Walking Diary 2016

After a rapid transfer to Paul's house, the walkers set off northwards towards Aysgarth Falls, where they gazed upon the splendour of the fast flowing water.

The walkers wasted no time in locating bridges to maintain their strength, whilst they headed to Redmire and onwards to Bolton Castle

The walkers were pleased when Bolton Castle came into view in the distance

Tom felt elated, on reaching Bolton Castle, where they consumed some of Alan's special 'Elite Meats' individual pork pies in the entrance to the adjacent St Oswald’s Church.

The walkers quickly learned that the church dated back to the 14th century although carved stones built into the tower may indicate an earlier 12th century structure.   They noted that the sundial on the porch is now permanently shadowed by Bolton Castle showing that the latter was built at a later date.   They also learned that the sedilia (triple stone seats) were a particularly fine example and is of the Decorated Period when the church was originally built.

The walkers set off on the long and desolate journey across the moorland towards Carperby, as the rain set in even harder.

Using their incredible navigational skills the walkers accurately located The Wheatsheaf in Carperby and ordered quantities of Jennings Cumberland Ale (except Ron), together with individual portions of nourishing chips.

The walkers were particularly grateful to the young serving girl, who brought out a 'spare' portion of chips, much to the appreciation of the hungry walkers.

 The walkers were quick to consume Ron's scrumptious Bacon, Egg and Sausage butties, which would sustain them on their mission

DISASTER OCCURRED

Within 500m of the start, the walkers were prevented from following their plan due to roadwork's on the A1(M).

 The walkers were relieved to locate a bridge where they could gather their combined strengths

The walkers denied incompetence even though they were still seen in Brompton-on-Swale after an hour's walking!!

Progress was better as they made their way towards Easby

Crossing the road at Broken Bray caravan site they followed the path to Easby where they quickly discovered the Abbey ruins.   They instinctively knew that this is one of the best preserved monasteries of the Premonstratensian 'white canons', with the magnificent refectory, gatehouse and canons' dormitory remaining.

The walkers looked on in amazement of their discovery

They continued on to the old Richmond Station where they took advantage of the picnic tables for their pie stop.

DISCOVERY!!

The walkers set about digging and quickly unearthed major roman remains to the amazement of the locals

ANOTHER DISCOVERY!!

Despite attempts to block the old railway line, the walkers found indisputable evidence that Brunel had built the Richmond branch line, by finding a drain cover on which he had carved his name!!   They knew that the history books will need to be re-written.

After their groundbreaking discoveries, they following the old rail line for 500m before turning right onto the 'Coast to Coast' route to Colburn Village and the Hildyard Arms. 

Oh dear . . . . the Timothy Taylor's was not on . . . . . but, the Landlord, on learning of the walkers desire for this ale, immediately connected his last barrel for the thirsty walkers to consume.  The walkers agreed that the beer was FANTASTIC and that individual bowls of the luscious chunky home made chips were AMAZING.  Tom and Ed tried to empty the barrel, but the others dragged them away to complete the 'Coast to Coast' route back to Catterick Bridge. 

The walkers considered that greater forces were trying to deter their mission by attempting to close footpaths, but they remained unconcerned and merely changed their route to pick up the old railway line from Catterick Camp to Darlington.

Tom was seen to be very grumpy on the last stages of the walk, knowing that Timothy Taylors remained in the pumps of the Hildyard Arms

Without butties, the walkers knew that finding bridges was their only hope of survival under the testing conditions and, as anticipated, were remarkably successful in that task.

With renewed strength, as they made their way across the difficult moorland, they became aware that Cliff was in fact attempting to rebuild numerous dry stone wall without experienced helpers.  They instinctively knew that they must find Cliff and provide guidance.

Desparately lost, the walkers were grateful to a local Oystercatcher who showed them the correct route.

As the walkers passed through Horsehouse, they remembered with horror visiting the Thwaite Arms some years before.  They hurried onwards!!

The walkers consulted a local pheasant, who was busy hatching her eggs.   She provided them accurate information regarding Cliff's location.

Cunningly the walkers stopped to share their excellent and well chosen Pork Pies

Much confusion was witnessed as the walkers searched for more bridges

Without undue delay the walkers were seen disappearing into The Foresters Arms for much welcome Timothy Taylors Golden Best to accompany their nourishing chips

As the walkers set off they knew that they were getting close to Cliff's wall building site. 

Their pace gathered as they got closer!!

SUCCESS

Much rejoicing was seen when the walkers located Cliff's wall building field.  However, the walkers were appalled at the slow progress that had been achieved!!!

Quickly the walkers took charge and completed the walls in record time.  Cliff was grateful to the walkers for sharing their skills

The walkers had heard rumours that there was a severe shortage of electricity in Askrigg that was gravely affecting the operation of the local brewery and the beer pumps at The Crown Inn public house.  They quickly visited a number of bridges and attempted to formulate a cunning plan.

But, even more bridges could not help their dilemma!!

As the walkers continued down the Gill, seeing the remains of several Mills, their plans started to formulate!!

Soon the undergrowth slowed their progress.  Would they ever be able to find their way to 'The Crown Inn' at Askrigg?

Ed decided to lead the way through the dangerous conditions.

A welcome Pork Pie stop helped the walkers achieve their goals and then they quickly located a giant waterfall, which gave them some ideas!!

