© Province 3N The Catenian Association
080921
During the Centenary year the Bradford President will visit all the circles of Province 3 North having travelled to the meeting on foot. I intend to start by walking from Bradford to Huddersfield and then on the dates listed below continue on foot from the premises of last visited circle to the next Circle Meeting. I hope, providing my feet and legs are still working to end the trek at Hull in September completing a distance of 207 miles.
In doing the walk I hope to raise a small amount of money by sponsorship in aid of the Centenary Charity, which as you will be aware of is 'Give water, life and hope'. I have sent a sponsor form to each Circle, and I would ask that all brothers in Province be made aware of my intentions and if they wish, make any donation they think is appropriate. If every Brother could sponsor me for 1p per mile (£2) it would raise over £750 for the Charity.
I thank you in anticipation of your support and should any Brother wish to join me on any of the walks they can contact me by telephone and I shall give details of place and time of each walk. The company will be much appreciated on the whole or part of any of the walks.
| Start | Finish | Distance (mi) | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradford | Huddersfield | 14.13 | 15th April |
| Huddersfield | Halifax | 8.7 | 22nd April |
| Halifax | Wharfedale | 18.00 | 29th May |
| Wharfedale | Bradford | 10.00 | 2nd June |
| Bradford | Leeds 3 | 8.3 | 16th June |
| Bradford | City of Leeds | 8.3 | 18th June |
| Leeds | Harrogate | 15.80 | 8th July |
| Harrogate | Wetherby | 7.9 | 28th July |
| Wetherby | York | 14.00 | 28th August |
| York | Ampleforth | 21.31 | 2nd September |
| Ampleforth | Scarborough via Pickering | 34.39 | 7th to 8th September |
| Scarborough | Hull via Bridlington | 46.30 | 9th to 10th September |
| Total Miles | 207.13 | ||
Fraternal Regards
David Stockdale
President Bradford Circle (15)
Now the walk around the Circles of Province 3 North is complete, can I thank the Brothers of all Circles for their assistance, sponsorship and on some walks, their company. Thanks also goes to the Brothers of Bradford, who have transported Philip and myself to the start of each walk and to those who have travelled around, bringing us fresh clothes for the evening. These Brothers are John Wilson, Michael Sayers, Gerard McShera and Tim Parr.
Finally can I thank Philip Cragg who has walked with me throughout the walks and who, without his company I would have probably got lost or gone mad talking to myself.
As of today the sponsorship amount sent to CAFOD is approaching £800.00 with much more, to my knowledge still to come. I hope that the sum of £1,500.00 will be reached in the very near future.
After a good nights sleep at the Moseley Lodge and a large full, three-course breakfast, we prepared ourselves for a long slog to Driffield. The day started with a pleasant surprise when the proprietors of Moseley Lodge, Fay Crawforth and her husband, made a donation of £25 to the National Charity. It was a nice start to the day, something we did not encounter again that day.
Leaving Scarborough we knew it would be long and hard to Driffield. In addition to the distance, we were aware that there would be plenty of hills to go up and down. Although rain was forecast we certainly did not expect it to last all day. Less than one hour out, the rain came and we were soon in full wet weather clothing. In the second hour we came across a mobile café in a lay-by and took the time for a warm drink and a short stop out of the rain. The rain however did not ease as we pressed on to Staxton and then uphill to the top of Staxton Brow a climb of about 150metres. Once again another mobile café came to our assistance and at a time when the rain eased enough for a short stop and sit down on a bench in a car park. (Time 12 noon)
From this time on I am afraid there is little more to be said for the rest of the day. The rain continued and the hills came and went. No shops, no pubs in the small hamlets we passed. Foxholes, was the only place we could find shelter out of the rain. A small passage between a house and a chapel gave us some time out of the rain. Here we saw something not seen in Cities and Towns, a mobile Post Office, waiting for customers that never seemed to materialise. With no time to waste it was off again making our way to Langtoft (15 miles from start) where we knew there was a public house. As we approached the village just before 3pm we were looking forward to a hot coffee. Walking into the pub, which was deserted, we were met by the landlord who told us he was just about to close and should have done at 2pm. Only two ladies wanting coffee had prevented his normal closing time. However, he must have seen how much we needed something warm and coffee was soon on the table. Seeing a covered outside area, sheltered from wind and rain we sat there and let him lock up his pub. The outside was in fact better for us, I am sure we would have fallen asleep in front of the lovely warm fire and Driffield would not have been reached that day. Just over 5 miles from Driffield we moved on through the rain eventually arriving at Driffield at 5.30pm.
