Single Boots May Weekend 2017 (Yorkshire Dales )
Our annual May Weekend organised by the committee was held in the Yorkshire Dales, staying at Wharfedale Lodge near Kilnsey. http://www.wharfedalelodge.co.uk/
18 members of the club enjoyed a three day programme of walking with a choice of two grades on the Saturday. It’s a fabulous area with some excellent examples of limestone features, (shake holes, limestone pavements and craggy outcrops) as well as the dramatic Kilnsey Crag. Our walks were accompanied by burbling curlews and the cries of oyster catchers.
As usual there was much eating as well, with a delicious “bring and share” meal on the Saturday evening and a pub meal at the Clarendon in Hebden on the Sunday evening.
Both our Saturday walks were in a similar area. The A walk (13 miles) followed the iconic Dales Way into Grassington, crossing the River Wharfe next to the picturesque Linton Falls. We then made our way through typical Yorkshire Dales pastures bordered by dry stone walls and by woodlands to reach the wild moorlands. The walk took us over a great variety of landscapes. It was a long and fabulous day out with a medley of stiles of every kind! The B walk (10 miles) took a different route into Gassington, over the river to Linton and a slightly shorter but just as stunning route back to Kilnsey
On Sunday, we all walked together on a moderate 10 mile route. Starting in Conistone we made our way up Wassa Hill to the Conistone Turf Road. This is a moorland ridge passing numerous shake holes and offering superb views across the valley. Reaching the village of Kettlewell, we paused there for members to enjoy the delights of the tea rooms and pubs before returning to Conistone on the Dales way, navigating many spring loaded gated stiles on the way. Another glorious day!
On Monday, after clearing the lodge (always done with such efficiency by our wonderful members) we set off for our final walk (7 miles moderate.) From the charming village of Kettlewell, there was a steep ascent to Old Cote Moor rewarded by a beautiful view back to the village and down Wharfedale. Descending to the pretty village of Arncliffe, home to a traditional Dales pub, the Falcon Inn, we then followed the meandering River Skirfare in Littondale downstream to Hawkswick before a gentle ascent over Hawkswick Moor, via back into Kettlewell.
We all enjoyed some refreshments in Kettlewell before embarking on our journey homeward. Another very enjoyable May weekend of excellent walking, food and company.