Friends of DalesRail | Past Events

Cast your minds back twelve years to December 2002 when we went to Masham, the weather was very foggy and not much was seen but the terrain on the first two thirds of the walk looked very interesting and there is plenty of heather clad moorland. I thought then that it would be nice to repeat this walk so I might as well copy the original write up (thanks Moya) as follows:

A winter adventure. We start in East Witton and climb up to Braithwaite Moor. Here we set off across heather covered moorland to find the right path, before dropping down to Caldbergh. Another climb takes us up to Caldbergh Moor and after a wet descent by Birk Gill, we ascend on to the moor for a further yomp across heather. Finally, descending Gollinglith Foot, we follow the road to Healey and then across the fields to Masham, hopefully in time for a pint or two of "Black Sheep Ale".

I recced this walk just after Christmas on a clear crisp sunny day with some snow and ice, a true winter adventure. Note that on Braithwaite Moor there will be some serious yomping as finding the "right path" as above is difficult. Amount of ascent is approx. 1600', enjoy!!

NOTE FROM WEBSITE EDITOR: You can also read the report of all the walks from the 2002 Masham trip in our Past Events (Coach Walks) 2002 section.

There will be a temptation to linger in the morning at Masham since the town offers vital ingredients of a good day's walking: tea and cakes; fish and chips; and locally brewed beer. However, venturing out into the wintry, North Yorkshire countryside, we will enjoy attractive riverside, woodland and parkland scenery. Although most of the walking is straightforward, there are a few tricky stiles and, unless we are blessed with a hard frost, some muddy stretches to be negotiated. Even so, we should return to Masham with ample time to partake in refreshments.

Two routes have been planned and a decision as to which will be walked will be made on the day by your good selves.

This is a delightful walk following the River Ure taking meadow and woodland paths. You may need gaiters through Nutwith Cote wood. The walk starts off following the Ripon Rowel signs passing an 18th C manor house and ancient stone beehives as you head for Hackfall and two outstanding viewpoints. One of which, the view at Sandbed Hut, Turner painted. You follow the path to the folly called the Ruin which William Aislabie used as a banqueting house. Pity the servants who had to carry the provisions! From here you cross fields catching a glimpse of Swinton Park turrets and so back to Masham for refreshments. This is a walk peppered with follies and views. There are 10 stiles and some steps in the woods.

You set off from the Black Swan pub and head for Broadmires farm and on to the Druids Temple, a folly built by William Danby of Swinton Hall in 1820 to provide employment for the local people . For a while he paid a hermit to live in it! Once you have explored this you follow tracks towards Sole Beck and Lobley Hall and so back to Masham. There are some stiles on this walk.

Should you choose to follow the shorter walk, I suggest once back in Masham you might like to follow some of the Leaves Sculpture trail. The whole trail is about three miles but you can miss some out…your leaders will have the leaflet and route with them.

The walk starts at Hollingworth Lake visitors centre and heads northwards towards Summit. From there we start to climb up over the open moors with a little yomping towards Rough Hill and then onto Hades Hill. This will probably be the last time the views from these moors will be unobstructed as a wind farm is currently under construction. Good views north east to Stoodley Pike and southward to Manchester. We head down to Watergrove Reservoir and then back to the visitors centre for refreshments. Around 1900ft of ascent.

We start out at Hollingworth Lake visitor centre and head up the road to Rakewood. Going under the M62 we walk on the Pennine Bridleway until we reach the Rochdale Way. We then contour around Windy Hills following the easterly motorway until we reach the Pennine Way. We cross the motorway by a spectacular footbridge and follow this path through millstone grit boulders until we reach Aiggle Stone on the Roman Road. We then skirt around and eventually reach Whittaker Golf Course and then onto Hollingworth Visitor centre. There are both tea rooms and refreshments of the alcoholic variety. It was very snowy when it was first recced though I would imagine gaiters would be useful on Sunday. 400m of ascent.

Starting with a circuit of the Lake we will then follow the canal to Littleborough. Turning east to join the Rochdale Way, we then head back to Hollingworth. If the weather is anything like last weekend we should have a decent walk.

