10th April 2021 - Ingleborough from Clapham
Dad wanted to see if he could still get up on the fells. So on a sunny calm day that felt more like winter than spring, we set out from Clapham taking the signed route up the lane that leads to Clapdale Farm. Sheep about here and Dad got a couple of shots. Descended to Clapdale Drive, onto the level track past Ingleborough Cave. After the next gate we soon came to the narrow defile of Trow Gill, making rough rocky climb. Two ladies were ahead. They rested so Dad had a little chat, and we were spotted, and commented on the first of a number of times today! The path narrow and more rough and rocky now led on by a wall to eventually reach a double stile over the wall. Here the view opened out and we could see the summit, and the steep climb that first faced Dad up Little Ingleborough. So followed the path that after a while started the ascent. Large sections have been repaired and paved and formed into steps. The climb got ever steeper, but Dad plodded on with a few stops, and finally the cairn on Little Ingleborough was reached. There was a group there, one lady clearly from the balloons celebrating her 30th birthday. Dad called out Happy Birthday. The final ascent is less steep and Dad walked on eventually being behind the birthday girl group, but this helped to pace him, and there we were at the summit plateau. Walked across to the trig point, where we sat on top for our picture. A lady kindly offered to take Dad with us too. She idea of us going walking. Little Eric was her favourite! So walked across to the cross shelter and sat to rest and we sat out too. This got Dad into conversation with as they said, "Three lovely ladies from Burnley." Dad had to explain about us and our different characters. Again Little Eric was their favourite. They asked to take our picture. We are never shy! The views were super today and Dad took a few shots. We returned the same way. Although Little Ingleborough is not a summit there is a nice cairn and Dad agreed to take our picture there. Two couples were there and one lady suddenly said, "Are you Stag?" Dad replied, "yes, they are". She had read some of my stories and told us that through the website they had discovered Elaine's. We deduced too that some of our adventures had given here ideas for walks as she leads a group. Descending we deviated to view Gaping Gill. Here we encountered the birthday group, one lady saying "I like the teddies". At Trow Gill Dad took care descending and not for the first time today was glad he had his stick. At Clapdale Drive, we decided to walk the toll path through the woods to Clapham. Dad was honest and paid the £1 fee. Not sure everyone does. A grand day out, thank you Dad. Rounded off now by going to Elaine's where Dad had mince and onion pie with chips and vegetables, and two cups of tea.
23rd February 2018 - Smearsett Scar, Pot Scar, Wharfe & Austwick from Feizor
On a lovely winter day, with a a bit of a cold wind, we met Pat & Leo at Feizor for a walk. Dad had a pot of tea and they a coffee before setting off. So with the us safely tucked in the rucksack, Dad strode out through the farmyard. Brian and Gerry (Donkeys) came over to the fence. Up the hill the over the stile and on climbing to the brow then on down into the valley to cross left by the wall and over the stile then contour up to the summit of Smearsett Scar. We jumped out for our picture on top of the trig point, Pat & Leo holding us in the wind. So onwards along the scar, dropping down to cross a stile and climb to the large pile of stones fashioned into a shelter that marks the summit of Pot Scar. No actual spot height, but the summit is contained within a 350m contour area, so have estimated at 352m (1155ft). Dad took our picture here too. Continued on to cross a stile and then bend away right and join a track that led to the track to Feizor. Crossed the stile on the left to drop down below Wharfe Wood crossing stiles and footbridges (2) and onto the road. Went left a short way then walked through the hamlet of Wharfe. Lovely snowdrops by the path and on the banks. Took track left to come to a junction, where over the wall had long ago stood a mill, of which little now remains. Went right to follow the track and rejoin the road by Silloth House and Mill Bridge. Walked right now to Austwick. A passing car with a lady driving stopped to comment on us!! Dad told her the website! Passed the school and pub, then took a narrow lane right by houses to come out at the cross. Left now to soon go right along Pant Lane, that peters out for traffic but goes on as a track by Austwick Beck crossing twice by little stone bridges. Delightful. Water was so clear too. Eventually reached the road again where went left to Austwick Bridge to take the track Wood Lane, right. Where it bends left climbed the ladderstile and crossed the field below the hill to another ladderstile onto Hale Lane. This was walked back to Feizor. Now Dad went to Elaine's to have lunch that we had pre-ordered. He had meat and potato pie with chips and veg, then blackcurrant crumble and custard. Tea to drink. A lovely lovely day. Pat & Leo are such good company and there was lots and lots of chat and laughs too! Did Dad the world of good.
2nd February 2018 - Dales Way, Pennine Way & Ribble Way from Gearstones
This was a repeat of a walk we did with Uncle Eric, summer 2013. Today the views were clear and the mountains covered in snow. Walked the road towards Hawes, then went right on Dales Way along the Cam Road, that years ago was the old drove route and only road to Hawes. Crossed the bridge over Gayle Beck and climbed steadily almost to the brow to a junction. Here the Cam Road continues as the Pennine Way that had come in from the right. Our way was right along the Pennine Way heading south. A good track that wound its way through the moorland, that still had patches of snow. The route meandered on coming to pretty Ling Gill Bridge and then on above the deep gorge of Ling Gill-all fenced off as dangerous. Bare of foliage today we could see a little more of the steep sided gorge. The Shaun had spotted that there was a trig point on Cave Hill at 1260ft, so we were determined to reach it. So coming its slopes I said pointing left, "that looks to be a likely path Dad." This climbed to a col revealing a slight depression before the final climb to the summit. "Come on, let's sit on top", called out Southey. Then on in the direction of the walk dropped down the slopes to regain the track. Once again climbed the stile after the gate to view the stream and waterfall with at least a 50ft drop to a pool where it goes underground. More spectacular today. Dad had to be very careful due to the slippery rocks getting a picture, nearly sliding at one point. Then on a short way to Old Ing the house being secluded in trees. Here we took the gate right to walk a good track passing the house entrance. The track actually leads fairly soon to a road at High Birkwith, but before that we went right on a track to follow the Ribble Way. This undulated on to Gods Bridge,and then on down to pass Nether Lodge, where beyond the route crossed rough pasture and moorland. The path now bypasses the farmyard over a newish bridge over Cam Beck. Then at a multi armed signpost Dad initially climbed the slope. So muddy he lost his footing and fell getting mud allover his trousers. We tried not to laugh! Now cut away left over rough very boggy ground to pick up a path over the shoulder of Swinset Hill and so eventually to a gate in the fence. Here followed on roughly in the same direction again on rough undulating ground to find a gate in the wall just right of the far corner. Followed by wall but then kept to path away from the wall to a step stile over the wall by a ruined barn. Past the barn went right up the hill through a gap then on to descend to the ruined buildings of Thorns. Now over a stile and through a small field to a gate onto track where right to another gate to open ground again. Walked left on narrow path by the wall and on to curve round and down a track to the ford on the infant River Ribble. Crossed by footbridge a little downstream and beyond joined a track to a gate and so to another gate and into the layby. Lovely walking and really the terrain belied that this was limestone country. Saw no other person today on the walk. Bliss! Then unsurprisingly went to Elaine's! Sharon saw us arrive and ordered Dad's tea. He sat with Pat and Leo having a nice chat. To eat he had parsnip soup, tuna sandwich and salad, then blackcurrant pie and custard. Good day.
8th November 2017 - Long Preston to Settle (almost) circular
A day with Uncle Eric for a walk, so Dad suggested this walk we had done last year. Met at Long Preston railway station. The day was perfect with no wind and sunny skies for the most part and clear views. Walked to the A65, then left to the green going right to then take almost immediately the first left, Green Gate Lane. This climbs gently but relentlessly, becoming Edge Lane by an area of access land called The Edge. After about another half a mile the tarmac ends. Lovely along here with the wide open views to Bowland and Pendle Hill and over to the fells above Settle. Last time we had spotted Hunter, the little abandoned teddy bear, very wet and rather mucky, stuck in a tree on the right, that we had rescued. Today he came along on the walk snuggled in the rucksack by Grizzly and had a great day. Shortly now we climbed a stile on the left then then went on ahead to climb a path and soon reach the trig point on Hunter Bark, where we sat for our obligatory picture. Remembering the difficulty getting over the barbed wire topped fence, Dad suggested returning to the stile to regain the track. Passed along here by a police 4x4! The track led by Black's Plantation, and then went right round the top to Mitchell Lane. Here it was sharp right on the track called Lambert Lane between walls that eventually led to a road, High Hill Lane below High Hill & Sugar Loaf Hill. Went right to visit Scaleber Force in full spate. Crossed Scaleber Bridge and shortly where the road swung sharp left kept ahead on Langber Lane. This had once been a proper road as in many places the tarmac was still intact. Eventually we dropped down right to walk by a fence and find a signpost for the footpath. Passed through a gate then forded Brook Gill Beck on the stepping stones, to then walk on parallel with the beck but climbing high above. The path then bent right, crossed a tiny stream and through a broken wall and on to a cross wall at a wall junction. Through gate and half left to gate in next wall, then followed clear path to a kissing gate. Crossed the footbridge right then followed the path as it swung left and up by the edge of New Pasture Plantation. Through gate and followed wide track to leave almost immediately via a gap stile and cross the field diagonally on clear grassy path to stepped gap stile in wall. Descended to next stepped gap stile and left to similar stile in wall on left. Then diagonally right to another stile and ahead to the next. Walked left by wall to step stile on to walled grassy track that led to School Lane and right to the A65 and so back to car. All new to Uncle Eric who had thoroughly enjoyed the walk and the lovely countryside. Now to Elaine's, Sharon being surprised to see Dad yet again! He had a Eccles cake and Eric a scone with butter and jam, and tea for us both. Good day with good company.
29th October 2017 - Giggleswick Scar & Celtic Wall from Feizor
A clear sunny day that have been few and far between lately. Deciding to repeat this walk, Dad parked at Elaine's Tearoom around 10:30 and going on for a pot of tea prior to setting off. Sharon seeing Dad said, "what are you doing here?". The cafe was pretty busy already. Walked down the road to go left on the track to Stackhouse. Shortly through a gate the way was wide and grassy climbing gently. After a while took the right fork down by wall to gate and on the clear wide grassy path to gate in left wall and then next in wall to right and on to gate in wall on left. Here kept left signed Giggleswick, to gated step stile and on through broken wall to then branch left on narrow trod to make the short climb to the large summit cairn. Views were pretty clear today, but unlike last year there were few autumn colours. Suppose the winds and rain recently have taken their toll. Descended to rejoin main path leaving this after a while to visit the Schoolboys tower. Large cairn hollow in centre. We had our picture here and at the summit too of course. Returned again to main path and skirting left round quarry then made the direct descent to the path through the wall. Followed this climbing gently to come by wall and over the stone step stile then down to shortly climb ladderstile in wall on the left to join path from Stackhouse. On through the left of two gates and meander on to skirt a wall corner and through gate ahead and then on to gate in wall on right. Here immediately left to gate in wall and on to next gate and then ladderstile over next wall. Now left the track to climb right picking up a tractor track to a gate where we met three walkers, Dad chatting to them. Walked the short way to Dead Mans Cave, then crossed east to the Celtic Wall where we had our picture taken again. Then descended to the path below Smearsett Scar. Here left to descend to take ladderstile over wall on right and keep ahead in same direction to stile into yard at Feizor. Now went in to Elaine's with Dad. He had a lovely ham cheese and tomato ciabatta and tea. Cafe was very busy all the time. Before driving off Dad had a chat with Uncle Jonathan.
