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12 December 2008 (10 Miles) Kettlewell - Bycliffe Road /Conistone Dibb – Kettlewell
Through a combination of circumstances/excuses ranging from newly born grandchildren to foreign holidays, only 4 directors were available for this walk but it still counts as an official OTC excursion there being 3 or more directors present.
The weather forecast was to say the least unpromising but the difficulty in getting Directors assembled on any given day meant we bashed on.
The event had an inauspicious start when, in the car, almost at Kettlewell, MD discovered he had forgotten his waterproof coat – probably an age thing!!! Moreover, his hat and gloves were in the pockets! It was evident that with temperatures of only 1°C, low mist/cloud, a cold wind and ice and snow on the ground that he could not continue so ill dressed. Fortunately JK’s “plus kitchen sink” approach to rucksack packing provided a spare hat and gloves.
The car park in Kettlewell was the proverbial skating rink but we bravely slithered across it after donning our gear. A visit to the outdoor shop in Kettlewell (and MD £20 the poorer) resulted in a pac-a-mac type garment to protect him from the elements. Dir. Ed. then decided he needed some potion for his poor chapped hands (a result of previous bricklaying or some such). A visit to the general store came up with the goods and we were off at last.
We headed East out of the village briefly before turning NE on a track to Rain Slack Well and the site of the old Providence Lead Mine then SSE to Slatepit Rigg. The climb proved quite arduous due to much ice and snow underfoot. At about 1000 ft, we entered the insidious damp of the low cloud and visibility dropped to 30 or 40 yards. We saw nothing else for all the high level of the walk and relied heavily on JK’s GPS machine to keep us on track.
We followed the line of the wall as far as Benfoot Brow then branched through the old mine area to Mossdale. Here RW managed to find a deep hole in the snow into which to thrust his leg and hit the deck in style. He was unhurt . We turned right an stopped for lunch in a hollow at Mossdale Scar.
Continuing along the track to Bycliffe Road, we paused briefly at the top of The Dibb as Dir. Ed. had not seen this before turning NW along the Dalesway and back to Kettlewell.
Not much else to say about the walk really. It was cold damp and miserable with no views. Funnily enough though, it was still quite enjoyed by all.
The best bit was to come, namely calling at the Craven Arms in Appletreewick (http://www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk/ ). Three roaring log fires, gas lighting and friendly mine host made for a lovely cosy atmosphere and amongst the myriad of excellent beers was a new one, Leeds Bitter brewed evidently next to the Tetleys Brewery in Leeds. Perhaps the city will retain some brewing capability after all once Tetleys have carried out their promised desertion. OTC Directors were unanimous in their praise of this beer and we could all have cheerfully stayed there all night. This is probably one of the best pubs in the country.
Sadly, no photos from this walk. They would have been a waste of time.
Attendeees: MD, Dir. Ed, Dir. Without Portfolio – Ron Walker, Dir. Soc. Serv.
Driver and Walk Director: Dir. Soc. Serv.
21 November 2008 (9 miles) Kettlewell-Arncliffe- Litton-Buckden
Our rarely seen finance director took time off from monitoring the world financial crisis to direct his first walk –a relatively straight forward “up-and-over” ramble starting in Kettlewell and finishing in Buckden. Total walking time 4 hours, total drinking time 2 ½ hours.
Top marks for time keeping: everyone on time for a 10.0am departure from Kettlewell bridge. Attendance not quite as good as it should have been with both the Dir. Social Serv. crying off at short notice, due to ill health, and the Special Projects director deciding that having a new kitchen fitted, took precedence over a day out with a bunch of fellow “ale-carts”.
The sun shone on the “Magnificent Seven” as they started up Middlesmoor pasture en route to Arncliffe. However wet weather gear had to be donned before reaching the top, due to the first snow flurries. In just over an hour we were down in Arncliffe, passing the lovely St Oswald’s church on the River Skirfare.
No signs of life at the Falcon Inn (miserable landlord but one of the few pubs still serving beer out of a jug), so headed up the valley for another 45 minutes, crossing over a dry riverbed via stepping stones which had been under water five days earlier.
By 12.30 we were settling down in front of a warm fire to our first pint at the Queens Arms in Litton, which brews its own beer. Litton Brewery’s Gold Crest (3.9 % abv) went down well, and, after a spot of lunch, we set off on the 3 ½ mile hike over the moor to Buckden.
