Walking Diary 2009

The eager walkers gathered at Grewelthorpe, meeting outside the closed Crown Inn to enjoy Ron’s, as usual, very welcome bacon butties. They set off promptly at 8.30am, but, worryingly, initially struggled to locate the planned footpath (not an ideal start) sensibly deciding instead to follow a suitable track to link up with the Ripon Rowel route. By now the sun was shining and their spirits were further lifted with Andy’s announcement that he had a large Pork Pie in his rucksack. The small village of Ilton was passed, then a very hilly down and up section as they made their way, with a brief detour, to the eerie surroundings of Druids Temple.

The slight route extension to Kearby, had been recommended to avoid a planned Masham stop, as the pubs there were surprisingly reported as not being to their exacting standards. Paul met up with the others at the Black Swan (his knee not quite recovered enough to join them for the walk) and promptly negotiated a preferential rate for chips to accompany the Black Sheep Ale. After refreshments, Paul’s wife arrived to collect him and kindly offered to drop them all at Masham, a couple of miles away to return them to the original route, an offer that was gratefully accepted.

Following the Ripon Rowel route, they continued alongside the River Ure as far as Hack Fall Woods, taking then a steep incline up from the river to join the path down back into Grewelthorpe, arriving at 4.40pm. The sunny weather had been very kind on what proved an enjoyable walk, albeit quite hilly and tiring in parts, with Brad being heard to remark, when nearing the end, that he was well and truly kn***ered.

Most of the walkers arrived at Barden Bridge early in nervous anticipation of the strenuous walk ahead of them. Cliff arrived with nerve calming Bacon and Sausage Butties, which were rapidly consumed and much appreciated by all. Paul had rejoined the walkers for the first time following a period of recuperation after knee surgery. The route took the walkers along the river towards Bolton Abbey, pausing briefly to admire the fast flowing 'Strid', where the walkers resisted the temptation to throw Brad into the river to see how well he might have faired through the rapids. The river was crossed at Cavendish Pavilions to start the long ascent towards Simon's Seat. The Valley of Desolation section of the ascent was accomplished by the experienced walkers without undue stress, before they continued upwards into the cloud.

Unfortunately the amazing views could not be admired, before they picked their way down the steep and slippery rocky path of the infamous north descent. The treacherous pathway proved taxing for the walkers with Brad falling twice and causing much distress to Paul's repaired knee.

Paul wisely decided to walk no further and was left at the pub to consume further knee repairing ale, while the remaining walkers made their way back to Barden Bridge alongside the river. The walkers departed for their homes after what was generally agreed to be a most enjoyable, but strenuous walk.

The walkers met adjacent to the bus shelter in East Witton, where Cliff had arrived first with the Thoralby contingent, but advised that he had received a better offer for breakfast and rapidly departed to enjoy a full breakfast with his "walling" friends, claiming to catch up with the walkers later. The dejected walkers consoled themselves with Ron's excellent Bacon Butties before setting off through the village with Paul the designated temporary leader. The route took the walkers west slowly converging towards the River Cover by Hullo Bridge and then onwards using a "Permissive Path" crossing the river at Coverham. Alan's progress was slow, but his spirits remained high, knowing that he was heavily laden carrying both his and Ron's Pork Pies, together with ample supplies of chocolate crispies. They slowly climbed passing Agglethorpe to reach the "Gallops" at Middleham. The familiar steep decent down the bank toward Bolton Hall was accomplished in worsening weather and the walkers sheltered before Lords Bridge, where they were amazed to find that Paul had also brought what turned out to be an enormous pie. This was rapidly cut into large segments and thoroughly enjoyed.

On reaching Bolton Hall the walkers realised that they might reach their planned lunchtime stop at Wensley far too early and therefore added a significant detour to the north. Within a mile of Wensley the walkers were relieved to see Cliff walking towards them and on meeting with him excitedly exchanged stories of large breakfasts and enormous pies.

The walkers arrived at the Three Horseshoes which had been re-opened, only the day before, by Andy's son. The walkers were delighted to find Timothy Taylors Landlord ale on offer, which proved much to their liking, along with generous portions of chips.

Walkers: Cliff -Leader (Part Time), Neil, Alan, Ron, Andy & Paul. Brad was unable to attend due to lack of transport following a car accident a few days earlier.

