21/04/2019

A Nidderdale classic.

We fancied a walk in the Yorkshire dales but wanted to avoid the crowds, not sure if that will be possible because..1 its the Easter weekend and 2 the weather is fantastic at the moment..The thing is you have to know where to go..there are quieter places to visit for a walk as we proved today,seeing very few people on this walk from Middlesmoor in Nidderdale..I like Nidderdale..Its just outside the National park and I suppose because of this it is much quieter...When the Yorkshire dales national park was designated in 1954 Nidderdale was inexplicably excluded..the reason according to the bureaucrats was that the reservoirs which flood its upper reaches had spoilt the natural environment..but the valley has everything that neighbouring valleys have ...Wild open moorland, gorges, caves and pot holes, sculptured rocks, pretty river scenery and lovely flower decked stone villages..Im thinking that despite exclusion from the national park, Nidderdale is the winner here.

We pulled into the little car park in Middlesmoor..Perched on a hill overlooking the dale..its a special place..Sun tan lotion applied and we were off up the track that crosses In moor..Boy it was hot..we said we would stop every 15 minutes or so for a gulp of water, mainly for the dog as he is not keen of hot weather, although he soon found a small stream that runs alongside the path..Along this track we noticed many small Green butterflies...Green Hairstreaks, dozens of them, which was nice to see as they are becoming increasingly rare. I tried photographing them but they don't seem to settle for more than a few seconds....Little Whernside soon came into view ahead of us with Great Whernside to the left..both superb hills..soon we were dropping down the zig zag path to Scar house reservoir.

Its an impressive spot..The water here mainly drains down from the vast flanks of Great Whernside...and from here it goes on to supply water for the Bradford area in West Yorkshire. During the construction of the reservoir and the building of the dam over 1000 people would have lived and worked here..Much quieter today, although many paths radiate from here keeping walkers and cyclists happy..We crossed the dam and found a spot to sit for a drink and a sarnie...Alfie went for a swim...we were all happy, although I couldn't sit comfortably as the place was swarming with little Beetles..

A second application of suntan lotion and we were off..The views were amazing now as we followed the rising path up to Woogill moor...we looked back often.

This is the type of path that I could follow all day..Around Dale edge and Thrope edge..We had a breather at the shooting hut..We recalled on our last visit here a few years ago the doors were open and walkers were free to shelter from the elements inside..we remembered bringing chairs outside to sit and eat in comfort..not so anymore, the place is securely locked. im guessing that a few idiots probably spoilt it for everyone else.

We strode on, Green pastures in the valley to our right, barren moorland to our left..A few belted Galloway cattle glanced up at us before carrying on munching...I asked Karen if she was enjoying it...she said it was fantastic, just what was needed.

A little further and we reached the old shooting lodge...A perfect spot for lunch..Cheese and Coleslaw on Granary..Fruit cake and mini rolls all washed down with a flask of strong coffee..Perched rather precariously on the very rim of Thrope edge the shooting lodge commands magnificent views across the valley...im guessing there has been a few parties up here over the years..we sat and looked..trying to work out the route back to Middlesmoor.

A steep descent and we were in the valley..we made it down to Thrope farm..not sure if the path went through the farmyard or round it...we just went for it, passing through the farm buildings..All hell was let loose as we set half a dozen farm dogs off..Collies to the left...Spaniels to the right..we just kept our heads down..eventually making it up to the road.It was all uphill now to the village..looking back to the farm we could still hear the dogs...giving it what for. The shooting lodge was also on view on the edge...looking very much like a church from down here.

Several squeezer stiles along this next section..Our chubby little dog had no chance and had to be lifted over 2 or 3 of them..he loved it..All of a sudden and we were back in Middlesmoor..and there it was like a mirage...the Crown..oh the Black sheep slipped down a treat..The perfect end to a perfect walk.

7/04/2019.

Dove..Beresford and Wolfscote dales.

