be good as the view back down the waterfall is stupendous. Then it is all down hill now into Starbotton and we cross the Dales Way and the River Wharfe. Onwards and upwards, past shake holes and then down into Littondale. We pass through Arncliffe with its attractive church and limestone headstones and continue along the valley to Hawkswick passing through fields and stiles. The final uphill pulls us towards Kettlewell and a steep descent to a welcoming tea or coffee or ale! (600mts ascent) Lots to see on a good day….so I hope for good weather.

After the usual coffee/refreshments to start off, we head for the Dales Way from Grassington with great views up and down the valley. The path is a good one so we shouldn't have much difficulty. Depending on the group there is a possibility of making a detour through Grass Wood.

Where to begin? The coach was in a collision before it reached us, the roadworks at Shipley conspired to slow us down further and so, arriving at Grassington, 'C' party set off to take the low road and the 'A's and 'B's proceeded to Kettlewell along the winding road which seemed to be full of cars hurtling away from Kettlewell. The 'A's shot off into the mist in the direction of Buckden Pike and the 'B's gathered themselves for an assault on Cam Head, being only too well aware that a casual stroll was not on the cards.

Once the lungs had been opened and the legs became used to striding upwards, the descent to Starbotton began. There was no stopping us now and the next inevitable ascent began. This was a long one and very misleading. No sooner had we reached the top of one hill than, in the mist ahead, another summit arose and another and so it went on. Arncliffe beckoned but was given very short shrift. The pace was relentless and the day beginning to darken. We made for the shoulder which would eventually lead us back to Kettlewell, we hoped and, having conquered that, began the perilous descent over slippery limestone, failing light and gently falling rain. Were we downhearted? Of course we weren't! We conquered the hill without mishap and came safely to Kettlewell where we enjoyed some very well-earned refreshment before setting off to join the Shipley roadworks again.

Many thanks to Alan and Lynn who, under difficult circumstances, managed to take us safely there and bring us safely back on time and uninjured.

Report by Diane E

We start at Quarry Moor on the outskirts of Ripon and set off for Markenfield Hall in search of the B party. We follow their route to Aldfield Spa then pick up the Aislabie Walk to Aldfield, Woodhouse Bridge, Galphay Mill Bridge and Studley Royal. We rejoin the B party route to return to Ripon. Undulating terrain with a couple of steep slippery descents.

This is a lovely walk mainly on quiet lanes, undulating fields and through woodland full of grouse. We start at the medieval moated manor house Markenfield Hall and make our way to the Yorkshire Riding School. We go along the causeway over the monastic fishponds and through the woods passing the sulphorous Aldfield Spa......bring a trekking pole as there is a short steep stepped wooded descent here. We then arrive at Fountains Abbey with toilet facilities and refreshments. We leave the Abbey area via St Mary's Church, the Lake and follow the seven bridges walk towards Ripon, our final destination.

Starting at Fountains Abbey with a coffee and scones etc, we make our way through Studley Park towards the lake and then follow the Valley of the Seven Bridges (now five). We exit the NT property via a metal gate and pass Plumpton Hall towards Studley Roger then follow the river Skell to Ripon and more refreshments. THIS WALK IS UNRECCED.

Starting from Wath on the A685 just west of Newbiggin-on-Lune we head off over Crosby Garrett Fell to Crosby Garrett itself, this part of the walk is the most interesting over the higher fells and we might take in Great Ewe Fell and Nettle Hill (which doesn't have much sting available) then hopefully west into Potts valley. The route we take is dependent upon arrival time at Wath (expected after 10.30am) and the group. From Crosby Garrett the route goes downhill a bit both in terms of altitude and interest as we follow Scandal Beck to Soulby and the River Eden to Warcop with fine views of the Pennine Fells (most off limits due the Warcop military training zone), thence east to Brough for refreshments.

