LEYBURN WALK - Thursday 16th February
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A total of five walkers met in Leyburn, next to the historic octagonal bus shelter in the Market Place, ready to set off along the 'Shawl' pathway |
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Ed chose to take a shorter route, but to meet up with the others at lunchtime |
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The walkers were amazed at the incredible views of Wensleydale in the swirling mist |
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Due to a distinct shortage of bridges the walkers were forced to improvise
The route became indistinct and much discussion was heard regarding the correct route |
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Ed met up again with the walkers at the Three Horseshoes in Wensley, where they enjoyed high quality Theakstons best bitter and freshly cooked chunky chips. |
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After lunch the walkers were more successful in their mission to seek out all available bridges on their return to Leyburn |
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ChipAdvisor: 
Separate portions of high
quality chunky chips
Ale score:
Mainly Theakstons best bitter with a little Black Sheep
Walkers: Andy (Leader), Alan, John, Colin & Ed (shorter route)
Weather: Threatened drizzle during the morning, but turned out to be a dry walking day, although still a bit muddy
SCORTON WALK - Thursday 16th March
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A total of six walkers met in car park off the Scorton Road, ready to set off in search of the long lost RAF Scorton airfield. |
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Much discussion was observed by the walkers as to the correct route, where it was noticed that their route shared parts of the 'Coast to Coast' route. |
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It was observed that the number of bridges crossed by the walkers was at a very low level. The local cattle showed great concern. |
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The walkers were grateful that a special signage had been erected in honour of Alan's birthday walk |
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FOUND The walkers were successful in their mission to find the long lost site of RAF Scorton and were anxious to cram as much information as possible. |
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After their success the walkers hurried to the Farmers Arms in Scorton to enjoy excellent Theakston Best Bitter with high quality chips. The walkers were pleased to be joined by Clifford and Paul. |
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| The walkers were pleased to get back to the car park after an enjoyable, but muddy walk |
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ChipAdvisor:
Separate portions of high
quality chunky chips
Ale score:
Mainly Theakstons best bitter
Walkers: John (Leader), Alan, Ed, Colin, Dick (with repaired right leg) and Andy, plus Clifford and Paul part time for lunch
Weather: Light drizzle in the morning, but very muddy
DARLEY WALK Thursday 13th April
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A total of six walkers met in the village of Darley, south of Pateley Bridge, on a damp and muddy day. They soon set off towards the river Nidd, where they were quickly able to locate their first bridge. |
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The river path took the walkers to the village of Dacre Banks, where
they were seen to follow sections of the Nidderdale Way uphill across
farmland close to Heyshaw. In the shelter of a drystone wall the walkers stopped to enjoy a short break. |
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Heading downhill, the walkers were able to locate a further bridge of a similar design to their first find. They remained pleased with their discovery. |
| As their route took them back towards Darley, they could soon see the Wellington Inn in the distance and instinctively headed there for a lunch of sandwiches (Tom & Dick), chips (with some bread rolls), together with Black Sheep and Timothy Taylors Boltmaker ale. |
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ChipAdvisor:
Separate buckets of chunky chips,
but a little too crispy.
Ale score:
Timothy Taylors Boltmaker and Black Sheep to a high standard
Walkers: Alan (Leader), John, Bruce, Colin, Dick & Tom
Weather: Light rain for most of the day and very muddy
COVER BRIDGE WALK - Thursday 11th May
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Seven walkers met in the car park of the Cover Bridge Inn on a dry and pleasant walking day. Under the close direction of Ed, they set off over the bridge to follow the River Cover eastwards, in search of further bridges. |
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On passing Lord Thoralby's seat, the walkers were saddened to see that the seat had deteriorated badly and was no longer usable. Picture of happier times shown for reference. |
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After leaving the river their route took them through the grounds of Jervaulx Abbey and onward to Kilgram Bridge where they paused for their characteristic photo shoot. |
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From here the walkers headed to Thornton Steward and onwards past Danby Hall towards the Cover Bridge Inn, stopping briefly to record the crossing of the River Ure. |
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Much merriment was witnessed at the Coverbridge Inn, where the walkers supplemented their chips with sandwiches and Ale. |
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The walkers remained bright and alert after their walk, arriving in bright sunshine. |
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ChipAdvisor:
Generous portions of home
made chips.
Ale score:
Timothy Taylors Boltmaker and Black Sheep to a high standard
Walkers: Ed (Leader), Paul, Alan, John, Bruce, Colin & Tom
Weather: Dry and pleasant walking day with a little sunshine at the end
FEARBY WALK - Thursday 8th June
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Seven walkers met at a layby close to the village of Fearby. They set off initially following the Ripon Rowel route. Tom and Ed elected for the shorter route and set off in a different direction having planned to meet at the Black Bull in the Theakstons brewery visitors centre.