The Accommodation for the night was a local pub and after a warm shower food was found in the form of a hot curry followed by a pint of cold beer.
Having hung our wet clothing in places that we hoped would dry them out during the night we were both fast asleep by 9pm.
Driffield to HullAfter the previous wet day the start of the final section started in dry, overcast but warm conditions. Leaving Driffield it was not long before the sun was out and we made our way along the main road towards Hull.
Although there was 22 miles to go we were much happier in the fine weather and the villages and hamlets on our route seem to come and go at regular intervals. Places to rest also made the going easier and just after 12 noon we were passing through Leconfield and the Normandy Barracks Airfield. For the past two days we had seen numerous army vehicles on the roads, going backwards and forwards. These barracks it would appear was where they were based and the centre of driver training. As we passed one entrance, young men/women were leaving in what seemed like a fleet of driving school cars almost all in a line.
At 1.30pm we reached Beverley and by this time the sun was out in its full glory. As we were by now well in front of time we sat in the Market square and had a couple of cups of fresh coffee watching shoppers pass us by.
Time to leave on the last part of the walk and after a short, country lane walk out of Beverley, we rejoined the A1174 to Hull. Within a short time the outskirts of Hull was reached and the built up area replaced agricultural land. Teatime rush hour was now approaching and as we neared the centre of Hull, the traffic on the road in both directions was hardly moving. Pedestrians were in the main heading out of the City with an urgency to get home.
At 5.45pm on reaching the Marina, near the Hotel where Hull Circle have their meetings, it was time for a celebration drink. Finding a pub nearby was not hard to find and as we entered we found we were the only customers. It transpired this was mainly a lunchtime drinking house and closed every night at 7.30pm. As we were expected at the Holiday Inn at 7.00pm there was time to relax before crossing the road to the Hotel.
On entering the Hotel we were met by Hull President Brian Salmon and a number of other Brothers.
Clean clothes arrived from Bradford and we were soon refreshed and changed ready for the meeting and a much-needed meal afterwards.
Thank you to the Hull Circle Brothers for the welcome at the end of the journey.
Sunday morning at 9.40am Philip and myself are dropped off in the village of Hovingham, before most people are awake and the café and bakery is preparing to open. The weather is fine and a nice day for a walk of 13 mile to Thornton le Dale. Ten minutes later Gerard McShera (Provincial President) leaves with his wife Jane and nephew William for a day in the countryside. Little did we know at that time that they would be enjoying the day better than we would be.
For the first hour we made good progress covering almost three miles along country and farm lanes to the little hamlet of East Ness. We were now looking forward to arriving in Pickering early in the afternoon and moved on towards crossing the river into Salton. The lane gave way to a field track alongside the river with no sign of a bridge we expected. After some time we knew that we had passed the crossing point and retraced our step to find the bridge in the centre of a small copse. When we crossed the bridge it soon became evident why the bridge had not been clearly visible. The fields at the far side were almost one large shallow lake. Three rivers joined at this point and it was impossible to see what was river and what was the flood plane. After spending some time trying to find a way through we decided the only answer was to return to East Ness and take a longer route on the roads to avoid the flooding. (An extra 5 miles).
In effect we had now travelled 3 of our original miles in 2½ hours.
It was not long before the road crossed the river Rye further up stream and the road seemed clear. Becoming too confident we encountered a road closure, due to flooding of the river Riccal. Here we were helped by a local farmer, who directed us through his fields to rejoin the road further along. On leaving us he gave us some more unwanted news that there was more flooding further on and that it was even deeper. When we reached the flooding we saw a stretch of road of about 100yds covered in water. Despite attempts to get through at the side near the hedges we found we had no option but to take off boots and socks, roll up our trousers and wade through. The photographs give some impression of the flooding.
