Malham Madness

Twelve Clitheroe Ramblers, led by James Jolly, set off from a snow covered Malham, using a last minute revised route, because of the icy, slippery condition of the limestone pavements in the Cove area of the original route. They followed the Pennine Way along the river Aire to Hanlith, and Hanlith Hall, originally built by the Serjeanston family in 1668, but completely remodelled several times since.

Continuing to Airton, a short stop was taken in the glorious winter sunshine, to enjoy the clear blue sky, and snowy landscape. Heading west to Park House, they turned north, passing Ingle Bridge to Scosthrop Lane, they continued on to Kirkby Malham where lunch was taken in the churchyard. A short hill climb on Cow Close Lane brought them to Old Accraplatts, and the footpath was then taken to Accraplatts, Tranlands Gill and Hall Close to Chapel Gate on the outskirts of Malham. The walkers enjoyed their winter ramble but found the deep snow made difficult walking conditions, especially on the leg muscles.

Gargrave In The Snow

Twenty Clitheroe Ramblers, led by James Jolly, braved the first wintery weather of the year to walk a circular eight miles from Gargrave. Leaving the car park, heading south, they reached the Pennine Way, and followed this through the snow covered fields, where children enjoyed their unexpected day off school, sledging down the slopes of Scaleber Hill.

Crossing over the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Williamson Bridge, they passed through East Marton into Ingthorpe Lane and lunch was taken at Ingthorpe Grange. This was unfortunately cut short due to blizzard conditions, and the party then headed north-east, passing Great Pasture Hill to the hamlet of Bank Newton.

Heading towards Ingber House, via Newton Hall, they turned back towards the canal, at the point where it crosses over the River Aire, with the railway line crossing over both. The last mile of the ramble followed the canal back into Gargrave.

Bright Autumn Sunshine for Ramblers

Twenty six ramblers left Chester Avenue car park on a bright sunny November morning in a convoy of cars to travel to the Town Hall car park above Grassington. Judith Allen had stepped in at the last minute to lead her first walk, and the party took the Dalesway footpath out of Grassington to Cove Lane, which led to Grass Wood Nature Reserve. Following the paths above Gregory Scar, there were magnificent views of the trees at their autumn best. They then turned north–east through Barstow Wood, then, following the open limestone paths to the tiny village of Conistone, made up of some 25 houses.

Lunch was taken in the centre of the village (pictured above) and on leaving the village, taking in the glorious views of Kilnsey Crag and the River Wharfe valley, the ramblers crossed Kilnsey show field to Scar Laithe, and turned at the Tennant Arms. After a long gradual climb past the disused quarry and Kilnsey Park, they reached open moorland at Malham Moor, with beautiful views in the autumn sunshine. After a short break, (pictured below), there was a heavy downpour which produced two stunning rainbows. Passing Cow Close Wood, and the caravan site at Wood Lane, they finally reached the pretty hamlet of Linton, passing over the River Wharfe again at Linton Falls, which were magnificent, following all the heavy rainfall. A short walk brought them back into Grassington

“White Knuckle” walk for Valley Ramblers!

Twenty four hours after the mountain marathon, one of the toughest endurance events in Britain, was abandoned due to horrendous weather, Clitheroe Ramblers set off for the Howgills in Cumbria. That was also to become an expedition of endurance. Ben Brown led the 13-strong party out of Sedburgh along lowland footpaths above the River Rawthey to reach the footbridge at Cautley. Lunch was taken at this idyllic spot, with Great Crummacks and Cautley Crag dominating the scene.

Here the walk started in earnest, with the climb up to Cautley Spout, the name given to the main fall in a series of waterfalls, with a vertical height of 700ft, and one of the highest in England. As height was gained, the gradient became increasingly steep over a grassy embankment and then up a series of rock steps. Progress was painstakingly slow, with a strong wind developing, while a short, sharp shower added to the difficulty.

After the torrential rain of the previous 24 hours, the mass of water cascading down the falls was a sight and sound to behold. Above the falls, the gradient eased as a large sheepfold was passed, but the waterlogged path was stamina sapping and a breather was taken just below the coll on the summit ridge.

From here, with breathing restored to something like normal, the Calf (2,200ft), the highest of the Howgill mountains, was easily gained. There were fine views of all the Howgill tops and across to the Lune estuary, but there was cloud cover on the Lakeland skyline. With eyes watering in the strong wind, it was not a place to tarry long.

As the walk continued along the ridge over Bram Ridge Top, Calders and skirting Arant Haw, a ferocious north west gale whipped across at right angles, giving the walkers a real buffeting with more than one blown off their feet. The wind eased as the lower ground and Sedburgh were eventually reached. It had been quite an experience!