The walkers were pleased to locate their first bridge |
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| More bridges were encountered during their route |
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| Much discussion was heard as the walkers attempted to verify the validity of this bridge, even though it appeared to meet the agreed criteria. |
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Meanwhile on Tom & Ed's alternative route, they appeared to become lost and bewildered with only one bridge located. |
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| Very proficiently the larger group arrived first at the Black Bull in the visitors centre at Theakstons Brewery. They were soon joined by Tom and Ed who claimed alternative meeting arrangements!! |
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As the Black Bull only offered bar snacks, the cunning walkers transferred to the White Bear for lunch on the terrace. Although the fare was mainly chips, some chose bread rolls or sandwiches to complement their food. |
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After leaving the White Bear the walkers made their way in bright hot sunshine back to their cars, where all agreed it had been an excellent walk |
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ChipAdvisor:
Good quality chips in
individual servings
Ale score:
Generally Theakstons ales were consumed to their usual high standard
Walkers: Paul (Leader), Alan, John, Bruce, Colin, Ed & Tom
Weather: A Dry and warm walking day with hot sunshine in the afternoon
WENSLEY WALK - Thursday 13th July
| Seven walkers gathered in the 'Triangle' at the entrance to Bolton Hall at Wensley, as they were unable to use the originally proposed bridge layby start due to roadworks. After setting off they were soon able to prove their bridge finding skills, on the roadway to the Hall, having noted that repairs had been made following their previous sighting which showed significant tree falling damage |
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Several of the walkers gazed at the weather vane on Bolton Hall, which clearly can be seen to be an Eagle
The walkers traditionally stopped on Lords Bridge for a group photo with the Hall in the distance |
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The walkers trudged on in difficult times
A break was made as the walkers passed close to |
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Lunch was taken at 'The Fox' in West Witton, although the walkers were
disappointed to note that the kitchen was closed for 'Deep Cleaning'.
The landlord, feeling sorry for the walkers, was able to provide hot
'steak and ale' or 'chicken and mushroom' pies with gravy, although was
unable to distinguish between them, before opening them.
Guest visitor Clifford (Bottom Right) |
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More bridges were located as the walk continued |
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Seven weary walkers completed the walk, some phoning |
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Pie Advisor:
Kitchen closed, but hot
pies served with gravy (types uncertain)
Ale score:
Generally Theakstons ales were consumed to their usual high standard
Walkers: Andy (Leader), Paul, Alan, John, Bruce, Colin & Tom
Weather: A dry and warm walking day
IVELET BRIDGE WALK - Thursday 10th August
| Seven walkers, including 'New Boy' Paul D, arrived next to the famous Ivelet Bridge, quickly ascending it for a group photo before setting off on their epic walk |
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Bridges came rapidly for the skilled walkers, as they proceeded in the direction of Muker |
| PANIC SET IN for the leader when he realised that the route might be impassable due to previous high river levels |
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The walkers stopped to admire the incredible views of Swaledale, thereby improving their mental health |
| Much joviality was witnessed at the Kings Head in Gunnerside, where the walkers stopped for their lunchtime refreshments. Black Sheep regular and blond ale together with chips and some sandwiches were enjoyed. Messages of encouragement were sent to Ed, who was unable to join the walkers due to a recent hip operation |
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The walkers rushed to assemble on the last bridge, before arriving back at their cars |
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ChipAdvisor:
Large chunky chips in
individual servings
Ale score:
Black Sheep regular and blond ales.
Walkers: Dick (Leader), Paul M, Alan, John, Bruce, Tom and new boy Paul D. Together with special guest Clifford for lunch
Weather: A dry and hot walking day
REETH WALK - Thursday 14th September
| Just five walkers gathered at the car park in Reeth, before heading up towards Langthwaite on the west side of Arkle Beck, but it was not long before the walkers located their first bridge |
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The walkers stopped to admire the incredible views of Arkengarthdale, massively improving their mental health |
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Further bridges were encountered on their adventure |
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The walkers felt that the quality of the bridges improved as the walk proceeded |
| The walkers were impressed by the variety of bridges, but some considered that this bridge should be referred to as a tunnel |
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Lunch was taken at the Black Bull in Reeth, whilst the walkers discussed the merits of Cliff's recent onion entry into the Wharfedale Horticultural show on the 6th September |
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One final bridge was traversed before the walkers returned to their cars after, what they agreed, was another successful walk |
ChipAdvisor:
Large chunky chips in
individual servings
Ale score:
Theakston's Best Bitter.