There were a few rumblings amongst more senior members of the party about the positioning of the pub stop in relation to the length and steepness of the subsequent after lunch walk. It was brought to the finance director’s attention that the really skilful OTC leaders find a lunchtime pub where the walk sets off downhill afterwards, and certainly does not involve a steady one hour climb out of Littondale after three pints of beer!
The weather deteriorated after lunch and by the time we reached the summit of Birks Fell it was heads down in the face of a mixture of sleet and rain. The rain eased off as we approached Buckden shortly after 4.0pm. Fortunately, the Buck Inn was open for a couple more pints, and The Pride of the Dales Bus turned up at 5.0pm to ferry us back down the valley to Kettlewell car park.
And finally, hands up anyone who can identify the OTC member who, when asked to name his favourite Yorkshire Dale, answered, Black Sheep?
Attendeees: MD, FD, CO. Sec, Dir. Ed, Dir. Without Portfolio, Colin Thorpe, Richard V-B.
Drivers: Colin Thorpe, Dir. Without Portfolio.
Walk Director. FD
17 October 2008 (8.75 miles) - Kirby Underdale – Thixendale – Kirby Underdale
As Walk Director for our October walk, Special Projects Director had chosen an easy route round Thixendale in the chalk landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds having been impressed by a similar walk in 2007. Spec. Proj Dir. Had also “copped” for driver duties too and it was arranged that MD, JK and Colin Thorpe would journey by train to meet him in Bradford. Waiting at the station in Burley-in-Wharfedale for the 07:30, we were privileged to witness a spectacular sunrise (see photo).
We had a surprisingly speedy run to Stamford Bridge where we were to join up with Co. Sec. Who was transporting Dir. Ed, Richard Vaughan-Birch and Ron Walker – Dir. Without Portfolio (making a long overdue OTC resumption). Our Financial Director should have been there too but it seems he FORGOT!!!
We enjoyed gorgeous bacon sarnies and coffee from the little take away shop whilst we waited and discovered there is a use for the spoiler on Spec. Proj. Director’s car after all – somewhere to stand the coffee!
Now Spec. Proj. Dir. Had chosen the specific route from one supplied by Country Walking to which he subscribes. This suggested start/finish at Thixendale village. However, Dir. Ed. Had a better idea – to start the round at Kirby Underdale and make Thixendale the lunch stop taking advantage of the Cross Keys hospitality, Spec. Proj. Dir. having confirmed it would be open.
Parking up at Kirby Underdale, we went down the lane passed the church and across the fields before eventually descending into a dry flat bottomed valley at South Breckenholme. At the bottom, we briefly joined the Wolds Way heading north to Thixendale. There were discussions about how these curious valleys were formed there being no evidence of water. (Note: If Wikepedia is anything to go by, the answer is glacial action).
Arriving at Thixendale, there was a brief hiatus as it appeared the pub was closed but the door was shut simply to keep the draughts out as it opens directly into the lounge. There was a distinctly cool reception from mine host who seemed even more miserable than last year! However the beer (Jennings and Rudgate) and food were excellent.
Leaving the pub, we went through the village before branching left to walk another dry valley below Thixendale Grange. Joining the road, we branched left enjoying some good westerly views before turning right towards Woodley Farm and ultimately Kirby Underdale.
Attendees: MD, CO. Sec, Dir. Ed, Spec. Proj. Dir, Social Services Dir, Dir. Without Portfolio (Ron W.) Colin Thorpe, Richard V-B
Walk Director and Driver – Spec. Proj. Dir. Additional Driver - Co. Sec.
19.9.08 (9.5miles) -
Mild but cloudy with a little sun in middle of day (we missed it as we were in the pub)
After parking on the village green in
Before too long threequarters of our party were beginning to get feelings of déjà vu: were we mistaken or had we followed this path not so long ago. When we reached the ruined Preceptory of the Knights Templars we realised it was three years ago, almost to the day when we completed a circular walk around
He was a little disgruntled that we refused point blank to climb up Pen Hill again as he’d thought he’d quite like to do it.
