Walks from 2006
WHERNSIDE ... I'VE DONE IT !!!
The One Peak Challenge
On Sunday, 16th April, Jan, Sean, Sue, Tim, Pat & Paul went to Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Incredibly, the sun was shining and there was virtually no mud in sight, so, we decided to tackle a peak!
We started at Ribblehead, near the viaduct and walked to the point where the official three peaks walk comes down Whernside and walked the route in reverse.
I know that Sean has a reputation for liking to be ‘different’, but there was method in our madness. Walking this way round we climbed up the shorter steep ascent to the summit first, before we were too exhausted, had a packed lunch at the top, and then it was an easy walk downhill to the car.

The total walk was 8.2 miles. We started at 11.15 a.m., had several stops on the way up to admire the views (which are great), and for me to get my breath back, and were back at the café at Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 4.45 p.m.
This is going to be the one peak challenge for anyone who wants to join me. There could be a slight problem in walking against the flow but I am sure that we will manage. We will probably meet the ‘three peakers’ striding out in the opposite direction!
Jan’s mum.
Earlier test walks
Pictures from the last test walk
The last test walk took place on Sunday, starting in the charming little village of Thixendale in the Yorkshire Wolds. For once, the weather was relatively kind - it only snowed once! - and our small team set off to explore the starlingly sinuous dales which cut into the chalk landscape. Paul had planned a small extension to the published walk which took the excursion up from 8 miles to 11.5. The wolds countryside manages some nice undulating sections, so although the last section was relatively flat, everyone was quite glad to see the cars - especially Jan!

If you have never been walking around this area I can really recommend it. The only problem was the tiny village pub was shut by the time we got back.

April - Scar House and Angram
The second April test walk took in the Scar House and Angram reservoirs and was of the order of 10 miles. We started in the car parking area at Scar House reservoir and the small band set off in the now traditional blustery weather. As we climbed, Nidderdale spread out before us, and tea and bicuits were taken in a splendid shooting lodge as we achieved the top of the ridge. Many thanks to Keith for organising a very civilised walk, and introducing me to a new walking area. I'll be back.

The photo of scar house reservoir (left) is copyright of Mick Melvin
March - Simons Seat
The March testwalk started in Bolton Abbey, outside the pavillion cafe. Whilst the sun was not actively shining, the cloud cover was high and the wind was light, and our intrepid group of 21 set out to conquer Simons Seat in high spirits. Sid kindly left his car at Appletreewick to act as an emergency escape route. Simons seat was a fair old climb - but the view was worth it. The photo on the right shows the team at the top - everyone has just had a coffee, and so are looking happy!
Getting back down from the top (see left) was slightly more problematic as the snow still laid deep and even in places, giving slippy rocks to contend with! We managed to get down without any broken ankles, thank goodness and those of us who hadn't eaten their sandwiches already ( Mick and Sue! ) stopped for lunch outside Parceval Hall.
After lunch we set off up through the stunningly beautiful - and never before visited by this walker - Trollers Gill. The rocky stream which takes up much of the bottom of the gill, made the assent more of a walk / via ferrata hybrid with repeated perilous jumps across, mixed with some rock hugging activity. The waterproofness of David's boots were tested to destruction on at least one occasion. Having beaten the torrent we decended to Appletreewick and a welcome drink at the pub (right), leaving only a pleasant 4 mile stroll back to Bolton Abbey before the car park shut for the night.
February - Hardcastle Crags - walk 2
The February test walk took place at Hardcastle Craggs, near Hebden Bridge. Unfortunately the weather was appropriate to the season, and the event turned out to be more of a swim than a walk. However 27 of us braved the best that the pennine weather could throw at us. A big thank you to Tim for organising the walk - and thanks to all who came - at least it was nice stopping! The pictures opposite and below show the valient walkers, amidst the really beautiful, if slightly damp scenery!
Where's the nearest lifeguard?
January - Yorkshire Wolds
The first test walk took place deep in the stunning Yorkshire Wolds in January 2006 and had about 14 takers. Lunch was the highpoint - taken at a super pub. The only problem was we were so muddy that couldn't go in!
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