Walking Diary 2024

Six walkers left Redmire for a short 4 miler across the fields and railway line up to Preston-under-Scar, then back above Redmire railway station before descending back into Redmire itself for refreshments.

Sadly no significant bridges were crossed, although, the resourceful explorers did discover a new category of bridge: "The Mini-Bridge".  Colin, the resident CE declared the category valid on three counts; 1, he was the leader; 2, he said so; and 3, he was buying the first round so if anyone dissented they could buy their own beer.  All agreed and a new category was born!

The route, although difficult, proved tolerable for the walkers under Colin's excellent guidance.

Little fear was shown by the walkers as they crossed the high speed railway line.   No accidents occurred.

The walkers were pleased to reach their destination in good spirit and agreed to meet for a further walk on the 8th February

The Dynamic Duo, Little and Large, set off from Aysgarth on the long route to Carperby

Slipping across the National Park car park, Large found another bridge in the woods.

The Duo were determined to keep going despite the increasing amount of snow, knowing that a warm fire would be waiting in The Wheatsheaf.

Where was the next bridge to be found?  An old railway bridge was seen with a lake under it.   Little took the plunge, showing Large the path to take.

Venturing into the unknown, a new path was discovered that would lead directly to Carperby. Following some footsteps in the snow, stile after stile was climbed, eventually leading to a view of The Wheatsheaf.  However, another challenging bridge had to be traversed before arriving.

There the Duo met the Intrepid Wanderer *(also known as Clifford – ed.) who was supping his first pint.  A warm welcome was enhanced with refreshing drinks, tasty food accompanied by the customary bowl of chips. The ritual chip waving took place with usual ceremony.

Talk ranged far and wide before Little and Large re-donned their boots to make their way back across white fields, under another bridge, safely home to Aysgarth.

And then the really heavy snow descended…..

The group assembled at the pre-determined spot in Gilling West, with the Aysgarth contingent having taken a rather scenic route from Richmond to GW. On time, the complete group departed GW for Skeeby and the Traveller’s Rest hostelry.

Dick wasted no time in displaying his teaching background with an impressive  demonstration of multi-tasking:, ie walking across muddy fields whilst navigating using GPS.

At the first opportunity the lads stopped for a bridge photo on the newly (see last walk) categorised “mini-bridge” at Skeeby before sprinting up the hill to the pub. (This was the only bridge encountered on the first leg)

A warm welcome in the Traveller’s Rest was accompanied by pints of delicious and well kept “Ruck & Maul” ale, and top class beef or tuna panini with chips.

After leaving the pub the lads returned to the start on a mainly different route, with the aim of discovering some previously unknown bridges.   Firstly spanning the roaring torrent of Gilling Beck the Twaddlers bravely posed on the unguarded bridge

After the trauma of the unguarded bridge the lads trekked on to the next objective, this time a safer, though smaller bridge over Crayfish Beck.  Here the photographer took the opportunity to practise some photoshopping (in line with recent royal protocols) and just for fun edited out all the walkers.

The final bridge of the day caused much consternation among the group. Is it a bridge; is it a culvert?  Fortunately and before any unseemly behaviour ensued, Colin was able to use his superior know-how on all matters engineering to avert a disturbance and define the structure, whereupon another new category was born: the BRIDVERT.

Before returning home the boys posed for one last selfie.

The five eager walkers arrived outside the Red Lion in Burnsall ready to set off by the river to the giant suspension bridge.   The walkers chose to ignore warnings that the bridge had required major repairs earlier in the week.

The walkers showed no fear as they crossed the suspension bridge, but wisely held on to the cables in case of collapse. 

The last bridge was located with little effort before the walkers arrived at their destination in Burnsall.

Six walkers gathered at the North Car Park of the Scorton Lakes nature reserve, anxious to start their walk in the warm sunshine.

Very quickly discussions took place as to the correct route, but Tom characteristically took control of the situation!

However, the walkers instinctively knew that they were on the right route when they saw the Alan's familiar sign

.

Great excitement was witnessed when the walkers viewed the following birds:

Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Garden warbler, Blackcap, Common whitethroat, Sedge warbler, Reed warbler, Avocet, Oystercatcher, Great crested grebe, Gadwall, Tufted duck, Mallard, Greylag goose, Canada goose, Common sandpiper, Blackbird, Song thrush, Blue tit, Great tit, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Wren, Robin, Lapwing, Reed bunting, Mute swan, Coot.

Plus a Clockwise Snail !!!

Although the bridge opportunities on the walk were limited, the walkers took time out to explore and map the extensive network of tunnels throughout the nature reserve.  The locals were grateful for their time.

.

The walkers accurately located the Farmers Arms in Scorton, where they feasted upon the last of the pub's baguettes and all their stocks of Theakstons Ale.   They left conscious that any newly arriving customers, could go both hungry and thirsty. 

Tom was pleased to share his knowledge of the birds in the reserve to the others who listened intently

.

Just five walkers assembled near the 'Old School Tea Room' in Hebden ready for a testing walk following Hebden Beck northwards into the deepest Lead Mining areas.

The day somehow seemed weird and it was quickly noticed that unusual stratospheric radiation was causing mind bending effects on our body shapes.   The walkers instinctively knew that only ales from the Foresters Arms in Grassington would prevent permanent damage.    Paul set off, leading the group, at record speed.

Tom was grateful to Cliff, who the group considered certain, had rushed out in advance to build a stone table and seat for his mid morning coffee.

The walkers arrived at The Foresters Arms at 11:45am and were devastated to find the establishment closed.   However, the landlord took one look at the assembled group and realised that treatment for the body distortion must start immediately.

Treatment started with pints of Black Sheep and Timothy Taylors, together with Steak Sandwiches and Hot Beef Ciabatta, but they knew that the beneficial effects would take some hours to materialise.

Paul was anxious to cross the river again, but the semi submerged stepping stones looked unattactive.

Adoring fans clamored to get their photograph taken with the famous walkers

Just three of the walkers stopped for coffee in The Old School House Tea Room at the end of the walk, knowing that this would speed the reversal of the body distorting radiation.    They left for home in good spirits, knowing that all the strange effects will have then disappeared.

Just five walkers assembled in the car park at Jervaulx Abbey ready for a walk into the unknown and the daunting 225m climb.

John, the walk leader, led the apprehensive walkers past the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey before reaching the entrance to Brymor Ice Creams.   As it had started to rain the walkers decided ice creams were not really appropriate.   They continued up the 225m climb with some ease and soon arrived in Ellingstring.

Soon the walkers were relieved to arrive at the Cover Bridge Inn. Once inside, they were delighted to see Clifford who had come to join them for lunch.  Timothy Taylors Landlord, Black Sheep and Theakstons Best Bitter were enjoyed, along with food and the obligatory chips.

Refreshed the walkers followed the Cover and then the Ure back to Jervaulx Abbey.

Before returning home, the boys posed for one last photo