Walkers :- Anthony, Martin, Paddy, John R
Mick C, James, Vic, John W.
A longer than usual car ride accomplished without problems. We drove through the town and up past the castle to the long stay car park where a seemingly lethargic attendant relieved us of £4.50 and helpfully explained the workings of the car park and its most convenient exit. Thank You !
The convenient exit took us to the outside of the castle wall which we followed down into the town,
As we passed the front of the castle most of us hardly noticed the motto above the door but were later to puzzle over it.
We continued down this bustling market town's main street before turning left to follow the side streets towards a mist enshrouded hill ............ HILL ?????
The longer journey meant that we were very soon at the "Elevenses" stage. A pair of picnic tables outside a pub offered the perfect spot. It was suggested that our approach was spotted and precautions had been taken by the pubs owners.
After using the bush (left) for nefarious purposes we left to begin the slow plod out of town and up the hill still hidden in the mist. The road we followed up hill was the beginning of the "DALES HIGH WAY" which would eventually take us to Skipton Moor. We were not to reach Skipton Moor but after a short but steep climb we would take a right turn back towards Skipton.
As we climbed we were often surrounded by Gorse bushes. A plant which has previously caused us confusion because of it's similarity to Broom.
The bare trees and the lightly drifting mist lent a hauntingly romantic atmosphere to our walk. (If gasping for breath can ever be termed "Romantic".)
Last week we found a duck egg along our walk. Today a thrush's egg was found alongside the path. There seem to be some very careless birds out there !!
Our climb continued as we searched for the promised view. At this level the view was was indeed most attractive but as we rose higher it became increasingly obscured by the mist.
..........and then ! Good heavens..... A STILE !!
The bare trees and the lightly drifting mist lent a hauntingly romantic atmosphere to our walk. (If gasping for breath can ever be termed "Romantic".)
Last week we found a duck egg along our walk. Today a thrush's egg was found alongside the path. There seem to be some very careless birds out there !!
Our climb continued as we searched for the promised view. At this level the view was was indeed most attractive but as we rose higher it became increasingly obscured by the mist.
We didn't find many of these as we walked through Liverpool, Manchester et al. So this came as quite a novelty and underlined the fact that our "Urban" season was over and we were back to country walks.
We soon clambered over it and continued on our way.
We soon clambered over it and continued on our way.
.......... but the undoubtedly magnificent views were still masked by the drifting mist.
Parts of the moorland were a little challenging but generally it was fairly easy going.
Now Vic. Falling in would make a wonderful photo opportunity wouldn't it ? ......... No .. !
Lunchtime was upon us and a sparse copse on the leeward side of the hill was a good place to stop.
Paddy and James
Martin & Anthony
Mick C.
Vic...... Banana wrestling ?
Martin... "Me ? Banana ? No !
We continued down towards the town passing, as we did, a rather intriguing tree. Can we believe our eyes..? It isn't is it ? surely not.
The way before us was bold and clear as we made our way across the fields. At last , after several months (including summer months) we were able to make progress unhindered by ubiquitous MUD, Marvellous !
The part of the countryside we found ourselves in was called "Cawder". Some discussion ensued as to which of Shakespeare's plays had a character called Cawder. Was it "Macbeth". or "Hamlet". As it was the "Thane of Cawder" we surmised it must be the "Scottish Play". Just as we plumped for "Macbeth " we entered a hamlet which the writer, at least, found amusing.
We were now almost back in Skipton.
As in many of our walks we now came to a canal. Canals are always a bonus as they offer a flat, direct and attractive route to whatever target we are heading for next. We duly dropped down to follow this one.
Part of the Leeds - Liverpool canal.
As we walked along the canal the promise of a delayed spring was brought to our attention by the nesting waterfowl we came across including this mute swan cobb who came across all "puffed up" to warn us away from his nesting Pen.
As well as the wealth of natural history on offer there was plenty of evidence of the areas industrial heritage and the importance of the canal in that history.
Alongside the canals were rows of terraced houses which had been gentrified from workers cottages into desirable homes.
With the state of the nations roads just now those ancient, yet still excellent, cobbles look to have been good value for money.
Our final photograph seems to suggest that our group might do worse than invest in a few shares in Wetherspoons. It usually proves to be welcome hostelry at the end of our walks.
Now. back up the High Street. Past the castle and back to the cars but not before asking the "Gatekeeper" of the castle what the Motto "DES / OR /MAIS" meant. The division of the letters into three sections had led us astray. It was ONE French word. "Desormais" meaning Henceforth. Oh ! So there.
A real change as we took to the open countryside after our urban walks. Those being undeniably enjoyable but we were ready for a different challenge. A good walk.
A real change as we took to the open countryside after our urban walks. Those being undeniably enjoyable but we were ready for a different challenge. A good walk.
THE END
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