The autumn walks this year started at the scenic village of Arnside on the Cumbrian coast.
Three walks were planned in the area and were of different lengths to suit our members. All the members initially met on a superb September’s day on the promenade opposite the Albion Hotel.
The first walk was a 3.5 mile circular walk, which started at the National Trust Eaves Wood car park and was considered a gentle amble but with some uneven ground in parts, a few steps and some slight slopes. There is plenty of interest on this walk and it would be suitable for the slower walkers in the party. The walk was to be led by Dave Thompson.
No 1 group.
The second circular walk was just over 6 miles long with 725ft of ascent from Arnside village and was led by Jeff Hibbert. The first part of the walk was undertaken jointly with the members on the longer route. The route was initially southwest along the coast to New Barns and through the caravan park then proceeding along the coastal path to Far Arnside caravan park. Shortly after a break for refreshments at the caravan park, the two parties split and the party on the longer route continued on their way to Silverdale.
No 2 and 3 group on the coastal path.
No 2 and 3 group morning break.
The second party continued up to Hollins farm and then up the incline to Arnside Knott. Lunch was taken at the viewpoint that had spectacular views over towards Grange and Kents Bank to the west and the hills of the Lake District to the north. The group were lucky to have such a great day and spectacular views.
No 2 group heading towards Arnside Knott.
No 2 group at Arnside Knott Viewpoint.
After lunch, the group continued to the summit of Arnside Knott to the trig point. The summit is relatively disappointing as the area as now been totally enclosed by trees and there are no views at all.
The group then descended back to Arnside to meet the promenade path that completed our walk.
View from the descent on Arnside Knott.
John Merrick, led the third group, after the split with the second group, continued on the Lancashire Coastal Way to Silverdale returning via Elmslack, Arnside Tower and Arnside Knott.
Members of No 3 group at Arnside Tower.
On completing the walks members took refreshments in the local cafes and hostelries before enjoying a convivial meal in the Albion Hotel, a venue that had been arranged by Ruth Butcher.
Some members on Arnside promenade pier.
Thanks to everybody who helped to arrange a very enjoyable day.
For 2023 the long-distance walkers decided to visit Northumberland to do the ‘Coast Path’, which runs from Berwick on Tweed down to Cresswell, which is just north of Newcastle. There were eight of us this year, Peter Brookes, Theo Dibbits, Jeff Hibbert, Dave Wallwork, Colin Billiet, John Merrick, Laurie Meyrick, and Dave Thompson. This was the first time in many years that Peter Proctor was not with us, having recently passed away.
The arrangements for this walk were more complicated than normal, requiring us to travel up to Alnwick on the Sunday night then travelling out by minibus each day to complete the walk sections. This was all superbly organised by Peter Brookes, everything worked out perfectly, including the end of walk night out in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Sunday 25th June
The eight of us travelled up to the Hog’s Head Inn, Alnwick, Theo picking up Jeff, Dave W, and Laurie on the way. Dave T picked up John, Peter, and Colin, all meeting at the Inn late afternoon. The Hog’s Head was to prove very accommodating with largish bedrooms. They put us all in the same first floor location, quite as far from the reception as possible! Sensible people, they must have had walkers there before!
It was decided to dine in the Hog’s Head the first night, which became notable for the fact that we were sat under a large air conditioning unit. However, we had a convivial time and a few drinks in a bedroom before dinner, started off the week very well indeed.
Monday 26th June – Berwick to Fenwick, 12 Miles
The mini coach duly arrived at 9.15am, and AA taxis were to prove a particularly good, reliably company with friendly staff. It took us up to our starting point in Berwick, the two Anchors, on the quay side near the old bridge, and we were off.
Our two leaders for the day, Peter, and Laurie, soon had us going over the ‘Berwick Bridge,’ which gave us excellent views over this old walled town. Berwick is a lovely old town, with a great history, it was a shame that we did not have time to explore it. We quickly made our way through the suburb of Spittal, where we had our first encounter with rain. A quick sharp shower saw us donning rain gear in a builder’s cabin. It did not last long, and we were on our way again, down the coast passing the Cocklawburn Dunes Nature Reserve, where we had our first real encounter with the terrific bird life this walk has to offer. Several miles of wild sand dunes followed, with a strange encounter of WW2 vintage large concrete blocks, in rows. We were to come across more during the week, with the accompanying ‘Pill Boxes’ and machine gun emplacements.