The walkers met at a lay-by close to the village of Low Row some 4 miles west of Reeth, where Cliff's excellent Bacon & Sausage butties were thoroughly enjoyed. Confusion regarding the correct route was swiftly dismissed by Cliff, as the walkers started their steep ascent towards Whitaside Moor. The climb continued, as the pathway gradually disappeared, crossing Summer Lodge Moor, passing numerous old lead mine workings and eventually reaching the dizzy height of over 1700ft, with excellent views down Swaledale.

During their journey a particularly heavy shower, with hail, caused the walkers to seek shelter in a dis-used field barn, having first evicted two sheep

The walkers reflected that the walk, although tough, had been very enjoyable and agreed to meet again on the 23rd May to attempt yet another expedition.

All the walkers arrived early at the car park close to the embankment/dam between Swinsty & Fewston reservoirs, where they eagerly awaited and consumed Alan's bacon and sausage butties.

They set off following Swinsty Reservoir admiring several bridges on route, stopping at intervals to photographically record the happy events.

Their leader had calculated a southerly Otley direction route following the River Washburn to eventually reach the Lindley Wood reservoir. At the end of the reservoir they crossed the bridge to make their way back along the other side. After a steep climb the walkers sort refuge in a modern church grounds where the first of Andy' pies was divided equally between the six walkers. Considerable energy was gained from this refreshment, which enabled the walkers to continue following the line of the reservoir and again upward to reach their lunchtime destination at the 'The Sun Inn' near Fewston. The ale proved to the liking of the walkers, who sat outside admiring many powerful motorbikes which arrived and departed at regular intervals. A discussion with a friendly lone biker on an adjacent table took place regarding the various merits of the tread patterns (or lack of) on the bikes. A successful chip negotiation resulted in three bowls of excellent quality chips arriving, to complement the ale.

After the lunchtime stop, the walkers quickly made their way to a picnic area, where in high spirits (except Ron), they finished the remaining pie and chocolate crispy rations, before the Thoralby contingent left for their cars, to fulfil their "Home Early" instructions.

The remaining hardy walkers completed the entire route by circumventing the top end of the Fewston Reservoir right up to the A59 at Blubberhouses, before returning to the car park where they rewarded themselves with excellent ice creams, without 99's.

Weather: A warm, but slightly cloudy day, but with several sunny intervals

Distance 15 miles with a lot of climbing during the morning and one steep climb after lunch

The walkers gathered at a small parking area close to the bridge in the centre of Marske and after consuming Cliff's excellent bacon & sausage butties, set off following the path of Marske Beck. Most of the following miles took the walkers steadily upward in very warm weather causing much exhaustion, which could only be cured by portions of pie, but the temptations were resisted.

The route continued to climb to dizzy heights exceeding 1500 ft above sea level, where they passed numerous old mine workings which had distorted the horizon to resemble the surface of the moon. Just before the path dropped rapidly towards Arkle Beck, the walkers stopped by a wall and gate to enjoy Andy's first pie, which had been accurately pre-divided into five equal portions. Alan shared his entire ration of Mars Bar Crispies with the group, as the high temperatures were causing some softening of the product.

The following section of the walk initially traced the River Swale downstream until the path turned sharply upward by the remains of Marrick Priory (Benedictine Nuns) to climb a long flight of steps to eventually reach Marrick Village. The walkers felt need to locate the converted church where some 2 years earlier they had purchased Ice Creams from a very pleasant lady. They were welcomed into their back garden to enjoy their Magnums and share their last pie in the comfort of a sunny seated area. Greatly refreshed after their rest the final few miles downhill back to the cars at Marske rushed by, where in high spirits they rapidly arranged a date for the next walk and departed to their homes, knowing that another expedition had been successfully accomplished.

The walkers arrived together, 15 minutes ahead of schedule, at a small church car park in Chapel-le-Dale, before bearing the heavy rain, to enjoy Ron's bacon and sausage butties. The walkers were quick to realise that Andy was not with the group this day and their thoughts immediately turned to the fact that Andy had been previously designated PieMan and that they may have to endure the whole walk without the benefit of Pork Pie!!! Paul quickly reassured the group that the said Pies had been entrusted to his safe keeping, to the obvious relief of the other walkers.

Having donned all available weatherproof clothing, the walkers set off to find the solitary path leading up into the clouds towards the summit of Ingleborough 2,373ft.

