We're at it again! Once more the Yorkshire Three Peaks looms!
This time, myself and Bob are walk leaders for his youngest son, plus guests. All are inexperienced, and all are doing it for chaariddy.
Forecast is cold but fair, hopefully the rain will stay off and the views will be spectacular. A bit of a breeze never hurt anyone, and we should all be suitably bundled up.
Saturday 6 October 2018
Possible future blog change
Heads Up,
Due to insurmountable difficulties with Blogger in relation to mobile devices and account tie-ins to ISPs, Im considering my options to migrate my blogs to another blog service.
Those of you who occasionally drop by to see if ive anything new going on, be aware that any links you have may stop working - at least until I tell you what to change them to!
Due to insurmountable difficulties with Blogger in relation to mobile devices and account tie-ins to ISPs, Im considering my options to migrate my blogs to another blog service.
Those of you who occasionally drop by to see if ive anything new going on, be aware that any links you have may stop working - at least until I tell you what to change them to!
Monday 25 June 2018
The Ebor Way Charity Challenge - Just ONE week to go!
In less than a week, myself and Bob take on the Ebor Way, on behalf of MAG. 75 miles over just 3 days.
Although this route doesnt have the climbs and hills of previous challenges, it is a serious distance to cover! And, it looks like we might be tackling it in the middle of a heatwave!
We are at 24% of our fundraising target. Please, if you have taken the time to come and read this, consider dropping a few quid our way as well https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mag-eborway
Although this route doesnt have the climbs and hills of previous challenges, it is a serious distance to cover! And, it looks like we might be tackling it in the middle of a heatwave!
We are at 24% of our fundraising target. Please, if you have taken the time to come and read this, consider dropping a few quid our way as well https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mag-eborway
Thursday 26 April 2018
Walk Report - 22nd April Yorkshire Three Peaks
Last time we did the Yorkshire Three Peaks, we said afterwards "Thats it. Done to death. Never again"
So, at 03:15 in the middle of last sunday night, having got my kit ready the day before, I dragged myself out of bed, made a brew, and loaded my stuff into my car, to drive to Bobs, and then onwards yet again to Horton-in-Ribblesdale!
The purpose of us taking on this walk again, was to support Bobs nephew, Mason, in raising money for Meningitis Trust. Mason is taking on two major walks for his chosen charity, and this was to be the first. He did the Cinder Path with us and handled himself well. Now for a real test!
Bob had arranged for Mason to stay over the night before, so he was there waiting when I arrived at 04:30. Bobs missus Emma, and his mate Paul, were also taking this walk on. So, myself and Bob as usual had outrageously heavy packs, this time more so, as we needed extra kit to care for the inexperienced walkers, and also to introduce them to and teach them various aspects of mountaincraft.
On arrival at Bobs, I was greeted by a soppy dog and a bacon sandwich. Bob had already collected my waterproof jacket a few days before to re-proof for me, and it was on his radiator in the hallway. A few minutes after 05:00, Paul arrived, and we loaded boots, poles, packs and bodies into his motor. Happy that we had everything, we set off to the Dales. The drive being mostly uneventful, except for the realisation that my jacket was still on Bobs radiator! Luckily, Bob had packed a spare! It was to prove to be essential.
On arrival in Horton, we parked up behind the pub, eased into walking socks and boots, hauled our packs on, and headed to the Pen-y-ghent cafe to sign in, myself popping our £2 parking money into the ashtray that serves as an honesty box. Signing in wasnt really essential, but the three first timers would want their official times and badges.
We set off officially at 07:05. The forecast was for heavy rain in the hours we predicted to be on the low level between Pen-y-ghent and Ribblehead, and then for poor visibility after. The walk up to the scramble on Pen-y-ghent proved no trouble, although the scramble did come as a bit of a shock to Emma. But we were all soon over it and at the summit. Here we stopped for the first of a proposed series of training sessions, covering emergency medical situations and the use of radio and pyrotechnics for distress. In hindsight, this made a bit of a dent in our times that cumulatively we could have done without.