Walkers: John (Leader), Colin, Dick, Paul M and Bruce
Weather: A dry and warm walking day
BUCKDEN WALK - Thursday 12th October
| Four eager walkers assembled at the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in Buckden, before setting off upwards in the direction of Buckden Pike. However, using their considerable common sense, instead of making the full assent to the top of Buckden Pike, they continued onward towards Cray. |
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Their first bridge find had been cunningly hidden in the undergrowth, but this did not foil the walkers. |
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The walkers assembled on the iconic bridge, by the residence of James Herriot in the latest Television series |
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Further bridges were discovered by the cunning walkers. |
| A mid morning break was taken for mars bar crisbies in a quiet spot away from the crowds |
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Luckily the water levels allowed a river crossing via traitorous stepping stones over Cray Gill. |
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Whilst crossing the River Wharfe at Hubberholme the walkers discovered 'The George' public house and instinctively sat in a warm sheltered location for sandwiches with chips. |
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| A poise on the moors before the final bridge brought the walkers back into Buckden |
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Arriving back at the cars the walkers agreed that this had been another excellent walk |
ChipAdvisor:
Acceptable large chips in
individual servings
Ale score:
Theakston's and Black Sheep ales.
Walkers: Bruce (Leader), Colin, Paul M and Alan
Weather: A sunny, but cold walking day
EASBY ABBEY WALK - Thursday 9th November
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Eight walkers met at the small Easby Abbey car park on a damp and muddy day anticipating a good walk. The walkers were keen to learn that it is a ruined Premonstratensian abbey originally called 'The Abbey of St Agatha' and founded in 1152. |
| It was not long before a number of bridges were spotted by the cunning walkers |
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The walkers gathered outside Aske Hall anxious to learn that In 1763 Sir Lawrence Dundas, 1st Baronet purchased the house for £45,000. In partnership with his architect, John Carr, Dundas they sought to transform Aske Hall into one of the great 18th-century houses of the North. |
| Arriving in the village of Skeeby some discussion was overhead as to whether this qualified as 'A Bridge'. No definitive decision was heard and the walkers decided to adjourn to 'The Travellers Rest' for further debate. |
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Approval was given by the walkers to this re-opened community pub (The Travellers Rest, Skeeby). Sandwiches, with chips accompanied the Camerons Ales were enjoyed.
The walkers quickly assembled outside, |
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Arrival back at the Abbey signaled the end of their epic walk, which all agreed had been most successful. |
| Arriving in the village of Skeeby some discussion was overhead as to whether this qualified as 'A Bridge'. No definitive decision was heard and the walkers decided to adjourn to 'The Travellers Rest' for further debate. |
ChipAdvisor:
Good quality
Ale score:
Camerons ales.
Walkers: Paul M (Leader), Bruce, Andy, John, Alan, Colin, Paul D and guest Arthur
Weather: A damp, muddy and cold walking day
AYSGARTH WALK - Thursday 14th December
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Seven walkers met at Newlands on a damp and muddy day, but were assured of a good walk. Martin (from Scotland), a friend of John, joined them and quickly enlighten the walkers on the joys of helicopter piloting in the Middle East. |
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The walkers were relieved to find an abundance of high quality bridges on their route. |
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| The walkers stopped for refreshments on route in the sunshine and enjoyed quantities of mars bar crispies |
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John came equipped to
The walkers were pleased with their |
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After leaving 'The Wheatsheaf' in Carperby, most of the walkers declined an offer of a lift back to the start from Cliff, as they knew that this would deprive them of several more bridge photo opportunities. |
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Further high quality bridges were discovered on the short route back to Aysgarth |
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All the walkers were pleased with their performance during the walk, knowing that the Christmas walk lay only a couple of weeks ahead. |
ChipAdvisor:
Good quality food with their chips
Ale score:
Mainly Black Sheep ales, to a particularly high standard
Walkers: John (Leader), Bruce, Paul, Tom, Alan, Colin, and guest Martin, together with Cliff and Ed doing an alternative route
Weather: A damp, muddy, but pleasant walking day
CHRISTMAS WALK - Friday 29th December
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Five walkers met outside the Queens Head in Finghall, whilst a second tranch of three started later from the Cover Bridge Inn on a different circular route. They all intended to meet at the Cover Bridge Inn for their lunchtime Christmas activities. |
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The walkers cunningly located some heavily disguised bridge, but were assured that they did meet the required criteria |
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On arrival in Thornton Steward very welcomed shelter was provided by the bus shelter, although no buses were seen |
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A local resident advised the group that better shelter could be obtained at the local village hall |
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The second group of walkers (Ed, Tom Jnr, and Tom) successfully completed a circular route along the River Ure, passing "Lord Bailey of Thoralby's" chair. However, as can seen, it is clear that major repairs are required. |
| The larger group departed the 'Village Hall' passing Danby Hall before taking the opunity for a final bridge photo when crossing the River Ure |
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Lunch, with high quality ales, were enjoyed
The walkers were all pleased to welcome |
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ChipAdvisor:
Good quality food with their chips
Ale score:
A increased quantity of high quality ales
Walkers: John, Colin, Ed, Alan, Tom, Bruce, Paul, Tom Jnr. with Dick arriving later.
Weather: A damp, muddy, but pleasant walking day