When we woke we had no plans, although we had decided on a Peak district walk...but where??… I let Karen pick the final destination as she is good at picking classics..She chose a walk from the Derbyshire village of Hartington, close to the Staffordshire border..Pulling into the village we realised that we had no change for the car park but we soon found a spot in the main street close to the village pond..A bit dull/misty today but im sure the sun will break out later...So do I wear wooly hat or sunhat..I plumped for sunhat..As we booted up a chap pulled up next to us..while he was lacing his boots up we exchanged pleasantries, as walkers always do...then we were off...Its a busy place even at this time on a sunday morning...Cyclists in lycra gulpng water..Walkers with all the Trendy gear..Big bearded Motorcycle guys sipping tea with their little pinkies up..Old boys walking back from the shop..ladened down with the sunday paper and all the supplements that go with it....Alfie had a crap that wouldn't have looked out of place in a Lion enclosure at the zoo..Thankfully close to a doggie bin...2 small boys ran up to us excitedly.."Dad Dad can we stroke him"...Of course you can I said..They stroked his head..Alfie looked up.."come on get on with it"...Dad Dad...he's not very soft..They were wrong...he is as soft as a brush.

Leaving the village..we set of across fields bound for Beresford dale, a small valley of indescribable beauty where the River Dove squeezes between high Limestone cliffs..Some great displays of Lesser Celadine along here which will soon be replaced by great swathes of wild garlic.

Reluctantly we leave the river after Beresford dale as we head off towards Narrowdale, where we came across the rundown ruins of Narrowdale farm..Shame to see these old buildings fall into wrack and ruin..Someone really should do the place up...and get rid of that old Landrover in the drive...it has been sitting there for years rusting away...whenever I pass through I always take a photograph of it...im guessing im not the only one.

Soon we passed several groups of Duke of Edinburgh walkers...poor sods...They always look so miserable..as we pass we always hear them moaning that they are lost and that they cant go much further..I feel like slapping them round the face..."snap out of it...This is the best time of you're lives"..I know they moan but they will remember and look back fondly on the experience for the rest of their lives..we strode on purposefully enjoying the high ground...Before long we were in Alstonefield..Time for a bite to eat and a coffee sitting on a bench on the village green...how very English.

As we sat, we watched as a crowd began to grow outside the pub..All in all about a dozen folk waiting for the pub to open..we pressed on..Bloody alkies get everywhere..Passing the church we followed the lane down to Milldale..several sports cars sped towards us..we jumped onto the verge to avoid getting mown down..Toffee nosed gits...one bloke with his top down..said sorry but there are several of us...we stood on that verge for several minutes while a convoy of posh prats passed....very few acknowledged us as they passed...I suppose they thought they were more important than us..Milldale was buzzing but we didn't hang about climbing the zig zag path uphill to follow the rim of the gorge up to Shining tor. [not the famous one in Cheshire].,,lovely views although we were still waiting for the sun to break out...I need the sun to break out so that I can get my legs weathered...I have been wearing shorts for 9 days on the trot now but they still resemble lily white pipe cleaners.

Down hill rather steeply at times we passed more D of E walkers..some of them looking close to death..A good section of valley walking now..alongside the Dove into Wolfscote dale..a few stops along here to empty the flask and to empty the boots [ those little stones play havoc with the feet]..I have always loved these Dales...lots of birdlife...Dippers dipping...Yellow wagtails Wagging...Kingfishers fishing and Peregrines..[No not grinning]..err killing Pigeons..Uphill again...I have really enjoyed the day.

Downhill to the village...still lots of people about..The chap that we spoke to as we left was back at his his car taking his boots off...Have you been here all day putting your boots on I said..we laughed...I do like laughing..sometimes I laugh so much that my legs turn to jelly and I think I may faint...Its been good hasn't it.

17/03/2019.

Over the hills to Bradfield dale.