Descending Pen-y-ghent and walking across to Ribblehead was uneventful, other than the forecast rain arrived right on time, although much less intense than expected. The only delays predictably stops to take a piddle. We were showing a predicted completion time of around 10h at this point.
We were all very pleased to see that the tea wagon was in place at Ribblehead, but with a heck of a queue! Here we stopped for a bit of something to eat and a brew, and to change socks. But it seems we did linger somewhat too long, compounding the overall delay that would lead to problems later.
The Ribblehead viaduct was bathed in sunlight as we approached, taking the opportunity for a few photos. We were now heading for the annoying, drawn out slog of Whernside. All was well at this point, a little drizzle though, and the wind was beginning to pick up as we crossed the railway at Blea Moor tunnel.
It was now, as we ascended Whernside, that our fortunes turned. We had hoped for a clear summit, as the views can be spectacular. But the cloudbase was lowering, and the wind strengthening. By the time we reached the plateau, visibility had reduced to around 20ft, the crosswind made each step a diagonal effort, and the drizzle was an icy blast. Our speed dropped. I removed my specs and put them in my pocket - as bad as my eyes are without them, I could still see better than through the fogged lenses! We stopped on the summit just long enough to be able to say we had been there!
Then to the descent! Descending Whernside is a tricky task in excellent weather, the jagged rocks that pass for some idea of steps are quite punishing. But in such poor visibility and strong wind, and now extremely slippy from the rain, every step demanded extra care and pace slackened off drastically. All of us had a couple of slips, luckily no one sustaining any injuries. As a walk leader, had this been a bigger party or the conditions even slightly worse, I may very well have called for an abandonment of the walk at that point! But our inexperienced to experienced ratio was 1.5:1, and we knew we just needed to get below the cloudbase.
Once down from Whernside, we were back into reasonable weather. No one was in any particular difficulty, just the expected aches, when we reached the cafe barn. Normally here we would grab a brew, change socks and be away. This time, we found a table, sat down and leisurely consumed our growlers and tea. Bob and Paul feeding pork scratchings to the owners dog, myself inflicting 1st degree burns on my own hand by spilling my tea. All seemed to be going well despite everything so far.
But we didnt think of the time we spent! By the time we were off again, we had just three hours remaining to complete the challenge! But, all we had to do was get over Ingleborough!
The walk to Ingleborough was not exactly taxing, but we were all starting to tire and ache. We were going much slower than ideal. Emma found the stone flag steps somewhat tasking, as did I, and she was rather daunted by the prospect of 'the wall'. But, she steeled herself to it, and bit by bit we advanced up the steep face of the mountain.
At the top, we gave them the option of whether to summit or not. Mason decided he had to, otherwise he wouldnt feel that he had completed it. So he and Paul headed on up to the summit. Emma, surprisingly, decided the same! She chased them up. Myself and Bob remained at the path intersection to guide them down. We later heard that Emma had attempted to forge ahead of the lads to summit first - and promptly fell face first in the mud.
Whilst they went to the summit, the cloud began to roll in and visibility fell drastically! By the time they returned to the path, it was nearly impossible to see anything! Time was running out!
On the descent, we yet again passed below the cloudbase and into decent weather. Paul and Mason, aware of the need to press on, pulled ahead, but with the realisation that they were getting too far ahead and had started running, with no idea of the route, Bob set off to escort them, whilst I guided Emma down to Sulber.
Luckily, Sulber Nick was not as waterlogged as it often is, and we were able to make good progress. But as we closed in on the pasture above Horton, it became a make or break moment - if Emma was to meet the challenge time limit, she needed to push on hard. After briefing her on the route, I let her pull ahead of me. I had her in sight much of the way. However, just above the train station, she became confused as to the route, and sensibly stopped to await my arrival, badly jeopardising he timings! I tried to jog to catch her up but badly misplaced my foot jarring my knee, which sapped my ability to go any quicker. I tried to indicate to her to get running!