We then came to Goswick Golf club, where a qualifying competition was underway for the ‘British Open.’ We wandered over the course, watching exceptional golfers, all professionals, hitting drives that most golfers could only dream about. We had puzzled looks from the golfing fraternity but eventually we made it across to the clubhouse, which was our route out onto coast path again. We made our way down the long straight track that borders the golf course for over a mile to the remote ‘Beachcomer House’ and farm. From here it was a simple case of going over the bridge at Longbridge End and following the trail over to the East coast rail line, first stopping to phone the local signal box to ensure that no trains were on the way. And then it was up to the strange Fenwick Granary. This was a collection of exceptionally large stone buildings that one day would surely be renovated into a fine country home.
Our mini coach picked us up at the appointed time of 5.00 pm in Fenwick, our leaders having led us faultlessly for many hours through some wonderful scenery.
The evening was spent in the ‘Black Swan’ in Alnwick, it was a somewhat subdued evening given that it had been a long day, despite the wine and beer consumption that was deemed necessary to relax tired muscles!
Tuesday 27th June – Fenwick to Bamburgh, 13 Miles
We were off again at 9.15am for what was to prove an incredibly special day. There was a slight change in that Jeff and DaveT decided they did not wish to do the full day’s route, the mini coach taking them to start at Belford further down the coast. The others, led by Colin and John, left Fenwick, and followed thecombined Coast path – St Cuthbert’s Way – St Oswald’s path, yes, they all follow the same route here abouts.
It goes through the strangely named Shiellow Wood, eventually making its way to Virgin Hill Wood and then Belford. They explained later that this had not been an easy section with quite a lot of ascents in places. However, both the little groups made their way over the North – East coast railway again and made it to the very unusual stone tower at the site of the earthworks at Spindlestone. There have been arguments as to what it was for originally, but now it is a holiday let, on about six floors!
Jeff and DaveT made it over to Galliheugh Bank and met a lovely local girl leading a New Forest pony. It was incredibly friendly and would have followed them if she had let it! The weather was beginning to close in, rain was threatening, so they made their way down to the amazingly large Bamburgh Castle Golf Course, as golfers, they could not believe how extensive it was. But what views of the famous old castle it had. Bamburgh Castle stood out on the coast, dominating the town.
Dave and Jeff had reached their destination for the day, so retired to the ‘Castle Inn’ to escape the rain, then caught the bus back to Alnwick. This was an experience in itself! It was a double decker, the driver speeding along the narrow roads, rocking, and rolling, but was then held up in Craster because of the filming that was being conducted. The driver got out of his cab to register his annoyance, he was going to miss his break and was already behind schedule!
The other group were about two hours behind, but on reaching Bamburgh also retired to the Castle Inn, had drinks, and then boarded the mini coach back to Alnwick.
Meanwhile Jeff and DaveT had made it back to Alnwick in time to buy the allegedly famous Turnbull’s pork pies. They were to prove a great disappointment, no jelly, and the pastry not to their taste, and they were expensive. The boys were very brassed off and most threw them away. Jeff and Dave T received few thanks for walking down carrying this great burden from Alnwick in the rain. Also, Colin, had no real chance to give out the English mustard that he brings to distribute on these occasions!
The evening was spent in the ‘Di Sopra’ Italian restaurant, which was excellent, decent food a little beer and red wine, and all was well with the world again.
Wednesday 28th June – Bamburgh to Craster – 13.5 miles
This was due to be led by Theo and DaveT, but as per the previous day, Dave and Jeff had decided to shorten this section of the walk by starting from Beadnell. The taxi driver duly dropped them off down the coast, whilst Theo led the rest out of Bamburgh at a brisk pace.
Beadnell is an interesting small town, it takes its name from the Anglo Saxon “Bede’s Hall”. The earliest written reference being in 1161. Beadnell has the only west-facing harbour entrance on the east coast of England, it is now a tourist base, consisting largely of holiday homes, with somesmall–scale fishing.
Theo’s group soon made it to the famous old town of Seahouses. Seahouses attracts many visitors, mainly from the north-east area. Tourists often come to Seahouses whilst visiting the Northumberland National Park, the Northumberland Coast and the famous Farne Islands, which could be seen in the distance.
