Walking Diary 2014

The walkers found difficult hills, but bravely continued at an amazing pace, knowing their route would take them into unknown areas with strange bridges.

DISASTER AVERTED

The walkers were horrified to see a flock of stampeding sheep heading towards them at great speed.  Fearing for their lives, they cunningly hid in a gateway using special sheep avoidance signals until the danger has passed.  They were grateful that their advanced survival skills had again saved them from a horrible death.

The walkers quickly settled in at the Coverbridge Inn, enjoying excellent ale and ordering generous portions of nourishing chips.  They were tempted to stay too long, but settled to leave after only 2½hours.

Cliff was unable to hide his delight at finding an excellent pair of sunglasses that had been left by the locals for him.  He was suitably grateful.

The walkers showed no fear as they crossed the dangerous bridge

After their unbelievable performance the walkers stopped for Pork Pie refreshments, as Ella looks on, checking to make sure that all the pie was consumed.

The walkers were surprised to see the locals living in rudimentary dwellings that they called 'Yurts'

The walkers were humbled to find the locals rebuilding a treacherous pathway, thus ensuring their safe passage in the difficult conditions.

The walkers could not believe their incredible skills, when they rediscovered yet another long lost waterfall !!!

Bridges 2 and 3 were soon found and identified

Much confusion was witnessed as the walkers were unable to locate any other bridges

The walkers were amused by the humour of the locals

The walkers took turns in crossing the treacherous bridge, knowing that one slip would bring them to a watery end.  However, they were aware that this had to be done if they were to finally locate the missing bridge

FOUND!!!

Cunningly hidden beneath the bridge above, the walkers found the missing bridge and were able to return it to the local villagers

After their amazing breakfasts, the walkers set off through the village and started their accent of the first steep hill.  Realising that the amazing speeds might affected their balance, they cunningly took the necessary actions.

The walkers dismissed their natural instinct to congregate on any bridge, knowing that the missing pub must quickly be located

Arriving at West Burton the walkers were relieved to see that the Fox and Hounds was still in its original location, but were humbled to see that this and some of the local houses had been decorated with bunting and yellow bicycles in recognition of their historic visit.

MYSTERY SOLVED!!!

Using their incredible analytical skills, the walkers cunningly discovered that the Palmer Flatt Hotel had not in fact been lost at all, but that the new owners had changed its name to the Aysgarth Falls Hotel.  The locals were greatly relieved and flocked to congratulate the jubilant walkers

Leaving the Aysgarth Falls Hotel, the walkers paused briefly to acknowledge the crowds of grateful well-wishers that were anxious to show their appreciation, but they hurried to investigate the nearby Aysgarth Edwardian Rock Garden, to enhance their incredible knowledge of the area.

The walkers cunningly selected a scenic, but obscure route back to Thoralby to avoid the crowds, but were grateful to see that the locals had provided mounted guards to ensure the security of their cars.

Looking down from the top toward Reeth, the walkers were unable to agree the best route to Marrick Priory, but it was obvious that only Ella knew the correct direction.

Arrival at the Monks Steps indicated to the walkers that Marrick Priory was getting close

After the Pork Pie, the walkers set off at great pace towards their planned lunchtime stop at Grinton.

The walkers marvel at Fremington Edge, knowing that they had passed the white house earlier that morning.

They also secretly observed the locals for some time as they occupy themselves hitting a ball around a field.  The walkers chose to ignore their strange activity.

The walkers accurately locate the Reeth Suspension bridge, knowing that it was rebuilt in 2002, thus saving the walk.

Using their incredible skills, the location of several further bridges were soon discovered.

As the walkers continued their search, they stopped totally mystified by the elusive church.  However, Ella remained confident that she knew precisely where the church was hidden !!

FOUND

With the added strength of the Pork Pie, the walkers successful located the St Michael & All Angels Church, which had cunningly been hidden in Hubberholme.

Paul and Tom rushed to cram information about the 12th Century Norman church, much improving their knowledge.  The locals were greatly impressed.

The walkers rushed to the 'Buck Inn' in Buckden to celebrate the successes of the day.  Responsibly, they ordered just two bowls of chips, which were of a high quality.

The route across Penn Hill was indistinct and the walkers feared that they would become lost in the worsening conditions.  However, they continued faithfully following their leader, Paul. 