When I caught up with her, she had just 15min remaining! It didnt look manageable but she set off ahead anyway. I dropped back, since she couldnt go wrong at this point on the route, where I fell in with a couple of chaps, one of whom had badly twisted his knee and was plodding along in a very able and spirited attempt to complete.
When I arrived at the Pen-y-ghent cafe, Bob had the times. He, Mason and Paul had managed to come in with around ten minutes to spare! Somehow, Emma was clocked under the limit by just one minute! I came in at 12h 10m. They has all made it.
All that remained now was to get back home. For those of us in the back of the car, cramp and other pains made for an extremely uncomfortable journey!
Well done to Mason, Paul and Emma for taking on and completing this challenge!
If you are reading this and wish to support Mason in his fundraising efforts, you can click on the button below-
You can support myself and Bob for our upcoming Ebor Way challenge, by clicking this button -
So, at 03:15 in the middle of last sunday night, having got my kit ready the day before, I dragged myself out of bed, made a brew, and loaded my stuff into my car, to drive to Bobs, and then onwards yet again to Horton-in-Ribblesdale!
The purpose of us taking on this walk again, was to support Bobs nephew, Mason, in raising money for Meningitis Trust. Mason is taking on two major walks for his chosen charity, and this was to be the first. He did the Cinder Path with us and handled himself well. Now for a real test!
Bob had arranged for Mason to stay over the night before, so he was there waiting when I arrived at 04:30. Bobs missus Emma, and his mate Paul, were also taking this walk on. So, myself and Bob as usual had outrageously heavy packs, this time more so, as we needed extra kit to care for the inexperienced walkers, and also to introduce them to and teach them various aspects of mountaincraft.
On arrival at Bobs, I was greeted by a soppy dog and a bacon sandwich. Bob had already collected my waterproof jacket a few days before to re-proof for me, and it was on his radiator in the hallway. A few minutes after 05:00, Paul arrived, and we loaded boots, poles, packs and bodies into his motor. Happy that we had everything, we set off to the Dales. The drive being mostly uneventful, except for the realisation that my jacket was still on Bobs radiator! Luckily, Bob had packed a spare! It was to prove to be essential.
On arrival in Horton, we parked up behind the pub, eased into walking socks and boots, hauled our packs on, and headed to the Pen-y-ghent cafe to sign in, myself popping our £2 parking money into the ashtray that serves as an honesty box. Signing in wasnt really essential, but the three first timers would want their official times and badges.
We set off officially at 07:05. The forecast was for heavy rain in the hours we predicted to be on the low level between Pen-y-ghent and Ribblehead, and then for poor visibility after. The walk up to the scramble on Pen-y-ghent proved no trouble, although the scramble did come as a bit of a shock to Emma. But we were all soon over it and at the summit. Here we stopped for the first of a proposed series of training sessions, covering emergency medical situations and the use of radio and pyrotechnics for distress. In hindsight, this made a bit of a dent in our times that cumulatively we could have done without.
Descending Pen-y-ghent and walking across to Ribblehead was uneventful, other than the forecast rain arrived right on time, although much less intense than expected. The only delays predictably stops to take a piddle. We were showing a predicted completion time of around 10h at this point.
We were all very pleased to see that the tea wagon was in place at Ribblehead, but with a heck of a queue! Here we stopped for a bit of something to eat and a brew, and to change socks. But it seems we did linger somewhat too long, compounding the overall delay that would lead to problems later.
The Ribblehead viaduct was bathed in sunlight as we approached, taking the opportunity for a few photos. We were now heading for the annoying, drawn out slog of Whernside. All was well at this point, a little drizzle though, and the wind was beginning to pick up as we crossed the railway at Blea Moor tunnel.
It was now, as we ascended Whernside, that our fortunes turned. We had hoped for a clear summit, as the views can be spectacular. But the cloudbase was lowering, and the wind strengthening. By the time we reached the plateau, visibility had reduced to around 20ft, the crosswind made each step a diagonal effort, and the drizzle was an icy blast. Our speed dropped. I removed my specs and put them in my pocket - as bad as my eyes are without them, I could still see better than through the fogged lenses! We stopped on the summit just long enough to be able to say we had been there!