After a week of wet and windy weather, I wasn't really holding out much hope for todays walk..Expecting more of the same. I pulled the bedroom curtains apart [ about an inch ] and peered out...Blimey Blue skies..KAREN!!..Hurry up..we are going out..We guzzled tea and gobbled a hot x bun and we were off..The walk today was to be around 10 miles long from Wharncliffe side Over the hills to Bradfield dale. Its a walk I have submitted to the Ramblers summer programme..An area I know really well on paths I have walked many times before...should be a good day..We parked up at the Glen howe car park....Couldn't believe it, the skies were still blue...we set off up the lane climbing from the word go.

We passed through the small hamlet of Brightholmlee before dropping down to More hall reservoir..The wind was bitter although signs of spring were popping up everywhere..Daffs added a splash of colour..Great tits were singing their little hearts out..like they were competing against the watery song of the local Robin population...Love to hear our songbirds at this time of year.

We walked along the shore of More hall reservoir..Dodging joggers..We walked in single file as they passed us 3 abreast...They just will not get out of the way...maybe they think they are better than walkers..Karen got angry as we always had to give way to them...I don't get angry these days..Its not worth it...Another thing we noticed was the number of Border collies out walking today..i counted 7 in about half a mile...weird.

After More hall came Broomhead reservoir...before long we were climbing up through the woods...up and up..then up a bit more...we crossed a minor road before heading up and up then up a bit more through Pogs wood...don't know who Pog is but it put me in mind of a Tv programme I enjoyed as a young un called Pogles wood..Folk of a certain age will remember watching this...As we headed up and up then up a bit more we noticed things had changed....where was the blue sky?...why was the sky white?..The heavens opened but not as quick as my rucksack as I scrambled to get out my waterproofs...These show showers were to come and go throughout the day...luckily they only lasted for 10 minutes or so...Before long we were back to blue skies...we were gaining height ...some lovely views were opening up

we sheltered behind a wall for a bite to eat...peeping over the wall occasionally to see the next shower heading our way.

Heading off again we noticed that some of the ladder stiles around these parts were a bit of a problem for dog walkers...I had to lift our old boy up onto them a couple of times..Years ago he would took them in his stride, usually leaping over the wall beside them...but now he needs a helping hand...bless him....we set off towards Rocher edge...I love this walk as the views are superb.

Downhill now...we passed a group of twitchers..we had a chat..about Spaniels and Red kites..Always nice to pass the time of day with fellow outdoor types....I love the path above Agdenside and then Agden reservoir...I was in my element...After Agden reservoir and its fine old Oak tree we followed a steep path up to High Bradfield....Steep?..sorry bloody steep...in fact im beginning to think I may have underestimated this walk....maybe strenuous instead of moderate...up at the church we found numorous benches ..time for a sarnie before a visit to the pub a pint of the local brew [ Farmers blonde]

After a pint...it was up hill again over Onesmoor with its great view towards the peak district...the rocks along Derwent edge standing out nicely..From the summit its all downhill..Along lanes and then the access land on Bent hills..we passed this old road sign en route..one of several of its type in the area.

Almost back now...Glen howe park has a confusing amount of paths but we kept heading downhill eventually making it back to the car park...passing some nice little waterfalls on the way.

Sportstracker on my phone tells me we have walked 10.5 miles...I have thought of trying other walking apps but I believe Sportstracker to be the most accurate...Been using it for a few years and its always spot on....Really enjoyed myself today...days like this are the reason we go walking.

Moel siabod...A day of adventure...23/01/2019.

It was a couple of weeks ago..a day I shall not forget..I would say without a shadow of doubt,the best walk for a year or two. It was snowing heavily as I pulled into the car park behind the Pinnacle stores in Capel curig..Now don't get me wrong, I love to see it snowing, but ever since I left the road on a snowy bend in the Lake district a few years back leaving me stranded for a couple of hours....I have always been a bit cautious of driving in it..The idea of getting stuck in the snow terrifies me...so here I was sitting in the car all alone watching the snow covering everything...do I go out into it or not?...after 10 minutes I decided to go for it...You only live once...The hill I had come to climb today is Moel Siabod at 2,861ft it is the highest peak in the Moelwynion mountain range.Didnt know if I could make it up to the summit in these conditions but I was going to have a jolly good try. I set off along the road passing Plas y Brenin [The national mountain centre]. Dropping down I passed Llynnau Mymbyr..Here the camera made its first appearance of the day.

