Issue 30
Summer 2008
The Ridings Region Walks
Fifty – two members from our own and four other U3A’s arrived at Pateley Bridge on the 20th May to register at the Scout Hall for three walks of different lengths. Our chairman Janet Coatman welcomed them and her husband Robin directed cars to the long stay car park. The local WI served coffee & biscuits.
The group walking the fairly strenuous 9 mile route set off at 10.30 a.m. in the
Bewerley direction, climbing up to Yorkes Folly and following the ridge before descending
through woodland and crossing the valley to Smelthouses then following the Nidderdale
Way back to Pateley.
At 10.45 the 7 mile group assembled for a photograph before setting off via the Millennium bridge to follow another part of the Nidderdale Way by Ashfold Side Beck to the old mine workings where they had an early lunch before climbing round the spoil heaps and joining the lane which eventually led back to Bewerley.
Meanwhile, those on the shortest walk set off through Pateley Bridge to climb up the steps to the ruin of the church at a more leisurely pace. They paused to admire the view on Panorama Walk which is also part of the Nidderdale Way. They enjoyed their lunch stop on the sunny village green at Glasshouses before following the river Nidd back into Pateley Bridge with plenty of time to look around before the WI once again refreshed us with tea and homemade cakes before our departure.
My thanks go to the WI, walks leaders and all those who helped to make it a most successful day. We are hoping another U3A might organise a similar event next year!
Daphne Fisher
Feedback from the Region
At the Riding Region meeting in June there was very positive and unsolicited feed
back from the representatives of those U3As that took part in the walk organised
by Daphne and her team in May. All agreed that it had been a very enjoyable and well-
David Broadley
Hanging up her boots?
After many years leading the walking group Daphne has finally decided enough is enough and at the AGM is handing over the reins or should it be laces to Ivan Peel. (549608)
She is not really hanging up her boots as she intends to continue walking with us and her other groups as long as possible.
Many people are grateful to Daphne for organising and leading so many varied and interesting walks whilst the leader and hope she can continue to enjoy being a participant without the worry.
Fancy a stroll
Recognising that many people would like to walk regularly but are unable to join the main group that walks for 5 to 8 miles, a new group was recently started.
The Strollers is a walking group meeting at the bottom end of Harrogate bus station at 12.45 on the first Tuesday of the month.
Walks are no more than 4 miles and end where possible with refreshments.
Walking Holiday at Losehill Hall
This year’s walking group holiday was to the Peak District staying at the National Park’s Study Centre at Losehill Hall. This proved to be an excellent venue with pleasant rooms, plenty of food and beautiful surroundings. The hall staff expected a quiet time from twenty three Third Agers but our evenings were cheerful and noisy affairs at dinner and afterwards. Whether we would be allowed back is uncertain.
On the afternoon of arrival we walked to Peveril Castle which as a result of Barbara’s persuasive powers we were able to enter free as an educational party. From the top we were able to see across to the next day’s destination, Mam Tor. After our descent it rained heavily so it was essential to seek refuge in a tea shop and reluctantly sample tea and cakes.
The main walk on Tuesday was up to Hollins Cross and along the ridge to Mam Tor in
heavy rain. After descending and eating lunch our leaders took us at a rapid pace
across fields and stiles to a path alongside a sheer drop looking into Winnats Pass.
After walking along this terrifying path for some time and scrambling or sliding
down a steep embankment to a gully it was realised that we had come the wrong way.
Our guides however discovered a fence that could be temporarily adjusted for us to
cross and climb out again to find the correct path. After that it was plain sailing
and we passed down Cavedale below Peveril Castle and back into Castleton and so on
to the Hall.
Wednesday saw us get into our cars and drive to Chatsworth for a walk around the grounds. After lunch the party split up with some remaining at Chatsworth to look around the house and garden and the remainder going on to Eyam for a walk around this “plague” village.
On Thursday most of us walked from the Hall to Hope and then approximately followed
the course of the Rver Noe to the Vale of Edale. After our picnic lunch in Edale
some of the party took the train back to Hope, for a bus to Castleton and a walk
to the caverns. The remainder walked from Edale up to Hollins Cross and then back
down to Losehill Hall.
Friday was supposed to be an easy walk before driving home. However it provided a challenge in the form of a stream too deep to ford and a crossing point between two rocks that were a very long stride apart. When Daphne decided she could not make the leap Richard unhesitatingly leapt into the current quickly followed by Ivan. They lifted Daphne across then helped the remainder of the party.
Every walk included at least one event giving rise to much hilarity but unfortunately there is not space to record them all.
We are all very grateful to Daphne, Barbara and Ivan for efficiently organising such a successful holiday.