After watching them riding out from the racing stables just below us, we made our way down into
By the time we left the extremely friendly pub it was after 2pm, the sun had disappeared behind cloud once more, never to return that day, and we still hadn’t had our sandwiches: it was actually going up to three when we settled on a rock at the side of Redmire Force and had something solid for a change. We had followed the path to the River Ure and alongside it, repeating our steps of three years ago – something we kept reminding the Dir. Ed. who by the time we were eating our lunch was thoroughly fed up with us.
Our leader was really pleased when we pointed out our previous route going off to the left as we neared the main road and eventually we cut across fields back to
Attendees: MD – Co Sec – Dir Ed – DSP
15 August 2008 - High Street and Harter Fell, Lake District
Haweswater Car Park - Rough Crag - Riggingdale Crag - High Street - Mardale Ill Bell - Harter Fell - Haweswater Car Park.
MD chose the walk and drove us in his courtesy Skoda Octavia with the 5 of us. A surprisingly spacious car incidentally with a huge boot. En route we met Richard at Tebay Services and he followed us in his new BMW to the wilds of Haweswater. We managed to squeak into the very popular car park at the end of the valley.
The walk began by following the lakeshore clockwise to the trees at The Rigg. As we set off, it was fine although the forecast was “mixed”. Sure enough, part way to The Rigg, the rain began. Donning our waterproofs, discussion turned to whether we should abort the mission and settle for a walk round the lake. Now JK had been a little delayed taking photographs and as he caught up with the group, was invited to take the decision. This honour was a recompense for his perceived disgruntlement at the changes to plan on the Ben Nevis expedition (no perceived about it!!). The decision was to press on with the intended route.
We began the climb up Rough Crag and the exertion caused us to soon begin removing the waterproofs but not for long! Part way up, the rain began to fall much more steadily. After donning the protection once again, there were rumblings about turning back. However, JK had strategically progressed some way ahead so it was a case of onward and upward with Blea Water to our left.
The rain stopped fairly quickly and just below cloud level on Riggindale Crag, we elected to take advantage of the lull and stop for lunch in a spot sheltered from the wind. We had views down the valley and across to Kidsty Pike as we ate.
Suitably nourished, we went up into the clouds. We reached the trig point on High Street where we reciprocated group photos with some passing walkers. On then to Mardale Ill Bell (not to be confused with Ill Bell above Kentmere Reservoir). About half way there, the clouds lifted and we were rewarded with views across to Morecambe Bay and much of the Kentmere Round.
Across Nan Bield, above Small Water, the wind intensity increased somewhat. The stone shelter there is well placed!
Ascending Harter Fell, we began to get glimpses of the sun and waterproof gear was returned to rucksacks. The summit was conquered and we descended to Gatesgarth Pass and back to the car park.
We had had no more rain after the flurry on Riggindale Crag and had clear views after High Street which just goes to show that sometimes it pays to take a chance when the forecast is no worse than “mixed”.
On the journey home, we stopped at the Greyhound Inn in Shap which has a good collection of real ales though our sampling was limited to excellent Hawkshead Bitter and Coniston Bluebird.
Attendees: MD, Co. Sec, Dir. Soc. Services, PP - Dir. Without Portfolio, Mike Chalk and Richard Vaughan-Birch.
Driver and Organiser: MD
4.7.08 – Sailing on Windermere
Bowness – Lakeside – Bowness
Attendees: CoSec – DirEd – Dir without Portfolio – DSP
Sunny with cloud until 12.30 then sunny, warm, blue skies.
Breeze in the morning – doldrums in the afternoon
This was probably one of the Olicana’s most idyllic days out, probably because of the relaxing nature of it after the exertions of the previous outing, the trek up Ben Nevis.
Originally our walk director for the day, Dir w/o Portfolio, had planned a foray to the North Yorkshire Moors, but after consultations with CoSec it was thought sailing may be more agreeable, something the other members concurred with wholeheartedly. However the numbers for this trip were somewhat depleted due to MD being requisitioned by his wife to accompany her to Northumberland, and JK holidaying across the Channel.
Once again it was apparent CoSec’s quality organizational skills had come to the fore.
The sailing boat was booked and ready as we arrived at the moorings near the chain-link ferry slipway at 10am all excited and eager to cast off at the earliest opportunity. Of course there are certain safety requirements and these were forcefully expounded by CoSec to the rest of us landlubbers – quite rightly. Then the motor was started and we chugged out between the moorings and beyond the course of the car ferry.