15th October 2017 - Ingleborough via Crina Bottom
So on a misty day we climbed Ingleborough once again. It was great too that after such a long time we had Uncle Bob for company, the weather having intervened to make this possible. He and Aunt Ann had gone to Keswick with the caravan for 2 weeks, but due to heavy rain last Wednesday and flooding they were forced off, and so moved to Thornbrook Barn near Ingleton. Uncle Bob is getting back into walking again, so Dad's call to him made his mind up about going up Ingleborough. Picked him up then we parked on the verge below Storrs Common. Ready we followed the track Fell Lane, signed Ingleborough 2.25 miles. It lies!! It is 3 miles! Dad pointed out the low embankment that runs across the track this being the site of a mineral railway that once served a granite quarry on the Hawes Road. Now strode Fell Lane a wide track stony and flooded in places after recent rains that serves the farm of Crina Bottom. Glorious along here with wide open views and the fields with sheep and lambs. The scene of Crina Bottom had Ingleborough obscured by cloud, but there were some nice autumn tints. The track ends here and onwards it is a grassy and stony path climbing steadily with limestone escarpments above. Quite busy too with other walkers heading up the hill. After a while the path is surfaced as it crosses moor, to then finally ascend the escarpments by steps to the summit plateau. The wind was fierce here, and on the last few steps to the plateau they were nearly blown over. The mist was down. We went the short way to the trig point. Then we sat at the shelter for lunch out of the wind. We sat on the raised section in the corner and had our picture taken on Uncle Bob's phone. The cameras had been left behind due to the poor visibility. So then we made our way down, the winds easing. A large walking party were following so stopped by some rocks for a drink. One lady spotted the us. Dad told the tale and mentioned the website. She said that she had been asked to go into schools to promote walking and said she might us the site in the talks. Returned to the caravan where there was tea, cake and biscuits, while Dad chatted with them. Grand day out!!!
25th March 2017 - Whernside from Ribblehead
A glorious spring day with cloudless skies and it was so still on the summit. Dad walked in t-shirt for most of the time and said "I could have been in shorts too." This was a special day for Southey, as it would see him complete the Limestone challenge, something he was excited about. The plan had been to climb from Dentdale via the tarns. Wainwright's book indicates a parking place by the Methodist Chapel, but this is now a house. So there was no option but to make the ascent from Ribblehead. The weather combined with the popularity of the fell and the fact that quite a few walkers were doing the Three Peaks, made for a procession! So passing the viaduct kept on ahead on the wide track below Blea Moor to cross the aqueduct seeing the entrance to Bleamoor Tunnel. A young lady called Lila stopped Dad to ask about us, so he explained. She loved the idea and took our picture in the rucksack. Also noted the website. Dad climbed on eventually to the stile then on and on up to the ridge on the flagged path. It is steep and Dad could tell he had lost some leg strength. "Glad I decided not to do Helvellyn", he commented to us. He talked a bit with another couple who were training for doing the Three Peaks in May. Then talked a bit to a group of three. Husband, wife and sister. They offered to let us go ahead, but Dad said "it looks steeper ahead so I will be slower." Finally to the ridge and the more gentle climb to the summit, walking with the couple. He mentioned the us when we settled on the trig point, she took our picture. Southey also had his picture taken on his own to mark his completion of the challenge. As a result Dad then got talking to a young lady who liked the idea of Dad taking us. She was a fell runner, but having had operations on both knees, one just 6 weeks ago, she was just walking the Three Peaks today. She had done the Three Peaks race 7 times. Dad said, "you have my admiration". One little girl came and said, "I love your Shaun the Sheep." "Thank you", Dad replied. So now headed on along the ridge and down High Pike to make the steep descent left. Lots of this path is graded some with just rough set stones some stepped flags. Hard going on Dad's legs and knees, them nearly giving way at times such is the loss of strength. Care where putting feet needed on the rougher sections. At the bottom we stopped by some rocks to have a quick snack. Then through the gate and beyond the building left on the footpath across the fields to Ivescar, then right on the stiled way to the smooth access road to Gunnerfleet Farm. Right over the bridge to follow the wide surfaced track under the viaduct, stopping to take Southey's picture by the Monument. Refreshment time, so where else but Elaine's. Here he had tea and bacon and cream cheese toasty and chips. Jonathan was taking a break to have a mug of tea, so he and Dad sat chatting had having a good few laughs. A grand day!
8th February 2017 - Moughton & Crummack Dale from Wharfe
Uncle Eric has not climbed Moughton or walked in Crummack Dale, so we were all happy to repeat this walk. A cold cloudy day and although not too windy it was bitter on the walk from the summit to the descent into the valley. Having left Uncle Eric's car at Elaine's, Dad drove to the verge pull-in opposite a barn on Austwick to Helwith Bridge road. Walked on a short way to take the unmade road left into Wharfe and along the muddy track to join another path coming in left, and keep ahead up the dale. Soon climbed the large stone step stile right to go on ahead more or less parallel with the track through a gateway to then follow the grassy path as it climbs right to come near a wall. The footpath goes on ahead through a gate, but we took the path swinging right towards the dramatic Studrigg Scar. A stream issues from the bottom, but long ago it may have been a waterfall over the top. A narrow trod on the left winds its way up the hillside and drifts left to a ladderstile in the wall. Having followed the clear path that skirts along the scar last time, this time we took the path rising to the right of a prominent rise to its top. In clear view to the right the trig point stood out white against the grey sky. Followed a path, but when this began to go left, kept ahead across a boggy area to pick up a path up the next rise. Then on and up the rise, the trig point and cairn being revealed at the last minute just yards ahead. Too windy for the trig point we sat on the cairn for our picture. Unsurprisingly the view was poor today, but the snowy slopes of Ingleborough could be seen if not the summit. Taking a path north until it gave out as we crossed limestone pavement, and remembering that we had got too far right last time, we kept heading slightly left. A but difficult across the limestone pavement for a while but finally got to grassy ground and then onto a path skirting the scar and meeting the path from Horton, at the point where it descend into Crummack Dale. The track swept down beneath Moughton Scars and became walled after a gate. Half way stopped to take in the view of the dale and enjoy the utter and complete silence. Wonderful! After the gate there was flooding for a little way so crossed to the other side of the broken wall on the left to avoid the worst. Then grassy just kept on the path eventually becoming a narrower and muddier, and finally join the track that crosses the dale. Here again we deviated the short distance to show Uncle Eric the clapper bridge and Sheep Dub Pool. The wide path soon goes left into a field, but our route was ahead on the narrower path that led unerringly all the way to Wharfe and the start. Uncle Eric told us that he had really enjoyed the walk!! So now returned to Elaine's. We had our picnic in the car while Dad and Uncle Eric went and settled in the warmth, by the fire. Quite busy, but gradually people left until only Uncle Eric and Dad remained. Uncle Eric had a scone with butter and jam and Dad had a ham cheese and tomato toasty with chips and salad. Warming tea to drink of course, while they had a good chat to round off a nice day.
28th December 2016 - Giggleswick Scar from Feizor
Walking with Uncle Eric today - great! Lovely winter day with cloudless skies and hardly any wind. This is a repeat of the walk we did at the end of October, but happy to do this, as beautiful scenery and an area that Uncle Eric had never walked before. Also as starting from Elaine's handy for a snack afterwards. Walked down the road to go left on the track to Stackhouse. Shortly through a gate the way was wide and grassy climbing gently. Here we met Uncle Jonathan in this tractor. There was a little chat and also we could shut the gate for him. After a while took the right fork down by wall to gate and on the clear wide grassy path to gate in left wall and then next in wall to right and on to gate in wall on left. Here kept left signed Giggleswick, to gated step stile. Today Dad got the walls mixed up and took us up the fell one wall too soon. No problem as we just walked the path on the ridge to and through a broken wall to the large summit cairn. Clear today giving majestic views to Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent. Descended via proper ascent route to rejoin main path leaving this after a while to visit the Schoolboys Tower. Large cairn hollow in centre. Returned again to main path and skirted left round quarry. To avoid the long circle via the zig-zag track, Dad instead suggested we took a narrow path forking left to arrive at the path through the wall on the left. Followed this climbing gently to come by wall and today spot the stone step stile of the proper footpath and descend to the ladderstile in wall on left to join path from Stackhouse. On through the left of two gates and meander on to skirt a wall corner and through gate ahead and then on to gate in wall on right. Here immediately left to gate in wall and on to next gate and then ladderstile over next wall. Now left the track to climb right. Last time we had not got into the right area to visit the Celtic Wall but wanted to show this to Uncle Eric today. So at the top we climbed the gate in the wall and then followed a narrow path, seeing and going first to Dead Mans Cave - a first for us all. Then on the path headed towards Smearsett Scar, coming to the Celtic Wall, where we had our picture taken. Then crossed right to the wall and descended the steep slope and on to join the path from Stainforth to Feizor. Here left to descend to take ladderstile over wall on right and keep ahead in same direction to stile into yard at Feizor. Nice walk. We settled in the car for our picnic, while Dad and Uncle Eric had a snack at Elaine's. Uncle Eric had a toasted teacake and Dad had a bacon and egg bap. Large pot of tea and hot water too. Elaine came to chat, so met Uncle Eric. So a nice walk in good company to round off 2016.