LOST ON THE MOORS!!

Disaster occurred as the conditions deteriorated and the walkers knew that they must quickly find the route off Penn Hill. 

Under the leadership of Paul, he successfully guided the walkers down to safety and they gazed back at Penn Hill that had so nearly brought the walk to a rapid conclusion.  However, secretly they knew that not even the infamous 546m Penn Hill could defeat the intrepid walkers!! 

Cunningly Paul found a deviation to the route to take the walkers into Carlton, where he knew that the Foresters Arms would welcome the brave walkers.

The walkers were grateful to a local sheep who scaled a wall in order to show the walkers the quickest route to the Foresters Arms

Ron joined the walkers at the Foresters Arms, where they all feasted on ale with separate portions of chunky chips.

After leaving Carlton the jubilant walkers were quick to locate bridges to celebrate the successes of their day.

On finding the ruins of the Bolton Abbey, founded in 1154 by the Augustinian order, the walkers quickly gathered on a nearby bridge to celebrate their find.

Ron was anxious to show off his superior Stepping Stones crossing ability, but was persuaded by others to abandon his attempt with the swollen river conditions.

The walkers were amazed to locate Calm Slate farm, known to the locals as Billy-Bob’s Ice Cream Parlour and playground in Halton East, but declined both ice cream and an opportunity to use the extensive playground equipment.

Afterwards they decided to take the steam train to Bolton Abbey station and left the Cavendish Arms in great anticipation.

Ella saved the day when she cleverly recovered Cliff's walking pole, left in the pub in error,

DISASTER OCCURRED!!

The railway staff were greatly perplexed, when they realised that the engine was attached to the train back to front and had no idea how to change it!!!   Paul with his extensive railway knowledge quickly took charge of the situation, by reversing the engine into the marshalling area, turning it and reattaching it to the waiting carriages.  The railway staff were in awe of his skills and showered him with praise.  However, Paul took this in his stride, quietly taking his seat awaiting the timely departure of the train.

Paul was pleased when the train departed on time thanks to his actions

Tom had been concerned when Paul had taken control of the giant engine and couldn't face watching

The stresses of the day took their toll on Ron during the long journey back to Bolton Abbey, but they all knew that this had become another very successful walk.

No Cliff could be located at this bridge

nor at this one,
as they passed through Kettlewell,
with the Blue Bell Inn in the background
(their proposed lunchtime stop)

Ron then considered that Cliff must be hiding beneath the stepping stones and at great risk to himself, carefully inspected each stepping stone in turn, but still Cliff could not be located.

The walkers dutifully followed Ella into the hills, but Cliff could not be found

Ella became frustrated with the slow progress of the walkers as they continued deep into the hills, but they quickly realised that she was actually heading back towards Kettlewell and towards the Blue Bell Inn.  The walkers were greatly impressed by Ella's ability. 

Did she know where Cliff was hiding?

SUCCESS

On arrival at the Blue Bell Inn, Cliff was found, casually quaffing quantities of Blue Bell Best Bitter.  Although the walkers were relieved that Cliff was safe, they were concerned that he had gained a significant advantage over them with their lunchtime entertainment.

To celebrate the success of finding Cliff, the walkers ordered 4 bowls of nourishing homemade chips

Cliff joined the walkers for the riverside walk back to the cars at Starbotton, locating several bridges on route and arriving back in the dark conditions.

The walkers rested only briefly at Lords Bridge for Mars Bar crispies, knowing that difficult tasks lay ahead of them

DISASTER AVERTED

The walkers were horrified to find a wind turbine generator was just about to collapse due to immense stresses.  Without hesitation they commandeered a tractor and using a strong rope calculated the correct angle to counteract the forces.  The tractor was left with exactly the right tension and the structure was saved.

The route was long, difficult and uphill, but the walkers did not complain.

However, the walkers soon became concerned that they might not reach their planned lunchtime stop!!

Ed refused to admit that he has seen a vision of naked damsels on horseback racing across the plains.  The others dismissed his protestations.

Michael was seen risking certain death by crossing the river desperately trying to save the walk by finding a shortcut.

The walkers were seen feasting on Cliff's pork pie with nourishing chips, together with Timothy Taylors ale.

Just four walkers left the Coverbridge Inn to make the final 3 mile leg of the walk back to the cars, leaving the others to enjoy further ale and festivities.