Walking Diary 2022

The walkers arrived at the sensible hour
of 9:30 and prepared for their first
proper walk since 2020.

Leaving and following the River Cover they proved their
lack of fear by posing on the dangerous stepping stones

Only a few complaints were heard when the route took them up their first hill

The walkers were seen gazing at
the mighty Middleham Castle

At precisely 11am the walkers sat and
demanded pork pies before going any further

Much to the obvious relief of the walkers, individually wrapped pork pies were handed out by Dick and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Numerous dangerous bridges were negotiated by the brave walkers on their carefully chosen route

The walkers were humbled to see a Lancaster bomber and Spitfire perform a flypast in honour of their return to regular walking!!!

The last two bridges were quickly negotiated before the walkers were ready to enter the Cover Bridge Inn and celebrate the recommencement of regular walking

The walkers initially dined outside, before transferring indoors to maintain body heat

Six walkers arrived at the new
hour of 9:30 and discussed stories
of many long lost bridges.

With Tom in charge of the route, the
walkers remained especially confident
that they would not get lost

Much to the obvious pleasure of Tom, the bridges came quick and fast

Little time was wasted by the walkers in securing quantities of ale at the Foresters Arms in Carlton.
 

The walkers were pleased to see the arrival of Cliff for lunch

The walkers were disappointed by the quality of the chips served at the Foresters Arms and awarded a score of just 2 chips!!   The selection of ales was also barely adequate.

As can be seen, Alan risked extreme danger to obtain action shots of some of the bridges

Six walkers arrived at the green
in West Burton in anticipation
of Paul's hilly walk.

Due the extreme inherent danger, 
the authorities took great interest
in the progress of the walkers
with two early fly passes

Quality bridges were meticulously recorded by the walkers, as they followed Paul's fully documented route

As the walk progressed, fatigue set in and the walkers grabbed any opportunity to rest

The walkers had a early glimpse at The Street Head Inn in Newbiggin as they descended from Cowstone Gill.   However, the walkers quickly negotiated the downhill route to arrive at their chosen hostelry for ale and chips.

Six walkers arrived on the green in Little Crakehall at a sensible hour of 10:00 ready for the walk to Tunstall to seek out the infamous 'Hornby Castle' enroute.

Tom dropped Alan off and returned to carry out vital preparation work for the BBQ

Their efforts paid off when after changing their planned route, to gain extra height, they were able to catch a glimpse of 'Hornby Castle', which had been carefully hidden by the locals behind a row of houses.

Much discussion ensued as to the nature of the weathervane, which later could be seen to be a fox.

Five eager walkers arrived at the Hackfall Woods car park between Ripon and Masham in anticipation of an excellent walk.

Paul's claim of a legitimate bridge was dismissed by the others as obviously not meeting the published criteria.

Other bridges were permitted by the walk leader (Bruce)

The walkers were proud to have accurately located the Fishers Hall Folly, together with the Mowbray Point Ruin, seen hiding amongst the trees.

The walkers stopped adjacent to Hackfall Hall to study their charts, but instinctively knew they would not become lost.

The walkers enjoyed excellent chips with their ale and were later joined by Clifford and Audrey.

Just a couple of bridges followed after lunch, before the walks returned to their cars after yet another successful walk.

Walking across the old road bridge, with the new behind, they left the safety of Ripley into areas unknown.

The route became more difficult, but they were relieved to find several well constructed bridges to comfort them.

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They also learnt about the connection of the church with Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) who was the son of a rich Norman merchant.  He was appointed Chancellor of England by Henry II (1154-1189), who was increasingly concerned about the power which the church was exerting in the running of the country. Thus it came about that he made one of his knights - Hugh de Morville - Constable of Knaresborough and its castle.

Eventually they arrived at Birstwith Mill, where they learnt that the corn and cotton mill was taken over by the Wood family in the mid 19th century. Cotton spinning later ceased, but flour production continued under F T Wood and Sons. The firm later became part of Spillers and the mill now belongs to Kerry Ingredients. The mill was powered by waterwheel until 1886 and by water turbine from 1886 to 1970

They quickly made themselves at home in the Station Hotel and ordered soup to accompany their chips, except Tom who enjoyed a full portion of fresh Fish and Chips.

The walkers were relieved to get back to their cars and dry off after a very wet walk.

The walkers were unsure as to whether an entrance to old mine workings qualified as a bridge, but claimed this a successful find.

The walkers stopped for their statutory Pork Pie stop, but it was noted that only Alan partook, choosing to eat healthy fruit instead.  However, they all succumbed to Mars Bar Crispies.

The walkers were relieved to arrive at The Wheatsheaf Inn in Carperby, where they were able to dry out in front of fire, enjoying ale with separate portions of chips later.   Cliff joined the walkers later for a final pint. 

Ed discussed options for an alternative route with the leader of the day (John).

The splendours of Wensley Bridge were admired as the walkers set off along the riverside pathway towards Lords Bridge

The walkers were anxious to start their walk after choosing their preferred route.

The walkers stopped at Hullo Bridge for a photo opportunity, before continuing to East Witton then following the road back to the Cover Bridge Inn

The walkers were allocated a private side room for their Christmas festivities, enjoying Timothy Taylors and Theakstons ales with their chips or full lunches.