11th November 2016 - Moughton & Crummackdale from Wharfe
A nice day with not much wind and sunny to start but cloudy later and cool in the wind. So progressing Southey's Limestone summits again. This is the walk from Wainwright's book. Parked on the verge pull-in opposite a barn on Austwick to Helwith Bridge road. Walked on a short way to take the unmade road left into Wharfe. Past houses and along the leaf strewn track to join another path coming in left, and keep ahead up the dale. Soon climbed the large stone step stile right to go on ahead more or less parallel with the track across field to gateway and on to then to follow the grassy path as it climbs right to come near a wall. The footpath goes on ahead through a gate, but we took the path swinging right towards Studrigg Scar. A stream issues from the bottom, but perhaps long ago it may have been a waterfall over the top? A narrow trod on the left winds its way up the hillside and drifts left to a ladderstile in the wall. Followed a clear path that skirts along the scar, and then after a while took a intermittent trod right that led to the summit with its trig point and cairn. We had photo on both. Good views to Ingleborough covered in snow. Pen-y-ghent brooding under dark cloud. So now headed north on a path that gave out as we crossed limestone pavement. We were heading for the path from Horton, that comes over a wall on the right. We got rather too far right but it enabled us to find the definite path near to the wall. Turned left and followed the clear path that swept down beneath Moughton Scars and became walled after a gate. On this section there was flooding for a little way after the recent rains. Then just kept on the path eventually becoming narrower and finally join the track that crosses the dale. Here we deviated just the short distance to view the clapper bridge and Sheep Dub Pool. The wide path soon goes left into a field, but our route was ahead on the narrower path that led unerringly all the way to Wharfe and the start. So now Southey only has Whernside to do to complete the Limestone book!!! Now to Elaine's where it was quiet for once. Not surprisingly Leo and Pat were there, and we sat with them while Dad had his dinner. Tuna mayonnaise sandwich and tea. They then chatted about an hour. Lovely company, and made the day rounding it off perfectly. So after they left, Dad phoned Uncle Brian and then very soon set off for home. Good day and nice walk.
30th October 2016 - Giggleswick Scar from Feizor
So after Dad's visit his osteopath Dennis, the suggestion had been to restrict my walks to about 7 miles with not too much climb. So it was decided to progress Southey's Limestone challenge and climb Giggleswick Scar. The last time we had climbed this on 14th February 2009 with Uncle Bob, had been a very important day, as we discovered Elaine's Tearooms, which is now Dad and Uncle Brian's second home in Yorkshire as they go every Monday! So we parked there and Dad had a pot of tea before setting off. There were just a few people in, but then suddenly it filled right up, so Dad left to free his table. Walked down the road to go left on the track to Stackhouse. Shortly through a gate the way was wide and grassy climbing gently. After a while took the right fork down by a wall to gate and on the clear wide grassy path to gate in left wall and then in the next wall ahead, to keep on to a gate in then wall on left. Here we kept left signed Giggleswick, to a gated step stile and on through a broken wall to then branch left on a narrow trod to make the short climb to the large summit cairn. Views at bit hazy today but lots of nice autumn colours. Descended to rejoin main path leaving this after a while to visit the Schoolboys tower. Large cairn hollow in centre. We had our picture taken inside. Returned again to main path and skirted left round quarry. Here met four ladies and chatted a little. They asked where we had come from and when Dad said Elaine's one lady said "that's where we are headed." Followed zigzag track down then where this turns right to gate, kept ahead on path, deviating to avoid a cow sitting on it and through the wall. Followed this climbing gently to come by a wall and eventually climb a hurdle over this right then down to shortly climb ladderstile in wall on left to join path from Stackhouse. On through the left of two gates and meander on to skirt a wall corner and through gate ahead and then on to gate in wall on right. Here immediately left to gate in wall and on to next gate and then ladderstile over next wall. Now left the track to climb right picking up a tractor track to descend to the path below Smearsett Scar. Here left to descend to take ladderstile over wall on right and keep ahead in same direction to stile into yard at Feizor. Nice walk. Dad then had meal at Elaine's. Sausages eggs and chips then blackcurrant crumble and custard, and tea. He chatted with Elaine after it has quietened down and also chatted with Jonathan.
22nd October 2016 - Gragareth, Masongill & Ireby from Cowan Bridge
Dad wanted to do a hill to test how his back is progressing, so we decided to progress Southey's Limestone challenge, by ticking off Gragareth for him. As no parking in Ireby (so we thought, as actually there is a small area by some swings on the Leck road) we parked at Cowan Bridge. The day was dry with sunny periods and lightish winds. So walked under the old railway bridge and continued up the road to Bank House where we took a footpath right to cut a corner. Climbed stone step stile and then through a barn and gate to the next gate and across field to stone step stile. Then by the wall on left to ladderstile over it. Rounded trunk of large tree and left to descend reinforced bank to road. Then right and on to eventually reach the access to Leck Fell Farm. Had seen some people in the car park who had passed us in a car. Met them again here, they being kitted out for caving. Rather them than us. We prefer to be above ground! Through gate to rough track and climbed by fence to brow, then took trackless climb right to reach the cairns known as the Three Men of Gragareth, Dad taking our picture. Someone had started to build a fourth cairn between two of them. It spoils the whole effect so Dad demolished it. Then with the cairns to our backs walked on up the fell over mostly trackless ground to gain the summit at the trig point. This was surrounded by a muddy pool, and too windy to sit on top, Dad took our picture a few feet away. Southey wanted to sit on top and Dad attempted to use a stone to support him only for our pal to fall in the water and get rather muddy!! Views were sadly a bit hazy today. Followed path that brought us to the wall, where Dad stopped to phone Uncle Brian. Climbed very rickety ladderstile over wall on left and walked on ahead to climb one in facing wall. This was in fact wrong as we should have gone through gate on right to gain the long narrow pasture of Ireby Fell. Having realised this, after a while Dad found a spot to climb over the wall. Crossed to the right to gain the tractor track and follow this past Ireby Fell Cavern, and on and on down to the boundary wall at the bottom, and strike left to find a waymarked gate left. If Dad had just taken a second to think he would have realised we should be going right at this footpath to Ireby, but perhaps it was the cows being by the gate that put us off. Anyway followed the way left down walled path to open pasture, then rounded hill to left and through gate on right and along track to gate to road and into Masongill. This now meant a 3/4m walk to Ireby!! Walked through the farm to gate on right and crossed in direction of waymark, to bottom of field, but the way is actually straight across to gate. Then diagonally right to stone step stile with footbridge immediately beyond and on to next stone step stile very shortly in wall on right. Crossed field to join grassy track to stile by locked gate and along walled track to Ireby. Took road to to Leck passing Todgill Farm and eventually passing Leck Church to junction of outward route, where left to start. By now about 15:30 so changed quickly then drove to Elaine's having scone and tea. It had and was still busy, but fairly soon Dad was only customer and as usual Rachel and Sue were sweeping and mopping round him!! Chatted a bit with Elaine. Good day, but Dad's back as sore afterwards, still he is seeing Dennis, his osteopath again next Friday. Until then no more walks.
17th September 2016 - Burtersett to Bainbridge via Wether Fell & Countersett
So meeting Uncle Bob again for a lovely walk. We met at Bainbridge, leaving Dad's car there, and driving in Uncle Bob's to Burtersett, our start point. Took the lane beside the Institute to then go left along the good track. The day was sunny for the most part with a nice breeze at height. In the afternoon it got a bit humid without any wind. The track climbed steadily and after the second gate we were in access land. In the clear air the views were superb today. As we climbed there was a fantastic view of Wensleydale below. As the ascent levelled we struck off left across rough ground towards the summit of Yorburgh, a top we had not bagged before. A wall encloses the fell on this side with a net wire fence above. We headed in such a way to come to a wall corner as once over the summit would just be ahead. Close to the corner, the ground made the wall low and bending the net we got over quite easily. Just a short distance then brought us to a slight prominent rise that was the summit. Just over the wall was a weather station powered by solar cells. Our photo done, we then retraced to the track, to continue the climb towards Wether Fell. At a corner took the path left to pass through a gate and on to another onto the Cam Road. Now walked right for a while, to find a narrow trod off right that climbed gently to the shapely cairn at Drumaldrace marking the summit. We adorned this for our picture. Wide open views here. Distantly we could see Fountains Fell, Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. So returned the same way to the Cam Road, and walked back and on to eventually come to a gate on the right to a wide path signed Crag Side Road. This led over the open moor basically level for most of the way until there was a steeper section of descent that took us eventually to the road. Fine views eventually here of Semer Water. We met a couple from Wales and chatted about walks. They had recently completed the Wainwrights, their last being Esk Pike. So at the road descended left to Countersett. Here there were three seats with a fine view of Semer Water and Raydale, where we sat for a few minutes. Then getting up Dad and Uncle Bob took a few pictures, while another couple sat on the seats. Dad got chatting. They were from Kirkby Lonsdale and when Dad said he was from Morecambe the conversation developed further. They asked where he originally came from and saying Southport the wife said she was from Ormskirk! The gentleman had recently retired from an accountants in Dalton Square Lancaster. Dad said he had worked there until Provincial closed the office in 1989. The gentleman said did I know Tricia Airey. Yes, she had been the receptionist and had gone to work for them after being made redundant! Small world. He knew David Slater too, who had been the manager. Dad also explained about us too. So finally walked on down to Semer Water Bridge chatting to a gentleman coming through the gate to the path we wanted. The other couple passed by and Dad said, "haven't we seen you before." The lady replied, "it's the teddy bears that give you away!" So now walked the stiled way by the river before climbing away and above to reach Bracken Hill that we had visited in 2009. We were out for our picture. Continued on now to descended to a lane and then to the main road and so to Bainbridge. We went straight to the Corn Mill Tearooms, where Dad and Uncle Bob had a nice pot of Yorkshire Tea with extra hot water and a piece of lemon meringue pie. Perfect way to round off the walk. The couple from Kirkby Lonsdale came in too, the lady commenting, "thought we'd find you here!" Dad had set the rucksack on a chair with us inside. When she passed to go to the loo, she commented, "they have made my day." Ahh! So now drove to Burtersett to reunite Uncle Bob with his car. Noted that the Institute was open for tea, so they went to have another. Tables laid out with cloths and vases with real flowers. It was self service with a box for donations! How wonderful to see this in this day and age! The lady in charge came in and they had a nice chat. Uncle Bob took his and Dad's picture. So a great day and we now drove home.
20th April 2016 - Ingleborough via Crina Bottom from Ingleton
So on a truly glorious spring day with cloudless skies we climbed Ingleborough once again, the main purpose being that Uncle Eric could bag the summit. Met him at the disused quarry on Storrs Common by the road to Hawes. A narrow trod leaves this to wind its way upwards and come by the wall where following a short distance right we joined the main track, Fell Lane. Before heading to the mountain, we actually walked back about 60 yards to find the now low embankment that runs across the track. This was the site of a mineral railway that once served a granite quarry on the Hawes Road. Now strode Fell Lane a wide track stony in places that serves the farm of Crina Bottom. Glorious along here with wide open views and the fields with sheep and lambs. The scene of Crina Bottom with Ingleborough behind is a delight. The track ends here and onwards it is a grassy and stony path climbing steadily with limestone escarpments above. Quite busy too with other walkers heading up the hill. After a while the path is surfaced as it crosses moor, to then finally ascend the escarpments by steps to the summit plateau and just a short way to the trig point. Here we had our picture taken once again of course. Then we sat at the shelter for lunch. Dad had met another walker while waiting for Eric to reach the top and he sat at the shelter too. They chatted. He was from Wigan and told us that he was going to see a play at the Dukes Playhouse in Lancaster tonight. So then we walked round the rim viewing the various features and taking in the views. Dad snapped off a few shots in quick succession, Uncle Eric joking, "come on Gerry you're English not Japanese!" So we then made our way down the same way. Then Dad and Uncle Eric went to Country Harvest for tea and scone with butter and jam. Grand day out!!!
