Returning our thoughts to walks, Tetley, having navigated to the Met Office app, said, Tuesday looks to be a settled day with quite a lot of sun. Dad is free and if you ask him nicely perhaps he will take us out."
"I'll do my best", replied Allen earnestly, "but first we need to come up with a plan, and I need tea and cakes to get my brain properly into gear."
And as if by magic it was then that Shaun, Southey, Grizzly and Little Eric arrived. "Tea is served", called out Shaun. "Ramblears of course."
Allen quickly got the mugs and plates, then lent a paw to help Shaun.
"Thanks pal."
"What are the cakes?", asked Tetley.
"Grizzly and I have had a day off", replied Little Eric.
Allen was stopped in his tracks and the look of disappointment on his face was a picture. "Oh no", he cried. "You know I'm always hungry."
Putting him out of his misery, Southey said, "it was time Grizzly and Little Eric had a day off, so I have made scones. There are sultana, and cherry and ginger. Butter and raspberry jam too."
"Wonderful", cheered Allen. "You are ace at scones."
So we all tucked in, and there were murmurs of contentment. "Truly delicious", said Little Eric taking another.
"Yes, quite scrumptious", added Shaun.
Then Tetley told them about the plan to ask Dad to walk on Tuesday. "We need an idea."
"Lets look at the walk index", suggested Grizzly.
This was quickly accessed on the iPad and we scanned down and down the list. "It would be nice to find one prior to the website, so we can write a story", mused Shaun.
"Here", pointed Tetley. "Number 163. Done in 2003. That means that only Shaun and I have done it."
With Southey's help Tetley and Allen got the binder off the shelf. "Here it is", said Southey.
Tetley said, "ahh Dad extended it then, but we could just suggest doing the published route. It's 5.5 miles.
"A lovely area starting from Barbon. There will be nice views of the valley and the fells behind", said Grizzly.
Allen drained his mug, calling out, "will you give me a refill please Shaun", as he went to ask Dad.
"That will be his fourth", said Shaun. "I'm sure he has hollow legs!"
It was a few minutes before Allen returned. "Dad wanted to read the walk and follow it on the map. He says that we have likely done parts before on other walks, but likes our idea, and so we are on for Tuesday."
"Great", cheered Little Eric. "Here's to the best Dad in the world."
We made sure to get up early. "Are you taking a picnic, Dad?", asked Shaun.
"No lad. Afterwards I intend to go for a late lunch to Elaine's."
"Of course", he laughed. "I should have realised."
Dad soon ready, we dashed out to the car calling, "goodbyes to our pals."
"Have a good time", said Craig, "and make sure Dad takes care."
"We will", called back Grizzly.
The drive took us up the Lune Valley to the A65 at Devils Bridge, there taking the road to Sedbergh. As we neared the turn off to Barbon, Tetley said, "we park in the rough layby by Barbon Beck immediately after the turn.
As forecast it was a lovely late winter day with mostly blue skies and virtually no wind.
While Dad got ready, Shaun pointed saying, "the route is across the bridge on the main road."
"It's called Hodge Bridge", said Grizzly. "It is Grade II listed. Probably built in the 18th century. The parapets are later and the southern approach was widened at some point."
"Let's get settled in the rucksack then", urged Southey, "and thank you pal for the information about the bridge."
This shouldered Dad strode off, then stopping to take this of the beck, that was unsurprisingly in spate.
In yards Shaun pointed, "now take the signed path left."
The path across the rough ground soon brought us to the Kirkby Lonsdale golf course. "I can remember when this did not exist", said Dad. Later looking it up we found that this course was set up in 1991.
"There are no waymarkers", commented Little Eric looking about.
"We just need to keep heading in the same general direction", replied Shaun.
This involved crossing the fairways. so we kept a look out for golfers, to avoid flying golf balls. Eventually we came to the back of a green, where three gentleman were searching the rough at the side.
Dad said to one, "have you lost your ball?"
"Not me, but my friend there", he pointed. "He was unlucky the ball hit a stone and has shot off somewhere."
"Enjoy your round", said Dad.
"And have a good walk", he replied.
Whether it was found, we do not know, but then they went onto the green to putt.
We were at the far side of the course now and walking a little way, we came to a gap onto High Beckfoot Lane, and turning right.
Tetley said, "we have walked this a few times before, but always in the opposite direction. This way it leads to Treasonfield Farm."
There were open views either side, Southey pointing, "that will make a nice shot across the valley with that building.
The lane became hedged passing this striking tree.
Such a clear day the view to the right of Middleton Fell was superb.
"The last time we climbed to the summit that is known as Calf Top, was in May 2008 with Uncle Bob", said Tetley. "Then the height in feet was 1999, but more recently it has been reassessed to 2000 feet, and so can be officially classed as a mountain."
"Ahh Uncle Bob. We had so many good times with him finishing off the Wainwrights and then climbing to all those summits in the Yorkshire Dales. Sadly he cannot do much walking now. I miss his company", said Allen.
"Yes pal happy times", agreed Grizzly.
As we strolled on Shaun reminded us, "there is that ford to negotiate."
As we approached, "it is wide and deep. How do we get past?", queried Southey.
"Keep left to the narrow stone bridge then edge along the narrow path by the hedge", replied Tetley.
This is clearly illustrated in the above taken looking back.