A huddled bunch of 'B' walkers set off from the relative civilisation of Hollingworth Lake to plunge into the misty moorlands. Passing under the M62, which thundered above us, we strode away from the roar of the traffic only to encounter trail bikes testing out their exhaust pipes. Around us pale shapes of hillocks and more distant hills hinted at a landscape which we could only imagine. Steep hills, spreading mudbaths and trackless moorland emerged to challenge us. We knew the scenery was there. It was just being a bit coy.

Windy Hills lived up to its name and Blackstone Edge gave us the opportunity to test our acrobatic skills as we leapt from boulder to boulder to arrive at the Aiggin Stone, ancient marker. At last the shadowy landscape began to show itself. A lake or two appeared, a road with fast-moving cars could be seen. We were emerging into a different world. Fighting the icy wind we reached the White House and a land where the sun was miraculously shining and we were sheltered from the wind. A welcome sit in the sun near Whittaker golf course and a pleasant stroll through the countryside brought us back to Hollingworth Lake and its various retail opportunities.

A very good walk, carefully led. Many thanks to Diane T and Lynn for bringing us safely there and back.

Today our walk takes us into the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We will start a couple of miles north of Sheriff Hutton and head east to Terrington before walking north to Fryton Wood. We skirt along the north edge of the wood on the Centenary Way and, weather permitting, have extensive views north. We then turn south through Coneysthorpe to skirt the grounds of Castle Howard before heading to Sheriff Hutton via Bulmer. We walk bits of the Centenary Way/Ebor Way and some of the tracks are good but expect some mud. It is a lovely walk passing through some attractive villages - hopefully the daffodils may be in bloom! Total ascent approximately 1500ft.

We leave Sheriff Hutton at the east of the village, via St Helens Church over to Sheepclose Farm, where we head north onto the Centenary Way through High Stittenham where we turn off and head through Ganton. Heading northeast we skirt Cum Hag Wood, then we head west via Waite Wood and then join the Ebor Way passing through Terrington and back to Sheriff Hutton. Hopefully, weather permitting, there will be less mud and good views.

From the attractive village of Sheriff Hutton, with its castle ruin, we follow the Ebor Way on to the Howardian Hills, then pick up the Centenary Way via High Stittenham. The walk can be very muddy in places.

Sheriff Hutton is an attractive historic village situated midway between York and Malton. Its ruined castle, built in 1382, is currently undergoing restoration work. St Helens Church dates from Norman times and still has medieval stocks in place on the village green. The Howardian Hills are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a fact proclaimed on the many new footpath signs around Mowthorpe and High Stittenham.

In order that we do not detract from the coach trip to Sabden in October, this month's walk is to the north of Clitheroe. We alight along the A59 prior to Sawley Abbey and meander across field paths and tracks towards Holden. Travelling west we reach the dizzy height of Beacon Hill at 305 metres, go across Grindleton Fell, then south through Waddington to Clitheroe. No yomping but it will be muddy! Given favourable weather conditions the views should be good. Total ascent 1,900 feet, with a little bit more descent.

Leaving the coach at a suitable point on the A59 we will initially head for the village of Rimmington, then follow Ings Beck westerly before crossing the A59 to make for the ruins of Sawley Abbey. We then continue westerly passing through Grindleton before turning south to meet the river Ribble. Following the Ribble downstream to Bradford Bridge where we cross, then continue to follow the river until it is time to turn south west to the metropolis of Clitheroe. Total ascent 990 feet.

Starting at Clitheroe station, we head north west out of town towards the river Ribble, after crossing Edisford Bridge we make for Bashall Hall, a 19th century house with a walled garden and a very impressive barn. After touching Clough Bottom we turn east to Waddington. From here we make for the Ribble again to cross at Bradford Bridge, then following the riverside path back to Clitheroe. The day of the recce the ground was mostly dry, but there are a couple of sections which might prove tricky after a wet spell.

Today the walk starts at Kilburn and as we head north we get fine views of the White Horse. We continue north through the Hood Hill Plantation before crossing the A170 and up to Gormire lake. We head further north to Southwoods Lodge then turn east for a steep climb to meet the Cleveland Way. Turning south and then east we ascend through Cockerdale Wood to Cam House before walking through woods to Byland Abbey and back to Kilburn with further glimpses of the White Horse.
It is a varied walk through woodland and farmland with extensive views (weather permitting). Total ascent approximately 2100ft.