I picked a path up through the woodland that covers the lower slopes of the mountain...Easy going and the snow was easing ..Walking along that rising path through the woods there are plenty of things to take ones mind off the gradient..The tracks of Red deer..The thin song of the Goldcrest...The tinkling beck beside you...Suddenly a White mountain Hare bolts off...Things you feel privileged to see and hear out here in the wilds..Suddenly and without warning you are free of the tree line...You look back often.

I looked ahead to where the path should have been rising up and up across the Northern flanks of this huge mountain..Of course there was no path to be seen today as the snow had put paid to that...following a path would have been too easy..as long as I kept going upwards I knew I would eventually make it up to the ridge..The conditions were perfect.

It got a bit tiring at times, sinking in knee deep at times but I couldn't give up now..i stopped for something hot to drink before carrying on, the view ahead of Yr Wyddfa drawing me on ...it was like a magnet.

Eventually I made it up to the rocky ridge..From here I could see the trig point a few hundred yards away to my right, That few hundred yards turned out to be the hardest part of the day as I turned and walked straight into the wind...With the snow stinging my face I struggled onwards. no giving up now.

Suddenly I was there...stood by the summit Trig point...I had made it...There is no better feeling than that feeling you get on reaching the top...For this is what I set out to do those few hours earlier when I left the car...I don't like to rush summits but on a day like today I needed to get down off this windy top...firstly and more importantly a few photographs...There was a pink glow in the sky over towards Cadair idris...There seemed to be the mother of all storms kinging off on Snowdon and the Carneddau were gone from view..i spent a special few minutes up there before moving on.

The plan was to follow the rocky ridge as it drops down gently..All good and well on a clear day but in these conditions up here on my own I thought again...after half an hour of slipping, at times thigh deep between snow covered rocks I realised how easy it would be to break a limb...I decided to wimp out...I wanted to fight another day...only a fool would have carried on..I ran, sliped and stumbled down the slopes of the mountain to pick up the path that I had walked up on earlier.

I soon found my footprints from earlier in the day, although they had more or less been filled with windblown snow....The rest was a doddle..I met a bloke coming up as I neared the tree line...we stood for 10 minutes chatting [mainly about mountains but also about beer]….He was off to the summit to watch the sunset and to take photographs...I told him of the pink glow in the sky...he got rather excited and set off at pace...It had been a great day..A day that had left me wanting more....and believe you me there will be more days like this to come.....

Holyhead mountain...…..20/01/2019.

Some would laugh, That's not a mountain!!...Standing at the 720ft mark, I would have had to agree...But, just when does a hill become a mountain?..Is it a certain height?...some folk say 2000ft...After climbing Holyhead mountain yesterday i have realised that its not all about height, for Holyhead mountain has, despite being only 720ft high all the attributes of a proper mountain..Its rough, its rugged, it dominates the surrounding landscape..and whats more it says it's a mountain on my map so that's good enough for me.
We parked up in the first RSPB car park [The one near the ancient hut circles]. Getting out of the car we were instantly hit by my favourite sound...Silence..Have you ever heard silence? Its lovely, I could listen to it all day..Silence was broken by the sound of grunting and heavy breathing as I bent over to tie my boot laces. We walked down to the cliff edge path stopping occasionally to enjoy the silence.At the cliff silence gave way to crashing waves on rock and the call of seabirds. There are some steep drops here, Unfenced. I peeped over the edge, I wondered how many dogs had fallen over the edge...or even children..it must have happened...We dawdled along enjoying the scenery, especially the views towards the South stack lighthouse.

We climbed steps passing Ellins tower, a place to watch the seabird colonies on the cliffs, before climbing more steps passing an old lookout building...from here we watched as a Sealink ferry was nearing the end of its journey from Ireland to Holyhead..The great views continued as we pressed on...I was really enjoying myself.

