Walking Diary 2023

 

LEYBURN WALK - Thursday 16th February

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

 

 

Ed chose to take a shorter route, but to meet up with the others at lunchtime

The walkers were amazed at the incredible views of Wensleydale in the swirling mist

 

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

 

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.

After lunch the walkers were more successful in their mission to seek out all available bridges on their return to Leyburn

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

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.

 

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.

It was observed that the number of bridges crossed by the walkers was at a very low level.

The local cattle showed great concern.

The walkers were grateful that a special signage had been erected in honour of Alan's birthday walk

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.

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.

The walkers were pleased to get back to the car park after an enjoyable, but muddy walk

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

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.

 
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.

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.

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

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

Much merriment was witnessed at the Coverbridge Inn, where the walkers supplemented their chips with sandwiches and Ale.

The walkers remained bright and alert after their walk, arriving in bright sunshine.

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

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

More bridges were encountered during their route
Much discussion was heard as the walkers attempted to verify the validity of this bridge, even though it appeared to meet the agreed criteria.

Meanwhile on Tom & Ed's alternative route, they appeared to become lost and bewildered with only one bridge located.

 
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!!
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.

 

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

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

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

The walkers trudged on in difficult times

 

A break was made as the walkers passed close to
Swinithwaite, but only mars bar crispies were available

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)

More bridges were located as the walk continued

Seven weary walkers completed the walk, some phoning
home to their loved ones to pass on the news of their safe arrival

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
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
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
The walkers rushed to assemble on the last bridge, before arriving back at their cars

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
The walkers stopped to admire the incredible views of Arkengarthdale, massively improving their mental health
Further bridges were encountered on their adventure
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
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
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.
Their first bridge find had been cunningly hidden in the undergrowth, but this did not foil the walkers.

The walkers assembled on the iconic bridge, by the residence of James Herriot in the latest Television series

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
Luckily the water levels allowed a river crossing via traitorous stepping stones over Cray Gill.

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.

A poise on the moors before the final bridge brought the walkers back into Buckden
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

 

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
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.

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,
before setting off back to Easby Abbey

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

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.
The walkers were relieved to find an abundance of high quality bridges on their route.
The walkers stopped for refreshments on route in the sunshine and enjoyed quantities of mars bar crispies

John came equipped to
provide a boot cleaning service
prior to arriving at the pub.

 

 

The walkers were pleased with their
choice of pub and enjoyed sandwiches
and some pies with their ales

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.
Further high quality bridges were discovered on the short route back to Aysgarth
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

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.
The walkers cunningly located some heavily disguised bridge, but were assured that they did meet the required criteria
On arrival in Thornton Steward very welcomed shelter was provided by the bus shelter, although no buses were seen

A local resident advised the group that better shelter could be obtained at the local village hall

 
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

Lunch, with high quality ales, were enjoyed
at the Cover Bridge Inn

 

 

The walkers were all pleased to welcome
Dick who arrived later

 

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

 


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