From Kilburn we make our way to the ruins of Byland Abbey..a very picturesque spot. Next we make our way up Abbey Bank Wood onto the plateau on good tracks, passing Cam farm, Cockerdale Woods and Hambleton villaage. We then join the Cleveland Way and follow the escarpment round Sutton Bank enjoying outstanding and long reaching views. We shall look at the white horse before making our way back down to Kilburn and refreshments.

We leave Kilburn and climb over Brow Bank to the road. Then through the forest before the climb up to the White Horse. Our final ascent is the 151 steps to the top of the ridge. We follow the path round the gliding field to the visitor's centre at Sutton Bank. Continuing along the ridge we start our descent at Thirlby Bank. Our return is past Gormire Lake and over Hood Hill.

Apologies to those who went on my Great Ayton to Danby walk five years ago as the first half will be similar, although we take a more direct route to Roseberry Topping, England's mini Matterhorn, where for those up front we can take the most difficult walking route to the summit and then take our first stop. We pick up the Cleveland Way around to Captain Cook's monument and thence on other paths into Kildale.

The second half on the walk takes in Battersby Moor before dropping into Ingleby Greenhow. From here we head NNW via Easby back to Great Ayton on 'level' field paths with some slippery stiles, if damp, back to Great Ayton possibly in time for refreshment.

The walk starts south of Great Ayton and heads of in a south easterly direction. At Castle House Farm we head east until reaching the road to then head north to and through Easby. Leaving Easby we head north east and soon start to climb up to Easby Moor and turn right following the Bridle track east through Mill Bank Wood. We then join the Cleveland Way where we climb again and then head west to Captain Cooks Monument. From there we head north onto Great Ayton Moor where we sweep round towards Roseberry Topping dropping down into Great Ayton.

Weather permitting there will some good all round views. Distance approx. 11 miles. Total ascent 1490 ft.

Today's walk covers the north western area of The Howgills, starting from Tebay we head south over gently rising fells to Blease Fell with good views of the M6 and the West Coast mainline. Upon departure from Blease Fell, the going gets more serious with a steep descent towards Carlin Gill. Along this gill we follow a contouring path with some reasonable drops into the gill until arrival at Black Force for lunch, a truly amazing, awe inspiring place where the waterfall can be safely observed whilst masticating.

After lunch we have a very steep ascent (sorry) and make our via Docker Knott to Simon's Seat, the high point of the day at 587m. From here the going gets a lot easier going towards Middledale End followed by a sting in the tail ascent onto Uldale End. The last leg takes us through Ellergill and Raisgill Hall to Orton.

Warning: There are places where care needs to be taken on the paths, there are steep gradients both up & down, bracken is in our way for short sections, there are time constraints, max. 7 hours, amount of ascent is approx. 3300', but feels more, chances of a drink at the end, less than 20% !!

We start in the pretty village of Orton and pass through fields onto Crosby Ravensworth Fell via the Roman Road. Over the moors to Oddendale and then to Crosby Ravensworth. Today there is abseiling down St Lawrence's Church Tower and there would be an opportunity, if we had time for anyone wanting to do it and giving some money to charity!! We then head south along the river to Holme Bridge and Crosby Lodge, where on the recce was a flock of hand reared lambs who followed us looking for titbits. Over the moors again and back to Orton, for some well earned refreshments.

Starting from a car park a couple of miles north of Orton village, we follow a well defined track onto Great Asby Scar National Nature Reserve, which - weather permitting - boasts fabulous views in all directions. The route crosses the Reserve getting frustratingly close to the trig point but not quite reaching it as we follow a grassy path alongside the limestone pavement until we reach the bridleway above the tiny hamlet of Sunbiggin. We then make our way down over farmland via a stone circle to the village of Orton. There are very few stiles on this walk, but there are some rough underfoot conditions during the first half of the walk, so strong boots are recommended.