Having conquered Ingleborough, the walkers commenced the equally difficult and treacherous descent towards Ingleton. Brad managed the descent perfectly until he slipped just 20 yards from the road at the bottom.

The route took the walkers back to Ingleton, where they elected to take the Riverside walk past "Snow Falls", despite the flooded conditions. However, DISASTER STRUCK, on the approach to the falls, when Brad rapidly disappeared from sight whilst visiting some bushes to relieve himself. Closer inspection found Brad wedged between the bank and the roots of the trees which were some distance below the path on a steep bank down to the river. Although some of the walkers felt that he should be left there, the more responsible ones attempted to retrieve him. This proved a difficult task taking three people to drag him back the path. Nothing but his pride was hurts, except for a small cut on his face and much mud all over him!!

The walkers met adjacent to the level crossing at Finghall. Paul, with the Thoralby contingent, arrived late, due to the him overshooting the turn to the village by some two miles!! Ron's bacon and sausage butties were enjoyed before the walkers set off up through the village, admiring the "Queens Head", which was rumoured to provide a good pub food fayre. The route, familiar to some of the walkers, continued past the Thornton Steward Reservoir, with its extensive yachting facilities, and on through the village to take the track towards the river, passing Danby Hall and Church, before reaching the Coverbridge Inn. Electing to take the footpath down to the side of the River Cover, the walkers were horrified to find an official notice from the Council announcing that the footpath was closed. The walkers expected this to be caused by erosion of the bank., which they had witnessed during previous walks. However, they ignored the closed sign certain that they would be able to find an alternative route. The footpath was indeed very narrow with only a few slippery footholds between the sheer drop to the river and an electric fence on the other side. No walkers were lost during this difficult manoeuvre.

Fearing that the walk might prove a little too short, the route was modified to take the walkers up onto the Middleham Gallops, where they watched a light aircraft make an approach and landing into a private airstrip on one of the farms. The walkers considered that this was most probably a means of transport used by Pork Pie smugglers and therefore chose not to report the matter to the authorities.

The walkers were anxious not to miss the last train back to Finghall from Redmire station and left the Three Horseshoes at 2-15 for the 3½ walk to the train.

Paul had designed a cunning two stage 'figure of eight' walk to test the walkers ability. They gathered on the village green at West Burton opposite the Village Hall and quickly devoured Cliff's excellent Bacon & Sausage butties. They departed through the village, crossing the river and heading relentlessly upward along long tracks running parallel to the formidable Penhill.

The descent proved equally long and arduous as they wound their way down to join a rough rocky road past Cote Bridge to eventually reach an old lead smelting chimney, where they rested to enjoy their sandwiches, dismissing all thoughts of cremating Brad in the fiery furnace of the lead mine.

The walkers were reluctant to pass their cars at the start of the second stage of the walk, which looked like a short excursion to the south west, but soon found that, like the morning, it involved a significant amount of climbing. Vast areas of recently felled forest were walked which proved difficult underfoot.

The route eventually met a road and then headed down toward the river, which was followed all the way back towards the picturesque West Burton waterfalls. Here the walkers shared their last pork pie before heading back to their cars. All agreed it was an excellent walk, although Brad declared it very tiring, but had completed it without falling.

NEWTONDALE TRAIL - Saturday 17th October "Newtondale Trail - Wartime Weekend"

Distance: 18miles with about 1,700ft of climbing - Pickering to Grosmont, via Goathland. Lunch stop at "The Birch Hall Inn" Beck Hole. Train back to Pickering

The eager walkers arrived in Pickering well ahead of schedule and quickly made their way to park in a residential road near the castle, where they enjoyed Ron's excellent Bacon and Sausage butties. They set off at about 8-20am making a good pace along the familiar route as they compared between themselves how many years they had completed this epic walk previously.

DISASTER OCCURRED - When Brad suffered extreme cramp while making the treacherous decent into Goathland. Sean was quick to administer first aid, while Alan observed. The remainder of the walking party failed to stop and marched on unconcerned, where being within a couple of miles of the lunchtime pub they could already sense the ale.

