Reports

December medium walk Delph 1-12-24

Eight of us travelled to Lancashire in awful weather fearing a wet day. But as we put our boots on, the clouds parted and the sun and blue skies appeared, and stayed with us most of the day. We climbed out of Delph and up the valley to Castleshaw and after a few more ascents eventually dropped down to the canal at Diggle. Lunch was taken canalside with an executive toilet included. We followed the Huddersfield narrow canal to Uppermill then picked up the Delph Donkey. This is a disused railway that once used Donkeys to pull the carriages along, simple really !! An enjoyable walk in decent weather.

September Tea shop walk Sat 28-9-24

Travelling by bus and train 9 of us caught the Dales bus from Skipton towards Malham but got off at Newfield Hall, the grand HF Holidays country house. Across fields and wandering along farm tracks to Airton, we collected a load of fallen Bramley apples that were being given away. Airton Farmshop was our elevenses stop which has great views of the dale from its picnic tables, and great cakes! We resumed our path taking the Penine Way for a bit beside the river Aire, past 17thC Hanlith Hall where we discovered we could book a holiday apartment. That would be grand in many ways! Crossing the river and leaving the P.Way we passed Scalegill Mill, originally 13thC and built as a Corn Mill by the Lord of Hanlith Hall. Today, it’s a beautiful quiet setting for another holiday, in one of several cottages.

Our Dales views were long and clear so Gordale Scar and Malham Cove were well in sight as we passed the spring of the river Aire and reached Malham. Our second yummy teashop stop.

The day didn’t end there! Due to ‘stretched times’ between buses we caught the next available to Settle. What a beautiful ride! Up to Malham Tarn then over the moorland tops through Langcliffe, down to Settle. We resisted the famous Naked Man cafe and strolled to the historic station to catch the train back to Leeds. But what was Minnie Mouse doing up on the wall!??

Apparently, the slightly embellished story goes, many years ago a Mickey doll was found near Settle station. He was placed on a table in the ticket office hoping his owner would return and claim him. Unfortunately they didn’t and he got really lonely even though the station staff befriended him, so they found him Minnie to keep him company. And to show how well they’re honoured the pair live high-up in fleur de lys recesses on the station walls overseeing the trains and all goings-on! I bet they could tell a tale or two! 😉😂

And so our day ended as we reached noisy bustling Leeds and wound our way on slow busy buses back to Morley. Definitely a grand day out was had by all!
Walk leader Ros Smith

September short walk 15-9-24

17 folk ignored the rainy Morley weather and set forth to Burton Leonard in North Yorkshire. We were so lucky we did as we only had 2 little showers that didn’t spoil the walk whereas back home in Morley/Leeds had downpours.
4 members met us there as they live that way so that brought the gang up to 21. It was overcast but a good walking temperature and folk kept a steady pace, happily chattering as we went along. We walked over fields and down country lanes stopping for 11ses on a banking where we got a few spits and spots but as soon as we got our rain jackets on it stopped. We made our way to Copgrove where in front of a really nice house we saw this very regal looking pure white dog; I think he was a Siberian Husky. We all stopped to look at him and some took photos but I think as so many folk were looking at him it made him a bit shy and he ran into his garden.
We had our lunch in Copgrove Church yard as there’s benches and a good wall. There wasn’t a service going on but the church was open and some folk went in to have a look around. As we walked back to the path the lovely white dog was going for a walk with its owners and wanted to greet us all with a wagging tail. I think he really wanted to join Morley Walking Club as according to old Tom and countless members “We are the best walking club in the land!”
We had to negotiate the edge of a lumpy ploughed field as the farmer hadn’t left much room for the footpath but steady away we all passed by without a hitch. We soon found more country lanes and tracks and all too soon we were back on Mill Lane at Burton Leonard where another local dog made us all laugh. He was leaning on his gate with two paws through the cut out pattern of the gate and his chin resting on the top. He just looked like an old man looking for someone to natter to.
It was nice to catch up with everyone and a grand day was had by all.