14th April 2016 - Great Coum from Dent
Well we had not been up this fell for some years so it was nice to do this walk again, and it helps Southey get nearer to bagging all the Limestone summits. A dry day with little sun but light winds but cool in the easterly breeze. From Dent walked along the tarmac road past the charming cottages, to then climb quite steeply at times the rough stony track up Flinter Gill, passing the Dancing Flags and the Wishing Tree. This eventually reaches a junction with Green Lane that is an old road to Ingleton running from the Barbondale road. Here turned left and walked for 2.5 miles. The track was stony mostly but grassy at times and was very wet and muddy. The recent rain has stopped the drying out process. The Megger Stones to be visited later could be seen and we noted the gates by the lane side for later. Last time we could not find the gate referred to in AW's guide, and again we fell foul of this today. We should have taken the gate before the second wall climbing the fell, but were saved having to retrace, as a short section of wall had unfortunately collapsed that allowed Dad to crawl under the wire fence to make the ascent. Here distantly we saw two walkers traversing the upper slopes the only other walkers today. So crossed the trackless moor and made the steep ascent to the ridge and the path by the wall. Went to the large boulder called the County Stone to take a picture. I assume that long ago this marked a county boundary. Now climbed the ridge crossing to the left side of the wall via a stile and on up to the flat summit. Climbed stile in cross wall to then traverse shortly left to the small cairn that marks the OS map spot height summit. We had our picture taken, before crossing the stile in the wall and visiting the other cairn that AW considered the summit. Then returned to the wall and made the at times steep descent of Crag End to climb a stile in the cross wall and walk on. Followed where the wall bent left then when it turned down the fell went on ahead to come to the Megger Stones a collection of cairns some old some recent. We posed here too. Dad and Shaun decided to ignore AW's route here to save doubling back, by descending to the wall on the left and then down to the gate leading to the track. It was sunk in the mud so Dad climbed over. Now returned via outwards route. Visited a barn by the track that is full of old machinery from the horsedrawn age. Wonderful! So, it was to Elaine's, where Dad had a scone, chocolate cake and tea. Nice day and superb views of Dentdale, and the fells.
31st March 2016 - Pen-y-ghent from Horton in Ribblesdale
A nice day feeling like spring with some sun and light winds although this was chilly. Our pal Southey and Uncle Eric had not climb this before, and the rest of us were looking forward to doing it again. It is a very popular climb made more so today by the fact it was school holidays and it was good to see so many people out walking and families too with their children. Better than sitting in front of a computer!. So from the car park walked a short way towards Settle to take the Pennine Way left, along Horton Scar Lane. This stony track led through the lovely countryside with our objective away to the right and coming ever closer as we reached Tarn Bar. Along here we met a gentleman who was carrying a teddy bear in his belt, so we just had to stop and chat. He is called Al the Explorer Ted and like us goes on all his walks. We were introduced as well and our picture taken as we did of Al and his dad. At a gate the path goes four ways. Ahead to Foxup, left is the Three Peaks Route, and right the Pennine Way and our route to Pen-y-ghent. So the good surfaced track headed on climbing steadily to a point where it swung sharp right for the final climb to the summit. When Dad sat us on the trig point, we provoked quite a lot of interest, two gentlemen taking our picture and some children coming to have a look too. Dad mentioned our website and one gentleman called Simon Burren e-mailed later saying he thought it was great. So now we made the descent. Gentle at first on the flagged path but then very steep rough and rocky on the next two sections down to the gate in the wall. Through this we made the long descent over Brackenbottom Scar to Brackenbottom and so along the road to Horton. Then Dad and Uncle went to Blindbeck Tearooms. Here Uncle Eric had a toasted teacake and hot chocolate, and Dad a scone with jam and pot of tea. A grand day out in my home county!
22nd March 2016 - Ingleborough from Clapham
So on a dry but cloudy day with a cool wind it was decided to climb Ingleborough. We started in Clapham which was the way we had climbed it on the first occasion in December 2006. So from Clapham walked up Clapdale Lane to Clapdale Farm, and then down to the path in the valley, to soon pass Ingleborough Cave. Then good track led to a stile and then on to the towering cliffs of Trow Gill, climbing the narrow rocky path, to continue by the wall to the double gated step stile. What surprised us was that after just a week or so of sunny weather how much the ground had dried out. So onwards now with Little Ingleborough and Ingleborough in view, to look at the famous Gaping Gill. Then on the clear path that on the ascent of Little Ingleborough has been flagged. This section is steep and here Dad really noticed how his leg strength had been lost with not having climbed a fell since November. On the way he stopped and chatted briefly with a man from the National Park who was clearing the path gullies and then with another walker. From Little Ingleborough it is a gentle stroll and ascent to the plateau and across to the trig point. Just as we reached the plateau we met a young lady who asked if this was the Horton path. Dad told her it was Clapham, pointing right towards Pen-y-ghent for the direction and she soon spotted the correct path. She was scoping out the route for the 3 Peaks race. Good luck to her! So Dad took our picture on the trig point and then we sat at the shelter for lunch, Dad chatting to two groups of walkers and having a good laugh. We were commented on quite a lot today and at their request Dad told them of our website. So now just the case of descending by the outwards route. Good day and a good workout for Dad. Then unsurprisingly it was on to on to Elaine's, where Dad had a scone, caramel shortbread and tea.
21st March 2015 - Clapdale, Norber & Austwick from Clapham
This walk would take us via the summit of Norber at Thwaite Scar, so marking our pal Little Eric's completion of all the summits visited in the walks in Wainwright's Limestone Book. We parked in Clapham in the National Park car park, on a day that was dry with quite a lot of sun for a change, and other than the cold wind at times it would really have felt like spring. There were other walkers getting ready too, and without exception they all took the path to Ingleborough Cave and so heading for Ingleborough. We however ploughed a lonely path on the other side of the valley. Walked through the tunnels and up the track of Thwaite Lane. The plan had been to walk on along this but Shaun suggested doing the walk in reverse as it gave more options for the return, and avoided us having to walk Thwaite Lane yet again. So went left along Long Lane, another surfaced track, that undulates while climbing with Thwaite Scars to the right. This track is high above Clapdale and we could see the walkers heading for Trow Gill and on the way to Ingleborough. There was a good view down to Ingleborough Cave too. Eventually the track climbed to a gate where beyond it became grassy. Here we went half right to another gate then on to a wall corner. Now left the bridleway and climbed the trackless ground right to gain the ridge and continue across this and over some limestone pavement. A path emerged and we followed this, once again leaving it to head for the summit cairn. "Yippee", cried Little Eric, "another challenge attained. Come on lets get settled on the cairn for our picture." Dad also took some shots of the surrounding fells. Had a snack and Dad phoned Uncle Brian, before we headed off down. A clear path led to a t-junction of paths where Shaun said, "we should go left." This led down off the scar a wall coming into view ahead. "We need to find the ladderstile in this wall that is further to the right", said Shaun. A narrower path went off right and soon we could see the ladderstile. Beyond we were then amongst the boulder field of the erratics. These are rocks brought down from further up the valley by the glacier in ice age. Some are left standing on native limestone plinths. Followed the clear path that led to a gate in the wall, but ignored this and went right along by it and down some rocky steps and finally left to a wall corner. The gate was padlocked so Dad climbed the substantial step stile. Beyond walked the pasture to the ladderstile on to Thwaite Lane, where going left a short way to the road we turned right down this to Town Head and into Austwick. Then through the village to climb the stile on to the footpath that led over fields with gap stiles in the walls and latterly kissing gates, to Clapham. Refreshment beckoned now and where else would Dad go but Elaine's at Feizor. We got to go in too, sitting on the table. He had a bacon and egg bap with chips, and then apple crumble and custard. Tea to drink of course. A grand day out!
21st February 2015 - Stainforth Force, Little Stainforth, The Celtic Wall & Smearsett Scar from Stainforth
This was another step for Little Eric to complete then fells in the Wainwright Limestone book, by today revisiting Smearsett Scar, almost 7 years to the day that we had climbed it with Uncle Bob. Followed in essence Wainwright's route, but we started and ended in Stainforth. The day was bright with some sun and breezy at times and rather cold. Parked at National Park car park in Stainforth. Once ready set off walking up the main road a little way towards Horton, to then take the narrow road left that descends steeply to the narrow arch bridge, owned by the National Trust, over the River Ribble. Went left through the stile beyond the bridge see Stainforth Force that was pretty much in spate. Then returned to the lane and walked left up to Little Stainforth. Kept ahead through the farm and up the narrow walled pasture to the wall at the top. Here it was left through a gate and along the cart track that eventually leads to Stackhouse. Beyond a gate in a wall, the path keeps straight ahead, but we drifted right round the hillside and to The Happy Valley that Wainwright uses in his route. Through the gate, walked on up the pretty valley that has limestone scars to either side. Midway crossed over a ruined wall and on up to a gate at the top. A short way between walls then brought us to the public footpath from Feizor to Little Stainforth. Went left a few steps then over the ladderstile. Smearsett Scar dominated to the right. With Dad's back to the stile we crossed the pasture to go through a gate in the fence and over the ruined wall and up the escarpment beyond to come to the section of substantial wall about 65ft long and 5ft wide at the base that is known as the Celtic Wall. We had never been here before. This and a section at foundation level a little way east was probably part of a defensive wall for the ancient encampment in the valley below. It is over 2000 years old, so a real sense of history. Dad took pictures and we sat on top for ours. Now returned down and on to the main footpath going left to cross a ruined wall then in a few steps a ladderstile. Now leaving the footpath we walked right descending to cross a stream, then by the wall to a gate in it. Then Dad made the very steep ascent up the side of Smearsett Scar to the path and on to the summit. we met a couple here who had come from Feizor. They have been to Elaine's and chatted about the cafe, Dad telling them he goes every week. When they commented about our route up, Dad pointed out the Celtic Wall. They did not know of it and interested, they will probably visit another day. Had our photo taken at the trig point, then descended the nose and went right above the wall to come down to a gate in it. Here rejoined the main path from Feizor and crossed the ladderstile we had climbed earlier. Now followed the path down to Little Stainforth. Bit muddy and churned up at times. Crossed a step stile in wall and continued down the path becoming a stony track for the final section that swung down right to the locked gate. We used the gated step stile to get over the wall into the pasture we had walked up from the farm on the outwards route. Now retraced, but just before the railway took the Pennine Bridleway right. Parallel to the railway the walled path then swung left and over this, to then go right through a gate and at the beck left under the road to the car park. Now Sue Rayner who works at Feizor lives at the end house opposite and Dad went to see if she was in, but Kieran answered saying "she is nearby washing her car at her mothers". After wandering up the road a bit, finally on coming back saw her down a drive by the terrace. She was surprised to see Dad and they had a nice chat, before she went off to get ready for work. Then it was to Elaine's. Very busy and so we had to sit in the top room. Dad had the butternut squash and goats cheese lasagne with chips and tea, looked after by Ariane. Saw Sharon who was working too, but not much time to chat. Elaine came and we had a brief word, and she showed me the half page article from the Craven Herald. Excellent write up! Also the lovely painting the staff had got her for Christmas of Roxie and Oscar! There were people sitting out too, but they came hurriedly inside when a hail storm passed over.