Then to the descent! Descending Whernside is a tricky task in excellent weather, the jagged rocks that pass for some idea of steps are quite punishing. But in such poor visibility and strong wind, and now extremely slippy from the rain, every step demanded extra care and pace slackened off drastically. All of us had a couple of slips, luckily no one sustaining any injuries. As a walk leader, had this been a bigger party or the conditions even slightly worse, I may very well have called for an abandonment of the walk at that point! But our inexperienced to experienced ratio was 1.5:1, and we knew we just needed to get below the cloudbase.
Once down from Whernside, we were back into reasonable weather. No one was in any particular difficulty, just the expected aches, when we reached the cafe barn. Normally here we would grab a brew, change socks and be away. This time, we found a table, sat down and leisurely consumed our growlers and tea. Bob and Paul feeding pork scratchings to the owners dog, myself inflicting 1st degree burns on my own hand by spilling my tea. All seemed to be going well despite everything so far.
But we didnt think of the time we spent! By the time we were off again, we had just three hours remaining to complete the challenge! But, all we had to do was get over Ingleborough!
The walk to Ingleborough was not exactly taxing, but we were all starting to tire and ache. We were going much slower than ideal. Emma found the stone flag steps somewhat tasking, as did I, and she was rather daunted by the prospect of 'the wall'. But, she steeled herself to it, and bit by bit we advanced up the steep face of the mountain.
At the top, we gave them the option of whether to summit or not. Mason decided he had to, otherwise he wouldnt feel that he had completed it. So he and Paul headed on up to the summit. Emma, surprisingly, decided the same! She chased them up. Myself and Bob remained at the path intersection to guide them down. We later heard that Emma had attempted to forge ahead of the lads to summit first - and promptly fell face first in the mud.
Whilst they went to the summit, the cloud began to roll in and visibility fell drastically! By the time they returned to the path, it was nearly impossible to see anything! Time was running out!
On the descent, we yet again passed below the cloudbase and into decent weather. Paul and Mason, aware of the need to press on, pulled ahead, but with the realisation that they were getting too far ahead and had started running, with no idea of the route, Bob set off to escort them, whilst I guided Emma down to Sulber.
Luckily, Sulber Nick was not as waterlogged as it often is, and we were able to make good progress. But as we closed in on the pasture above Horton, it became a make or break moment - if Emma was to meet the challenge time limit, she needed to push on hard. After briefing her on the route, I let her pull ahead of me. I had her in sight much of the way. However, just above the train station, she became confused as to the route, and sensibly stopped to await my arrival, badly jeopardising he timings! I tried to jog to catch her up but badly misplaced my foot jarring my knee, which sapped my ability to go any quicker. I tried to indicate to her to get running!
When I caught up with her, she had just 15min remaining! It didnt look manageable but she set off ahead anyway. I dropped back, since she couldnt go wrong at this point on the route, where I fell in with a couple of chaps, one of whom had badly twisted his knee and was plodding along in a very able and spirited attempt to complete.
When I arrived at the Pen-y-ghent cafe, Bob had the times. He, Mason and Paul had managed to come in with around ten minutes to spare! Somehow, Emma was clocked under the limit by just one minute! I came in at 12h 10m. They has all made it.
All that remained now was to get back home. For those of us in the back of the car, cramp and other pains made for an extremely uncomfortable journey!
Well done to Mason, Paul and Emma for taking on and completing this challenge!
If you are reading this and wish to support Mason in his fundraising efforts, you can click on the button below-
You can support myself and Bob for our upcoming Ebor Way challenge, by clicking this button -
Tuesday 10 April 2018
The Cinder Path - Scarborough to Whitby Rail Trail
Sunday just gone (8th april 2018), and another early start to get in a good long walk. This time, myself and Bob were joined by Paul, Bobs mate, and Mason, his nephew. Expecting them at 07:00 I was up at 6 and sorted ready. I dont know why I bothered, as Bob can never make it on time!