16 August 2015 - Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Walks Map and Leaders Route Descriptions

Please click here to download the walks sketch map (PDF file, 402KB)

A WALK - STRENUOUS - LINEAR - 16 MILES

Although we are starting from Great Ayton (again), we repeat very little of Alan's May coach walk, and the bit we do is in the opposite direction. Basically we head North East to the coast via cragg and cliff, hopping on and off the Cleveland Way. It is a very varied walk of two contrasting halves; firstly over the North York Moors, hopefully with its heather and spectacular views (some yomping could be involved), and then the softer agricultural section of the Cleveland Street Trail. Eventually we reach Saltburn with all its seaside attractions including a compulsory leg stretch along the pier. Total ascent 2600 feet with a little more descent as we drop down to sea level.

Leaders Martin and Yvonne

B WALK - MODERATE - LINEAR - 11 MILES

Leaving the market town of Guisborough with the remains of a large Augustinian priory, we stroll across farmland to Guisborough Woods. We then climb steadily through the woods to join the Cleveland Way which we follow north eastwards to Skelton Green. Leaving the Cleveland Way, we head eastwards via North Skelton to the edge of Brotton. Finally, we follow the path down through the wooded Saltburn Gill to the coast. The scenery along the route is varied and and there are several good viewpoints.

Leaders David H and Carola

C WALK - EASY - CIRCULAR - 8 MILES

We start in Saltburn and join Saltburn Gill following a very pleasant path through woods by a stream. There are a few steps and a short challenging section where the path has fallen away a bit, but still do-able, providing it isn't too wet. Continuing, we climb out of the woods to follow the path through a section which is a bit overgrown, then into open land to Brotton. From Brotton we head to good paths by Gripps farm after which we pass Cattersty nature reserve to reach the Cleveland Way and our route back to Saltburn.

Leader Glennys

B WALK REPORT

Nine brave explorers set out from Guisborough to find the way to Saltburn-on-Sea guided by their stalwart leader. Civilisation was left behind as we entered Guisborough Woods and strode our way up and down through the luxuriant trees. A final chest strainer brought us to a magnificent view of the sea and its waving ration of windfarms. Onwards we went only to be faced with eager competitors on a marathon run. Adept at walking rough ways, we quickly mastered the art of hopping deftly to one side as soon as a runner (or sometimes a walking runner) appeared through the trees.

Lunch by the side of the path was enhanced by the sight of weary marathon walkers striving to reach their goal and a mass of incredibly tiny insects (stormflies?thunderbugs?) who quickly covered us and seemed to enjoy exploring our clothes. Passing quickly through areas of civilisation, we met with new buildings, poor signage and overgrown paths which threatened to bar our way but the leader won and we entered the mysterious territory of Saltburn Gill with its confusing wood and plethora of paths. Finally, the dark dawned and we emerged into the civilisation of Saltburn with its impressive array of surf boards and whale-spouting water vehicles (jet skis) Refreshments were at hand and we settled down to enjoy them. Many thanks to our recceless leader and his back-up who guided us safely through to our goal.

Report by Diane E

Starting from Grinton village we head off SSW to Greets Hill where we leave the footpath and yomp over Gibbon Hill and High Carl, approx. 2.1 mile moderate yomp, it is wet but not boggy. Picking up a wide track we descend Whitaside Moor to cross the River Swale at Isles Bridge. After lunch we circumnavigate Brownsey Moor hopefully on footpaths if I can find them and return to Reeth via Mill Gill Beck and Cringley Bottom. Bracken is in our way for short sections, amount of ascent is approx. 2700'.

We must agree with Colin Speakman that "as walking country Swaledale can only be described as superb." This route includes: an initial stroll beside the turbulent River Swale; a stiff, but ultimately rewarding, climb to the summit of Calver Hill; and a pleasant meander down Arkengarthdale. Reeth is an interesting village with several establishments providing refreshments.

A lovely leisurely stroll through fields and the infamous slit wall stiles to Healaugh before dropping down to the river, across the 'swing bridge' ( suspension really ) and heading to Grinton and the final stretch back to Reeth.

Into the vast, quiet expanses of Swaledale we went, alongside the bubbling River Swale and past the swing bridge - which was not swinging at the time - admiring the rolling hills to either side. A mention had been made in our information about the ascent of Calver Hill and very soon it was upon us or rather we were upon it. Ah well, this isn't too bad, we thought, not realising that round the next corner was a steeper bit and that the minute stone perched on a distant hill was our goal. However, heads down and plenty of short stops got us there and ready to roll down to the valley again to follow the path of Arkle Beck through Arkengarthdale. Arkle, which had been a significant place at one time with its church and burial ground, provided an interest as we walked through the neglected burial ground scattered with rather drunken looking headstones.