There was bright sunshine between the clouds with a breeze blowing north up the lake which looked near perfect with its surroundings, the houses, trees, sailing craft and the backdrop of the Lakeland Hills – Fairfield and its horseshoe – standing out like a picture from a calendar.
It wasn’t long before we had extinguished the engine and were tacking south towards Lakeside and the skipper was putting us through our paces. “Ready about – Ready – Lee ho!” and all that stuff. “Pull that sheet in – let that one out.” Watch out for the mast, boom thingy! You can tell we were into the swing of things and all ready to cross the Atlantic… not! Or is that knot. (Apologies for that.)
Once CoSec was satisfied we knew what we were doing he disappeared into the small cabin and emerged with four glasses and a bottle of champagne, chilled of course. Now that is what we call organized. CoSec was heard to murmur that it didn’t get much better than this. Indeed! DSP uttered his regular, “This is what it’s all about” phrase, something he’d forgotten to say at the summit of the Ben. I wonder why?
Dir w/o Portfolio produced four hats, purchased especially from one of the many penny shops that proliferate in Leeds. His was an able seaman’s affair, CoSec’s wouldn’t have looked out of place in Pirates of Penzance and DSP’s was a sou’wester. It was DirEd’s titfer that got us all roaring with laughter however; a tam o’ shanter with bright orange wig attached. As we recalled, his hair was actually this colour sometime in the past.
After the ‘poo and considerably more tacking some bottles of Beck’s appeared and would you know it – the clouds were visibly melting away to be replaced by an almost unbroken blue sky. Lakeside was getting nearer but not quickly enough if we were to actually moor there, mindful of the time it would take to return to Bowness, so the motor was restarted and we covered the 500 yards or so to one of the small jetties near the hotel. Just what the clientele and staff thought as this motley crew alighted and walked across the garden to an empty table is not recorded, particularly as DirEd was still wearing his tammy!
The garden is something of a suntrap and we all relaxed with a pint of Jennings Cumberland Ale and soaked up the rays. What could be more perfect? Well the price of the beer for one thing - £3.50 a pint!!!
All too quickly the clock had ticked past 3pm and we had to be on our way back. However the wind had dropped completely by now and the sail was having little or no effect; several yachts, a little converted fishing smack and ourselves were all becalmed. At this rate it would be a week next Tuesday before we made our mooring at Bowness, so once more the motor was started and we were on our way, even having time to explore one or two of the bays en route. DirEd served up four cans and all was well with the world.
There was a moment when we had a bit of a shock when the engine died but it was soon realised we had run out of diesel and we had a spare can thankfully. It was almost 5pm to the minute when we tied up at our destination and soon we were travelling back down the A65, all in agreement about the wonderful day we’d had out there on the lake.
5 June 2008 The Great Ben Nevis Expedition.
Well we wanted something a little different to celebrate our Silver Jubilee so Ben Nevis was the decision, involving a 2 night stay at the Letterfinlay Lodge Hotel just north of Spean Bridge.
Co. Sec. and JK were the appointed drivers. Dir. Spec. Proj and RV-B (Co. Sec’s brother in law) travelled in the CoSecmobile - MD, Dir. Ed and PP in the JKmobile.
A portent of things to come when the best route to drive to Letterfinlay could not be agreed. Several mapping websites and Dir. Ed’s TomTom thingy (which he took in JK’s car) indicated once at Glasgow, the A82 via Loch Lomond would be quicker. Co. Sec insisted that via Stirling and the A9/A82 route was better. Unable to agree and thereby discounting a meet for lunch, JK and Co. Sec. determined to do their own things and meet at the hotel. In the event, the CoSecmobile arrived first. It is left to the drivers’ consciences as to whether either drove faster than they would otherwise have done to prove a point! The JKmobile stopped at the viewpoint/war memorial at Spean Bridge to marvel at the crystal clear view of the Ben Nevis range in the evening sun – see photos.
MD’s arrival was met with the news that there was a shortage of proper beds (this due to the late interposing of R V-B on the trip). Co. Sec. advised that MD (who was sharing the room with Co. Sec. and R V-B) was on a ‘Z” bed. As we all ducked to avoid crashing lead balloon, MD went off to examine said contraption subsequently declaring it unacceptable (saggy springs/mattress). Representations were made to the hotel and one of the staff (Joan) sourced a board to stiffen things. However R V-B (very appropriately) decided he should take the ‘Z’ bed and as far as is known, slept ok.