So at about 08:00 we set off in convoy for Whitby. That idea lasted all of 5mins when Bobs satnav decided to take him through Selby town center and numerous small villages to the north, whereas I just went up the bypass and the A19. No radio comms this time, so after parking up in Whitby I put my boots on while I waited for them to turn up.
About 5mins later Bob pulled up, I finished putting my boots on and locking up my motor, and slung my stuff into Bobs car for the journey to the start of the walk.
Arriving in Scarborough, Bob had predictably used the wrong postcode despite me telling him "the one at the top of the list" and took us to the supermarket car park where the Cinder Path officially starts, but where we cant park for long enough. Despite it all, we were parked up, kitted out and ready to go 5mins ahead of our planned 10:00.
The Cinder Path is a 21mile rail trail following the route of the dismantled Scarborough to Whitby line. Having done it before in the reverse direction, myself and Bob pretty much knew where we were going, so after only a minor false start, we were on the trackbed and heading out of Scarborough.
Mason, Bobs nephew, is the young chap who is doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks with us in a week or two, and the Lyke Wake with Bob later. This was to be his first ever proper long walk. He is doing all this for charity, so I will be giving the links to his donation page on my blogs, as well as to mine and Bobs. Please support him!
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mason-sharrocks
The weather for the day was overcast but dry, not too warm but not cold. Good walking weather. Parts of the route were a bit muddy, but luckily the first tea rooms at Cloughton, a converted station with waitress service, was only a few miles in, and before we got too mucky. We stopped there for half an hour for a nice brew.
Until reaching Ravenscar, the route is rather secluded inland. At Ravenscar, we again stopped for tea, and a bit of grub from our growlers. This was also a good point for a sock change!
From then on, we had the wonderful views out over Robin Hoods Bay and Boggle Hole as we walked. Well over half way, Mason was showing no ill effects, despite the quantities of dry biscuits he'd eaten, and likewise no one was complaining of any problems other than the odd slight ache or occasional twinge. At Robin Hoods Bay we stopped for the conveniences, and a few snacks. The route now headed to Whitby, still mostly along the coastline with excellent views. Crossing the A171, we headed a little inland, with the Abbey in view, towards Larpool viaduct.
We were beginning to get a little bit tired and achy by now. Stopping for a few moments so I could have a pee, we were rewarded with the sight of three roe deer watching us! Having crossed the viaduct, the final short stretch brought us to the bridge under which my car was parked.
But, we were not quite finished! There are two official endings - either the abbey, or the fish dock! We opted for the fish dock and walked down the hill. Our reward for completing this walk - fish and chips! A short but somewhat challenging walk back up the hill to the car, and we were finished!
I then drove us back to Scarborough, it was now close to dusk, and we spotted several owls hunting over the moors. By the time we arrived where Bobs car was parked, we had all seized up a bit! All that remained was the separate drives home, as hot bath and a beer.
So at about 08:00 we set off in convoy for Whitby. That idea lasted all of 5mins when Bobs satnav decided to take him through Selby town center and numerous small villages to the north, whereas I just went up the bypass and the A19. No radio comms this time, so after parking up in Whitby I put my boots on while I waited for them to turn up.
About 5mins later Bob pulled up, I finished putting my boots on and locking up my motor, and slung my stuff into Bobs car for the journey to the start of the walk.
Arriving in Scarborough, Bob had predictably used the wrong postcode despite me telling him "the one at the top of the list" and took us to the supermarket car park where the Cinder Path officially starts, but where we cant park for long enough. Despite it all, we were parked up, kitted out and ready to go 5mins ahead of our planned 10:00.
The Cinder Path is a 21mile rail trail following the route of the dismantled Scarborough to Whitby line. Having done it before in the reverse direction, myself and Bob pretty much knew where we were going, so after only a minor false start, we were on the trackbed and heading out of Scarborough.