Soon we passed Treasonfield Farm and walked its access, Dad deviating onto the grass at one point to get past loose sheep, as we were in danger of driving them to the road.
"Go left a few yards then right along the narrow tall hedged Betweengates Lane", instructed Shaun.
"Ooh it is very narrow. Let's hope there are not any vehicles coming the other way", said Little Eric.
Thankfully this was the case.
Grizzly mused. "I wonder if the name refers to the fact that once it was gated at either end."
"I guess we will never know, but it does sound plausible", replied Allen.
Left at the junction onto an equally narrow road. As we passed Applegarth Farm, Southey called out, "the refuse lorry is coming up behind."
"Thanks lad", replied Dad, as he stood in the entrance off the road.
Then the lorry stopped at the entrance. The driver got out, saying. "I've just got to pick up this bag, then I will be on my way."
"That's fine, you could not get past otherwise."
Passing a gate Southey pointed, "those sheep are a bit unusual. Begging to have their picture taken too."
"Hmph", grunted Allen. Then with a sigh, "sheep picture free story gone again."
"At the three-way junction, we want the lane with the cul-de-sac, which leads to Low Fellside", advised Shaun.
Shortly Grizzly pointed, "snowdrops. Sure sign spring is on the way. Let's hope it will bring drier weather too."
Looking across the fields Tetley pointed. "there is the line of the old railway and a cattle creep bridge. Part of the the Ingleton to Lowgill branch railway from 1861. It closed in 1954 to passengers and freight ceased in 1964 and by 1967 the track was removed. There was a station at Barbon."
"We do not want to go to Low Fellside yet", stated Shaun. "There will be a signed track left we should follow that will put us on the road to Mill House."
Then turning right we passed through the abutments of now removed railway bridge.
"That's Mill House", pointed Southey. "Where we are next walking to."
This would have been a farm once, but is now holiday lets. There we met two workers. Once noticed us and Dad explained. This set off a conversation with him about walking.
Amongst other things he said, "in the past a pal and I climbed some of the Lakeland Fells, but now I prefer to just do lower walks."
A nice interlude.
At the top of the walk now, we turned for home, Shaun saying, "we are looking for a stile."
"There's a signpost directing us", called out Little Eric.
Through the gap stile, Dad headed down to cross the footbridge over Millhouse Beck that was in spate.
The clear route took us across pastures to Low Fellside, the path being to the left of of the buildings and right of a horse shelter.
"Yet another farm converted to housing", commented Allen.
At the access track was crossed slightly right to a signed gate, to then drop down through another small gate.
"Now immediately through that gate right, then left along by the wood", advised Shaun.
Tetley called out, "I think that large tree will make a nice picture with the blue sky behind."
A step stile and then a gate allowed continuation. Looking closely at the map, Shaun the said, "at the next wall it is right beside it and passed a converted barn and on down to a track. Then left along that."
This took us under the bridge of the defunct railway and into the yard of Sowermire Farm.
Following the access we came to a path left signed Borwens.
"That's the route", stated Southey, "down to and across the footbridge."
"Oh heck!", exclaimed Little Eric. "There's no bridge. I guess that large plank on the far bank is all that remains."
"Hmm", mused Dad. "I guess I could try and cross by that wood pole."
"No", shouted Allen. "Far to dangerous. There must be an alternative."
"There is", called out Shaun. "We just continue along the farm access to the road and then go left all the way to Barbon."
As we did Dad stopped to take this view to a this small tarn and the valley beyond.
At the road, Tetley pointed, "we can sit on the old milk churn stand for our picture."
Turning left along the lane called High Road we strolled to Barbon and through the village to the car.
"Super", cheered Southey. "Thank you Dad."
"You're welcome. I have enjoyed it very much. Thank you for suggesting it lads. Before we go to Elaine's I'm going to Mr Williamson's opposite the church to get some chutney."
"You have been coming here for many years", commented Allen.
It was nice for Dad to see him and they had a little chat.
So on to Elaine's, where else. By the time we got there it had quietened off, but they had had a busy lunch. Dad's usual table was taken so he sat by the kitchen, with us sitting on the table. Sue and Andy looked after Dad.
He had lovely giant Yorkshire pudding with mash stew and peas and lots of gravy!! Tea of course. Then apple crumble and custard. This last had been delivered to a customer who had wanted ice cream, so a fresh portion was brought to him.
Dad said to Andy, "I'll have the other one!"
Sue came and sat while she had her dinner. It was nice for Dad to chat, as he does not get much chance these days on Monday, with meeting with Uncle Leo, Auntie Pat and Uncle Ken. He also chatted a little with Sharon. The girls are ok, although Molly had sprained her ankle playing rugby.
A grand day out!
19th April 2024
We had had to put off walks with Uncle Eric a few times due to the wet weather. Finally a dry day and it was decided to repeat this walk. Dad got a bit lost on the golf course today, but a lady golfer helped put us on track. On Betweengates Lane we met a van but it passed ok as Dad and Uncle Eric climbed into the hedge. On the next narrow lane we met the same vehicle. We think they were lost. Later as we passed by Low Fellside the same van was parked! They were heating engineers working at a house. Uncle Eric told us he had enjoyed the walk and we were so pleased to have his company. Afterwards Dad went to Mr Williamson's to get chutney. His daughter did the sale. She told Dad he is keeping going despite all. Dad sent my best wishes.