7th February 2015 - Rye Loaf Hill, Kirkby Fell, Nappa Cross & Pennine Bridleway from Langcliffe
Another cold winter day, but little or no wind. . In mist on the first part then it cleared but there was still an inversion in parts. This was for the most part a repeat of a walk done with Uncle Bob in June 2007. This time though we started and ended in Langcliffe. Set off around 10:00. Crossed the road and took the signed gate up a narrow pasture to a gate at the top, and then walked the narrow path, keeping by the wall on the right, that leads to Settle. Through more gates and over stiles with the slopes of Warrendale Knotts to the left. Eventually we reached a signpost by a ruined wall that climbed left steeply up hill - this was our route. We had walked the rest of the path from Settle in the opposite direction when we climbed Warrendale Knotts with Uncle Bob. Climbed by the wall and on into the mist. Drifted right from the wall but reckon Dad went too far, so had to return to the now solid wall and find a gate in it. Walked on coming to a Y-junction going right and following on with the wall on the right. Here for some in explicable reason Dad's my map reading sense deserted him, but reading the wrong easting square number, so getting confused. Dad said afterwards "how could I do this after all these years!" Instead of keeping on ahead that would have brought us correctly to the point on Stockdale Lane, Dad went through a gate in the wall and walked down to find a gate with footpath sign. Followed the path that brought us to Stockdale Lane as a couple we had passed had confirmed. It was here that Dad finally realised his map error, but at least we were on track again, if rather nearer to Settle than we should have been. So walked the tarmac lane eventually coming to Stockdale Farm, where ignoring the road now down to the farm, we took the gate left. The path was now grassy and stony as we walked on and there were stretches of ice.. The mist was lifting off the limestone outcrops to the left, but the summits were still stubbornly in the mist. Then suddenly as we got near the gate that gives access, the mist lifted and all was revealed. So, perhaps we were meant to get off track earlier on to give the mist time to lift. So crossed to the gate then made the at times steep ascent over very rough ground with snow patches to Rye Loaf Hill. The day was completely calm we sat on the trig point for our picture. Good views had developed over to Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent the tops sticking out of the inverted clouds. Descended east to find where the wall had been partly broken, and so then over more rough terrain to gain the summit of Kirkby Fell, a cairn by a large flat rock marking this. Now due north we headed down to a big step stile by a gate and so on to the track again. At the three-armed signpost we kept on ahead the path signed to Landscar Gate. Followed this by a wall on the right. It bent away and we kept ahead to pass though a gate in a wall then through two more walls and so down to a t-junction. Here the way was left on the National Pennine Bridleway, where the sign read Langcliffe 4.25m. The path was surfaced level and wide so good progress was possible and Dad really stepped it out to do the distance in about an hour and a quarter. For most of this we were back in the mist, with little visibility, so any attempt on Black Hill would have been silly. Rather eerie and made us think of Dartmoor and the Hound of the Baskervilles. So the path led on and on through a few gates to eventually reach Jubilee Cave, where now out of the mist we kept on through another gate and so down past a barn and wood to reach the road, which led steeply down to Langcliffe. So now it was to Feizor and Elaine's . We went in too. Dad had cakes and tea. He got talking to a couple, John and Sue who were visiting for the first time, being on holiday from their home in Whitley Bay. Dad talked to them about the many visits he and Uncle Brian had made to Northumberland over the years. We got mentioned and the website. Sue asked what it was and Dad said, "Stagwalks". I've already seen that", Sue replied. "That is how we found Elaine's". We and Dad were pleased about this and what a coincidence that they should meet us today. Sue whose birthday it was today, said "that has made my day". Sharon came in with Molly and the puppy Dixie, so Dad had more chat and he talked with Sheila too.
11th December 2013 - Thornton Hall, Masongill & Kingsdale from Ingleton
This was the best day of the week, so we grabbed the chance to walk. Dad had done this walk in 1992, but that was before he took us, so we were covering new ground in the main. Leaving the car on then road outside the Wheatsheaf Inn, we walked down to the entrance to the famous waterfalls, taking the step stile over the wall signed Thornton Hall. Climbed the wide path then on through a kissing gate to open pasture. Kept by the wall on the right to round the far side of barn then via two more stiles and another kissing gate reached the drive of Thornton Hall, having been followed across a field by a flock of sheep-not sure if it was Shaun or Dad who attracted them! At the road it was right uphill, to just before the first house to take the grassy track left to reach shortly a gate. On over the field keeping up, and via two stiles to arrive at the forlorn ruins of Cowgill Farm. Passed through, forded the stream then onwards via four more stiles to arrive at Westgate Lane. Crossed to take the stile opposite, to then shortly climb the stile in the wall on the left to continue in the same direction, but now with the wall on the right. Two more stiles then brought us Fellside Farm, where a succession of four gates took us past on the right side. There was a sheep dog that just sat quietly as we passed by. Then beyond three more stiles brought us to a hedgeline where we descended right by it to Masongill Hall, coming to the drive, where Dad for our sake, managed to climb the ladderstile that has no slats on the far side, a projecting rock providing support for his foot. Went right into the yard - very barky dog!!, then took the lane left by the house, and on to the next gate then up by the wood. We missed the stile, instead going to the wall corner and through where it had fallen to then descend left, and left again, then round right to the gate with the sign post, onto the lane. A lovely section with good views although hazy over the valley. Superb view of Ingleborough. So now it was the steady and seemingly unending climb to the end of the tarmac then on ahead up the stony track to finally after a sharp right bend reach a level section. Phew! Then we spotted a grassy track right that we took to soon join the main track, going right here. This was to meander below the scars and via a gate and on down finally to a gate onto the Kingsdale Road. We had done this before in the opposite direction with Uncle Eric. However not ones to take the easy option, we spotted that there was a prominent cairn, indicated by the map as being Low Plain with a spot height of 400m, so Dad agreed to deviate to this to bag the summit. Then we spotted the trig point on Tow Scar at 383m, so we had to go there too. So, that was two summits that we had not expected to bag on this walk!! At the road it was left, with a superb view of Kingsdale, Ingleborough and Whernside, to then take the track right that crosses the footbridge and climbs gently over the end of Twistleton Scar and on to Twistleton Hall. Here we went right between the buildings now mostly converted to dwellings, and along the narrow road, walled at first then open on either side to a gate on to Oddies Lane that was followed, at the end steeply down, to Ingleton. Going left it was the last steep uphill and back to the car. Cracking walk!! Once changed Dad had a half of Theakstons in the pub before driving where else but Elaine's at Feizor, for sausages eggs and chips, apple crumble and tea. We got to go in too, and to our delight were commented on by customers. A good day!
1st June 2013 - Wild Boar Fell & Swarth Fell from Cotegill Bridge
Dad said that he had to get up on the hills again after all the valley walking, if nothing else to prove he can still do it, which was in my opinion never in doubt. We suggested, for our pal Little Eric's sake, moving on his Howgill challenge, to which Dad readily agreed. These fells are not actually in the Howgill massif, but are part of those included in the challenge, as they are in the Wainwright book of 'Walks in the Howgills and adjoining fells'. So with a good forecast - no rain and sunny periods but a cool wind, we set off, taking about an hour so to the start at Cotegill Bridge in Mallerstang, a truly lovely drive. Strolled along the road to Aisgill Farm, then took the track left that climbed under the viaduct and on to a gate to open fell. Here it was right on a faint path close to the wall, until this turned down to the valley. All along Wild Boar Fell dominated the view to the left, while to the right there were dramatic views across the valley to High Seat etc, and we recalled the day we walked that ridge as well as Wild Boar Fell, with Uncle Bob. Bearing slightly left we now followed the line Angerholme Pots. These are potholes and sink holes, some large and deep, hence why they have been fenced off. Inside one was a lamb - we could only guess that it had jumped over the fence to end up inside. At the end of the pots we then continued on by some limestone pavement to join the bridleway from Mallerstang to Stennerskeugh, climbing it to the ridge. Then left along the ridge, climbing steadily across the grassy terrain, the final section being steepest that brought us to the cairn on the Nab. Here went right to the summit seen a bit distantly to the west. This is a shelter and trig column, on which we had our photo taken. Then sat on convenient shelf in the shelter wall for a bite to eat. Here we saw the only other walker to talk to today, and who we were to see later at Swarth Fell Pike, as he was doing the same route. Now headed south-west to climb a gate in the fence, and then follow the long path round and down to the col with a little tarn, before climbing to Swarth Fell with its large cairn making the summit. From here and before there were extensive views to the ridge on other side of valley, the valley itself, Howgill Fells and Lakeland. Wonderful! Then we followed the clear path to Swarth Fell Pike, whose top is wide and flat making the summit hard to determine. There is a trig ring but this is buried somewhere amongst the grass. The OS map shows the spot height on the left of the fence in direction we had approached, so we sat for our photo on a rock with a few stones adjacent to the larger cairn on other side of fence. It was here that Dad chatted to the gentleman, who like us loves this area and the Howgills for their solitude. Took path left descending steeply at first (hard on Dad's knees), then drifted left to cross and descend by Far Cote Gill, to the quarry. Fenced off so had to descend and cross Near Cote Gill to make the short walk to stile onto the road. A good day and now Little Eric has just Langdale Knott to complete the Howgill challenge! Dad promises he will do this soon for him. Dad needed sustenance, and despite the distance he went to Elaine's at Feizor. Well where else is there, as Dad said. She was pleased to see him and he got to chat to her and Sheila, when the cafe had quietened a bit. He told us that he had the delicious cheese and onion pie with chips and beans, then apple and raspberry pie with custard and a refreshing pot of tea. Lovely! Then a very happy band we headed home to tell our pals all about our adventure.