Seahouses has a working fishing port, also being an embarkation point for visits to the Farne Islands. Several boat companies operate from shops in the town and booths along the harbour, offering trips out to see the sealsandseabirds, Needless to say, it is a bustling little town with fish and chip shops in abundance.
Dave T and Jeff found the walking most comfortable along Beadnell Bay and soon made it to Low Newton-by-the-sea. Another golf course, Dunstanburgh Castle, was soon walked across, then the famous old castle itself came into view. And what a view, dark and sinister, its ruins having the appearance of old teeth, however it is the gateway to the little port of Craster. This was once an important quarrying centre but is now a smallfishing village, only eight miles fromAlnwick.
Craster has a small but interesting harbourand offers a view to the north, along the rocky shore to the ruins of the castle. Craster is the nearest point of access to the castle. The approach must be made on foot along a grassy path.
Jeff and Dave T had time to buy kippers from the world-famous smoke house to take home to their wives, and to watch the filming down in the harbour. It looked very strange, extra’s walking around in very odd costumes. They were filming a story called ‘The Red King’ based in Wales. For filming purposes Craster had become a Welsh harbour!
Theo’s group was not far behind, making excellent time, a few drinks were taken in the Jolly Fisherman, where Dave and Jeff had commandeered a small room for the group, as the taxi was not due until 5.00pm
The mini coach arrived promptly, and we were back to the Hog’s Head, a quick change and then we off to Lilburn’s Restaurant in Alnwick. It is famous for having had Prince Philip dine there, and other notables, it had tasty food and wines, if a little expensive. But if it was good enough for royalty, it was good enough for the Crown Walking Club!
I will have to keep my eye on this lot!
Thursday 29th June Craster to Warkworth -13 miles
The leaders for the day were scheduled to be Dave W and Jeff, but DaveT and Jeff had decided that a slightly shorter walk might be better yet again, and Colin also decided to join them.
So, the plan was that we should all set off together from the Jolly Fisherman, and the miscreant three would end their section of this walk in Alnmouth.
Dave W set a brisk pace out of Craster, and soon made Cullernose Point with its fabulous views. The morning was bright and sunny, at least initially, making particularly good progress.
The main party soon left the other three behind, which gave Colin time to explain his youthful activities at Sugar Sands, a special area of costal sands that people are now beginning to discover.
Along the way they came to Bulmer, a somewhat mysterious RAF station, next to the coast, which has no runways, and then on to the hospitable Foxton Hall Golf club. The party of three decided to have a snack here, as the Crown Club had been in here before, when we stopped in Alnmouth earlier in the year. They then made their way into Alnmouth to catch the bus back to Alnwick. The main party had already picked up the coast again on the other side of the Alnmouth Bay and made it into Warkworth in good time for them to have drinks in the ‘Masons Arms’ before the mini coach arrived.
It had been a great day, made better by going to the Dirty Bottles restaurant, which is in the Narrowgate in Alnwick, for their evening meal. It is a remarkably interesting place with friendly staff. We did not have to drink out of all the dirty bottles.
My goodness, it has been a long day!
No, its not all yours David!
We eventually made it back to the Hog’s Head, and retired to bed very sleepy, it did not take much rocking to send us off to sleep.
Friday 30th June – Cresswell – Warkworth – 10.5 miles
Our last day, and it was to prove a particularly good one indeed. Firstly, it had been decided to do the last days walk in reverse, so that the mini coach would not have to drive as far to pick us up. This being to save time later in the afternoon, as we still had to drive into Newcastle. Secondly, Dave T and Jeff wished to do a slightly shorter walk again on the last day, so our wonderful driver Tracey would drop them off at Druridge Bay Country Park. We would all meet up in The Mason’s Arms late afternoon in Warkworth.
The actual end of the walk is at Cresswell Ices, so a photograph was taken, to show that we had been there! Then we were off north for the last leg.
The main group soon made it across Blakemoor Links walking along the beach for several miles, and around Cresswell Foreshore Nature Reserve. This was the only time that they walked on the beach during the whole week. They then had a two-mile stroll over to Druridge Pools nature Reserve and then to East Chevington Reserve, easy walking for them as the coastal walk is quite flat hereabouts.
Meanwhile the front group reached the Hauxley Reserve with its outstanding bird life and a centre that afforded tea and scones and other goodies, it was most enticing. There were dozens of ‘Twitchers’ with large cameras and telescopes watching the bird life.
