Blackstone Edge (Long Walk) 12/06/2016

Walkers (7) - Ian Pickering (Leader), Sue Williams, Joanne Broadbent, John Hamlin, David Shaw, Robin Myers and Laurie Hutchison. For this long walk of 13 miles, The Magnificent Seven travelled over the Pennines to the Dark Side, otherwise known as Lancashire. There is great walking to be done in the Red County and none much better than in the Piethorne Valley, where todays walk started from. There were weather warnings of heavy showers, but as we left Ogden Reservoir it was a lovely sunny morning, which made the going tough as we climbed out of the valley onto the Rochdale Way. The first stile of the day caused much laughter, as it had a weirdly placed metal pole, which had to be negotiated carefully without doing ourselves an injury. After a few short sharp climbs, we crossed the M62 motorway by way of a bridge adorned with advertisements for the Samaritans (we might need them later into walk). We now started to climb up the steep side of Clegg Moor and past the tiny tarn of Dry Mere, then onto Hoar Edge, where I decided the crew had earned themselves a coffee break (I'm kind, aren't I?) As we tucked into our food reserves Sue must have tasted pretty good herself, as she was been eaten alive by a plague of midges. Then as the critters turned their attention to me, it was time to go and we followed the old Broad Head Drain to reach an old Roman Road, which took us up to the Aiggin Stone, an historic waymarker. As we neared the summit of Blackstone Edge, the skies darkened and the rain started to come down, and as forecast it was heavy. The rain could not have come at a worst time, as we had a long stretch on open moorland across White Hill, and we were looking for a lunch spot. The elements were now battering us so I got out my emergency shelter to have lunch under, and here's where the FUN began. Inside the shelter was Morley Walking Clubs version of Twister with arms and legs placed in various positions for the best comfort (or not!). Newlywed Joanne was thinking about how to explain to her new Hubby what she was doing under a sheet of orange material in the middle of nowhere with five mature men, the advice given was best to leave it a few years before telling him. Following the funniest lunch stop I have ever had on a walk we made our way back into the Piethorne Valley. Just before reaching Rooden Reservoir, we had to cross a field full of lively horses; everyone assured me they were comfortable crossing the field until three of the horses decided to charge towards us. At this point Joanne turned into an Olympic athlete and sprinted back to the stile and cleared it with one leap, but fortunately the animals were just been friendly. Shortly after this drama we arrived back at the cars, wet and weary but HAPPY Ian Pickering

CHILDRENS WALK AT TEMPLE NEWSHAM 16th April 2016

Walk Leaders: Denise and Andy Present: Glynis, Jim and Lyra; Dave, Pat, Lauren, Marcus, Paige and Emily; Roger, Elise and Ethan; Joyce, Terry and Grace; Denise, Andy and Drew. Everyone gathered at Lawn Pond car park at Temple Newsham, we set of on a lovely morning (Rain/snow had been forecast). All the children were given a sheet of paper with a list of things to find/observe during the walk, nothing serious just a bit of fun.We went round the back of Temple Newsham House and down the main thoroughfare towards the Menagerie Pond, this was where Glynis, Jim and Lyra said goodbye, promising to meet up with us later in the day.We continued on a path until we came to a sign saying Shroggs and turned left up some steps and over a bridge, climbing upwards to reach a bench I nicknamed Andy’s bench and we had a coffee stop here, spirits were high and there was a lot of laughter from the young ones. We carried on towards Bullerthorpe lane opening going through a lovely bluebell woodland and then walked downhill on the Avenue with Temple Newsham house looking majestic in the distance, it conjured up thoughts of bygone days when the Gentry would ride about in carriages or horseback, and ladies in long skirts and parasols. We carried on downhill and then the sting in the tail (all good walks should have one) was uphill to the “Temple” (unfortunately not looking its best having been vandalised), reading the notice we were told that it would be renovated. We dropped down towards the main part of the grounds and had lunch near the duck ponds, we were entertained by Paige and Emily doing their version of I’m a little tea pot and then Pat decided to join them which made us all laugh. After lunch we made our way towards the children’s play area, where we met up with Glynis, Jim and Lyra again, a good time was had by all especially on the zip wire, this was topped off by a visit to the ice cream van. Slowly, tired children made their way back to the car park and we said our goodbyes. Denise & Andy