Ros’s grand day out 12-5-24

For a little adventure, 8 of us travelled by train to Skipton then on the Dales bus towards Malham. Alighting near the popular Pennine Way, but ignoring it, we crossed the fields to Kirk Syke Lane and along the quiet track to the back of Airton Farm and teashop. Not the first teashop of the day because some of us grabbed an early morning tea at Leeds station! Suitably refreshed, we took the grassy footpaths to walk beside the river Aire.
Once the mist dissolved it was such a gorgeous warm, sunny day! Many birds were singing, lambs crying or lying quietly under shady trees and we just sauntered along at a gentle pace. A bit of excitement on seeing historic Hanlith Hall. Hanlith dates back as a manor to the Doomesday book of 1086; it belonged to the Medcalfe families until the mid 14th century, then became tenanted to the Serjeantson family who remained there for the next 550 years! The Hall was rebuilt in the 19thC, and has changed hands a few times since then, but it’s still an impressive sight.
Our next historical gem was Scalegill Mill; sometimes called Hanlith Mill because of its relationship with Hanlith Hall. Originally the site of a manorial corn mill dating back to before 1279. By the 18thC it had become a cotton mill and in the 20thC was used as a joiners shop and sawmill. Today it has been converted into several individual homes; a lovely peaceful setting with the mill pond and waterways still in situ.
Leaving the mill’s land on a path offering fantastic views, we saw the cliffs of Gordale Scar as well as of Malham Cove! And then we came to Aire Head springs, where the river Aire officially rises. Actually, it is the waters that disappear underground from Malham Tarn resurfacing here. The spring looked very dry but only a month ago it was bubbling away.
And so on to our 3rd teashop of the day, followed by a return bus and train journey. It was all very scenic and definitely a good day out!

Hare Head & Bolton Abbey club medium walk 7-5-23

12 walkers travelled to Draughton near Skipton for May’s club medium walk led by Michelle, the weather was hazy at first then turned into a warm and sunny day for the whole walk.
We walked down through the village and over the heritage Bolton abbey to Embsay railway line (we heard two steam trains during the walk but just missed seeing either of them) then we climbed up towards Hare head where we had long range views across Barden moor towards upper Wharfedale. We descended through Westy Bank Wood where we were treated with lovely carpet of bluebells.
On to Bolton abbey for our lunch stop in the ruins of the Abbey overlooking the river Wharfe and a little beach which was proving popular in the sunshine.
In the afternoon we followed the Dales Way footpath southwards by the river to Bolton bridge, then we turned right with a short ascent towards Haw Pike farm where we saw a calf born just minutes earlier with it’s Mother.
Our final leg of the walk was a bridleway across Banks Hill again with good long range views towards Hare Head and Beamsley Beacon then returning to Draughton.

Hardcastle Crags April club medium walk 2-4-23

Hardcastle Crags. Seven set off from the National Trust Carpark Sunday. A chill in the air a little breeze but the forecast to be dry. The trail took us through beautiful woodlands alongside Hebden Beck. Ground covered in spent snowdrops, bluebells and wild garlic were just weeks away from bloom. The beck flowed quite quickly, a peaty colour, the valley sides fed the beck with Cristal clear streams. A canopy of dense budding trees was home to an array of active twittering birds. Stepping stones too tempting to be ignored. Quick feet, little steps, over a rocky trail. A wider path allowed a longer stride. The weather living up to its promise, the sun breaking through. After coffee a gentle climb, a deer spotted in the wood ahead. A right turn into lush green fields. Circling Shackleton Knoll we lunched at Sunny Bank. A descent to Lumb Hole Waterfall, a group picture then our climb to Old Lane. We walked gardens, ducking washing lines, skirting manmade ponds and stiles, all different. Middle Small Shaw, Lower Small Shaw, Horse Hey, Bent Head. Higher and Lower Crimsworth, a long steep descent through Kitling Bridge and back to the carpark. Spring has arrived.