Suitable refreshed, the two of them walked along the beach to Amble, around the town, and over the strange South Jetty, with its long causeway. Amble had grown in the nineteenth century as local collierieswere opened; and newly built railway links to the Northumberland coalfields were built. This made the town a centre for the transport and export of coal by sea and rail.
From Amble it is possible to see Coquet Island, looking a bit like a beached submarine. The island is an important bird life sanctuary, visitable from Amble harbour. You cannot land on it yet because of the ‘Bird Flu’ but can sail round it thanks to the little pleasure boats that we could see chugging out of the harbour.
An Amble Puffin, (The one on the left!)
They then came to Warkworth harbour, with all its sailing clubs and boats. This must be a veritable sailors paradise. Then it was The Masons Arms in Warkworth. We had made it, the other group arrived about 30 minutes later, they must have thundered along. A few drinks were had, then the mini coach arrived, along with the rain, which had started to fall steadily.
We made it back to Alnwick and departed the Hog’s Head, our home for the last week, for Newcastle. Colin had promised us a special night in the ‘Toon,’ and so it proved to be. Our accommodation for the night was the Copthorne Hotel, which had unusual features, such as showers that would not shut off and a lift arrangement that needed careful thought. On the way out we saw beautiful young women dressed in ball gowns and other spectacular dresses, it was ‘Proms Night’ in Newcastle and the rain was not going to stop them!
We then did a walk of central Newcastle, having to visit one or two hostelries to avoid the rain. Some of them were remarkably interesting indeed, with the locals being friendly and helpful, not wearing much of course, despite the heavy rain. The hostelry names say it all, The Wobbly Duck, Beer Street, The Newcastle Tap, Crown Posada, The Bridge Tavern, etc.
We dined in the Simla Indian Restaurant, Colin’s favourite, and had a particularly delicious meal.
Then it was back to the Copthorne and bed. We met up the following morning for a substantial breakfast, and probably the best porridge of the week; said our goodbyes and departed for home. It had been an outstanding week, thanks must go to our wives who let us leave them each year, to Peter Brookes for all the arrangements, to Collin Billiet for the Friday night tour, he said it would be special and it was. We must also thank the walk leaders who succeeded in getting us down the Northumberland Coast so safely.
A distant view of Alnmouth.
Earth hath not anything to show more fair, said the Poet William Wordsworth. He could have been referring to the Northumberland Coast Path.
Walks: Three are being offered on this occasion and details are attached.
Walk one: this is based around Broughton Park and will start from the Bull hotel. It is a circular two hour walk of just under 4 miles. The walking route explores the Broughton Hall Estate, including a visit to the parkland’s standing stones. For this walk, the starting time from the Bull will be 2.00pm. The walk will be coordinated by Barbara Thompson
Walk Two: The Gargrave Ramble, 6.5 Miles, and approximately 3 hours duration. The walk starts in the middle of Gargrave by the bus stop and public toilets. As walks on the Pennine Way go this must be one of the easiest with only a few gentle rolling hills. President Jeff Hibbert will lead the walk.
Walk Three: Flasby Fell. This 8.5 miles walk up to the modest peak at Sharp Haw will be rewarded with excellent panoramic views and is the preferred route. However, in bad weather an alternative lower-level route will be found to the southwest running parallel to the main route. This walk follows a section of the Dales High-Way and provides excellent views. Parking will be found on the A65 just outside Skipton in a Lay By. Peter Brookes will lead this walk.
It is considered that a good option would be for everybody who is considering doing walks Two and Three to meet up at the Bull Hotel at approximately 10.00am. This being so that car sharing can take place to minimise the car parking needs at Gargrave or Skipton.
Our meal has been booked for 5.00 pm, so it will be helpful if everyone could be back at the Bull hotel by 4.45 pm, please.
For those of you with partners who wish to do walk one, it has been suggested that they also meet at the Bull at 10.00am, the sightseeing / shopping in Skipton can be very enticing!
My thanks go to Dave and Barbara Thompson and Peter Brookes who have devised the walks and taken up the organisation of the day after Sid’s passing.
The above walks were followed by a convivial drink and then dinner at the Bull Head Hotel.