Please note that the amount of ascent should be less than 1300' but some sections of the route are tricky, a dodgy gate near the start, also overgrown vegetation and slippery stones mainly on the 'footpaths'. Also please note that there were four dodgy stiles and a short section of badly overgrown veg. which have been reported to Cumbria CC and might be cleared for our walk. There are two / three electric fences to cross but they are low and can be eased down to less than 1 foot high but have the potential to give one a boost !!

We start at Church Brough and visit the Castle which was built on the site of a Roman fortress. The castle was burnt during a Scots raid in 1174 and burnt again in 1521 during a rather exhuberant Christmas party held by the Cliffords! Lady Anne Clifford repaired the castle and rebuilt much of it in 1660-1662. The round tower is known as Clifford's tower, where she made her living quarters. Fire again damaged the castle in 1666 and much of its stone was taken away to build Brough Mill. By 1800 the castle began to collapse. It was given to the state in 1920.

From here we make our way to Little Musgrave and St Theobalds Church and across the fields to Soulby where we shall have lunch by Scandal Beck. In Winton we shall pass a three storey manor house, once a notorious school which was run on the lines of Dotheboys school in Nicholas Nickleby (There are no vacations at this school ran the advertisement). We pass Seldom In(!) and make our way onto Kaber Rigg Common, scene of a plot to capture Sir Philip Musgrave in1666. We cross the River Belah and make our way back to Church Brough. We walk mainly on quiet lanes and grassy fields in the beautiful Eden Valley with little climbing.

The weather forecast was dire but, as ever, we travelled hopefully and were finally rewarded. Brough castle loomed out of the mist and you could almost imagine its ghostly inhabitants keening in the wind. However, after striding out through the fields we found a very comfortable barn for coffee and set ourselves against the elements feeling restored.

Arriving at Little Musgrave an executive decision was made to walk down a quiet lane rather than plough through soggy fields. What we didn't know was that the said little road was trying to convert itself into a stream. Luckily for us it hadn't got beyond grade 1 so we were able to splash through to arrive at Soulby where we found another wayside retreat in the form of what looked like a bus shelter. From time to time the sun peeped out provocatively from behind the clouds and then, with a whoosh, finally decided to make its entrance. We proceeded to Winton - home to Dptheboys school of Nicholas Nickleby fame (Don't go there-no vacations allowed!) Fighting our way through the cattle,who were probably bored and needed someone to play with, we eventually reached Kaber Rigg Common and the smell of beer and tea wafting from Brough spurred us on to a final effort.

A good walk in difficult conditions. Many thanks to Diane T and Angela for piloting us through.

Report by Diane E

Today we are dropped off in Castleton and head south to walk part of the Esk Valley Way. We pass through Danby Head and make our way towards the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge before turning north west in the area of High Blakey Moor then north through the remains of Esklets, a medieval sheep farm. Following the river Esk we pass near Waites House Farm and Hawthorn House before going east across Westerdale Moor to return to Castleton. Weather permitting there should be some good views and the Esk valley is very pretty. Total ascent approximately 1900ft.

We start from Ingleby Greenhow and climb up to the view point on Ingleby Bank. Crossing Ingleby Moor we head south towards Armouth Wath. Turning north the route crosses Baysdale Moor towards Baysdale Abbey before turning east to cross Great and Little Hograh Moors and Westerdale Moor before descending to the pub in Castleton.

After coffee at Danby N.P. Centre, we set off through tracks and fields round the outskirts of Castleton then take a bridleway to Commondale. From there we have a few uphills and stiles before arriving back at Castleton - Iovely views over the moors on a clear day.