From here on we were now on higher ground and made reasonable progress to Salton, arriving almost three hours behind our anticipated time. After a short walk to Normanby we decided the original route from here to Pickering was too close to the rivers/streams on the low land and so stayed with the roads. This resulted in more extra distance to be covered and it was just after 6pm when we reached Pickering, three hours late.
As we were late I telephoned ahead to our accommodation at Thornton and found out that they stopped serving food at 7.30pm. Leaving about one hour to cover just over 2 miles we pushed on at a fast rate and arrived just before 7pm. I can say that we were tempted to take a bus but every time one came we were not near a bus stop.
Food and drink that night was most welcome and both Philip and I were soon ready for a good sleep before the next section to Scarborough. What had started off as a 13½ mile walk ended with us having to walk almost 20 miles.
Thornton le Dale to ScarboroughAfter a good nights sleep and a full English breakfast we were ready for what we hoped would be a comfortable 15 miles to Scarborough. Having checked the maps we could see we were on reasonably high ground away from any flooding so decided to take it nice and slow and where possible take in some of the local scenery. The route towards Scarborough was for the whole way along the A170, a busy main road, and so we were thankful for the many footpaths linking the numerous villages and hamlets.
The nice warm, dry day gave us plenty of opportunities to sit and watch the world go by. Mainly watching wagons, buses and cars pass us by. Good time was still made despite our numerous stops and by 1pm we found ourselves in Wyeham, just over half way. Taking our lunch break we had coffee at a roadside hotel near the local parish church.
The second half was slightly harder than the first and although Scarborough is a seaside resort, there is still a steady climb to the outskirts before descending to the sea. Despite this good progress was made and at 3.45pm we were sat above the Spa on the south shore looking out to sea
Scarborough Vice President d'Arcy O'Farrell had kindly arranged accommodation for us at the Moseley Lodge Hotel on the South Cliff and it was not long before we were in our room and enjoying a refreshing shower followed by coffee.
Suitably refreshed we made our way into the centre of Scarborough to meet up with the Scarborough Brothers at the Crescent Hotel. Joined by Provincial President Gerard McShera, I attended the monthly Circle meeting while Philip was entertained by the Ladies of Scarborough.
Following the meeting Philip and I joined the Scarborough Brothers and their Ladies for an excellent meal before returning to our accommodation for another needed nights rest.
Thank you Scarborough for a wonderful evening.
2nd September 2008 19.82 miles
Five days after arriving at York from Wetherby, Philip and I are back at Fulford Golf Club to walk to Ampleforth. The weather forecast was not good and we were well prepared for the heavy storms predicted.
Meeting us at the Golf Club was Alan Gudgeon who had agreed to guide us out of York.
Leaving shortly after 9.30am in sunshine Alan guided us around the City Centre, which I had anticipated having to go through. Although we missed out on passing the Museum and Minster (which we would not have had time to visit) we avoided all the heavy traffic. Using Cycle ways we were soon on the far side of York walking alongside the river Foss on a route that was both the Ebor Way, Foss Walk or Centenary Way. After an hour and a half we were well on our way to nearly five miles along my original route. Whether that was the distance travelled, I am not sure, or because Alan had taken us on paths I did not know existed. Regardless of that, we had made a good start and Alan was picked up by Margaret his good lady, and we were left to continue on our own into unknown territory.
Pressing on out of York, still in sunshine, we followed the river Foss, which gradually changed from a river to more like a brook and then a stream. We passed to the side of both Haxby and Strensall and we could hear in the distance a constant stream of gunfire from the Army shooting range. Shortly after Strensall we left the River Foss and headed across land to Sheriff Hutton, a small village, where we arrived just as the local Public House was closing at 2.30pm. Managing to obtain some light refreshment and have a short rest we set off along the Ebor Way. Less than half an hour on, the black clouds (which telephone calls and text messages had warned us about) came overhead. Now on open ground with no shelter we pressed on as the rain came down heavily with the wind blowing it into our backs. Luckily for us the rain eased as we reached a point where we had our only climb of the day. Although a little wet it was not long before the sun returned and we started to dry out as we reached a lovely village called Terrington.