As we all settled into a pint or few on the loch-side terrace, discussions turned to the route up Ben Nevis. Co. Sec. and JK had already consulted on this. A combination of recommendations from websites and the great AW Wainwright had led to the conclusion that taking the tourist route to begin with then veering off via the mountain rescue post, Carn Dearg Meadhonach (CDM), Carn Mor Dearg (CMD) and the Arête to the summit would be a great walk and within all our capabilities as experienced walkers. The descent would be via the whole tourist route from the summit. Dir. Ed. disagreed as this meant retracing our steps on the lower part of the tourist route. His suggestion was to make use of the two cars, leave one at the distillery on the A82 just outside Fort William and the other at the end of the tourist route. This way, we could walk over Carn Beag Dearg as well and not have to cover the same ground twice. After much discussion, a compromise was reached to use the two car principle but to follow the path alongside the stream (burn?) Alit a’ Mhuilinn to the rescue post then as before, subject to weather.
Breathing s sigh of relief that something had been agreed, we settled down to enjoy a social evening and excellent dinner.
All too quickly morning broke with the realisation this was it! Cars were deployed and we began the walk. Conditions were very good, dry and with no wind, except that the summit was capped with cloud. As we approached a track leading up Carn Beag Dearg, Dir. Ed. asked if we wished to re-consider his original proposal. With hindsight, we should have taken this option - but no. We arrived at the Mountain Rescue post where we should have branched off up to CDM. Co. Sec. surprised us all by declaring UDI to the effect that he no longer wanted to follow the planned route but proceed further up the valley and perhaps ascend CMD directly – to be decided as were closer. A discussion failed initially to resolve differences of opinion. Co. Sec. suggested we split up so members of the party could do the route they wished. However we were unanimous that splitting up would be a mistake, especially as we had to co-ordinate cars. Democracy ruled (4:3) and we agreed to follow Co. Sec’s lead.
We progressed up the valley. As we did so, it became obvious that the valley sides were becoming progressively steeper. No-one wanted to backtrack so we were more or less obliged to complete the ascent via Coire Leis. Until it was too late, we did not realise this involved crossing almost a mile of ankle-breaking boulders and crevices ending with a scramble up to the Ben Nevis end of the Arête. MD, JK, Dir. Ed and R R-B were first up the scramble and as they waited for Dir. Spec. Proj. plus Co. Sec. deploying his rope skills to assist PP, various passing walkers who had followed our planned route declared what a superb walk it had been. Some expressed surprise that we had come the way we had. By taking an “easier/shorter” route, it appeared we had made life more difficult but we cannot be sure as none of us had ever been via the other route.
To add to the frustrations, the route from the Arête to the summit was yet another boulder strewn ascent. As we climbed, into the cloud we went. At the summit we took our photo against the trig point and wandered around the remains of the observatory and other buildings. Clearly (or not actually!) we were not going to get any views from the summit. On then to the tourist track for the descent.
The descent was easy to follow despite the mist. However although the path is manicured in places, there are a considerable number of small boulders almost all the way which made it tiring as you had to watch every step. At about 2000 ft, the midge squadrons appeared prompting JK to produce a face net. Similarities to an eponymous Aunt Maude were noted!
At the end of the tourist trail, the Nevis Inn hove into view, a surprise as none of us knew it was there. Some excellent IPA was quoffed on its terrace. Looking back to Ben Nevis, the summit of course had cleared and was basking in the evening sun!
A shuffling of the cars took us back to the hotel where after hasty showers, our celebration 25 year polo shirts were donned for the evening meal. Co. Sec. sprung a surprise on us in the shape of his friends Beth and Paul who happened to be holidaying in the area and joined us for the evening.
The Letterfinlay Lodge Hotel serves excellent food and reasonable hand pulled ale (Nessie). Rooms were clean and tidy although the bathrooms were perhaps a little tired. There is a fantastic terrace overlooking the loch. The staff were really friendly and welcoming. Joan (a keen walker herself) produced some photos taken on the previous fantastic Saturday (weatherwise) on the summit of Ben Nevis to show us what we would have seen had our visit been in clear weather. Thanks Joan (we think!). Thanks also to Emma and Catrina for their friendly service.