Mid week walk from Crowden 18-1-23

We left the cars behind setting off on our 8 mile midweek walk. Another winter wonderland theme for the day. Frosty a thin layer of snow accompanied by the deepest of blue sky. The walk took us round Torside Reservoir crossing over to walk alongside Rhodeswood Reservoir, a fairly flat start. Crossing the A628 we started climbing. Skies still blue we finally got into the sun. It was a warm climb. 1100 feet in just under two miles. The footpaths good it was a relief when with 300 feet still to climb we had lunch. “Accompanied with After Eight mints I will add”. The views stunning with some beautiful pictures taken by all, a photographers paradise today. After lunch we continued our climb to the top. Peat bog footpaths covered in snow. The bogs firm with frost, a crunch with every foot step. Over the snow covered top we were accompanied with the cackling of grouse who occasionally flew off in the distance. Jurassic three toed foot prints? No! Ha ha the odd pheasant print. Just a mile and a half from our cars we started our decent. Slowly with caution we arrived back to our starting point. A fabulous walk with stunning views, great company, good exercise and fresh air.

Stanley Ferry January Club short walk 15-1-23

What a wonderful day for a winter walk!!
28 walkers and 2 well-behaved dogs set forth from Stanley Ferry. The route took us along the canal towards Heath Common and across several fields to Kirkthorpe Church for lunch with a gentle amble back past Half Moon lake, across the blue bridge and via the tow path on the other side of the canal. The sun shone all the way but there sure was mud aplenty underfoot. All in all a cracking 6.2 sociable miles to break up the winter blues.

Mince Pie Walk walk- 18-12-2022

30 of us set off from Morrison’s car park on a bitterly cold and windy morning for the last Club walk of the year. We first strolled up to Dartmouth Park to say hello to the carved Owl and Hare then crossed over the A650, through the new housing estate and over the M62 bridge on to Scotchman Lane. The ground frost was melting by this time but mist over the valley restricted what should have been the view over to Castle hill and the Pennines – just as well most folk were too busy chatting to notice.
We stopped for a group photo beside the golf course at Howley Hall – just to prove how intrepid we’d been to brave the icy cold, then we made our way backup a wooded track into fields to emerge again in Scotchman Lane.
A shortcut through the Asda carpark and the Barratt estate to Mel’s house where another 8 non walkers joined us for welcome hot drinks and the traditional ‘fuddle.’ This was the first one we’d been able to hold for 3 years since COVID restrictions so everyone enjoyed the lovely social occasion.
We were lucky to have finished the walk before the rain caused black ice to form on the frozen ground, although the leader did manage to have a spectacular fall anyway!
Many thanks to everyone who brought food and especially to the helpers who organised and served us. Let’s hope that we can do it again in 2023.

Spofforth November walk- 20-11-2022

17 walkers ventured out for an easy 7 mile walk from Spofforth via Sicklinghall and tracks and fields between. The rain held off and had a beautiful sunny day with rain starting just after we finished! The ground however was very wet, we had to walk up a fast-running stream at one point

Mid week walk: Longdendale and the wild Pennines 16-11-22

by Richard Clapham
Crowden – Longdendale and the Wild Pennines Oxygen intake through every orifice of my being for this walk. From the cars a slight detour due to the closure of the Woodhead Reservoir path. A flat first three miles along the banks of reservoir Torside across the dam wall and alone reservoir Rhodeswood. A short hop across the road to face our promised hill. Good climbing along small grassy paths towards Didsbury Intake. A wider footpath took us to Tintwisle Knarr. Almost at the top a much needed lunch break. The views amazing looking back on ourselves to the reservoirs we first walked. The top, narrow peat trails, soft underfoot, always reminds me of toffee and teeth, as the toffee tries to pull your teeth out so do the peat bogs with your boots. Black grouse, pheasants fluttered and croaked as in the reservoir valley woodland birds flurried before us. The weather turned cold after lunch, hat and even for me a pair of gloves, unknown. The rusting colours of autumn beautiful, sweeps of bronzed bracken clinging to the hillsides set against grey millstone cliffs with browned peat streams flowing into brooks and Cloughs. The seasons spent heather and tufted grass leaves autumnal. Hollins Clough fed into Coombes Clough, tricky stepping stones towards Lads Leap. Clear path ahead, winding peat trail, before our descent gradually steepened. Onto a small part of the Pennine Way, fields shared with grazing sheep and back to the carpark. A sense of achievement after this walk. For me, a tough climb, legs fine, lungs falling short. The only way to better is to do more. Six of us walked 8miles on this valley and hill walk with 1333 ft – 406 M of ascent.