Mainly one road formed the village of Terrington, with a church and a Pub. However what could be thought of as the centre was the village store, which also doubled up as the local café for visitors. The sun was shining and as we were a little tired we stopped for coffee and a chocolate bar (Mars). After half the hours rest we set off and I don't know if it was the rest or the Mars Bar but we were certainly feeling a lot better and moving a bit faster. Newly ploughed fields were the first obstacles after the rest and on reaching a small wooded area we discovered that the local farmer had placed his fencing as far out of his field as possible to the edge of the woods. This left little room between the fence and a drop into a stream. It was obvious that not many people use this path as it was overgrown with nettles and brambles.
Having negotiated the wood it was now time to descent into Hovingham and when the end is in sight all aches and tiredness disappear.
At 6.20 we arrived at the Worsley Arms and were just taking off out boots when John McKeown the Ampleforth and District President came to welcome us to Hovingham. As a welcome gift he handed to us a packet of Jelly Babies, which would give us a quick intake of sugar, so he told us. We took him by his word and after eating a few (nearly the full packet)(Photograph 2) and having a talk, both Philip and I forgot about our long walk and made our way into the hotel for some liquid sugar.
After a quick change it was time for a Meeting and a superb meal with the Ampleforth Brothers and a long journey home.
28th August 2008 14 miles
Well with a month off since our last walk, Philip and I made our way to Wetherby to travel to York. Meeting us at The Bridge Hotel, Walshford, was Tony Milling from Huddersfield.
We set off just after 11.30 on a day when the weather was nice for walking. It was a pity that this walk was mainly on the road, as there was no alternative route into York. However we made the best of it, enjoying the thought of village life as we passed through Hunsingore, Cattal, Tockwith, and Long Marston. Before arriving at Long Marston we took time for a short break at the Obelisk that marks the battle of Marston Moor in 1644 between The Royalist and Parliamentarian Forces. The information board shows the relative positions of both forces prior to engagement and certainly gives you an idea of the distance they were apart as they prepared for battle.
Moving on we arrived at Rufforth at 2.40pm, where we had arranged to meet Victor Nicholls (President) and Alan Gudgeon of York Circle. These two Brothers were kind enough to join us, not only to show their support but also to guide us through York. When planning a walk it is easy to forget small details such as where you cross a river. As you know the river Ouse at York has limited crossing points and with recent heavy rain on days prior to our walk their help was much appreciated.
Leaving Rufforth we had just over 4 miles to our destination and the first section to the York By-pass was certainly the busiest for traffic. For a long part of this, Victor took the lead, as any commanding officer would do, to flag down approaching traffic for the safety of his men.
Reaching the Acomb area Alan took over responsibility as guide and took us to York Racecourse, which a few days earlier had been under water, causing the cancellation of racing on the course. From here we continued to cross the Ouse over the new Millennium Bridge. This caused a discussion on its design and the reasons for a large extension, overhanging one of its sides.
The end was now close and we were soon at Fulford Golf Club, arriving at 5.40pm. Our arrival gave us plenty time to freshen up before a Mass with York Brothers, their wives and many visitors from other Circles. After an interesting meeting the night ended with an excellent meal and entertainment by York Brothers and wives, playing 'Call my Bluff'.
Well done to all concerned in a game which was very close and took some time to find a winner as each team managed to continually select the correct meanings.
Many thanks to all those who accompanied us and especially to Tony Milling who provided the following information from his satellite navigation system.
Total miles 16.528th July 2008 9 miles
It was just after 4pm on a warmish afternoon when Philip and I left the Ascot Hotel Harrogate on the next part of our Circle walks. We were joined today by John Tweddle and Justin Park from Harrogate and Simon Stockdale from Bradford.
As the Harrogate Brothers knew the area better than we did they led the way out towards Wetherby. My route had been planned to take us out of Harrogate on the main roads but they were able to get us in the right direction across the Stray. At this time of day the roads were full of workers on their way home so avoiding this as much as possible was a great help. It was not long before we were passing the Great Yorkshire showground and by this time we began to think there might be some rain on the way. Despite this we pressed on and at just after the first hour we took our first break at the entrance to Plumpton Hall having walked just over 3 miles.