Mason, Bobs nephew, is the young chap who is doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks with us in a week or two, and the Lyke Wake with Bob later. This was to be his first ever proper long walk. He is doing all this for charity, so I will be giving the links to his donation page on my blogs, as well as to mine and Bobs. Please support him!
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mason-sharrocks
The weather for the day was overcast but dry, not too warm but not cold. Good walking weather. Parts of the route were a bit muddy, but luckily the first tea rooms at Cloughton, a converted station with waitress service, was only a few miles in, and before we got too mucky. We stopped there for half an hour for a nice brew.
Until reaching Ravenscar, the route is rather secluded inland. At Ravenscar, we again stopped for tea, and a bit of grub from our growlers. This was also a good point for a sock change!
From then on, we had the wonderful views out over Robin Hoods Bay and Boggle Hole as we walked. Well over half way, Mason was showing no ill effects, despite the quantities of dry biscuits he'd eaten, and likewise no one was complaining of any problems other than the odd slight ache or occasional twinge. At Robin Hoods Bay we stopped for the conveniences, and a few snacks. The route now headed to Whitby, still mostly along the coastline with excellent views. Crossing the A171, we headed a little inland, with the Abbey in view, towards Larpool viaduct.
We were beginning to get a little bit tired and achy by now. Stopping for a few moments so I could have a pee, we were rewarded with the sight of three roe deer watching us! Having crossed the viaduct, the final short stretch brought us to the bridge under which my car was parked.
But, we were not quite finished! There are two official endings - either the abbey, or the fish dock! We opted for the fish dock and walked down the hill. Our reward for completing this walk - fish and chips! A short but somewhat challenging walk back up the hill to the car, and we were finished!
I then drove us back to Scarborough, it was now close to dusk, and we spotted several owls hunting over the moors. By the time we arrived where Bobs car was parked, we had all seized up a bit! All that remained was the separate drives home, as hot bath and a beer.
Planning and Route Studies
The Ebor way is 70 miles long. Most set route guides break this into five stages, to be completed as five separate days walking.
Because we are doing it in just three days, this means we have to have 25 mile long stages. But its not as simple as just working out where the 25 mile points are, as we have to account for the logistics of transport, and in order to not have to add extra mileage to the route, it is preferable to be a little above or below 25 miles in order that the stage end points are on an accessible road.
I am in the process of working these details out today. I have measured and plotted stage 1 (day 1) on Google Earth. This takes us from the start point at the Market Cross in Helmsley, to All Saints Church in Huntington, York. Out end point, at a measured 25.05 miles, is the cemetery car park, right beside the path!
My next job is to plot the route through the center of York, a task that requires a combination of guide books and OS maps. Theres a few crossings over the river Foss within the city, and a stretch along the city walls. This next plot though will give us the next crucial piece of information we need - the stage 2 end point!
The most complex part of stage 2 is the streets of York, once out of York we pass over the bridge under which our regular Selby to York walk goes!
I now have all three stages plotted and measured. Stage 2 ends on the road to the village of Linton, just outside Wetherby.
Stage 3 has the most dramatic scenery, and also some of the hardest walking, as it goes up onto Ilkley Moor at the Cow and Calf rocks. But, as luck would have it, theres a cafe beside these rocks, so we'll have a nice brew before tackling the last couple of miles! The end of stage 3, and the finish of the walk, is at the old pack horse bridge in Ilkley. Road access here is of course not an issue.
Stage 1 - Helmsley market cross to All Saints Church Huntington. 25 miles. YO32 9RE.
Stage 2 - Huntington to Linton Lane, Linton, Wetherby. 25.4 miles. LS22 4HH.
Stage 3 - Linton to Pack Horse Bridge, Ilkley. 24.25 miles. LS29 9HQ.
Because we are doing it in just three days, this means we have to have 25 mile long stages. But its not as simple as just working out where the 25 mile points are, as we have to account for the logistics of transport, and in order to not have to add extra mileage to the route, it is preferable to be a little above or below 25 miles in order that the stage end points are on an accessible road.