It must be mentioned that one of our younger members excelled himself by cycling from Shap to Appleby, catching the train to Skipton and then the bus to the Bull Hotel. After completing the longer walk, having dinner he then undertook the return journey. I gather it was a long day for Richard!
Ken Lord on the short walk.
The double arch bridge, the farthest point on the medium distance walk.
A well deserved rest by the Leeds Liverpool canal.
A view looking to Flasby Fell from the medium distance walk.
Held at the Dunscar Conservative Club, Hardmans Lane, Bromley Cross, Bolton
10th January 2023
Present
Jeff Hibbert, Theo Dibbits, Dave Thompson, Laurie Meyrick, Peter Brookes, Ken Lord, Sid Jenkinson, Kev Butcher, Brenda Peters, Kevan McMinn.
Apologies
Dave Wallwork, John Merrick, Neil Brown, Beryl Brown, Ruth Butcher.
Loss of Club Members.
A short silence was held in respect of Liz Hall who had passed away the previous day.
Minutes of 2022 AGM and Matters Arising
There were no matters arising and the minutes were accepted as a true record of the 20202AGM.
General Discussion
There was a short general discussion on the future and format of the club and future walks taking into consideration the format of the 2022 walks which were well attended.
The general consensus was to keep the format of the walks as last year.
The President stated that he would continue, if he remembers, to circulate the list of HF Sunday walks and highlight the ones led by a CWC member. It was suggested by a member that Linda Merrick, who is HF’s Sunday walks secretary, may be able to circulate the walks to members via the club’s WhatsApp group. The President agreed to have a chat with Linda about this.
Dates for Spring and Autumn Walks
After some discussion and checking of diaries the following dates were agreed.
Spring Walk Wednesday 24th May 2022 or Thursday 25th May 2023
Autumn Walk Thursday 14th September 2023
Location of Spring and Autumn Walks
Suggestions and discussions regarding the walks took place and the following areas were suggested.
Skipton
Arnside/Silverdale
As previously agreed a suitable dining venue would be determined in the above areas and then walks could be researched.
Sid Jenkinson volunteered to undertake the research in the Skipton area for the spring walk with the Tempest Arms as a possible dining venue and Kevan Butcher to research the Arnside area for the Autumn walk with the Blue Bell and Crooklands as possible dining venues.
Venues of the walks would be agreed once the dining venues had been determined.
Treasurer’s Report
Neil had given his apologises for the meeting but had forwarded his financial statement of accounts as at 31-12-2022 to the President who had forwarded them onto members. A copy of which is attached to the minutes.
There was not much to comment on the accounts as there had not been much activity in the past year.
Subscriptions were discussed and as our finances are in a relatively heathy position and Neil had suggested there was no need to increase them, it was proposed therefore and agreed to retain the subscriptions at £10 per couple and these are now due and should be paid to Neil.
Ladies Weekend 2023
This year the event will be held at HF Alnmouth from Friday 28-04-2023 to Monday 01-05-2023, at present 33 members and guests will be attending.
The president stated that he would like walk leaders to be nominated prior to the ladies’ weekend, as last year. It was agreed that there would be only two grades of walk namely an easy and medium walk on the Saturday and on the Sunday there would be a combined walk but with various alternatives to make a short or longer walk.
The walk leaders have still to be determined but the President stated he would lead a walk and Colin’s name was suggested for the Sunday walk.
It was suggested that the walk leaders should liaise with each other to decide what walks they were leading.
There are ample walks in the discovery section at HF if members want to organise their own walk.
The President said he would organise a quiz for Saturday evening and as this year is the 70th anniversary of the club Sid has promised to provide a pictorial show of the club’s activities throughout the years on Sunday evening. Sid would be grateful if you could send him any photos of the club’s activities to him in JPEG format.
Ladies Weekend 2024
Suggestions for the Ladies Weekend in 2024 were put forward and were in order of choice: –
Derwent Bank
Dovedale
Church Stretton
Following the meeting the above venues were forwarded to HF for advance registration with the following preferred dates: –
26 – 28 April 2024
19 – 21 April 2024
12 – 13 April 2024
Long Distance Walk 2023
A meeting had been held with the long distance walking group and it was agreed that the Northumberland Coast Path, starting from Berwick and eventually ending in Newcastle, would be undertaken. Peter Brookes has already organised the main central accommodation and cars will be used to travel to the start and end of each day’s walk.
