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February

Route

Route

Walk Leader

Michael

Route

Glasshouses – Smelthouses – Brimham Rocks and return along Nidderdale Way

Weather

Sunny periods, occasional showers, cold.

Walkers

Michael, Michelle, Ashley, Ron, Sandy, Evelyn and George B

Excuses

Carol - given up thinking of credible excuses

Bernie - visiting elsewhere in North Yorkshire

Michelle - recovering from a hard week’s work, and getting ready for the next hard week.

 

Comments

Very, very, very, very, very muddy throughout.

Walk started along the bank of the river Nidder, partly following the Nidderdale Way. We crossed the river several times over very narrow bridges. Most of the stiles had doggie gates. Some minature ponies wanted their photos taken despite their owners fears that they might find it stressful.

Lots of converted millhouses. At one, the millpond, which lay beneath a tall stone wall, was now a large duck pond. There was a Swedish flag flying at the front of the house. Heap of turnips at roadside.

Lunch under a holly bush in a sheltered clearing. We discussed infinity. After lunch navigation was made difficult by a plethora of paths. We had to track back about half a mile to find the path that we wanted.

Interesting gritstone rock formations at Brimham Hill including Idol, Eagle, Druid’s writing table, the Dancing Bear, Rocking stones, Anvil, Cannon, Flower Pot, Guard Dog. Those of us lacking in imagination were not totally convinced at the resemblances. Friendly lady with Sheltie dog at visitor centre. Good view of the Menwith Balls – US Intelligence base. Sandy climbed a rock and had her photo taken. Blue Ferrari seen entering the car park.

Saw a flock of posing sheep about to be fed. Owner said that they were Ryelands ( native British breed) from Herefordshire. Ref www.ryelandfbs.com. They did not look as stupid as other breeds of sheep. Old Morris Minor (circa 1970) spotted under a tree – Ron thought it was suitable for renovation.

Another duck pond, this time with a small wooden duckhouse. Speculated that this was the residence of the local MP (Conservative?). Well stored firewood in neatly constructed cages with sturdy covers.

Vital Statistics:

Total distance: 8.8 miles
Time moving: 3.12h
Time stopped 2.23h
Moving average 2.7mph (when we walked we were fast)
Overall average 1.6mph

Wildlife / Flora / Animals:

Birds :dipper (on a rock in the river), muddy geese, lots of ducks, guinea fowl, long tailed tit.

Mammals: Ryeland sheep (native British breed), one rabbit.

Flora: minature cyclamen, snowdrops, yellowdrops(?)


Meal

Bowes Incline Hotel – food good, but a long wait for it to appear.


Photo Gallery

Warming up

Warming up

 

Walkers

February walkers minus one

Bridge

River Nidd

River Nidd

 

Miniatures

Miniatures

Tasty

Tasty camera

 

Duck pond

Duck pond

Geese

Geese

Lunch

Lunch

Woods

Woods

 

Ashley

Ashley poses at Brimham rocks

 

Meerkat

Meerkat rocks?

 

Strength

Strength

Dancing bear

Dancing bear

Flowerpot

Flowerpot

Rocks

Rock panorama

At Brimham

Farts at Brimham

Ryeland Sheep

Ryeland Sheep

Spring flowers

Spring Flowers

 

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