And Ben Nevis, would we climb it again – not a chance. In this we were unanimous.
On the other hand, there were rumblings about mounting a trip to Snowden so perhaps it was not so bad after all.
23.5.08 Harry's Ramble(9.2 miles)
Burley-in-Wharfedale – Sconce – Tong Park – Esholt – Baildon - Shipley
MD – CoSec – Dir without Portfolio – Adam Nawoj - DSP
Fine, mild with occasional sun.
There have been better attendances for Harry’s Ramble in the past but on this occasion it was a select group of five setting forth from the railway station at Burley. Dir of Social Services was sunning?? himself in south Devon and Dir of Education had elected to go fishing – claiming he’d forgotten to enter this important date in his diary (he’s SACKED!!).
The climb onto the moor through Burley Woodhead was achieved without too much exertion – it will be different next week when we attempt to scale the heights of ‘the Ben’! Then down hill most of the way through the hamlet of Sconce and into the pleasant woodland beside the stream and into Tong Park. The Hollins Hall Hotel golf course had to be crossed, keeping a weather eye open for stray golfballs and club wielding players, before the relative safety of the pretty village of Esholt was reached – looking out all the while for crashing aeroplanes, exploding village houses and maniacs at large with sawn-off shotguns!! I should explain that I haven’t gone completely off my trolley: Esholt used to be on the tele – it masqueraded as Emmerdale in a previous life before the purpose built village in Harewood Estate took over.
The canny locals still try to cash in on this claim to fame as the village inn – the Commercial – has been permanently renamed the Woolpack! It was here where our group rested on the picnic tables outside, for it was warm enough, and enjoyed a few welcome pints of Black Sheep plus some excellent chicken, bacon and sweetcorn baguettes.
Then on to Baildon at first beside the River Aire and then the Leeds and Liverpool canal; it was hard to believe we were so close to the Bradford / Leeds conurbation as it was a very pleasant path. The next port of call was the Junction Inn at Baildon Bottom – a pub passed so often in the car but hardly ever visited (indeed only DSP of this party had ever seen the inside). However it has won many awards from CAMRA for the quality of its beers and the hospitality of its host and hostess and I think we all agreed it may be worth another look in the not too distant future.
As is customary on the occasion of Harry’s Ramble, Tim Lawson and son Greg visited us there before we made our way along the busy road into Shipley town centre and the railway station where we all said our goodbyes, promising to try and keep in shape for what will be a much stiffer test on June 5th – the ascent of the north face (ish) of Ben Nevis.
19 May 2008 - OTC Silver Jubilee BBQ
On 19 May 2008, an auspicious event took place at the MD’s house, namely the BBQ to celebrate 25 years of the OTC. Co. Sec. had provided a luxury huge parasol thingy to provide shelter in the event of rain which of course meant that we had a lovely warm sunny day - hooray!
We began the festivities with a glass of champers courtesy of Co. Sec. and ample wine and beer was consumed.
Charcoal and gas BBQs were available and the men-folk assumed their chefs’ roles, evidently successfully as no-one got food poisoning!
Polo shirts to commemorate the event were worn by the directors bearing the inscription shown on the panel on the “home” page. These will be expected to be worn at all appropriate occasions!
Surprise guest of honour was Norman and his wife Doreen, not seen at an OTC event for many years not lest due to their emigration to Arran! Norman proudly wore his OTC 2000 Millennium “T” shirt. Doreen had gone to the trouble and no doubt not inconsiderable expense to provide a fantastic “plaque” to mark the occasion. The best thing about this is that it was solid chocolate so it was with somewhat heavy hearts that it was demolished for consumption. See the photos. She had also supplied a cake. Many thanks Doreen.
MD gave a rousing speech thanking each of the directors for the contributions in their various roles over the years. Thanks also due to Pauline (Mrs MD) for providing food.
The BBQ was a thoroughly enjoyable success.
Here’s to the next 25 years!!!
11 April 2008 - Forest of Bowland, Dunsop Bridge - Dunsop Fell - Dunsop Bridge.
JK had been appointed as Walk Director and was determined to select a well overdue trip to the Lakes. That was until the weather forecast was viewed. The promise (threat!) of snow lying, snow over ice, low cloud, hail and more snow rather dampened the enthusiasm so a safer closer to home walk in the Forest of Bowland was chosen instead. Piling misery on disappointment Sec. Proj. Dir. and Dir. Ed. were unable to attend due to some dreaded lurgi and an errant wardrobe (which attacked his foot!) respectively.