There are three distinct sections to this walk, the higher chalk land ground of the Wolds, the lower rural section along field paths, tracks and some road and finally the coastal cliff section to Filey. Starting from Staxton we leave via Slope Lane, this gives a good indication of what's to follow after crossing the A64, yes an upward slope to the RAF Station where we pick up the Wolds Way and head off towards the east to 'The Camp' (the same route as the Moderates). Going NE we leave the Wolds Way just before the A1039 road, now on lower ground, we cross the railway line just before clipping Gristhorpe village and northwards and upwards to Gristhorpe Cliffs. Our route now follows the Cleveland Way towards Filey Brigg, to go on the Brigg will not be possible as the sea will be near high tide. Rejoining the Wolds Way but in the opposite direction to the morning we arrive in Filey for refreshments. Amount of ascent is only approx. 1300' but there are some little steep undulations particularly in the first quarter.

From Staxton, we climb steadily via Staxton Brow to RAF Staxton and join the Wolds Way/Centenary Way which soon turns eastwards. The scenery is typical chalkland with narrow, steepsided dry valleys interspersed with rolling wolds. At "The Camp" we leave the Wolds Way to continue on the Centenary Way which becomes less undulating as it descends via Hunmanby into Filey. The route is mainly on good paths and tracks with only a few stiles. On reaching Filey, members who have found the walk too short and easy might like to stroll up to Filey Brigg and back, an extra mile and a half.

Our walk starts downhill from West Avenue car park to a cafe on the seafront for refreshments. After a short stroll along the promenade we have a short steep ascent onto the Cleveland Way for approx 2.5 miles of level walking with lovely sea views (weather permitting!). We head inland through the Blue Dolphin caravan park towards Gristhorpe Village via footpaths and minor roads. From Gristhorpe we walk via field paths to the village of Muston. We return to Filey via the Wolds Way.

What to wear was the burning question of the day. Drizzling in Leeds, cloudy in East Yorkshire but would it suddenly burst into the hottest day? Luckily not, as the first part of our walk from Staxton involved some fairly steep undulations. Having just been on the South Downs Way, the rolling hills of East Yorkshire with their neat crops looked very familiar. The paths were narrow and rich in tall grasses. Luckily for us two stalwart men were energetically clearing part of our way and we were able to proceed a bit faster. Signs of the Roman Camp in Camp Valley were not visible but two men were busy with their metal detectors and claimed to have found a Roman coin, so perhaps a Roman camp is just lurking beneath the surface waiting to be found. As we approached Hunmanby and its restful churchyard the smell of the sea grew stronger.

Setting off on the last lap, we encountered our first and last stile! (There had apparently been three on the recce but two had been transformed into gates). The caravan sites began to appear and soon we were peering over a precipitous cliff. Luckily, our leader did not intend us to jump off it and we proceeded in an orderly fashion to the promenade, where a brass band was performing, and then into the town for refreshments.

Many thanks to David for his careful leading and to Carola for backing up even though she had a poorly foot. Hope it improves soon.

Our walk today is very varied and takes us from Cropton to Lastingham - over the moor to the top end of Rosedale and another moorland stretch to the picturesque village of Hutton-le-Hole. A short climb and over the fields to Spaunton and Appleton-le-Moor. We retrace a short stretch of our outward journey back to Cropton. 2,000 ft. of climb and 16+miles.

There is nothing demanding about the terrain on this walk as we make our way through fields and woods. Look out for an old artillery shell as we pass through Middleton Village. The area is steeped in history and we shall be visiting Pickering Castle, a classic Motte and Bailey castle originally built by William the Conquereor to keep out the marauding Scots and to guard the deer and wild Boar in the Royal Forests from the unruly Yorkshire peasantry. We shall be giving the Forest a miss on health and safety grounds: the rifle range is used on Sundays! We pass old monastic granges (farms) instead. We turn the clock back to an earlier period as we come to the Roman marching camps at Cawthorne. Archaeologists suggest this might have been a practice area around 100 AD. A Roman chariot was found buried near here. The area around the camps is a breeding ground for adders so be on the look out! From here we head for Cropton stopping to look at the mounds behind the church called T'Hall Garth where a motte survives from an early site of worship. The present church was built in 1844 with an imitation Norman style doorway. All in all a once turbulent area so we shall finally head for the safety of the pub in Cropton.