Entering the grounds of Plumpton Hall we left the commuters to go on their way home and took to the quiet countryside walking through fields of cereal crops and peas. All went well until we reached what on the map was described as Throstle Nest Farm. When I last walked this path the only problems I encountered was the odd goose and a few barking dogs. Today we came across a very large brown rottweiler which although appearing placid moved to block the path every time and it was tethered on a long running lead. Not wanting to upset this lovely little animal we gave it a wide berth and walked through the middle of the field.
Not long after leaving our friendly!!! dog we came to the small hamlet of Little Ribston, which appeared to be deserted with no sign of inhabitants.
By now we were about 2 miles from our destination and after entering the grounds of Ribston Hall we took a brief stop and then followed the road through the estate. It was not long before we saw the Bridge Inn at Walshford through the trees.
6.45pm saw us entering the hotel (picture) in time for a quick coffee (or some other drink) and a talk with some of the locals. The local men then brought to our attention that the route we had taken was frowned upon by the local landowner. Having seen no notices to the contrary, we had simply followed a good road to our destination and the resident of the gate house lodge had given us a friendly wave.
Many thanks to the Wetherby Brothers for a warm welcome to their meeting and for the food and entertainment afterwards.
8th July 2008 17 miles
Today was the start of the second half of the walks but not yet halfway in distance. We shall not reach that point till we arrive at York.
Starting the day from Headingley, Philip and I made our way to the Meanwood Valley Trail, which was an excellent route out of Leeds. The Local Authority has over a number of years constructed this walk and it made an agreeable start to a long walk. Walking alongside Meanwood beck in the shade of trees it leads you out to the ring road and then across to follow Adel Beck and the Dales Way link path. After just two hours we found ourselves at Eccup Reservoir where we had arranged to join some of the Harrogate Brothers for the remainder of the walk.
As we were slightly early it was fortunate that there was a local hostelry close by and so whilst waiting we used their facilities. Just after 12.30pm we met up with John Tweddle and John Tevlin from Harrogate and set off towards Harewood House and through the estate. This took us past the location where Emmerdale television programme is filmed on the estate.
Very soon we left the estate and at Harewood Bridge were joined by Justin Park from Harrogate Circle. Turning off the A61, which we followed for a short time, we headed across country towards Kirkby Overblow. However before reaching the village our route was blocked with the closure of the footpath due to a cross-country pipe being laid. As a result we had to resort to following the road, eventually reaching the village for a well-earned pint at the only pub open.
From here on it should have been an easy route into Harrogate and having crossed the Harrogate by-pass and railway line the Town was in sight. What we did not anticipate was that the bridge over a small river was no longer there. As there was no indication of an alternative route it seemed like a long hike back to the roads. Not deterred, a search was made up and down stream and a crossing was found nearby. This however necessitated a near walking on water, but with the help of a few stepping stones and walking sticks as balance we managed to reach the other side. One or two wet feet resulted but still a safe crossing.
Thanks to local knowledge of the Harrogate Brothers, the remainder of the walk was straight forward, and we soon found ourselves in the centre of Harrogate having negotiated all the traffic leaving the Great Yorkshire Show. Time for a meal and two hours later an enjoyable meeting with the Brothers of Harrogate Circle.
18th June 2008 7.8 miles
Day six should have been from Leeds 3 to City of Leeds 137. This would mean walking out of one room at Hinsley Hall and into either a room next door or back into the same room.
However, it seemed to me as though I would be cheating the City of Leeds brothers who had given me a good amount of sponsorship.
I therefore walked to the City of Leeds meeting from Bradford but on a different route and from my home not the Bradford club.
The walk two days earlier to Leeds was on busy roads so this time I took the opportunity to walk along the Leeds - Liverpool Canal tow-path. It is many years since I had walked most of this route and many changes can be seen along the route.