A lovely walk in pleasant weather which brought us safely back to Reeth with its very welcome teashops and pubs. Many thanks to David and Carola for leading and backing us up so competently.

Leaving Sabden in an easterly direction initially on farm driveways, then fields we head for Sabden Fold. Turning north and uphill we then reach Upper Ogden reservoir. From here we climb to the highest point of the walk at the summit of Pendle Hill. Keeping height around the edge of Pendle Moor we gradually descend via Badger Wells Hill and Apronfull Hill to the Nick of Pendle. We will continue heading south west to take in Wiswell Moor before descending steeply to Cold Coats. We then make our way back to Sabden through woodland, fields and lanes. 2400 ft of ascent and descent.

This is a delightful walk from the village of Sabden once famous for its calico printing. We leave Sabden on excellent grassy paths and slowly and gradually make our way up the gentle north slopes of Pendle via the Deerstones enjoying splendid views. We follow the contour above Churn Clough. From here the path is flagged to the trig point on Pendle. We make our way down the cobbled track looking across at Ogden and Black Moss reservoirs and trek across the fields to Barley where we will make a stop at the toilets. We leave Barley by ascending through fields to the Shekinah settlement at Saddlers on Well House Road, making our way to Sabden fold and Stainscomb before taking the narrow lane designated a bridleway back to Sabden via Hey Houses. (We had brilliant sunshine, glorious far reaching views and mainly dry tracks on the recce.) We finish at the White Hart where home made cakes, tea and local beers await us. The coach is picking up from here.

Starting from Pendle Heritage Centre at Barrowford, the route initially follows the Pendle Way for a short but steady climb up to the top of Pasture Lane overlooking Roughlee. This is then followed by a mainly level ridge walk on a mixture of footpaths and minor roads which should afford excellent views of Pendle Hill, the Sabden valley (our ultimate destination) and further afield to the South Pennines and Forest of Bowland. Upon reaching Padiham Heights, overlooking Sabden itself, we then pass through some woodland and make our way down to the village where refreshments await.

We start at Buxton Country Park, climbing up to Solomon's Temple and maintaining good high level views for the rest of the day (weather allowing). We head to the Cat and Fiddle via Dane Valley with interesting views west to Cheshire. We drop down back to Buxton following the old railway path from the outskirts. A lofty walk that we enjoyed recceing (as did our dog on his 3rd birthday!).

We are dropped off near Ashwood Dale and walk through fields along the Midshires Way and into Deepdale, which is a good example of a typical Peak District dry limestone dale. It is also a SSSI. We come out of Back Dale and walk along a road with a quarry on our left. Passing back into fields, we traverse through a couple of kilns. The University of Sheffield research labs can be seen as we walk a short distance along a dismantled railway and head back to Buxton via the country park. It was very wet when we did the recce so the gaiters would be useful. It was very slippy in Deepdale.

This is a delightful walk on quiet country lanes, good tracks and over a few fields. The Autumn colours should be stunning as well as the views. The walk will start from Morrisons supermarket taking advantage of the toilets and café. The walk makes its way up Dukes drive and turns off into the caravan park . From here it heads past the old farm house at Staden, following the Midshires Way to Cowdale village. Look out for Zwarbtle sheep and saddleback pigs. Next is King Sterndale, a cul de sac village with a population of about 30. Here is a beautiful church built by the Pickfords (removal firm) with its stainglass. More about this when we get there!

There is an old buttercross on the village green, restored in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of George V. The walk leaves King Sterndale down a broad track to cross the A6 and heads up onto a broad track above Woodale coming out onto Redgap Lane.You leave this at Lowfoot Farm and its horses and make your way back to Buxton, passing the Nineteeth Hole and the Wyebridge Arms (Wetherspoons).

There should be plenty of time to explore the Pavillion Gardens or head off for Buxton Park and Grinlow Tower if you fancy a challenge as well as to investigate the antique centres and other delights of Buxton.