Addingham - Sunday 20 March 2016

Area - Addingham to Ilkley Leader - Lizzie Lowe Walkers - David Lyon, Shirley Jordan, Lesley, Ken, Gill Lucas, Melanie, Phil and Cyn, Robin, Peter Thorpe, Pat Pitts, Carol Deighton, Jonathan, Jenny, Laurie, Denise Robson, Beryl, Sonia, Terry Doolan, Peter and Carol, Hazel and Bill, Sue Duckworth, Gavin, Gill and Andy. Weather - Cool but bright and sunny. The Walk began in Old Station Way, Addingham. From here, we walked down to Main Street, crossed it, and took a footpath immediately opposite. This led us behind houses and down to Bolton Road. We continued downhill, eventually taking a right onto High Mill Lane. Here we passed through a small settlement, then turned right along the river bank. We crossed the river on a suspension bridge, then carried on straight ahead along a field path, to reach a road. Here we turned right, and walked along the road (which was very busy with endless cyclists) to pass through the village of Nesfield. Having left Nesfield, we perched on a grassy bank to have elevensies and sing Happy Birthday to Sonia. Then we took to fields and woods, with springtime daffodils and lambs to please our eyes as we climbed over a selection of weird stiles. Hazel fell off one of these stiles backwards, but luckily her fall was broken by her rucksack! Eventually we emerged from the woods onto a street full of very posh houses. This street led us down to a riverside path, which took us to Ilkley. Some of us bought icecream from a van parked by the old bridge. We crossed the bridge and scattered in various directions (loos, garden centres etc). Eventually we regrouped. Turning right, we began our return journey, picking up the Dales Way beside the river. The signs in Ilkley told us it would be 4.2 MILES back to Addingham - but they meant to say 4.2 KILOMETRES. This is a silly mistake, which could put many people off the idea of doing what is actually an easy walk. Anyway, we knew the truth, so we weren't worried. We had a nice lunch stop by the river, and got back to Addingham safely - although by then the sun had gone in and a cold wind had started up. Our route back into Addingham was varied - it took us through fields; then along the river; then through a small settlement of old mill cottages now converted to attractive middle-class housing; then past the Old and New Rectories (large houses, which show that the maxim of 'blessed are the poor' does not necessarily apply to vicars!); then into the Church Meadows, which contained two interesting information boards with comprehensive histories of the area and Anglo-Saxon riddles. But the fun had nearly ended. Crossing a tiny and ancient stone bridge, we found ourselves in North Street, where we turned right. A brisk walk along North Street and Bark Lane, a left turn, and suddenly we were back onto Bolton Road, where we retraced our steps to the cars. Addingham is a pretty village but it has no tea-room, so we departed in our various directions immediately. Lizzie Lowe 20 March 2016

Medium Walk 7th Feb – East Morton 8.5 miles

Walk Leader – Roger Davidson Walkers - Sue Williams, David Lyon, Glynis Holmes, Angela Phipps, Pat Appleyard, Lizzy Lowe, Melanie Stockdale, Ros Smith, Ian Pickering, Bev Gaunt, Laurie Hutchinson, Jill and Andy Macfarlane, David Shaw, John ? and Andrew Sanderson. The walk started from Ilkley Road in East Morton and the weather was bright, but chilly with a forecast of boggy paths! Unfortunately when we arrived on Ilkley road there was a national motocross competition on and very little place to park…who knew? After some jostling for parking we eventually set off with Melanie’s map reading apprentices at the ready with their maps and compasses. Ready to assist were Ian, Melanie and Jill, but most important was Sue keeping a close eye on the walk leader!! After a map setting was done, we headed up the boggy path towards the Managed forest checking our directions. When we got into the forest, Pat was so busy checking her map she didn’t look where she was going and stepped into the middle of a bog and nearly lost her boot. After a coffee break we headed up to the ridge where there were great views over Addingham. After walking along the dales highway for about 1.5 Km we stopped for lunch before heading back down towards the forest. We passed Ghyll Grange farm and across a couple of muddy fields before heading back into the forest. We stopped again for a quick break and then headed back down the same path towards the cars. Thanks to all who came along and walked or helped with the map reading and also the non-map readers for their patience.