From Cropton, walk down hill towards Wrelton, deviate off across fields to Sinnington. Along Willey Flat Lane and down to and over the river Seven to Lower Askew. Up the hill back to Cropton.

A varied walk on road, tracks, in forest, on the old Whitby - Scarborough railway line, yomping an odd section of heather moorland and coastal path. Starting from the Goathland junction off the A169 our way takes us towards Goathland where if the timing is right a steam train may pass. The route then goes NE across Goathland moor and Pike Hill Rigg (some yomping here) toward Leas Head and Littlebeck. The tourist section now ensues to The Hermitage, Falling Foss and May Beck. Going easterly with another small yomp, views on the sea became apparent as we near the coast and finish by heading north on the Cleveland Way via Boggle Hole to Robin Hoods Bay. Amount of ascent is approx. 1800' but most of the climbing seems to be on the coastal section to the end of the day.

Leaving the coach on the A169 at Sleights Moor, after hopefully enjoying views of distant Whitby Abbey, we descend to the village of Littlebeck. A wooded valley is then followed, gradually climbing up to the Hermitage, then on past Falling Fosse. Continuing up May Beck valley we eventually reach the ruin of John Bond's Sheep House. From here we venture onto open moorland and soon regain views of the sea. Eventually we descend steeply on a quiet road past Fyling Hall School and then through farm land to reach the coast at Robin Hoods Bay.

The old railway line: locals call it the Cinder Track which runs from Whitby to Scarborough, some 21 miles. It opened in 1885 and closed in 1965. The track crosses the Larpool viaduct over the River Esk - this has 31 arches and is 120 feet high. The walk will start from Whitby and enjoy delightful sea views from the railway track and then along the cliff footpath with stunning views of sea and cliffs to Robin Hoods Bay.

Striding over Sleights Moor we were unfortunately unable to enjoy distant views of Whitby Abbey due to an inconvenient sea fret. However, the sun was shining on us and we were soon on the descent to Littlebeck and a delightful climb up to the Hermitage (no hermits in sight). Falling Fosse had benefitted from the recent rain and tumbled excitedly downwards. Dogs delighted in the rushing water and we tried to find a way over May Beck. The leaders looked puzzled. On the recce they had just walked straight across! Suggestions that we might balance over some logs were not taken up and we braved the mud instead. John Bond's sheephouse was a good resting place although neither John Bond nor his sheep were there to greet us. We then emerged onto the open moor and strained our eyes to catch a glimpse of the sea. We were not disappointed even though the mist did dance about a bit. The hazardous A171 was safely crossed with no lives lost and we wandered among the sheep until the promised descent past Fyling Hall school was reached. And then, because we had been so good, we were allowed to go all the way down to Boggle Hole and climb up again before finishing at Robin Hood's Bay. Beautiful sea views, very welcome sun and refreshment at the end. A lovely varied walk led expertly by Mark and Yvonne who could hardly believe that the walk was the one they had reccied as the recent rain had transformed it so much. Thank you very much.

Hopefully today's walk will give a good impression of Derbyshire's Dark Peak, as we clamber (3100 feet in total) on to three gritstone edges. Starting from Bamford Station we head Northeast up to Stanage Edge, on to Derwent Edge, and then round to Bamford Edge before making our way across the fields to the cafes and pubs of Hope. Although this is a longish walk, mainly on rough tracks (which may be muddy in places), make sure to look up and admire the ever changing views Ladybower, Kinder Scout and the Mam Tor ridge.

This walk explores attractive, relatively unfamiliar (at least to us!), countryside to the south of the Hope Valley. After time to enjoy Bamford (just a single toilet!), a stroll along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way brings us to a riverside coffee break. The rest of the route is undulating across pastures, through woods and along moorland edges, visiting Abney, Brough and the site of Navio (roman fort) before descending into Hope. At the time of our recce (early March), there were only short stretches of wet, muddy going and most of the walk is on good paths and tracks.