Christmas Lunch
Ruth and Kevan Butcher have volunteered to research a venue for the 2023 Christmas lunch and a few suggestions were put forward which were to be investigated.
Any Other Business
It was suggested that we should have a summer social function to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the club. As the club originated in Darwen a suggestion was made that the function could be held at the Astley Bank Hotel, Darwen at the end of July.
The majority were in agreement and this is to be further researched. If anybody else has any other bright ideas can you contact myself or Ruth.
Thanks to Officers
The President expressed his thanks for the support he had received from Neil (Treasurer), Sid (for his work on the website), Ruth and Kevan for organising the Christmas lunch and Peter Brookes for organising the long distance walk and other walk leaders.
The President asked if anybody would like to take over the role as president. The President was, again, not unduly surprised when his request was met by a profound silence, lowered heads and eyes looking deeply into beer and wine glasses and the lack of any volunteers stepping forward.
The above paragraph is exactly the same as the past few years’ minutes but as the President was so overwhelmed with the praise from the members’ present he agreed to continue.
There being no other business the President closed the meeting and thanked the members for attending.
The meeting closed at 8-02pm after a 6.30pm start.
This year the meeting of the Crown Walking Club AGM was held on Tuesday 10th January 2023 at 6.30pm at the Dunscar Conservative Club, Hardmans Lane, Bromley Cross, Bolton, BL7 9HJ. Despite the appalling weather a goodly number attended. Minutes to follow.
We had a marvellous meal at Dunscar Golf Club on Sunday 11th December 2022 organised by Ruth and ably assisted by Kevan Butcher. Unfortunately, Ruth could not come as she was quite poorly. But her work was greatly appreciated by all.
Simultaneously, the north east branch of the Crown Walking Club were having their Christmas Lunch!!!!
At the end of the meal Dave and Theo were seen outside taking photos of the marvellous snow covered landscape. This is Winter Hill from just outside Dunscar Golf Club.
Not to be outdone, our friends in the North (East) took this photo of Bishop Auckland Golf Club.
On Friday 9th September 2022 we enjoyed our Autumn Walk in and around Sedbergh. The meeting point and the end point was Sedbergh Golf Club where we finished the day with a lovely meal.
The original plan for the long but superb walk included stretches of open fellside and some extensive views. It goes from the golf club down the River Dee to Dent, taking in a stretch of ‘A Pennine Journey’. The return is over Long Moor and ‘Fostrow Fells’, using the route of the Dales High Way, which some of us will remember from a few years ago. However, some consternation was expressed regarding the length of the longer walk so and after a meeting with Jeff and Dave, they came to the executive decision that the walk should be reduced to 9 miles, 9.17 to be exact. Jeff plotted the route and it is shown below. It is basically the same as the original route but shorter and in a clockwise direction as follows.
Sedbergh Golf Club, Sedbergh, High Dales Way over Frostrow Fell, Helmside, Ellers, Dales Way to Millthrop, Return to Golf Club.
As an alternative, a shorter walk was devised
The outward route will go from the Golf club to Fairfield Mill Arts and Heritage centre via Banks cottage and Garsdale Bridge. The heritage centre has a display of textiles, arts and crafts etc, and has a café . Total distance being 2.52 miles of walking with only 203 feet of ascent.
The route back is on the other side of the River Rawthey, on a short section of ‘A Pennine Journey’. This return will take in Sedbergh for a little sightseeing (The Norman St Andrew’s Church is well worth a visit),The golf club will be found by going by the side of Sedbergh school and then to ‘Birks’. The total distance on the return section is 2.6 miles, with only 142 feet of ascent.
Total distance therefore is 5.13 miles of lovely walking.
Lavinia and Brad Tod kindly provided the following images.
Walkers : Jeff Hibbert, John Merrick, Colin Billiet, Peter Proctor, David Thompson, David Wallwork, Theo Dibbitts, Laurie Meyrick, Peter Brookes.
Departing Pateley Bridge
This years choice for our Long Distance Walk was the Nidderdale Way which is centred around the small picturesque Yorkshire town of Pateley Bridge. The Nidderdale Way is a circular long distance footpath in this beautiful easternmost valley of the Yorkshire Dales. With a total distance of 53 miles the trail is usually walked in four stages of which none is longer than 15 miles. The walk follows the course of the River Nidd with many interesting features including Ripley Castle and Gardens, Stean Gorge and also the natural gritstone sculptures at Brimham Rocks.