Four of us made our way to Dunsop Bridge (SD 660501), JK confident that the local forecast of sunny spells would provide a good day out. Sadly the sun failed to materialise and wet weather gear was worn throughout to fend off the drizzle.
From Dunsop Bridge, we followed the bridal path NNE from just over the bridge. Unexpectedly, the path comprised a tarmac road as far as the splitting of the Dunsop/Whitendale and Brennand rivers. Here we branched off to the right of the Whitendale River climbing gently to above Whitendale (farm?). A short zig-zag and we were climbing an extremely muddy path (as in quagmire!) to Dunsop Fell. Oh for some more tarmac!
Over the summit, forking right at Dunsop Head and we descended to Burn Side and Back Lane, with a brief lunch stop between showers. A short spell on the lane and we turned off right to Burn House following the footpath to the farm at Beatrix. Here we came across a distressed sheep by the side of the track which seemed unable to stand. Co. Sec. vainly searched the farm looking for the farmer but shortly after, we happened upon a young lady on a quadbike who looked after the sheep and we drew her attention to the unfortunate animal, although she already knew.
From Beatrix, the intention was to follow the footpath to Dunsop Bridge but we had had enough mud and opted for the farm track down to the road instead.
The return journey took us through Slaidburn where we enjoyed liquid refreshment at the quaint Hark To Bounty (http://www.harktobounty.co.uk/).
The poor weather meant few photos but what there were you can see here.
A word of warning if arriving at Long Preston on the B6478 to join the busy A65 - do not! This must be one of the most dangerous road junctions and the presence of a mirror helps little. Safer to turn right just after crossing the River Ribble then left on to the A682 to join the A65.
14 March 2008 - North Yorkshire Moors, Goathland to Grosmont and back.
A combination amongst the OTC attendees of jet lag and gout necessitated a fairly gentle walk. The weather forecast indicated that the North Yorkshire Moors area was likely to prevail so off we went to Goathland, Heartbeat country for those who watch the TV series.
We parked at the car park in the village centre and had a jovial chat with the friendly car park attendant. We strolled through the village to the railway station excitedly (?) taking pictures of the Aidensfield Arms (More properly the Goathland Hotel - http://www.goathlandhotel.co.uk/) and the garage which feature in the TV series. An old 1960s Ford Anglia mock police car rested in the yard. Even at the station we were assailed with bygone images as the Green Arrow steam train huffed through.
On then to some actual walking. We crossed the railway line and turned left along Mill Scar. We climbed the moor to Arundel Hill before descending passed Greenlands Farm to the road. Left here took us to steeply down Fair Head Lane to Grosmont with views across to Whitby and the sea. Lunch at the Station Hotel in Grosmont was eagerly anticipated. Imagine our crestfallen faces when we found it was closed. No wonder rural pubs are closing down if they cannot open on a sunny Friday lunchtime.
However, the café on the station platform came to our aid and an assortment of bacon and egg butties, mushroom soup and pasties came to the rescue. Keen fans of the OTC will realise that 2008 is our Silver Jubilee and a discussion indicated that a suitably emblazoned shirt should be commissioned to commemorate the occasion. It was decided that our maturity and sophistication justified a polo rather than a ‘T’ shirt (who were we kidding!).
Buoyed with shirt excitement, we re-climbed the road before branching off right across a footpath to Dale End Farm and Morton Close, sweeping round above the railway line.
Here, we had to make a decision. Did we briefly divert to the hamlet of Beck Hole in the hope of a pint at the Birch Hall Inn (http://www.beckhole.info/). The little knowledge we had suggested this was a very quaint pub. MD recalled visiting it in his early youth (presumably when the stage coach stopped!). Having been deprived at Grosmont, the decision was easily made and the steep descent to Beck Hole followed. What a find it was. A tiny pub which the 5 of us almost filled and the bar a small rectangle in the wall (see pics). The beer was Daleside Old Leg Over. The obvious puns were made but what a lovely flavoursome beer.
The struggle back up the hill was achieved. We then descended to the railway line at Thomason Foss where the footpath bridge passed under a skewed railway bridge. Quite unusual – see pics. The path then continued to Goathland.