As the walkers crossed the last bridge, it was obvious that Ella knew the way and quick led the walkers to safely.

Putting their combined skills together the walkers quickly constructed a 45kW Archimedes Screw generator system in Askrigg to power the brewery and beer pumps at 'The Crown Inn'.  The locals were eternally grateful.

Almost immediately the brewery burst into life and beer started to flow at 'The Crown Inn'.

The walkers celebrated their success, with nourishing chips with their Black Sheep ale in 'The Crown Inn' in Askrigg.

After the lunch stop, Paul lead the walkers along some more difficult paths, which soon opened into large buttercup meadows.

Endless fields of buttercups lead the walkers back to their cars.  They knew that their efforts today had greatly affected the lives of those living in Askrigg.  They knew though that this was just part of their mission in life!!

Cliff kept an experienced eye on the storm clouds to the west and thankfully concluded that the group should refrain from walking in that direction, in order that they could reach Seta Bridge in good order ready to cross the mighty River Ure.

Seta bridge was reached just in time for Andy to spot a salmon leaping!!

Here the walkers headed east towards Aysgarth and, to the delight of the party, were forced to take Coffee at the Café in the Watermill annex, adjacent to the giant Asgarth Falls.

Quickly they were approached by 2 locals in disguise, who guided them accurately towards their lunchtime destination.

On arrival at their lunchtime stop, the walkers failed to notice that Paul had parked his bright white, sign written van opposite the pub (apparently he had also texted Cliff several times during the morning), so they were amazed to find him nursing a beverage upon their arrival.    Regretfully the ale was on mixed form, so it was a little while before testing could be completed and Black Sheep settled upon. The esteemed Scientist in their group, Tom, then arrived having luckily missed the experimentation phase, however, his deep knowledge and scientific rigor would have been indispensable in their efforts.  Happily the chip portions turned out to be both generous and delicious.

DISASTER OCCURRED

Leaving the road, Paul was unable to locate the start of the footpath past the Warren House Farm buildings. However, they cunningly elected to take a diversion via the roadway

After the success of the diversion, they quickly returned to the planned path, but it became obvious that not many other walkers had been brave enough to attempt this route, as the pathway became indistinct and very overgrown.

Further footpath diversions had to be negotiated before the walkers continue on their difficult route.

A Pork Pie stop was welcomed, but Sean continued to search the countryside for signs of Masham in the distance.

More bridges maintained their strength as they approached
Masham.

The walkers quickly located the Bruce Arms and selected this for their lunchtime stop, cunningly electing Black Sheep ale, which was brewed only a short distance away.

Leaving Masham, large fields of Oats indicated to the walkers that they were on the correct route back to their cars at Fearby.  The walkers were greatly relieved.

Conditions remained good as they took their lives in their hands by taking a shortcut across the high speed Wenslydale express railway line.  NO DISASTER OCCURRED

The walkers were quick to help Paul with his map reading by pointing out the correct route.  Paul was not amused!! 

Lord Bolton of Bolton Hall welcomed the famous walkers and opened all the gates to his vast estate.

As predicted the bad weather closed in and the walkers had to take cover under a tree whilst they discussed their options.

They elected to head directly to the The Three Horseshoes in Wensley

Here they enjoyed pints of Black Sheep ale and feasted on bowls of homemade chunky chips, whilst they considered their options.

It was not long before their leader came up with a cunning plan!!!

Using Skype communications and the pub's free WiFi, Paul's wife Susan was contacted in her car and requested to divert to the Three Horseshoes to transport the walkers back to their cars.

Ed took control of the walk, but is was obvious that Paul was not happy about this loss of control.

The cunning walkers used a nearby observation tower to help locate the Willance's Leap monument and take in the breathtaking views of Swaledale.

Characteristically, Ed had marked the route with red spots to indicate strategic hourly target points and the walkers can be seen searching for them.

The walkers were proud to have located the Yorkshire Dales National Park and were able to continue their walk with added purpose.

Significant strength was obtained by gathering on one large bridge over the River Swale, plus an excuse of a bridge over a stream

The staff at the George and Dragon rewarded the walkers for their incredible performance with bowls of perfectly cooked chips.

The walkers, except Tom, could not resist testing their jumping skills

Great concern was shown when Paul appeared to lose his way, but secretly Paul knew exactly where more bridges were located

Paul insisted that the required Pork Pie stop was satisfactorily accomplished on a bridge, much to the amusement of the locals.

Arrival at the Coverbridge Inn was welcomed by the thirsty walkers, who consumed a number of pints of excellent Timothy Taylors Landlord ale, together with luxury chips.

However, they were all oblivious to disaster that was about to unfold!!!

DISASTER OCCURRED

When Ed found his boots were missing (presumed stolen!!!)

Whilst the other continued the walk, Tom and Ed considered that more ale might help locate the missing boots.   

Maybe they are still there waiting for news of Ed's boots.

Will this signify the end of Ed's walking?

Log on later for the latest updates.

Cliff's bacon, sausage & egg butties were gratefully appreciated in the freezing, but bright conditions

SUCCESS

In the fading light, after miles of challenging walking the walkers were relieved to find the giant windmill electric generator system.  They were disappointed to note that it had not been connected to the local pub electrical system.     Using their incredible skills they quickly installed the necessary cables and commissioned the generator, in the hope that it would again allow the ale to flow at the Cover Bridge Inn.