Sunday 26th June
Our walking group included Laurie Meyrick who was joining us for the first time alongside the usual team and we assembled at the pleasant little town of Pateley Bridge our starting and mid point of the walk. The weather was set fair and would continue like this for the rest of the week. Having checked in at our B&B, The Talbot, we set out to explore the area finishing up at Ollies Pizzeria where we were dining. This proved to be an ideal choice with a large table, pleasant service and staff and excellent food. Discussion centred around Mondays walk with some trepidation, 14.5 miles in length with a course becoming more strenuous over the last 5 miles.
Monday 27th June. Pateley Bridge to Middlesmoor. 14.5 Miles
The Nidderdale Way
Our B&B beside being a few doors away from The Oldest Sweet Shop In England was opposite Kendals Award Winning Pork Pie shop. Colin and Theo had stocked up on pies for the day and following an excellent breakfast we were assembled outside the Talbot ready for off. Today’s leaders are Colin and John and our walk followed the River Nidd out of Pateley Bridge for 2 miles and then alongside the immense Gouthwaite Reservoir, alive with wildfowl, and we eventually emerged at the pleasant village of Bouthwaite. Following some fine woodland and country we emerged at Nidds Head where the River Nidd bursts forth from underground having disapeared into a swallow hole two miles upstream. We next reached the charming village of Lofthouse where it’s stone built cottages cling onto a steep winding hill. At this point one can shorten the walk by 5 miles by walking up the road to today’s end point, the village of Middlesmoor. However our committed team were keen to complete the full walk and as we set off up the hill out of Lofthouse a Red Kite circled overhead below a brilliant blue sky.
Middlesmoor from Lofthouse
Our target now was Scar House reservoir and dam. Completed in 1936 and at that time the largest dam in Britain this 1800 foot long, 170 foot high dam is an impressive feat of engineering. Along with it’s neighbour the Angram reservoir they were built at a cost of 2.2 million and were designed to service the booming population and thirsty mills of Bradford.
The view beyond LofthouseScar House ReservoirThe descent to Scar House Dam
After a day of some stunning scenery we arrived at our Middlesmoor destination at the Crown Hotel. The village with it’s much photographed church and view of the valley beyond the church is perched on a hill and is one of the finest views in the Yorkshire Dales. Our pub beer garden was the ideal location to relax after a hard days walking.
Departing from Middlesmoor
Tuesday 28th June. Middlesmoor to Bewerley. 10.5 Miles
Today stage two of the walk covers the 10.5 mile section from Middlesmoor to Bewerley and our leaders are Dave Wallwork and myself. Having enjoyed a hearty breakfast and said cheerio to our
hosts we set off in bright sunshine down the hill and across the field heading for How Stean Gorge. One of Nidderdale’s natural wonders this is essentially a cleft in the hills where Stean Beck has worn it’s way into a seam of limestone, creating a ravine up to nine metres deep. Passing through Studfold Farm we reached the entrance to the village of Ramsgill. At this stage we reverted to an alternative route avoiding the main road, and this involved walking a repeat section of Gouthwaite Reservoir in reverse, before emerging at Heathfield. A contrasting section of the walk lay ahead and a brush with Nidderdales long gone industrial past. Crossing Ashfold Side Beck we passed through an attractive caravan site and reaching Ashfold Site Plantation and on to the former Providence Mill spoil heaps.
The remains of Providence Mill
This was once the site of a busy nineteenth century lead mining and smelting operation, with remnants of machinery and it’s well preserved flue still visible. Our path ahead was unclear until our leader Dave Wallwork seized the initiative picking out a narrow path through the dense heather in this distinctive area. Beyond this our route to Bewerley became clear. Tonight we are once more staying at the Talbot in Pateley Bridge, but first of all liquid refreshment was required in the Royal Oak. Our evening meal was booked at The Crown Inn (another Crown!) some three doors away from the Talbot, where we were rewarded with a superb meal.