JK managed to fall in the mud approaching Goathland.
The Royal Oak at Pickering provided a last refreshment before home.
8.2.08 (10.25 miles) - Clapham – Clapgate Farm – Crummack Farm – Wharfe – Austwick – Clapham
Dry and mild
Although the weather could have been a little kinder – there was sun and blue sky to the south of us – at least it was dry and mild, unlike our last outing over Baildon Moor. The first part of the walk under the stewardship of the MD, took us steeply uphill to Clapgate Farm, thus avoiding a stiff 50p per person toll to walk through the Nature Trail to Ingleborough Show Cave. Well we are all Yorkshiremen, and retired at that, but will accept whatever criticism you decide to throw our way (including those appertaining to short arms, long pockets). Indeed the CoSec did remark he would have paid for all of us had he known beforehand of the stiffness of both ascent and decent just to save ourselves this small surcharge.
Another short sharp climb had to be endured to gain Long Lane, along which we headed towards Sulber Nick – the limestone clints through which the last part of the Three Peaks Walk descends towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale. However before reaching this attractive area our walk turned to the south at a crossroads of paths, bizarrely signposted to warn cars and motorbikes that they will be transgressing the laws of the land should they proceed further, and headed downhill for Crummack Farm.
After our picnic lunch we continued along a green road and over a bridge at an attractive spot a ford called Sheep Wash; farmers used to meet twice a year – Spring and Autumn - to wash the sheep in the deep pool of Austwick Beck. From there the path assumed a sunken nature as it wound its way round the side of the hill and down into the small hamlet of Wharfe; then across fields past Wood End and Flascoe Bridge and into Austwick village where we decided we had deserved a drink, nay two seeing as it was Thwaites Wainwright Bitter and extremely palatable.
After a short debate as to our route back to Clapham; the choices being the relatively flat paths through the field system or the alternative climb up to Thwaite Lane then down through the tunnels behind Ingleborough Hall, we decided on the latter and were rewarded with a wonderful view of an extraordinary exhibition of aerobatics by five small Tucano RAF trainers in the sky just to the south of Clapham.
After a pint of Golden Pippin in the New Inn we set off back down the A65 reflecting on an excellent day out and feeling the balance, as far as the weather was concerned, had been redressed after the January walk.
Attendees: MD – Co Sec – Dir Educ – Dir Spec Projects
18.1.08 (5.5 miles)
Rain and windy
Why is that when the Dir Special Projects is nominated to lead a walk an area of low pressure begins to track across the British Isles and on the day of the walk the heavens decide to open prompting fellow members of the Olicana to pour scorn in his direction?
The last time he led a walk, he and his fellow walkers were dicing with flood waters in the upper reaches of the Don Valley near Langsett in South Yorkshire last July. This time there were no such heroics, just a steady trudge in sheets of rain.
The walk started from the railway station in Shipley, thus negating the need for cars and allowing all the walkers to partake of a jar or two en route. DSP had decided on a local walk due to the MD’s imminent departure to lands of snow-capped peaks and flattened pistes so from the station, after bacon butties and tea had been consumed, the Leeds & Liverpool canal was followed, west through Saltaire and up the Glen and onto the highest part of Baildon Moor. It was here on the most exposed part of the area that the wind decided to howl and the rain drove down on an increasingly sodden group of ramblers. There was only one slight point in our favour; the wind was at our backs.
The first port of call in the leader’s plan was the Malt Shovel Inn in Baildon town centre, for a couple of pints and a bite to eat. However it soon became clear, due to the incessant downpour and the high winds outside, that this would also be the last port of call. Only four miles had been covered thus far, but it was a pointless exercise continuing just as the wet outer garments were drying beside the roaring fire and the Wentworth Ale being so agreeable, not to mention the hospitality of the locals who wanted to know if we could pop in there every Friday afternoon.
The weather had abated slightly when we all polled out at twenty to five to wend our way down the road to Baildon station to catch our respective trains home, a good deal happier in all senses of the word than we would have been had we decided to complete the ‘walk’ in the monsoon conditions that prevailed that day.
Let us hope the weather on our first walk of the year does not set the standard for the rest of 2008.
Attendees: MD – CoSec – Dir Educ – JK – Paul – Mike Chalk – Dir Spec Projects