In areas that I knew as being industrial stand new canal-side homes with boats moored alongside:
One other thing I noticed was the increase of Canal barges. At Apperley Bridge the marina constructed a few years ago was full of multi-coloured barges and many double moored further on near Calverley cutting. The further I walked the more barges I saw, as I approached and passed Rodley:
Walking in the late afternoon I soon realised the canal tow-path is used by many people, in many ways. Joggers out for an early-evening run, cyclists who in the main were travelling from the Leeds direction, more than likely on their way home from work and children enjoying the freedom of the countryside. It just goes to show that you do not have to travel far from the City centres of Yorkshire to enjoy an evening in the countryside.
Two and a quarter hours later I arrive at Hinsley Hall and after some refreshments and change of clothes I joined the brothers of City of Leeds and other visiting brothers to a meeting and social conversation later.
This visit marked the halfway stage, in the number of walks of my journey around the circles and I am looking forward now to the next six.
16th June 2008 8.3 miles
For those who have been reading about and following the walk, you may have noticed a slight error in the last write up. It appears I wrote about the walk before we actually did it!! Wharfedale to Bradford was actually on 2nd June and not as published 22nd June. As I have received not comments I wonder if anyone is reading this.
The reason I have included the above is to pad out this section because there was little on the route from Bradford to Leeds to talk about.
A short walk of just over 8 miles through built up housing areas between the two cities. There was very little of the route that we did not have houses or business premises either side of us.
It took Philip and I 2¾ hours to complete the walk before calling at a local hotel near to Hinsley Hall for food and drink prior the meeting.
Although not a spectacular walk the reception by Brothers of Leeds 3 Circle certainly was. At the meeting I was presented with a gift of a free pedicure at premises 'Strayhair' in Harrogate which is run and owned by Sally Mallinson the dear wife of Leeds President Paul Mallinson. This is something I will leave till I have completed the walk at Hull in September. By then I will believe I have earned it but not at this time when less than half the distance has been covered.
2nd June 2008 10 miles
After last week's walk from Halifax today's walk could be thought of as a relaxing day.
Philip and I started off and retraced our steps over Ilkley moor. The climb out of Ilkley gave us a test of up hill walking but from then on it was peace and calm across the moors to Dick Hudson's Pub. This time due to it being early morning we continued without a stop. Down into Eldwick and across to the edge of Baildon Moor.
It was not long before we reached Shipley Glen so after just over two hours walking we stopped for a quick brew at the Glen Hotel. Leaving, we were soon at the Shipley Glen Cable Tramway, which was constructed in 1895. Since that date there has been many changes, closures and re-openings and is today run by a small group of enthusiasts. Until recently a small fairground was near the top of the tramway. This closed down recently due to a number of facts that obviously made the enterprise uneconomical. From the photograph you can get an idea of the age of the tramway and its carriages. For us today though it was a walk down the side into Roberts Park built by the Salt family for their workers at Salt's Mill, Saltaire. Even though both of us live nearby, a visit to Saltaire means a visit to the Mill, which is now occupied by many small businesses, including the David Hockney Gallery.
It was now just after 1.30pm and as the Bradford Circle meeting was still six hours away it was decided to walk home to Bradford along the Leeds Liverpool Canal as far as Buck Woods and into Thackley. (Slightly longer than walking into Bradford City Centre) This enabled me, after walking, to change clothes at home before the meeting.
Overall a pleasant day's walk which in the main was on the moors and beside the canal. The next stage to Leeds will be quite different as the whole route is in built up areas, so we will have no choice but to return to road walking.
29th May 2008; 18 miles
Now is the testing time with a long one ahead. Tony Milling from Huddersfield and Tony Gregson from Halifax joined us, for today's walk. Although Tony Gregson was going only part way with us he was a great help in getting out of Halifax. One thing we had not thought of was not being able to walk on the flyovers.
Winding our way through back streets we passed Dene Clough Mills where I was given a history lesson of the Mills and how Tony worked there before entering teaching.
Taking us off the main road we walked through Holmfield, Illingworth and Bradshaw before re-joining the main road near Ogden Reservoir. It was here that Tony Gregson left us. It was suggested that it was the Halifax boundary, which he's not allowed out of. In any case thank you Tony for your assistance.
Tony, Philip and myself continued into Denholme where we decided to turn off the road across country heading for Harden, passed Hewenden Reservoir and under the viaduct. Walking down the side of Hewenden Beck took us to an old water mill near Hallas Bridge which, when I last saw it 5 years ago was almost derelict. Now converted into apartments. Down into the woods where we managed to misplace the path for a while and went down hill back to the beck side before arriving at the Malt Shovel at Harden for lunch.