24th July 2011 - Norber, Crummack
Dale & Moughton from above Austwick
We let out a cheer, when Dad said we would
be walking with Uncle Bob. We met eventually up Crummack Lane out
of Austwick. I say eventually, because Dad did not realise he
should have gone on beyond the track to Sowermire Farm, so he
drove back to the village. Stupidly too, he had forgotten his
mobile!! Uncle Bob had rung Uncle Brian, who of course told him
Dad had set off. By now however Dad had learnt from a local man
that he should have gone further along the lane. He was just
about to set off again when Uncle Bob arrived down in the
village. He then rang Uncle Brian, to say all was well. Dad got a
justified telling off when he got home about not taking his
mobile!! After profuse apologies we drove up again got ready and
set off. Walked down the lane a little way to take the stile
right and climb up to the ladderstile on to Norber & Nappa
Scars. We did not climb all the way to Thwaite Scar, but turned
north along by the wall and fence to pass above the farm in the
valley and onwards. Dramatic views of the dale and the scars, and
across to Moughton. Dropped down a little and crossed to another
wall which we followed round under a hill. Where this climbed up
we followed it, to walk on joining the path from Clapham, and on
to Sulber Gate. Here we took the gate right to descend and cross
Thieves Moss and then along Moughton Scars. This area is covered
with extensive and spectacular limestone pavement. The cairn on
an overhang with a drop of several hundred feet below was
dramatic, if slightly unnerving, but we kept our cool. Then we
rounded the scars and turned along the other side of the valley
following a narrow trod, to cut up left, soon reaching the summit
of Moughton, for the second time. We had lunch here by the cairn
and Dad took our picture at the cairn. Whilst walking round above
the valley we had enjoyed wonderful views of Pen-y-ghent, and in
the opposite direction Ingleborough, Lords's Seat & Park
Fell. It was a great day to be out!! We now walked in a bit of a
circle to take in more of the cairns on the fell, and see where
people have stood up thin limestone rocks like standing stones.
We ended up at a tall cairn, that would have taken some building.
Then we took a bearing and crossed to come down eventually to
Studrigg Scar (we had ascended by this route last time). This gap
in the scar had once eons ago been a waterfall. A narrow trod
wound its way down to lower ground and then we crossed to a stile
and over a field to a gate to the path through the dale on this
side. Walked left to take the track right down to the wash dubs.
By these we crossed the ford, and walked on, to join the track to
Crummack. Here turning left it was not far to come again to the
cars. An interesting day and wonderful views. Then they went to
Elaine's at Feizor for tea and cake. Great to be out with you
again Uncle Bob, and thanks for suggesting the route.
27th March 2011 - Pennine Way,
Plover Hill, Pen-y-ghent & Brackenbottom from Horton in
Ribblesdale
Great to have Uncle Bob's company today. It
was dry throughout, cloudy at first but with sunnier at times
from mid morning. Little wind and warm enough for Dad and Uncle
Bob to walk in a long sleeved t-shirt. We met at Horton in
Ribblesdale, Uncle Bob arriving in his new car that he had only
picked up on Friday. Very impressive and he is justifiably proud.
Dad took his picture standing by it . The plan was to climb
Pen-y-ghent, a repeat of our walk in December 2006, but at Uncle
Bob's suggestion we did it the opposite way - better really as it
saves the long slog up to the foot of the steep nose of
Pen-y-ghent and then the very steep climb to its summit. So,
walking right from the car park, we took the path left signed to
Foxup. This is Horton Scar Lane, and forms part of the Pennine
Way. The good track undulates over the landscape across Horton
Scar with Pen-y-ghent ever present to the right. At the gate
where the Pennine Way turns right to climb to Pen-y-ghent summit,
we continued ahead on the footpath, to soon reach the huge hole
of Hull Pot - Dad and Uncle Bob gingerly peered over the vertical
drop. Then over Horton Moor, passing through Swarth Gill Gate, to
come to the junction, where a finger post points right reading
3/4m to Plover Hill. Now the real ascent started as the boggy
path climbed the side of the fell. After a while this became
steps where the path had been repaired and these led steeply up
to the more level ground of the wide flat top of the fell. The
steps were near the edge at times so quite exposed. We followed
the wall to the corner, then right to the ladderstile, which we
took, like last time, to be the top. There is no spot height and
the top is wide and flat so the summit is somewhat indefinite.
Over the unclimbable wall is a small cairn, which may mark the
summit, but it cannot be reached. Here we stopped for lunch in
the lee of the wall looking towards Pen-y-ghent, as we munched
our sandwiches, sitting beside Dad and Uncle Bob. Then on
following the wall over the boggy ground to climb the fell. Just
below the top we went through the gate in the wall and on to the
trig point on Pen-y-ghent. Not many people at the summit when we
were there, so we got to sit on the trig point for our picture.
Our pal, Little Eric, like us, has now done the Three Peaks. Then
followed the steep rocky rough descent of the nose of the fell.
There was a procession of people coming up, and Dad gave way to
them. It allowed Dad to take his time and negotiate the worn
steps safely, as it would be easy to slip and fall. So finally we
were down to the gate in the wall. As we looked back we recalled
the icy and dangerous ascent we made in December 2006. Taking the
gate in the wall, we then followed the good track that undulated
over Brackenbottom Scar and eventually down to the road by the
hamlet. The road was then followed right into Horton. Then we all
went to Elaine's at Feizor and Dad kindly took us in too. Dad and
Uncle Bob had tea and a delicious beef burger with chips. Dad
then had lemon meringue pie and Uncle Bob took a slice home for
Aunt Ann. Elaine was surprised and pleased to see them and
chatted a while. A cracking day out!
29th January 2011 - Gragareth,
Green Hill, Great Coum, Crag Hill & Ease Gill from Leck Fen
Farm
It was great to be walking with Uncle Bob
again. Our meeting point was the car park by Leck church.
Cloudless skies all day, and when we met at 08.45 the temperature
was -6c, and we doubted that it got above freezing at any time of
the day. Dad's car was left here as it was planned to walk down
to Leck, but in the event, there was not enough time. We decamped
to Uncle Bob's car and he drove us up Leck Fell to the parking
area near Leck Fen Farm. Settled in the rucksack, and when Dad
and Uncle Bob were ready, we all headed off to take the gate on
the right, to then ascend right over the open fell to the ridge
and walk along to the cairns on Gragareth. First a single cairn
with an igloo shaped mound of stones fashioned into a wonderful
shelter from the weather. Then on along to three cairns. They are
not the famous 'Three Men', so perhaps they should be called the
three ladies? Just a little further and higher we then came
properly to the 'Three Men of Gragareth'. Quite a time was spent
taking various pictures including us by the cairns. Then it was
onwards up the fell, further than we remembered, to reach the
trig point marking Gragareth's summit. The wind was very light,
so we were able to sit on the trig point for our picture. The
ridge stretched away before us and we strolled on the clear path
by the wall. Away to the right there were good views to
Ingleborough and Whernside, and westerly to the distant Lakeland
Fells rising above the mist. Finally the rather unassuming rise
of Green Hill was reached a small cairn to the left of the path
marking the summit. Then on again, climbing to gain the flat top
of Great Coum. After climbing the stile in the cross wall, it was
just a short stroll half right to the small cairn at the summit
spot height. From here we had wonderful views to Dentdale backed
by Aye Gill Pike (we recalled the tough crossing of that in deep
snows in March 2008). To the left Sedbergh was clearly in view
with the Howgill Fells rising behind. We had climbed all that we
could see last year, on the way to completing that challenge.
Climbing the cross wall, we then strolled along by the wall on
our left to the trig point at the summit of Crag Hill, the last
of the four summits today. We posed for our final summit picture
sitting on top. We had all climbed these fells before, with the
exception of Little Eric, who was proud to have ticked them off.
While Dad and Uncle Bob had climbed them before too, it was the
first time that they had done them together. A stop was made here
for lunch sitting in the lee of a a wall with a fine view west
towards Morecambe Bay. We all waved to Brian, when Dad phoned
him. Setting off it was half left, to descend over the rough
trackless ground to gain the ravine of the streams above Long
Gill Foot. Turning right we headed down into the ravine and so
down to Long Gill Foot, where the joined streams now become Ease
Gill. In these higher reaches there was no path whatsoever, so it
was a scramble down the gill, criss crossing the stream to make
safe progress along the banks. Hard going, and care was
necessary, as there was ice about on the boulders. Suddenly, the
stream was a dry bed, the water having disappeared underground,
so there was more scope being able to walk in the dry bed. Beside
the beck we saw many large icicles, showing how cold it still is.
It was interesting too, to see how the boulders in the stream bed
had been eroded and shaped by the water. Finally we reached a
bridge carrying the footpath from Bullpot Farm to Leck. It
crosses the wall by a ladderstile and then descends the bank of
the gill beyond. The gill itself descends in a waterfall to a
deep pool in a small gorge - breathtaking. Then we continued down
the gill the progress being somewhat easier as there was a clear
path. Finally after climbing a fence above which a wall rose up
to the left, we turned left by this wall to climb steeply a first
up the fell and on by the wall eventually to the car. By now the
sun was setting and there was a reflection of it on the distant
waters of Morecambe Bay, another wonderful sight. So ended a good
walk, rather tougher than had been expected due to the gill
scrambling. Uncle Bob drove us back to Leck, where we then went
our separate ways. We all say thanks to Uncle Bob for his
company.
12th September 2010 -
Ingleborough, Simon Fell & Park Fell, from Ingleton ending at
Ribblehead
It had been ages since we walked in the
Yorkshire Dales, and more importantly since we walked with Uncle
Bob, so today's, adventure was particularly enjoyable and full of
fun. It was an ambling walk, with frequent stops to take photos.
Meeting at Ribblehead - cool in the early morning, they enjoyed a
cup of tea from the caravan cafe. It was a linear walk, so we
decamped to Uncle Bob's car for the drive to Ingleton, parking in
an old long abandoned quarry. Ready, we climbed the rough ground
to find the track (Fell Lane). This was followed as it meandered
first to Crina Bottom (Farm). Here there is a fine view to
Ingleborough, and a lot of time was spent taking photos with
different light effects and mist on and off the fell. We had to
be very patient. Setting off Dad joked that if we did not get on,
we would just end up returning to Uncle Bob's car!! The path then
started to steepen as we climbed the fell. It was under repair,
so muddy and slippy making for harder going. Dad's trousers got
dirty too but we expected that. There were then three steeper
ascents interspersed with flat areas, to finally reach
Ingleborough's wide flat summit - it is half a mile to walk round
the edge. Quite busy here, which was hardly surprising. More
pictures including us on the trig point. Then we adjourned to the
shelter to have a sandwich and get out of the cold wind. There
were at times a few rain spots but really they came to nothing.