November’s long walk: Cupola Chimney walk 13-11-22

A murky foggy start from Morrisons this Sunday. An hour later the picture at Grassington different, little breeze, hazy blue skys, autumn leaves underfoot and trees nearly bare. A perfect walking day. Twelve of us today plus two dogs and off we went. A respectful Remembrance Sunday display in the Grassington Town centre. Bare House, Cupola Chimney, Linton Falls and 10 miles to go. A steepish climb for the first two miles got us shedding a layer. Autumn at its best, beautiful scenery illuminated by a low lying sun, sparse layers of cloud, and a gentle haze. Bare House for early snack and an impeccably observed 2 minutes silence for our lost hero’s at 11:00. Onward towards Cupola Chimney and lunch. The Ghyll’s were spectacular, limestone rock highlighted with rust bronzed bracken. Red Kites hovered and a chirpy whinchat paid us a brief visit along the drystone wall. Just a little mention for the rabbits. Low Green and a cheeky coffee before our walk back to Grassington along the river Wharf. Partly flooded fields attracting gulls and geese. The singing of great tits accompanied us. At the torrent of Linton falls a lone grey heron stalked its prey. A beautiful day for walking lead by Sue, great scenery and company.

Harewood Mid week walk 19-10-22

Our midweek walk. 9.25 miles round Harewood Estate. At times a chilly wind on an overcast day, ideal for walking. The route took us in a figure of 8, good paths and bridleways, 316m ascent (1036 ft). An autumnal tree coloured canopy, made perfect scenery. Acorns and conkers scattered as they dropped, squirrels galore with red kites hovering above on this easy to moderate enjoyable walk.

Stoodley Pike 12-10-22

Six set off from Todmorden centre, 9 miles walk in-front. Out of the town centre, left, left at the Golden Lion along longfield road to the fields ahead. We climbed steady, in the distance our lunchtime stop at Stoodley Pike. The climb was good underfoot albeit one went rucksack over head half way up the trail, having found the only slippy spot on the walk. Windy with intermittent rain, a day for raincoats and hat. Langfield Edge, flat terrain, Stoodley Pike visible, then not in the mist. Gaddings Dam in the distance. A photo stop, the traditional group picture at a stone seat before moving through Long Stoop towards Stoodley Pike. A draughty lunch a quick visit to the towers Veranda before starting our decent. Rainbow guided down through Mankinholes before a further decent though autumn coloured woodland. Our last stretch along the Rochdale Canal, sunshine, brought a pleasant warmth. The peaceful pace of the canal although, not one barge mobile brought waddling ducks and geese to end our 9 miles. A butchers stop, a brace of pheasant, Cumberland sausage then homeward bound.

Laycock and Goose Eye – 5 June 2022

9 dedicated Morley Walkers defied the forecast and were rewarded with a mostly dry but chilly June day.

We started off down the steep hill into Goose Eye, the lowest point of the walk, and steadily climbed by the stream through woodland and fields to Bottoms Farm where we enjoyed our well earned coffee. Onwards and upwards over more fields and the stream crossing to reach the long and winding waterways path to the highest point of the walk, the Keighley Moor Reservoir, where we lunched on the ‘beach’ sheltered from the wind.

After lunch we crossed the dam and the open moor until we reached the long track leading down into Newsholme and further downhill paths took us back to Goose Eye. Luckily the rain started as we approached the village and The Turkey Inn proved to be a welcome shelter. Refreshed we now had to climb back up the steep hill to Laycock to complete the walk.
Fresh air, friendship and fun was had by all.