Short Walk report 21 February 2016

The walk commenced from Walton Colliery nature park to Anglers Country Park and returned via the Barnsley canal and Waterton country park. 11 people, set off and the walk went well, the weather was kind, in spite of the forecast, a short encounter with mud but generally good tracks, all seemed to have enjoyed it. Bob Thompson

Children’s Walk 6th Feb– Golden Acre Park 4 miles

Walk Leader – Roger Davidson Walkers - Elise, Ethan, Dave, Pat, Lauren, Marcus, Paige, Emily, Denise, Drew, Tonya and Andy The walk started from the main carpark at Golden Acre Park. It was a wet and chilly to start and the forecast wasn’t good for the rest of the day! We set off through the park via the underpass until we reached the gate at the bottom of the lake. We turned right and headed towards the A660 to the sound of bleeps and crackles as Paige and Marcus had brought their walkie talkies. We crossed the road and headed up a track towards Cocker Hill Farm. We crossed a muddy field and stopped by the duck pond for a quick break before heading towards the golf course. The weather was getting wetter so we continued on until we found a place for lunch just past Rushes Farm on the way back towards Brearly Marsh. As we walked through the woodland path back to the A660 Elise and the children were singing songs. We crossed the A660 and took the path back into the park. The weather still did not improve so we headed back to the car park. Thanks to all who came along and made it a very enjoyable walk in despite the poor weather.

Gargrave Medium Walk - 6th March 2016

Leader: Ian Pickering Walkers: (14)- Ian, Lizzie,David Shaw, Andrew Sanderson, Robin, Pat Applepie(haha!), Sonia,Melanie, Jill & Andy, Peter & Carol, Lawrie & Michelle Bray. This was a Morley Walking Club event but could also have been a Scuba Diving event, it was that wet underfoot. On the drive up, snow was falling & our thoughts were of a wonderful white walk, but it was not to be, as the weather was very kind to us. Shortly after leaving Gargrave along the Pennine Way, we had our first taste of a wet & muddy field, which was the pattern for the day. After crossing Eshton Moor, we picked up the juvenile River Aire & followed it towards Airton. Alongside the river, we came across a gate entrance that was almost a lake, Ian & Jill managed get through relatively dry, but a lot of wimpy members opted for an alternative route, which ended in a fence & wall climb( should have followed the leader). Whilst we in Airton village, Melanie was telling the group about a lovely tea-shop just down the road but the leader was having none of that. We took lunch at an old barn on Kirk Syke Lane and it was here that Mrs Applepie decided to feed the livestock in the barn, unfortunately they were invisible, but don’t tell Pat. After another soggy field we arrived in the hamlet of Bell Busk, where we were greeted by two very noisy geese, luckily behind a fence. The rest of the walk was a lot drier underfoot, as it was along some old tracks, before joining the Pennine Way again to finish back in Gargrave. Everyone was nominating the leader as a trolley award candidate, but after the recent rainfall no one can blame the leader, after all it was a lovely walk. Thank You Ian

The Medium Walk, Sunday 3 January 2016

Destination - Haworth to (nearly) Top Withens and back Leader - Lizzie Lowe Walkers - Pat Smith, Pat Appleyard, Jill and Andy, David Lyon, Robin Weather - Disgusting; lashing rain throughout the day We parked in Haworth, £4.50 for the privilege. Having made an arrangement with my friend at the Apothecary Tea Room, to take afternoon tea at his place after the walk, we left the town via the cobbled path next to the Parsonage Museum. This path led to a track, and thence to a field, across which we waded on slippery stones. Then a bit of road walking - turning left and left again, until we hit the path leading down to Bronte Falls. Elevenses by the waterfall, then along the well-made but rather puddle-full track, heading towards Top Withens.The rain got worse and worse, so in the end we edited out Top Withens, and turned right along a track across the moors, that led us to the village of Stanbury. Once through the village (admirably resisting the temptation of going into the pub), we turned right along a back road leading to Lower Laithe Reservoir. Here we crossed the dam, turning immediately left on the other side, to ascend a track leading back onto the road to Haworth.To our horror, the Apothecary Tea Rooms was shut! We could not claim the promised 10% off their usual prices! Some of the party went home immediately, others of us went instead to a different tea room, where the scones and coffee were lovely. Then home, with much relief, to peel off our sodden clothing and get warm again.Oddly enough, our boots were clean - the tracks had been surprisingly good, considering that it had rained more or less continuously for at least three weeks...... Lizzie Lowe 3 January 2016