After descending to Bamford Mills we start our slow and steady climb up to Thornhill Carrs, with stunning views of Bamford moor and Ladybower reservoir. Due to the lack of facilities in Bamford we will have our coffee break on route at a suitable point.
From Thornhill Carrs we leave the hill behind to head into the Hope valley, where we meander along field paths and lanes via Aston and Townhead Bridge towards Castleton. There are lots of tea shops, etc. for us to visit before making our way to Hope. (There is the option, if anyone needs, for a bus back to Hope.)

A gentle start from Bamford along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way lulled us into a false sense of comfortableness. It was not long, however, before the promised 'undulations' began to appear and conversations became rather more breathless. The views, as ever in the Peak District, were wide-ranging and magnificent so straining lungs were soon forgotten. Apart from a very short passage, we were deprived of mud-sliding for a change and revelled in the beautifully clean grasslands we were treading. A few celandines sprouted and many lambs had their Sunday snooze interrupted as we strode purposefully towards Abney, having enjoyed a peaceful lunch by a babbling brook and re-oriented a family who had taken a wrong turning. Only the ever-present motorbikes disturbed our peace and the quality of the air and even those not for very long. Our final exploration was Navio, a Roman fort, which, with some imagination, we could see rising up before us as we strode purposefully towards Hope and the promise of sustenance. A very good walk, well led and backed up by David and Carola. Many thanks to them for their care.

I hate to say it, but after the recce we both said it was one of the best walks we had done for a long time, so I hope we get a good day and all can enjoy it. With place names such as White Nancy, Tegg's Nose, Hacked Way Lane, Bottom-of-the Oven, Shining Tor, Lamaload, and Ginclough, the route picked itself. As we traverse ridges and cloughs on lovely lanes and paths, we have great views of the Cheshire Plain and the Dark Peak (weather permitting), but getting these views does involve 3500 feet of ascent and descent!

We are dropped off at Poynton Station and cross muddy fields, pass through an industrial estate and onto lanes with different houses. Passing into National trust property, we come to Lyme Hall and if time allows we can have a swimming lesson with Colin Firth in one of the lakes, or go and see the House. The moors beckon and we climb Park Moor on the Gritstone Trail, where I would imagine if we have a clear day, there would be wonderful views coming down off the moors we pass through fields to the picturesque village of Rainbow and then climb up to White Nancy which has been painted to celebrate the Queens Jubilee and Olympics, since we were last here. We descend quickly to Bollington to the local hostelry and the coach.

This is a beautiful and interesting part of Cheshire, hopefully covered in daffodils and with an abundance of lambs!
The C party will start from Disley and make their way along the lanes to Lyme Park ( about half a mile). This is a splendid National Trust property and if you have a card then do bring it as you will be able to visit the gardens and house. The rest of us will be exploring the grounds and park for free. There is a visitors centre by the lake which is where we can have coffee...unless you prefer to go into the restaurant in the courtyard where there is also a little shop. Plenty of time is allowed to explore the grounds and some might like to walk up to the Folly on the hill. Pride and Prejudice film fans will be familiar with Lyme Park as this is where Colin Firth emerged from the lake in his dripping T-shirt.
After refreshments and probably lunch the group will make its way via Green Farm and Throstlenest farm to the canal. This leads all the way to Bollington via the tow path. You will come to Clarence Water Mill where the Happy Valley cafe is open until 5pm...offering cream teas and other goodies. When you reach Bollington, turn left here and walk up Palmerston Street to the Skinners Arms...the coach is picking up from the car park opposite here.

From a start point in Pendleton we track NE via Pendleton, Mearley and Little Mearley Halls, to eventually reach the Downham-Barley road. We curl round the north end of Pendle (on path, not road) prior to turning SW to pass through Under Pendle and Buttock farms on route to the Ogden Valley. This we climb to it's head, but once on the plateau we lose all the height gained by dropping in on Sabden on paths not found by the Ordnance Survey! The finish is via The Whins, Wiswell Moor Farm and Clerk Hill to journey's end, well before nightfall, at Whalley.