Most the non-drivers enjoyed 5 pints of an excellent guest ale at the Birch Hall Inn also many purchased small portions of pie and pickle, as the 'Pie Monitor' Andy was absent from the walk. Brad's son Mark with his son joined the walkers, before they left to tackle the final section of the walk to Grosmont where, after absorbing much of the 'Wartime Atmosphere', they boarded the 16:50 back to Pickering. .

The exertions of the day told on the walkers as they one by one fell into a deep relaxing sleep, only to be rudely awoken as the train ground to a halt at Pickering.

Weather: Although sunny at times, it was quite windy while crossing the moor. However, still muddy in the usual places

The traditional "Sunday Loop", but performed on a Saturday. Last walked on May Bank Holiday - Monday 2nd May 2005

The walkers left Alan's House at 8-30am to tackle the infamous Sunday Loop on a Saturday. They carefully made their way along the familiar walk, that was regularly used as a practice walk leading up to the 100miles LDWA walks in the 90's. With recent rain the footpaths proved very muddy and the River Wharfe was close to flood, but the walkers showed no fear.

After the long road section, which proved much busier than they remembered on a typical Sunday, they trudged onwards across a field, where the footpath has been illegally, ploughed up by the local farmer. Colin declined to visit the farmer to correct his ways. After almost becoming stuck in the very deep mud, the walkers slowly made their way up the hill into Kirby Overblow, where they were quick to visit the Star and Garter. However, the walkers did not find the ale (too cold) or the surroundings (set out for diners only) to their likings and after only 1 pint set off in the rain towards Spofforth.

The walkers arrived back at Alan's house in high spirits and agreed to meet again on 12th December for a further daring walk.

Only four brave walkers were prepared to take on Paul's Scar House Reservoir Walk and met at a small car park on the long access road to the reservoir, shortly after passing Lofthouse. Ron's excellent Bacon and Sausage butties were consumed before the walkers set off to tackle the massive climb towards the Shooting Lodge, which was well known to the walkers who had previously completed the Pateley/Lofthouse walk. However, the climb took the walkers north of the Lodge and followed an elevated route west towards the reservoir.

After some discussions about the best route back to the cars, the walkers disobeyed their leader, by taking a track known to several of the more experienced walkers, which quickly proved to be the most direct route. The walkers agreed the walk was very enjoyable and all agreed to attend the Christmas Coverdale walk after Christmas.

An excellent turn-out of eleven walkers arrived at the familiar grass verge just south of Leyburn, where Ron handed out strength promoting Bacon and Sausage Butties. The group set off in good spirit over snow covered fields towards Leyburn. They walked through Leyburn resisting the temptation to stop at the newly opened bakery, displaying a good selection of pastries, before joining the "Leyburn Shawl" footpath in cold and snowy conditions.

The hardened walkers soon reached Preston-under-Scar, where they turned downhill to pass near to Bolton Hall, stopping at Lords Bridge for refreshments and Alan's Mars Bar Crispies.

DANGER AHEAD - On nearing the lunchtime stop at the Coverbridge Inn, it was noted that the footpath remained closed following an earlier collapse into the river. However, the cunning walkers devised a plan that necessitated the crossing of an electric fence in two places. With great courage Cliff held the electrified fence wires down to enable the walkers to avoid certain death, however, Paul considered that he could find a better location to cross on his own.

Many of the walkers were dismayed by the early departure from the establishment to complete the final stage of the walk back to the cars in light snow. Despite this disappointment, all agreed that this was a very successful end to the 2009 walking diary.

Weather: Very cold and windy in places, walking the entire route though much snow.

Walkers: Ron, Neil, Alan, Sean, Paul, Andy, Cliff, Mark (Brad's son) with his 3 sons and Ella the dog. Guest appearance by Tom at the Coverbridge Inn.

	After departing the pub, vowing to return soon, the walkers followed the River Ure to Middleham, where they were seen posing in front of the magnificent castle. Shortly afterwards they found time to compare the quality of the meat and pastry between Ron's Elite Meats Pork Pie and Alan's Illingsworth Pie. The walkers, in their current state, were unable to make any critical analysis of the pies and agreed that they both tasted good.
Leaving Middleham heading back to the car at East Witton they had to cross the fast flowing River Cover using the treacherous stepping stones. Cliff can be seen here using all available concentration to enable his safe passage.
	Arriving back at East Witton the relieved walkers posed by the bus shelter, while the Thoralby contingent awaited arrival of their transport home.