On a rather overcast day sixteen Clitheroe Ramblers set off from Spring Wood car park to make a circuit of Sabden Valley. They climbed up the side of the golf course and round Clerk Hill to follow the track all the way to the Nick of Pendle. The route continued to go round two sides of Churn Clough Reservoir and then across the valley on muddy field paths.

The Southern slopes of the valley were climbed to Black Hill where there was a lunch stop. Then the route went through the beautiful beech woods of Shady Walks, where the autumn colours were a delight, and past New Hall to Read. From there the path through Read Hall led to Read Old Bridge, Portfield and back to Spring Wood.

It was fortunate that a large part of the walk was on tracks as many of the fields are waterlogged after the very wet summer we have had.

Darwen Tower was the first attraction for the Clitheroe Ramblers walk on Sunday 5th October. What a fine day the select six enjoyed, with distant views of the Lakes, the Dales Peaks, not to mention Blackpool Tower. With their leader John Webb they walked by babbling streams, through woodland glades, past fine waterfalls, around reservoirs and even visited a ruined hall with a wishing well and potential ghosts.

Roddlesworth Reservoirs were beautiful in the sunshine with clear refections of trees and sky, and the walk finished with an ice cream from the Visitor Centre in Sunnyhurst Woods. Not a drop of rain was seen, and many will rue the day that they did not trust the lovely British weather andf join this fine walk from sunny Darwen.

Setting out by train from Clitheroe and stations along the route brought eighteen walkers led by Jane Donnelly to the start of their walk at Bromley Cross. Their route followed the Eastern side of Jumbles reservoir to link up with the Warpers Trail, which forms part of the long distance Witton Weavers Way.

Following Bradshaw Brook they emerged at Turton Bottoms. After crossing the old packhorse bridge they came to some modern houses, which have replaced the bleaching and printing works of the Walker family, although the old chimney and mill lodges are still on the hillside above. The route continued through fields to the Barlow Institute and then past Brandwood Fold to follow the footpath at the side of Wayoh reservoir.

A short climb led past the Strawberry Duck to Edge Lane and Edge Fold. From here the track levelled off giving good views of Entwistle reservoir and Turton Heights. After descending to the reservoir the waterside path led to Batridge Barn car park. A moorland track brought the group to the battlemented railway bridge near Turton Tower and Chapeltown road. Soon Jumbles reservoir came into sight and the path near the reservoir led back to the railway station.

The weather stayed fine throughout the walk although rain was forecast. The route around the three reservoirs was full of interest including old tracks and bridges, old houses and industrial archaeology. Norman Thorpe’s historical commentary was much appreciated.

Twelve intrepid ramblers set out from White Moss car park near Grasmere and followed the winding track up to Alcock Tarn. Unfortunately the beautiful views over Grasmere were obscured by rain and mist. The route descended steeply from the tarn and after crossing the road went across fields to the splendid Millennium Bridge and Grasmere church. After looking at the Wordsworth graves the group had a lunch break in the Wordsworth garden. They then continued the walk around Grasmere at first on the road and then on the lakeside path.

The original plan had been to climb Loughrigg. However after starting the steep climb, as the steps were very slippery and the summit wreathed in mist the group decided to walk around Rydal Water instead. They followed the track to the old quarries and then to the footbridge at Rydal.

After a refreshing cup of tea at Rydal Hall the bridleway brought the group back to the car park. The rain persisted all day but could not entirely spoil a walk in such a beautiful place.

Taking advantage of a dry weather forecast, a party of eighteen Clitheroe Ramblers, led by James Jolly, set off from Ribblehead to walk over Bleamoor rail tunnel. Following the line of the Ribblehead Viaduct, they walked alongside the railway towards the signal box and Smithy Hill, where the line then disappeared into Bleamoor tunnel. They climbed over Cragside, passing three airshafts of the tunnel, through the forest of Mossy Bottom, where two young deer were spotted, and on to where the railway re emerges at Hazel Bottom.

They then walked through Dent Head farm where they were greeted by the turkey yardbirds and continued to the Dalesway Road, going north to Stone House bridge. Turning east under Artengill Viaduct, and up the old Drovers Road, a slow, steady climb to the lunch stop at Aten Gill Moss.

Heading south, they reached the highest point of the walk at Swineey Cown, and continued south, arriving at the Ribble way at Newby Head Gate, Following the road west, towards Black Rake Road, they then headed south along the Dalesway and Ribble Way, to Blea Moor Road and back into Ribblehead. The distance covered was twelve miles, and the weather improved during the day, finishing in bright sunshine at the end of the walk.