ADVENTURE GROUP VETERANS SECTION 14.1.16 Arctic expedition to the depths of darkest Bradford. Mild blizzard encountered on route. Some thirteen adventurers departed from Morley. Ten arrived at Base camp. The rest disappeared but the party was finally reunited at objective B – the National Film Museum. Meanwhile, the advance party assembled at objective A – the new Shopping Centre in Bradford. Nobody seemed inclined to make any purchases, but two members obtained information from a travel agent with a view to other expeditions in the future. It was warmer in there. It was necessary to do a little walk to go from A to B – this justifying our membership of Morley WALKING club. The leader decreed that there should be a coffee stop before indulging in the artistic delights of the museum. Most people seemed to have cake as well as coffee. We were given a half hour by the leader before being required to re-assemble prior to departures. The party did not grumble. We returned to Morley in good spirits. Tom Gomersall

The Tea Shop Walk – Sunday 14 February 2016

Location – Whitley Lower and Thornhill Edge Leader – Lizzie Lowe Walkers – Alan Redgrove, Carol Deighton, Ann Hooper, Marian, Margaret Bye, Bev, Pat and Graham, Jonathan, Marj Rapley, Beryl, Gavin, Bill and Hazel, Sue Duckworth, Margaret Copley, Carol Jobling, Amy Jobling, Paddy Quigley, Pauline Weather – Cold and clear, with a few flakes of snow near the end of the walk We gathered in the car park of Charlotte’s Ice Cream Parlour in Whitley Lower – they had kindly given us permission to park there, provided we scoffed their scones after our walk. We lost one walker before we even set off – Jean Redgrove’s back hurt so much that she decided to remain behind and read the papers instead of walking. The rest of us set forth downhill along Whitley Road, turning left along Scopsley Lane, to find a long track which had patches of causey-stones and patches of deep squelchy mud. We bog-trotted through the mud to follow this track round the edge of a golf course then down into some woods – beautiful views all around. Eventually we turned right onto an even muddier path, which led gradually uphill to a tarmacked lane, which rose to the top of Thornhill Edge. Here we stopped for a while, perching on a ledge to admire the views whilst we had a snack. Refreshed, we wandered past drab bungaloids with fabulous views, then through an unremarkable estate, emerging onto a main road, which we crossed, then down some steps to another road, then into a drive which became a panoramic footpath along Thornhill Edge. The constant rain of the 2015/16 winter had caused some of the footpath to fall away, and we had to negotiate our way round a rather big hole at one point, but we were brave! Soon after the hole, we found a little track downwards through some woods, and down we went to a lane called High Road. We had some sweeties, then turned right along High Road, which became a muddy track behind houses – we were gradually heading back towards Whitley, but on a track some yards below the one on which we had arrived. In due course we were back at the steps we had descended some time earlier – we ascended – took a different path through the unremarkable estate, then regained the muddy track through the woods and past the golf course. Squelching our way back uphill towards Charlotte’s Ice Cream Parlour, we were assailed by a few snowflakes. Luckily, Charlotte does hot drinks and scones as well as ice-creams. Jean was there waiting patiently for us, and although the cafe was incredibly crowded, the service was fast. We were all scoffing merrily in no time! Lizzie Lowe 14 February 2016