I am in the process of working these details out today. I have measured and plotted stage 1 (day 1) on Google Earth. This takes us from the start point at the Market Cross in Helmsley, to All Saints Church in Huntington, York. Out end point, at a measured 25.05 miles, is the cemetery car park, right beside the path!
My next job is to plot the route through the center of York, a task that requires a combination of guide books and OS maps. Theres a few crossings over the river Foss within the city, and a stretch along the city walls. This next plot though will give us the next crucial piece of information we need - the stage 2 end point!
The most complex part of stage 2 is the streets of York, once out of York we pass over the bridge under which our regular Selby to York walk goes!
I now have all three stages plotted and measured. Stage 2 ends on the road to the village of Linton, just outside Wetherby.
Stage 3 has the most dramatic scenery, and also some of the hardest walking, as it goes up onto Ilkley Moor at the Cow and Calf rocks. But, as luck would have it, theres a cafe beside these rocks, so we'll have a nice brew before tackling the last couple of miles! The end of stage 3, and the finish of the walk, is at the old pack horse bridge in Ilkley. Road access here is of course not an issue.
Stage 1 - Helmsley market cross to All Saints Church Huntington. 25 miles. YO32 9RE.
Stage 2 - Huntington to Linton Lane, Linton, Wetherby. 25.4 miles. LS22 4HH.
Stage 3 - Linton to Pack Horse Bridge, Ilkley. 24.25 miles. LS29 9HQ.
Friday 6 April 2018
A Bobless Bimble
In order to prevent the imminent onset of cabin fever, I had to get out walking today! Bob was supposed to be along too, but was unable to due to being a slack arse. So, early afternoon, I set out to notch up a 10 miler.
The route chosen for today was a circular around North-East Leeds, starting at the village of Barwick-in-Elmet, heading to Scholes, hence via the Garforth Golf Club to Aberford, and then back to Barwick. This is walk No. 4 from a set of AA walking guide cards my sister bought me several years back. I had done this walk before, but had forgotten a few rather crucial details!
The first of these details was - how bloody muddy this route can be! After parking up around the back streets of Barwick, I walked on down to the maypole, where the walk officially started. From there the route went along the main street, and back up the road I was parked on! It then led out into the fields toward Scholes. These fields had been recently ploughed, and were absolutely sodden.
Managing to reach Scholes without getting too muddy, I spent a little while watching a large bird of prey, probably a Buzzard, above the allotments, before crossing the road and straight back out into the fields
Once near the woods on Bog Lane conditions did improve underfoot. It was then I decided to take a few photos, and found time for a much needed pee.
Just before reaching the golf course, I managed to drop my route card, and had to back track to search for it! Once on the fairway, there were only a handful of golfers about. The track leaves the course to skirt a farm, before reaching the road near the club house. It was along here that I saw what I thought was a Doberman watching me in the distance! - it was only when it moved off onto the golf course I realised it was a deer!
Once over the road, walking conditions were much improved with metalled road up to Throstle Nest Farm and the Parlington Estate. This lasted until just short of the tunnel.
I think that the path here must have been the route of an old railway. The tunnel isnt very long, but its slight curve means you cant see right through, and it is exceptionally wet! It is possible to walk to the side and go over and around, but...
After the tunnel the remainder of the Parlington Estate path was a bit muddy in places but not too bad. A reasonably pleasant section of the route, and the sun came out. This meant I had to take my jacket off, and as I wasnt carrying a bag it proved a pig, as wrapping it around me meant it just sagged under its own weight.
From here the route went into Aberford, where I caught up with the two old biddies who had been in front of me for about two miles! Usually I overtake everyone else, but these two were moving at a heck of a pace! I had hoped to find a shop in Aberford, as by now I was rather peckish, but that wasnt to be. The route took me then on towards Becca Hall
where I made a slight navigation error and missed my turn, needing to backtrack a couple hundred yards. The route here was across a rather wet field full of sheep and lambs. Shortly after this sections, close to Becca House Farm, I again stopped to observe a bird of prey, this time really close overhead
It was after passing the farm that I remembered the last time I did this route, and that the fields I was about to cross had been several hundred yards of shin deep slimy mud...