Fine views of the surrounding fells, Dad and Uncle Bob
identifying them - all climbed before. Heading on we descended
the Chapel-le-Dale path, to the col, then on by the wall to the
unremarkable summit of Simon Fell - a grassy flat top. Away to
the right is a subsidiary summit of Lord's Seat, which it was
decided to visit. First the wall with barbed wire on top, had to
be climbed. Extreme care was necessary! Then we walked to another
wall where a fancy ladderstile was climbed. On the far side is
painted "Rawnsley's Leap". A lot of fun was had with
Uncle Bob taking Dad's photo pretending to leap off. We sat on
the top for our picture, but the wind caught us and Allen, Little
Eric & I did the leap (twice) in the process. Then it was
just a short walk to the cairn, but with all the excitement
before, Dad forgot to take us. There was a fine view over the
valley to Pen-y-ghent and Horton. It was well worth the detour.
It was decided to add this top to the list, but there is no spot
height on the map. so we looked on the internet and deduced the
height is 2079ft (634m). Walked back, crossing a fence, to then
follow the wall down and up, and eventually to the trig point on
Park Fell. From Ingleborough and as we walked along here there
superb views over the valley to Whernside and Ribblehead Viaduct.
A steep descent followed to a gate. Here we deviated from the
planned route, going left to follow a wall and climb the stile
over it. Then we continued NW over limestone pavement to pass an
old quarry, then along its access track to the road, by the
railway bridge. Here it was right past the Station Inn and
shortly to Dad's car. Dad then drove us to our start point, and
then on into Ingleton, where they had fish chips peas bread and
tea sitting outside. Excellent! Uncle Brian had something to say
about this when we got home. A cracking day!! It was great to
have your company today Uncle Bob.
19th June 2010 - South Haw,
Gollinglith Foot, Pott Moor & Nidderdale Way from Scar House
Reservoir
We were walking today in the Yorkshire
Dales, with Uncle Bob - hooray! He had devised the route, that
turned out to be somewhat of a marathon. In Nidderdale we started
from Scar House Reservoir, last visited in November 2007.
Crossing the dam, joined and followed the Nidderdale Way to cross
Woo Gill, then leave it to follow a track to a shooting hut (this
one of stone/concrete construction with flat roof). A lot of the
walk was on grouse moors, and we were to see some of the little
chicks, as well as many curlews with their long curved beaks and
lapwings both making their plaintiff cries as the flew around.
From the hut, joined a bridleway, eventually leaving this to
cross rough trackless ground (the sort of terrain we are used to
in the Dales - the heather tall in places too), to the summit of
South Haw (also known as Little Haw - this is confusing as there
is another Little Haw just to the north?!). The summit is marked
by an ancient boundary stone, with on one side - 'Danby
Mashamshire' and the other 'T Yorks Nether Dale Forest'. A shower
passed over while we were here, but generally the weather was dry
and it improved as the day went on, being sunny at the end.
Descended to a gate and once through walked a narrow trod then on
rough terrain again to Steel House Gill, which we crossed. Joined
the track along this, then the River Burn, passing High House
Farm. Continuing then along the Coal Road, so called because
where we had been walking there had once been coal mines. This
finally became grassy over fields, leading to Gollinglith Foot -
just a few buildings including an idyllic house called Riverside
House reached by car via a ford. Now joined part of what is
called the "Six Dales Trail", that runs
for 38 miles from Otley to Middleham. This over lush countryside,
brought is to a narrow road and the access track to Towler Hill,
that we took passing the house into pasture again. We had to
cross the ladderstile in the opposite corner. A bit hairy, as
there were cows with young and a bull clustered in the field. We
made our way carefully and quietly round the edge, and got over
thankfully without mishap or alarming the animals. Then over more
fields - difficult navigation at times, to descend to and cross
Grimes Gill by the footbridge. The bluebells were still out and
made a pretty sight. Climbing now up rough ground with bracken
(Dad was glad it was not yet fully grown, as it would have made
very hard going), to come out by the access track to Grimes Gill
House and so to Pott Moor High Road (we had driven over this to
get to Scar House). Turned right on this for about 3/4 mile, then
right on a clear wide reinforced track over Pott Moor. It climbed
gently to a summit from where we could finally see Scar House
again, but still some miles to go mind you. The track became
grassy and led to a junction with a bridleway (the same one, we
had walked before striking off to South Haw, but further along).
Took a left fork off this to descend to Bracken Ridge, where we
joined again the Nidderdale Way. This smooth reinforced track led
past a number of buildings at intervals. Eventually we left this
to walk a grassy footpath to Low Woodale. Crossed the bridge over
the River Nidd (outfall from the reservoir), climbing the access
track to the road. Dad and Uncle Bob were both rather tired by
now, so the fact that it doubled back was not greeted with
enthusiasm! Then right along the road climbing steadily to the
car park. In all just over 16 miles, but a good and interesting
day over ground we had never walked before. Thanks Uncle Bob for
planning it. Finally some stats, as some of us passed walking
milestones today. Dad reached 5000 miles, Grizzly 2500 miles, and
Little Eric 1000 miles.
18th October 2009 - Cam High
Road, Drumaldrace (Wether Hill), Semer Water & Bracken Hill
from Bainbridge
We were delighted to hear that Dad had
arranged to walk with Uncle Bob, and in my home county too. We
met at the pretty village of Bainbridge with its large green. A
cloudy and misty day with occasional drizzle, but still pleasant
for walking. Set out along the road to Countersett, but soon at a
sharp corner we kept ahead on the arrow straight Cam High Road.
We were following in the steps of the Roman Cohorts, who
centuries ago travelled along this to and from the fort at
Bainbridge. For about 3 miles it runs straight, before curving
around Wether Hill. It's summit is called Drumaldrace which we
visited once again. Since our visit in April 2007, the untidy
heap of stones has been rebuilt into a rounded pillar. We have to
say how much we admired the skill and workmanship. Backtracked a
little to take clear footpath that descended steadily to the
hamlet of Marsett, then along a track towards Stalling Busk.
There were two fords, but thankfully footbridges avoided wet
feet! Soon we went left along a path with numerous gated gap
stiles. Some had very narrow gaps and were hard for humans to get
through. Easy for us though! We came upon an old graveyard and
ruined shell of a church. It had once been Stalling Busk church,
but had been abandoned exactly 100 years ago when a new church
was built in the village itself. Onwards the path led alongside
Semer Water and to a road, where we were able to get to the lake
side. It was quite brooding under the lowering sky. Dad said that
it had been many years since he was last here, with Uncle Brian.
We were now on the final stretch of the walk following by the
River Bain and then high above it as we climbed the gentle slopes
to Bracken Hill. It is over 1000ft, so we have counted it amongst
our list of Yorkshire Dales Fells, and of course we had our photo
taken. Over the gorge of the river the slopes were wooded and the
autumn colours were spectacular. A wide clear path now descended
to the main road and it was just a short stroll into the village.
An interesting and enjoyable walk along paths none of us had
walked before.
2nd August 2009 - Blea Moor from
Ribblehead
Walking with
Uncle Bob, from Ribblehead. To start, the day was cloudy but
later the sun came out and we had great views all day. Our
objective was to climb Blea Moor, under which is the long tunnel
on the Settle to Carlisle Railway. Rough ground for most of the
walk apart from sections on roads. Initially tramped over bog to
investigate a cave, but only from the outside. Joined the main
path, soon branching right on the track to the Air Shafts and
spoil heaps. The shafts are circular brick structures. Dad told
us the spoil heaps are from the original construction in the
1870's. We wondered about how hard the work must have been.
Climbed on then struck right to the trig point at the summit.
Wonderful views of the Three Peaks, and fells towards Dentdale
and beyond. Returned to path and on to last Air Shaft. This was
smoking and soon we knew why, when we saw a steam train had
emerged from the tunnel and was crossing the viaducts as it
climbed towards Dent. Fantastic sight. Crossed the stile into
forestry and steeply down to the forest road. Right along this to
the Dent road. Right again to the gate and the bridleway. This we
followed for over 2 miles to the B6255 near Gearstones. Then it
was just over a mile on the road to the start. Great day out and
great to be with Uncle Bob, too.
12th
July 2009 - Vicar's Allotment & High Edge from Skipton
There are few tops in Yorkshire we
have not climbed, but Dad spotted these two on the map. Met Uncle
Bob at Skipton, our start point. Set off through the town to fork
right at a roundabout and through a residential area, the road
eventually ending and becoming a bridleway. Climbed up, going
right over the stile and along the footpath. As we ascended there
were nice views over the town, and to Sharp Haw that we had
climbed last year. After a stile, a clear path struck off left
and climbed quite gently to the trig point on summit of Vicar's
Allotment, affording more fine views. Two fine tall cairns stand
just beyond the trig point. Now east to a gate and left intending
to descend to a bridleway but this was enclosed by high walls, so
kept up and walked on parallel to where a footpath joins it. Here
a partly broken wall with wire fence allowed us to get on to the
bridleway. Along this through numerous gates, eventually to a
road, where there was a wonderful old mile stone. Now ahead to the right of the byway is High
Edge on Draughton Moor, soon reached over rough ground. Returned
to byway and after a gate we were in a wide grassy field. Here we
cut across to pick up the bridleway heading back SW. This led
eventually to a road. Left here and along to take footpath right.
This now led over fields etc and through a succession of
buildings (old farms now converted to homes). After some miles we
reached one of many stiles where Skipton came into view again.
Descended to come to the point where we had walked up to Vicar's
Allotment this morning. Now reversed our outwards route. Nice
walk and good to have Uncle Bob for company.
28th
June 2009 - Knowe Fell & Black Hill from Malham Tarn
Our first walk with Uncle Bob for
two months, so was just great to be walking with him again. Dad
had found another top we had not done, so we intended to rectify
this today. A dry warm day with a nice breeze to relieve the
heat. Started near Malham Tarn, and the first part of the walk we
had done before along the Pennine Way round the tarn and on along
to the road. Up the track to Tennant Gill Farm, and still on the
Pennine Way rising below Little Fell. Here took the narrow path
to climb steeply to the ridge. Last time we had then gone on to
Fountains Fell, but today we walked south. The track was quite
dry and clear as it descended to come eventually to the trig
point of Knowe Fell, our main objective today. Enjoyed the great
views to Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough etc. Time for a rest, and a
good spot too for our lunch. Then descended to a bridleway and
went right to the road. As we walked we saw and heard the curlews
and lapwings - wonderful!. The road climbed to a brow, and
leaving this we walked over rough ground eventually reaching a
stile. Here we made the direct climb to the top of Black Hill. A
different day to when we first climbed it. Then it was cold and
blowing a full gale!! Much more benign today. Took a descending
path walking parallel with the track which we eventually joined,
and on to the three armed signpost as before. Today instead of
going right we walked on ahead to Langscar Gate. Crossed the road
then along the path over Dean Moor to the start. They then drove
to Malham for tea and cakes at the cafe - no surprise there!!