We head to Spring Wood and walk uphill across the golf course to Clerk Hill. Descending to Read Old Bridge we cross Sabden Beck. We continue to Read Hall and pass north of Read village to Read Heights. We loop back to Read Hall and Park. Crossing Whalley Road we walk via Cock Wood and Cock Bridge where we cross the River Calder. We continue to the Scout Camp at Dean Bridge. We continue round to Whalley Banks, Nab Wood and Painter Wood farm. We head downhill and recross the River Calder back into Whalley. Gaiters essential. If fine we should have some excellent views of the Bowland Fells, Ingleborough and Penyghent.

Local cafe to start the day, then an easy start. We go to Billington via Whalley church, Whalley school and by the walls of Whalley Abbey, through the North-West gate of the abbey and by the arches to Billington. We then have a gentle climb skirting the edge of The Nab to Nab Side Farm with good views over Whalley. We then go via Shawcliffe Lane, Dean Bridge and Scout Camp over to Squires Farm. We then go via Rodger Hey to Cock Bridge. We then go to Read Park, Read Hall and Read Old Bridge. Our last leg is Portfield, Spring Wood picnic area, Lawsonsteads and Whalley.

Jon Williams who very kindly checked this walk out for us, described it as "interesting". On the recce we also found it different and varied, even though the mist was down. We deliberately aimed to walk as much as possible on tracks to try to avoid the infamous East Lancs mud; unfortunately we were only partially successful, but if the forecast big freeze is still with us, we will be walking on corrugated concrete instead. The route gradually takes us up to Scout Moor Wind Farm at just over 450 metres and includes bits of the Rochdale Way, Rossendale Way and Irwell Sculpture Trail. Hopefully we will get back just in time for tea at the garden centre café.

This walk can be divided into 2 halves, the first part is through lanes and passes quaint stone cottages and eventually onto moorland. We double back and arrive at the Peel Tower, which was built in 1852 to the memory of Sir Robert Peel who was born in Bury. The tower is at 335m above sea level and is 39m high. We then head north along a good track and drop down towards the River Irwell and East Lancs Railway, for the 2nd half of the walk. When we did the recce this part of the walk very wet with the river in full flow. The East Lancs Railway provided a lot of interest as we saw a steam engine chugging along. Hopefully, we will see one on our walk. We pass along field paths, through Nuthall Park and back to Summerseat and the local hostelry.

We start with breakfast at the Garden Centre. The walk then goes north following the Ramsbottom cycle trail alongside the East Lancs railway to Irwell Vale. Crossing the B6214 , we climb up onto Holcombe Moor, travelling south to Peak Tower. We then descend and cross the A676 back to the pub at Summerseat.

Forth we went into the wintery scenery of East Lancashire until we reached Summerseat (a misnomer on this particular day) However, we girded up our loins, not to say our gaiters, sticks and waterproofs ready for the ascent to Peel Tower. To the sound of gunfire from the nearby army range we picked our way delicately through woodland and up onto the moor. Two deer came to look at us in amazement but we plodded solidly on until the summit was reached. A hasty descent to avoid the icy wind brought us to a well-trodden path where excited dogs revelled in the snow and owners gritted their teeth and got on with it. Steam trains puffed away in the distance as we dropped down to the River Irwell sliding silently beside us. A walk along a disused railway line where the skeleton trees traced a beautiful pattern against the sky and a final walk through woodland brought us to Ramsbottom. From there it was a walk in the park(Nuthall) and a diversion along the railway platform which brought us back to the garden centre in Summerseat.
A beautiful walk even if the views were slightly ethereal at times. Many thanks to Lynn and Barbara who got us safely there and back - no mean feat ! A very enjoyable day.