Having been a little unsure which way to go as I passed through the farm yard, I glanced inquisitively towards a farmer who was fork-trucking spuds about, who clearly understood and waved me in the correct direction. The fields I had to cross turned out to be really quite dry! I now only had a couple of miles to go.
And then I got to the next field...
Another couple of hundred yards to go to reach the road. And the mud more than got its own back on me. I cleaned my boots in a little stream by a stile,but by the time i'd reached the road they were muddy again.
A short section of road here before the route instructs to go left when the road turns sharp right at a gatehouse. This I did, and about a half mile later, began to realise that this wasnt the right path!
Just like the last time, i'd turned too soon, and since this bridlepath veered away from Barwick, it was easier to backtrack than to add the extra two or three miles!
I was by this time starting to get rather sluggish. Nothing really hurt, but I began to realise that I should have brought a snack! Barwick was a mile or so from this point, so I sauntered along. On arriving in Barwick, I decided to pop to the shop for a drink and snack (an overpriced and over peppered pork pie and a bottle of pepsi max), and take them to the churchyard (another bit of back-tracking), before going back to the car.
All in all, not a bad walk. Lessons - take a day sack to stuff jacket into and carry the water bottle, and have a snack in there as well.
11.64miles. 4h 34min. 1273cal.
The route chosen for today was a circular around North-East Leeds, starting at the village of Barwick-in-Elmet, heading to Scholes, hence via the Garforth Golf Club to Aberford, and then back to Barwick. This is walk No. 4 from a set of AA walking guide cards my sister bought me several years back. I had done this walk before, but had forgotten a few rather crucial details!
The first of these details was - how bloody muddy this route can be! After parking up around the back streets of Barwick, I walked on down to the maypole, where the walk officially started. From there the route went along the main street, and back up the road I was parked on! It then led out into the fields toward Scholes. These fields had been recently ploughed, and were absolutely sodden.
Managing to reach Scholes without getting too muddy, I spent a little while watching a large bird of prey, probably a Buzzard, above the allotments, before crossing the road and straight back out into the fields
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| Looking back up toward Bog Lane |
Once near the woods on Bog Lane conditions did improve underfoot. It was then I decided to take a few photos, and found time for a much needed pee.
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| Ancient fences |
Just before reaching the golf course, I managed to drop my route card, and had to back track to search for it! Once on the fairway, there were only a handful of golfers about. The track leaves the course to skirt a farm, before reaching the road near the club house. It was along here that I saw what I thought was a Doberman watching me in the distance! - it was only when it moved off onto the golf course I realised it was a deer!
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| Fore! The bridlepath through Garforth Golf Club |
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| Entering the Parlington Estate |
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| Approaching the tunnel |
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| Inside the tunnel |
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| Ancient quarry beside path |
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| Becca Hall |
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| Buzzard? |
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| Actually, quite dry! |
And then I got to the next field...
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| Ah, spoke too soon! |
A short section of road here before the route instructs to go left when the road turns sharp right at a gatehouse. This I did, and about a half mile later, began to realise that this wasnt the right path!
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| Nice bridlepath. Shame its not the right way! |
I was by this time starting to get rather sluggish. Nothing really hurt, but I began to realise that I should have brought a snack! Barwick was a mile or so from this point, so I sauntered along. On arriving in Barwick, I decided to pop to the shop for a drink and snack (an overpriced and over peppered pork pie and a bottle of pepsi max), and take them to the churchyard (another bit of back-tracking), before going back to the car.
All in all, not a bad walk. Lessons - take a day sack to stuff jacket into and carry the water bottle, and have a snack in there as well.
11.64miles. 4h 34min. 1273cal.
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