Wednesday 29th June. Bewerley to Ripley. 14.5 Miles
Another fine day and the prospect of a 14.5 mile walk from Bewerley to Ripley but first of all time to stock up on those super pork pies from Nichols and once more Colin and Theo were on the ball. Our leaders today are Theo and Laurie and the first stage was to get back on the Nidderdale Way by walking to Bewerley, yesterdays finishing point. As we gained height a large flock of birds were visible on the moor side including Curlews, Snipe, Oyster catchers, a wonderful site. Following some fine countryside we emerged at the pleasant village of Dacre Banks, reconnecting with the River Nidd which we would follow closely for a couple of miles. This proved a little tedious for although a Dipper and Pochard ducks were visible on the water one had to be careful to avoid tree roots and somewhat awkward stiles. Passing by the edge of Darley we emerged at the village of Birstwith where we passed a lovely old Packhorse Bridge dating from 1822, but probably utilising materials from an earlier time.
Packhorse bridge near Birstwith
This was part of a network of trade routes that linked the Yorkshire Dales to Scotland, the West Riding and beyond. Emerging into the village we followed the perimeter of a modern factory only to take a wrong turn. This became apparent after a few hundred metres and we retraced our steps only to find our Nidderdale signpost hiding in the long grass. Reaching Hampsthwaite we decided on a short cut to reduce our journey to Ripley which resulted in us negotiating a massively overgrown half mile path full of nettles, brambles etc, not to be recommended but we pressed on. We entered the extensive grounds of Ripley Park passing Ripley Castle before entering the lovely village of Ripley and our accommodation for the evening, the Boars Head Hotel. Greeted by a very lively receptionist we were soon settling into our opulent rooms.
Ripley Castle
It is worth seeking out Ripley Church where Royalist prisoners once faced the firing squad against the church walls after the battle of Marston Moor where bullet holes are still visible in the stone walls.
A very pleasant evening was spent dining and enjoying an excellent meal plus a little liquid refreshment and would you believe it, another early night. It had been a long day, dare I suggest that age was catching up with some of us.
Thursday 30th June. Ripley to Pateley Bridge. 14 Miles
An excellent breakfast albeit somewhat delayed, and photographs by the village cross put us slightly behind schedule but we were soon into our final day. Our leaders are Jeff and Dave T as we bid farewell to my friend Anne Pye who had come to see us off.
Departing from the Boars Head
Exiting Ripley we were soon passing the estate of Sir Henry Wood, creator of the Proms, and on to the remains of the deserted medieval village of Cayton. Our route then continued to the serene village of Shaw Mills once one of Nidderdales industrial villages and a producer of flax, silk and corn since the 16th century. Passing through some deep woodland Peter P took a very nasty fall as he tripped over a protruding tree route and fell full length damaging the bridge of his nose. This could easily have been a serious accident; fortunately our first aiders were able to patch Peter up and we were able to continue. Although we crossed Brimham Moor, unfortunately time did not allow us to see the weird and wonderful rock formations and teetering gritstone boulder stacks of Brimham Rocks. However we were able to enjoy the wonderful views from this side of the Nidderdale valley from the Panorama Walk as we descended to Pateley Bridge and our walks completion.
Journeys end
As we relaxed with a celebratory drink at the Royal Oak we reflected on a most enjoyable walk perhaps a little tougher than expected with some days stretching into eight hours walking. Well done to everybody, particularly to Laurie and thanks to Jeff for supplying the route and Map information for this our 18th long distance walk. Also to Dave T for skilfully handling all our daily expenditure and our walk leaders and drivers.
At the AGM on Tuesday 11th January 2022 at The Bobs Smithy Inn it was decided that the Spring Walk for 2022 would be on Wednesday 25th May. The proposal is to base the walk on Ingleborough starting from the car park in Clapham. The walk can go via the Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail alongside Clapham Beck up to Ingleborough Cave. It costs just £1. Another option is to visit Ingleborough Cave. It costs £8.50 for Seniors!! The tour is 0.3 mile and back again so should take an hour or so I guess. After that we then continue up to the top of the Beck at Trow Gill. This is decision time as that walk to this point is 2 miles and a climb of 400ft. Hopefullywe can cross over to the top of Long Lane and retun back to Clapham, another 2 miles. Alternatively we can continue past Trow Gill and climb a further 400ft to Gaping Gill. That should take about 35 minutes. Return initially the same way but then take a footpath around Clapham Bottoms to the top of long lane and follow down back to Clapham. We would then have a meal at 5:00pm at The New Inn. The hotel is residential so you could book a room for the night if you wished.
The Crown Walking Club 