PLOVER HILL – 8TH MAY 2016

LEADER: SUE WILLIAMS WALKERS: IAN PICKERING JOHN HAMLIN ROBIN MYERS PAT APPLEYARD JO We set off from Morrison’s car park on a beautiful sunny morning with clear blue skies with a very small, but happy gang of walkers for Horton in Ribblesdale. I had Pat and Jo in my car and when Jo, who had only just started with the club, found out that it also entailed climbing Pen-y-Ghent as well, her face dropped as the only other time she had climbed it was when she did the Three Peaks in atrocious weather and had hated every minute of it. I carried on regardless as I knew she would enjoy it in better weather! We left Horton and climbed Pen-Y-Ghent on the usual route. It was fairly busy with fellow walkers and lots of children, as we made steady progress to the top. On reaching the summit, Jo changed her mind about the Peak and had actually enjoyed the way up as the views were stunning. We had a coffee stop at the top to rest our weary legs and then proceeded along the summit towards Plover Hill. Pat was also enjoying herself as she had never climbed Pen-y-Ghent and Plover Hill before and was amazed by the scenery around. On reaching the summit of Plover Hill, we had to cross over a stile in the wall. Ian, Pat, Jo and myself continued on our merry way to get to the point where we descended off the top. John and Robin had hung back at the stile and when I next looked round they still hadn’t caught up with us. We waited a little longer and still no sign. I then realized why – a couple of very scantily clad female fell runners were busy chatting to the two of them. John and Robin were in no rush to catch us up!! Finally, they joined us and we descended from Plover Hill and walked underneath the two summits towards Hull Pot for lunch. Hull Pot is absolutely massive, rather like Gaping Gill, and was the perfect place to sit for lunch in the sunshine. During lunch, Pat was getting uptight about her bush! Part of it was too overgrown, parts of it were bare and other parts kept on getting stuffed with McDonalds wrappers. We were all in stitches by the end of the tale as you can imagine. After lunch, we headed on the new Three Peaks route towards Ribblehead, but only for a short while. Pat’s face was a picture as she thought we were then going to climb Whernside, but we turned off the path after a couple of miles to head back towards Horton and our journey home. Everybody had a thoroughly enjoyable day in the lovely sunshine.

Bob Thompson's medium walk, 1st May 2016.

The walk started from the Star Inn in Netherton. 13 of us set off and 13 returned. We had a little rain but spirits seemed high. The 7 mile walk was a mixture of woodland, pasture land and a stretch of canal. I am pleased to say that the bluebells were in abundance and also the clay pigeon shooters which made for an entertaining walk.

GRASSINGTON FEBRUARY 2016 LEADER SUE WILLIAMS WALKERS ROBIN MYERS, PAT APPLEYARD AND DAVE SPENCER Only three of us out of the club set off on a lovely Valentine’s Day for Grassington where we were going to meet up with Dave Spencer. We walked through the village which was already busy, as a Farmers Market had opened up for business. We tore ourselves away from the lovely things for sale and headed towards the Dales Way and then took another path which took us up higher onto the moors heading for Bare House. I was really pleased when Pat, Robin and Dave, who all knew Grassington well, had never walked up this way and were very impressed with the 360 degree views of the Dales. Pat was also pleased that the footpaths were good underfoot as I had been warned in no uncertain terms not to take Pat on any muddy paths as she had got brand new boots on and did not want them to get dirty – phew as so far I had managed it!! We stopped at Bare House for coffee as there was quite a bit of shelter from a cold wind. This is a derelict farmhouse which now seems to be used by sheep for shelter (don’t blame them as it is quite exposed up there). Pat decided to have a good look around inside, maybe with a view to moving in. Needs a bit of work though, but at least it had a decent roof on it. The views from here were stunning – Great Whernside, Buckden Pike, Old Cote Moor and Simon’s Seat all sparkling in the sunshine with a covering of snow on them. After coffee we headed towards Bycliffe Road down to meet the Dales Way and then down Conistone Dip and into the village. From there we headed through the village and back onto the tops via a lovely quiet ghyll next to Bastow Woods and back to Grassington. I was very touched when Pat said that this was the best walk she had done and also Dave and Robin had been somewhere they had not been before above Grassington. We had walked 10 miles and were back home by 1630.