Moving on we travelled down into Bingley before moving up towards Eldwick. Apologies here to Tony Milling as Philip and I did not realise how steep the road out of Bingley is. The car never has any problems!!
Well Dick Hudson's Pub gave us a short break and what seemed like a never ending supply of coffee from the staff.
Last section now across Ilkley Moor where we seemed to be on top of the world and if you come from Yorkshire this is 'Home'. Not many people about on a glorious sunny late afternoon. Ilkley Crags reached and it is down to the Craiglands Hotel home of Wharfedale Circle.
After a welcome drink it was time for a wash and change before a very enjoyable meal with Wharfedale Brothers accompanied by some of their Lady wives. Thanks to them for their reception after a good days walk.
Many thanks to Tony Milling who came with us all the way and at some points was leading us and certainly made us keep up with him. From his GPS he has given me a few interesting facts. Lowest point Bingley Railway Station 263ft, Highest point at the 12 apostles on Ilkley Moor 1253ft. Distance travelled 19.4 miles. Time we were actually moving was 6hrs. 22min. 17secs. From leaving at 10am and finishing at 6pm a time of 8hrs for the day.
22nd April 2008; 8.7 miles
This was a short half-day walk but again on roads. Making sure that, today we did not set off too early; it was 3.15pm when we left the Pennine Manor at Huddersfield. I once heard a walker say "You never know what is near you till you have walked the area". This is so true. The walk may have been all on roads but it did not detract from the views, the small hamlets and villages through which you pass. These included places like Stainland, Hollywell Green and Greetland. These small places I had previously heard of but had no idea where they were. All are small industrious communities that have had to change with the decline of the wool industry. Previous wool/textile mills now converted in many other uses. Yet all these places seem content and in some ways prospering in changing times.
After competing with rush hour traffic Philip and I arrived at the White Swan Hotel in Halifax at 6.20pm. Time for refreshments, change of clothing and then joining brothers from other Circles for the 600th Meeting of the Halifax Circle. Congratulations to Halifax Brothers on reaching this mile stone and apologies again for being unable to stay for the celebratory meal afterwards.
Next in line is Halifax to Wharfedale - a distance of 18 miles on Thursday 29th May starting at 10am. Anyone wishing to join us please let us know beforehand so we do not leave without you.
On Tuesday 15th April, together with a friend, Philip Cragg, we set out from the Bradford Club, the meeting place of the Bradford Circle, on route to the Pennine Manor Hotel at Huddersfield.
A distance of 14 miles and despite all attempts to do otherwise it was mainly a walk on pavements at the side of major roads. Not being accustomed to road walking, we gave ourselves plenty of time leaving Bradford during the morning.
Although walking on the roadside, in built up areas, means you miss the country views, it does give you the opportunity to see things you miss when driving along at greater speeds.
By the time we reached Brighouse we began to realise we had miscalculated our timing. Nearly half way and only two hours gone.
After a quick coffee (well not that quick) it was on and up. This next stage to Ainley Top was now all uphill. Only the initial part out of Bradford to Odsal had so far been uphill. This section also gave us a chance to start to see some open countryside and of course Rastrick, home of the famous Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band.
Past Ainley top and now at an area called Mount, not far from the finish, we found a welcome bench overlooking Outlane Golf Course. As the weather was fine, and we were nearly there, we decided to take a short rest. It turned out to be only a short rest, as two minutes later, over came the black clouds and down came the rain. Off we set and very soon the rain turned to hail. Funny isn't it, that when you are near your ending and the weather turns bad you move quicker. Well we did. In doing so we flew through the only bit of open countryside of the whole day.
2.00pm: just 4¾ hours from starting out we were at the Pennine Manor.
With the Huddersfield Circle Meeting nearly six hours away, after some refreshments we set out to explore the surrounding area in less than hospitable weather.
Many thanks to the Huddersfield Brothers for a warm welcome and especially the generosity of their sponsorship, which will go towards the Centenary Charity.