29th
April 2009 - Whernside & Twistleton Scar from Ribblehead
This was the only decent day this
week with cloud and some sun but breezy on the tops. Uncle Bob
was staying at Hawes, so a walk was planned from Ribblehead. The
objective was to climb Whernside that towered up before us.
Setting off we walked to and under the viaduct, then along the
track to Gunnerfleet Farm, then Ivescar and on along the narrow
road. The path planned was
right towards Broadrake but they could not find it, so instead
took another path to Philbin Lane, then to Bruntscar and
Ellerbeck. Finally on open fell
it was on the bridleway along Twistleton. At Rigg Side we cut up
on to the low ridge to come by the wall. This was followed
basically all the way up to the summit. Quite an easy ascent at
first, but as we neared Whernside there were some steep climbs
but once they were over it was just a short stroll to the trig
point. There was no one else there so we all huddled in the
shelter to have lunch. Then a couple of lads arrived, who shared
the shelter and Dad and Uncle Bob chatted to them. A large party
then arrived, so we had to be content having our picture taken
sitting in the shelter - well we have all had it taken by the
trig point before. Now followed the long 4 miles back to
Ribblehead. First descending off Whernside along the paved way -
hard going Dad said, but better than the bog that would be the
case if it was not there. At the stile turned right on the clear
path, coming by the railway at Bleamoor sidings where a 4-car
train passed us. Onward to descend by the viaduct and so to the
car. A good walk but we all think we will give Whernside a rest
for a bit. Now for a bacon sandwich and tea at the Pen-y-ghent
cafe in Horton. Well Dad deserved it.
12th
April 2009 - Firth Fell and Wharfedale from Kettlewell
Easter Sunday and a glorious spring
day. For our walks the best day of the year so far with sun all
day and little wind even on the tops. Met Uncle Bob at
Kettlewell. Setting off crossed the bridge and along the road
south, soon taking a track right rising through the woods, and
open ground to attain the ridge. Superb views down to Kettlewell.
Also to Buckden Pike and Great Whernside. Now ascended the ridge,
soon reaching the trig point at Middlesmoor Pasture. It has seen
better days, needing some repair. We sat on top for our picture.
The long ridge stretched ever upwards, and after three miles of
ascent Firth Fell summit was attained. Most of the climb was by
the wall, but near the end we left this to cross boggy moor to
another wall, and soon the trig point. Time for lunch and a well
earned rest too for Dad and Uncle Bob. The descent was on the
bridleway down to Buckden and then just the matter of 4 miles
along the Dales Way to Kettlewell. There were lots of people
walking this path today, and in fact met two couples who we had
seen on Firth Fell. The views from the top were superb of many of
the peaks we have climbed over the last two years. A cracking
walk was had by all. Afterwards Uncle Bob and Dad went to The
Cottage Tea Rooms, just a few yards from the car park. Lemon
torte and tea. It was Dad's treat for the tea, but Uncle Bob then
bought ice creams - gorgeous raspberry ripple. They sat by the
river to eat these.
31st
March 2009 - Nine Standards Rigg & Brownber Head
Today was to be the realisation of
a long held ambition, to climb to The Nine Standards. A cloudy
day initially and misty, but sunny and warm later. From Kirkby
Stephen the road goes through Hartley, ending at the track to
Ladthwaite. Here was our start along the path signed to Nine
Standards. Climbed gently, then at a junction went left up by
Faraday Gill. A steady but quite gentle ascent on the cairned
route, and then quite suddenly out of the mist the Nine Standards
cairns appeared. An impressive sight. The five to the left having
been beautifully rebuilt in recent times. In the mists today they
had an ethereal feel about them. It was a little south to the trig point on
the summit. Next was Brownber Head, lost in the mist. Totally
trackless moor with bogs and peat haggs. Today without the GPS we
would not have kept on track. Soon after the sheepfold, the
ground began to rise to the flat top, the GPS homing us in on the
spot height. Finally this remote top is bagged. We did not meet
another person all day and of all the places one would be
unlikely to visit it was here. Plodded back to the Nine Standards
- hard energy sapping going over this terrain. The one
consolation was that the clouds had lifted so we saw them in all
their glory. Descended over Rollinson Haggs, and Rollinson Gill.
On below High Dukerdale to follow the wall round and fairly easy
ascent of Nateby Common ,its summit being the large cairn on a
raised mound on Tailbridge Hill. It was so clear now that there
was fantastic views - Pennines, Mallerstang Fells, Howgills etc
and down to Kirkby Stephen. Steeply down NW to wall, and along
this to join the path to eventually come to the house Ladthwaite,
and on its access track to reach the cars. A hard walk but
rewarding, and Dad and Uncle Bob were glad to get back.
22nd
March 2009 - Warrendale Knotts, Victoria Cave & Black Hill
It was great to be walking with Uncle Bob
again after so long. A cloudy and colder day with constantly
blowing winds that were very strong on the tops. Walking from
Settle we were to explore the limestone scars to the east. From
the leisure pool, walked through the town, and at the market
square climbed left to reach a track by Castlebergh Plantation.
Fine views back over the town. Soon went right on a steeply
rising footpath to the tracks below Warrendale Knotts and
Attermire Scar. First we visited the small cave below Warrendale
Knotts, mentioned in AW's book. Then we made the rather steep and
roundabout ascent to the summit trig point on Warrendale Knotts.
Next walked across to visit Victoria Cave. On to Jubilee Cave and
over the scar to a track, which we followed. Then struck left to
the flatish top of Black Hill. Headed SE to a path that kept
above the rough ground and then to the track again to the
junction. Great view to Malham Tarn from here. Went right to
climb over the scar to Nappa Cross. Sheltered behind the wall to
have lunch, a relief to be out of the wind. Then out into the
howling winds to walk below Kirkby Fell & Rye Loaf Hill, down
to Stockdale. Along the road, then on the path ahead to Attermire
again. Now left over a stile to the last summit today - Sugar
Loaf Hill. The wind was absolutely terrific up here - we were
glad to get our picture done and down off the top. It was just an
easy descent to the road and the walk down to the town. So ended
a great walk, despite the wind. It was Dad and Uncle Bob's
birthday's walk for 2009 (they are both born in March).
14th
February 2009 - Ribble Way, Feizor & Giggleswick Scar
Met Uncle
Bob in Settle, so that we could climb Giggleswick Scar, which
dominates the approach from the north along the road into the
town - very quiet now since the bypass. A dry day apart from a
shower, when we were in the tearoom at Feizor - good planning.
Actually started in Giggleswick itself, and walked the few yards
to head north on the muddy path by the River Ribble. It meanders
by the river then swings away to the road through Stackhouse
before rejoining the river. From now on it hugs the riverside
gently climbing to the lovely waterfalls at Stainforth. Through
Little Stainforth, up to and along the valley below Smearsett
Scar to the hamlet of Feizor (pronounced Fayzr). Here we visited
Feizor Refreshments run by Elaine Knowles. Lovely food and
excellent value. They had tea and delicious lemon meringue pie -
this only £2.75 too! Then on to complete our walk. Climbing out
of Feizor, continued south to bring us to near the edge of the
scar. Then started to climb, but a wall blocked our way. Dad
spotted lower down a ladder stile, so descended to this and
followed the path along crossing another wall. Up ahead were
caves, so went to investigate one that is called Spider Cave - we
could see at the back the low entrance to the cave proper. Up a
short steep slope to the ridge, it was just a short distance to
the summit cairn of Giggleswick Scar - picture time for us.
Impressive views along the valley to Settle. The path meandered
down to come beside a huge quarry - no wonder there are two
fences guarding the edge such is the depth!. On down to a gate
into woods. The track led to a road, and this to the main road
and the start. Another very enjoyable day.
1st
February 2009 - High Carl & Gibbon Hill from Grinton Lodge
A bitterly
cold day with snow threatened later and overnight. Walking with
Uncle Bob meeting him at the junction near Grinton Lodge. Walked
up the road then onto the bridleway where it turned left. For
some miles we walked on a good track that climbed over Low Harker
Hill and on to our first top High Harker Hill - a small bank by
the track seemed to be the highest point, and we sat on it for
our picture. The good track was the result of this area being
extensive grouse moors, so they are maintained to facilitate the
shoots - we saw lots of grouse too. Now as we continued we
enjoyed excellent views down to Swaledale being able to see for
miles along the valley. At Green Hill Ends the track turned south
and dropped down. Coming to a junction of paths, we turned left,
walking up to the fence line. It would have been nice to just
continue on the track but to do the summits we had to turn up by
the fence. First to High Carl - a flat moorland top and then walk
over the trackless moor to Gibbon Hill's summit at the remains of
the fence junction. As it was cold the ground was reasonably
solid, but in the warmer weather it would have been very boggy.
Even so it was hard going today. Then more of the same to the
last summit Height of Greets and the track. A last we said a
cairn to sit on for our picture. Easy going now on the track to
the road and along this. Then on another path, to the road by the
bridleway we had taken this morning, and down to the start. Drove
to Reeth, where Dad and Uncle Bob went for tea and chocolate
cake. It was bitterly cold in the strong wind so they said
hurried goodbyes and we headed for home.
10th
January 2009 - Peat Moor Hill from Langthwaite
Today was
the last of the very cold weather that had persisted for some
weeks. It was -5 degrees at Ribblehead as we drove over. It
looked very bleak in the half light, with snow and packed ice at
the sides of the road. Walking with Uncle Bob, we met at
Langthwaite. Walked through the pretty village and then up the
steep hill leading to the scattered settlement of Booze. Onwards
we reached open fell then up the ravine past the derelict
Sleigill House and remains of lead mine workings. At the top we
crossed the moor, and following the gill, came to a shooting hut
and a cross path - More dale Road. Continuing over the rough moor
the lonely trig point marking the summit was soon reached. It was
bitterly cold up here in the biting wind. Nevertheless Dad and
Uncle Bob stopped for lunch and Dad took our picture. Dad was
however finally glad to get his gloves back on as he was losing
the feeling in his fingers. Descending almost due west brought us
in sight of the road and paths that led south. Stayed above the
paths as we picked our way along under the crags, eventually
coming to a junction of two tracks. Here walking generally south
we eventually came to Booze and the road that descended to
Langthwaite. A good walk and more interesting than we thought it
would be. Winter was a good time to do this as we suspect that
the moor would be rather boggy in warmer weather.
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