Coxwold Walk 19

th

June 2016

Leader   :-   Glynis   Holmes.   Walkers :- Lizzie Lowe, Beryl Kirk, Ken Dalton, Pam Alderson, Lesley Constable, Jonathan Myres, Robin (Red Breast, not related to Jonathan) Myres, David Lyon, Pat Pitts, Anne and Chris Gott, David Shaw. It was a lovely day and we drove over to Coxwold in the North Yorkshire Moors area. It’s a beautiful village with a really unusual church, a cosy pub and t-shop which was under new management on our visit, both of which I have tried and been very pleased with the food and service. Its 17 th century Almshouses line one side of the main street and the priory nearing the end of our walk is supposed to contain Oliver Cromwell bones. So there’s lots of history and plenty to see along the way. We passed a lot of the afore mentioned as we walked through the village as well as Shandy Hall which is worth a visit if you have time, then onwards across the fields to pass the Old Grammar School. We crossed a lane and went in to in a stand of trees where we had our coffee stop as there were a few tree trunks to sit on. We passed Angram Hall Farm and walked along a back road to Elphin Bridge. Just before the Bridge there was a self service T-room with an Honesty Box in some ones garden which looked great fun but as we had already had ours we didn’t linger. We were heading for Husthwaite Village where we would have our lunch on the village Green. Benches provided, very civilised! It was a bit of a pull up on to Beacon Banks we helped the short legged amongst us as the steps were for a giant and it was a bit messy with the spring. Then it was an easy decent passing Newburgh Priory where we sat by the lake to watch the swans and signets, coots and moor hens enjoying the water. It had been a warm day and thirsts were raging so Anne and Chris who had joined us from their home in York headed for the pub and the rest of us went in to the T- shop and sat in the garden with homemade fruit cake and cheese. There were loads of cyclists there as Coxwold church is where the cyclist service is held each year, a tradition started in the war years I believe when a lot of the CTC cyclists took their bikes to war. I glanced up and there was Janice Hutchinson of Peter Bachelor’s Fame a former member from Morley who did the Dales Way with us back in 1997 so a little catch up was in order. All in all a grand day out says all of us. Luv Glynis

Bob Thompson's medium walk, 1st May 2016.

The walk started from the Star Inn in Netherton. 13 of us set off and 13 returned. We had a little rain but spirits seemed high. The 7 mile walk was a mixture of woodland, pasture land and a stretch of canal. I am pleased to say that the bluebells were in abundance and also the clay pigeon shooters which made for an entertaining walk.

CHILDRENS WALK AT TEMPLE NEWSHAM 16th April 2016

Walk Leaders: Denise and Andy Present: Glynis, Jim and Lyra; Dave, Pat, Lauren, Marcus, Paige and Emily; Roger, Elise and Ethan; Joyce, Terry and Grace; Denise, Andy and Drew. Everyone gathered at Lawn Pond car park at Temple Newsham, we set of on a lovely morning (Rain/snow had been forecast). All the children were given a sheet of paper with a list of things to find/observe during the walk, nothing serious just a bit of fun.We went round the back of Temple Newsham House and down the main thoroughfare towards the Menagerie Pond, this was where Glynis, Jim and Lyra said goodbye, promising to meet up with us later in the day.We continued on a path until we came to a sign saying Shroggs and turned left up some steps and over a bridge, climbing upwards to reach a bench I nicknamed Andy’s bench and we had a coffee stop here, spirits were high and there was a lot of laughter from the young ones. We carried on towards Bullerthorpe lane opening going through a lovely bluebell woodland and then walked downhill on the Avenue with Temple Newsham house looking majestic in the distance, it conjured up thoughts of bygone days when the Gentry would ride about in carriages or horseback, and ladies in long skirts and parasols. We carried on downhill and then the sting in the tail (all good walks should have one) was uphill to the “Temple” (unfortunately not looking its best having been vandalised), reading the notice we were told that it would be renovated. We dropped down towards the main part of the grounds and had lunch near the duck ponds, we were entertained by Paige and Emily doing their version of I’m a little tea pot and then Pat decided to join them which made us all laugh. After lunch we made our way towards the children’s play area, where we met up with Glynis, Jim and Lyra again, a good time was had by all especially on the zip wire, this was topped off by a visit to the ice cream van. Slowly, tired children made their way back to the car park and we said our goodbyes. Denise & Andy