Soon our route veered away from the coast to pick up a broad path across moorland heading straight for the mountain...it all got a bit confusing as there are so many paths around here..i ditched the route I was supposed to be following to just do my own thing..it didn't matter.

We passed a small tarn below the summit..it was a spot to slow down and take a few photograph. We watched as several men from Air/sea rescue were doing some sort of training with ropes over the rocks..I thought about asking them about statistics of dogs falling off cliffs as it must happen. As I stood here I watched a man climb down the rockface at great speed...im going to stick to the paths.

Before long we were sat at the summit, looking down on the port at Holyhead..We drove through Holyhead earlier in the day and I can honestly say its a bit of a shithole...it looked much nicer from up here.

Its a grand little summit, apparently on a clear day you can see the Wicklow mountains over in Eire,i strained my eyes...not today. A man and a women turned up with 2 collies that didn't like Alfie so we went...I have noticed over the years that Border Collies and Springers never get on.Im guessing that collies are jealous of Springers smouldering good looks.We dropped down from the summit heading back to the coast.

Back at the cliffs we heard a right old commotion kicking off as two blokes were running around shouting a dogs name...That's another one I thought...some people have a thing about not putting their dogs on leads...I suppose they just don't care...Almost back to the car now..we sat on a bench to watch and listen to the sea, a lovely end to a lovely walk..

A windy day on Derwent edge....13/01/2019

Another day, another walk...we used to visit the Peak District every other week, we did this for years and years but just recently [the last year or so] it seems difficult to find the time to go there. When we do manage to get there these days its a real treat. Not having to work this weekend, so I jumped at the chance..I Let Karen choose the walk for todays visit..She said she fancied Derwent edge..Yep im up for that, you cant go far wrong with Derwent edge...The weather looked quite promising as we left Donny but by the time we reached Ashopton it was grey and drizzly..we sat in the car for 15 minutes willing it to stop..it didn't..Waterproofs and boots were donned in the car..still raining...it was that sort of rain that soaks you to the skin in minutes...Sod it, lets just go for it. I tucked my camera away into my rucksack, I don't think I will be using it much today...The thought of not being able to take photographs pissed me right off..i felt quite grumpy...We set off to pick up the path that starts at the southern end of the edge..we eventually made it up to Whinstone lee tor. I have always regarded the view from here as one of the very best in the district...not today though...could see chuff all...we were really being battered by the rain now and the wind was so strong we were stumbling around...out of the murk the Wheel stones suddenly appeared we nipped behind them for some welcome shelter..A gulp of water and a humbug raised the spirits slightly [im easily pleased]

We thought it had been windy..we had seen nothing yet..We left the rocks and the wind seemed to up it a notch. By the time we had reached Dovestones tor it was getting a bit scary, I had never heard wind roar like this before...I got blown off the path onto my knees, this was getting serious. I eventually managed to stand, only to be blown over again...I literally crawled to a large rock the size of a car and sat down...I looked across to Karen and Alfie...He had a stupid look on his face...She was bent double unable to move..The rock I was sitting on [ that was the size of a car] was rocking in the wind, I couldn't believe it...I have never witnessed anything like this before...Time to shorten the walk. We had planned on going over Back tor and Lost lad but in this wind we just wanted to get down off this hill so we slipped down off the edge path at Bradfield gate...We could have chosen a nice low walk, but no we ended up up here braving the elements...Sitting at home now though writing this...I realised that I kind of liked it..it made me feel alive...This is what we need in our lives....Real adventure.

We left the edge path, turning west ,we were now walking head first into the weather..but as we dropped down amazingly the wind did start to ease..amazingly the rain slowed then stopped...result, get the camera out...at last I could begin to enjoy things

The clouds slowly lifted and there was even a bit of blue here and there..This is what it is all about.

We even saw several other walkers now...and we thought we were the only silly buggers to be out on a day like this..We are not crackpots..we are part of the most popular pastime in the country, there will be thousands upon thousands of other people out walking today..a simple pleasure...I couldn't live without it..we picked up the lane along Pike lowe...the views are superb along here as we dropped back down to Ladybower.

Down on the track by the reservoir..almost over..keep going..lots of folk around now, families out for a short walk on a sunday afternoon with clean dogs and clean shoes ...we looked wet and bedraggled..we got some funny looks.."Mummy look at that dirty dog"...oh yes son he needs a bath.It looks Horrible.....I felt like pushing the little brat in a muddy puddle..of course he is muddy..because he is a proper dog..

Back at the car....time for some scran.

Friday 11th January 2019.

A walk from Penistone.

Can't remember the last time I added a walk to my blog, I suppose I have been a bit lazy of late. Time to get back into it...I do enjoy writing about my walks, it keeps me out of trouble and gives me something to look back on..Todays walk should be a cracker, I have submitted it to be used in the Ramblers summer walks programme. The starting point for the walk is the free car park in Penistone town centre [ the one next to the old Paramount cinema.].. The walk starts by crossing the road then passing through the churchyard of St John the Baptists church, an interesting old churchyard. I would have liked to have had a look around but wanted to get cracking. I set off along the Trans Pennine trail soon leaving the old town behind...I passed through the village of Thurlstone, picking up the track that is known as High bank...I have always enjoyed walking along here, its easy uphill walking and the views are fine..I paused often to take it all in..i remember walking along here years ago watching a bat..Nothing strange about that !!..but it was in broad daylight...now that is strange...No bats today.

I came to the end of the track..just up the road a bit I visited the Royd moor viewpoint...I had been walking almost an hour..A bit early for my elevenses break but this spot is just perfect ...several sheltered benches and a most interesting toposcope with a great view of the Spicer hill windfarm...I counted the turbines 20?...or was it 21...Like them or loathe them you have no chance of ignoring them..I kind of like them.

I enjoyed a coffee before setting off again...Downhill now, heading for a string of reservoirs in the valley... Ingbirchworth, Royd moor and Scout dike reservoirs popular with Fishermen and Birdwatchers...Walkers like them too...Much of todays route is following the Penistone boundary walk, a 16 mile route that circles the town...one day I shall walk it.

Crossing a busy road...then a not so busy Railway line I suddenly found myself in an area so quiet, so peaceful..i could of heard a pin drop..if I had a pin, I would have tried it ..I walked along a narrow lane [Carr lane]..I saw no cars..This is Gunthwaite, a quiet backwater..a couple of farms a couple of scattered cottages and Gunthwaite hall with its ancient cruck barn..that's it..its a perfect place..I walked along the lane for just over a mile...im not a great fan of tarmac but with no traffic it was no  great hardship

Passing Gunthwaite spa and Dam and it was uphill, rather steeply at times.

Ahead of me now was the village of Hoylandswaine..a hilltop village that is famous for being open to the elements..i realised this as I sat in the churchyard eating Cheese and onion Naan bread with Bacon Frazzles...The sky had become as black as a crow..i decided that it might be prudent to find the pub to sit this approaching storm out...The Frazzles by the way were horrible..i shant be eating them again..I repacked my rucksack, put my collar up and lengthened my stride...5 minutes later I was stood propping the bar up in the Rose and crown quaffing Farmers blonde ale.

I enjoyed it in there...chatting to the manager and a local fellow listening to current stories circulating the village and their tales of some of the locals...Looking out of the window it seemed a bit clearer so reluctantly I moved on..It was soon downhill all the way to Penistone....Passing a smelly farm on route..2 dogs ran out to greet me, barking wildly..i refused to be scared, reaching out to stroke them...come here you buggers I said....they ran off..Down by the Don I came to Boulder bridge an attractive old Packhorse bridge..half a mile later and I was back to the car...The walk had been exactly 10 miles and had worked really well although I might tweak it a bit so that there is less road walking...but then again, I might just leave it.