What We Saw or What You Missed – Summer 2011
29/10/11 The Annual Outing: Hull
38 members and guests travelled to Hull for the annual outing on a cold, dry and clear day. We stopped for coffee at the Ferrybridge motorway services. The next stop was at the Humber Bridge Country Park where 8 members set out on a linear walk to Hull alongside the River Humber. Before the coach left the country park, several people walked to the viewing point to see the impressive Humber Bridge. The coach continued on to Hull where everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day. As well as the shops there was a variety of museums and galleries to visit. The most popular visit was to the Deep Aquarium. Everyone who visited came back with rave reviews. A great way to end the season!
22/10/11 Bolam Circular ‘A’ Jennifer Bell ‘B’ Gillian Walton
49 members travelled directly to Bolam Lake Country Park. Even the ‘B’ party had to carry their lunch today. The coach didn’t stop in the car park due to the £7 charge. The ‘B’ party went along the road to a footpath diagonally crossing the field to reach a bridleway at West Cottage. We followed a stony track for a level walk to reach a track which is shown on the OS map as ‘other route with public access’. This was followed by a footpath to a rickety timber bridge across a stream. We all managed to cross safely. There was a herd of very inquisitive cows in the field but the party stuck together and we managed to cross the field without any incidents. We ascended the hill to East Shaftoe Hall and followed the track to Shaftoe Crags. We stopped for lunch next to a towering boulder called the Piper’s Chair, better known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl with an unusual hollow which was filled with wine during the wedding celebrations of Sir William Blackett of Wallington in 1775. We sat and admired the fine views all around especially of the Simonside Hills. We continued on through Salters Nick, a mini gorge of craggy outcrops and then passed the strange shaped Shaftoe Crags where the grass mounds are the remains of ancient camps and earthworks. We reached Bolam West Houses, a terrace of cottages and crossed the road to enter West Wood which is part of the Bolam Lake Country Park. We finished the walk at the visitors centre. After refreshments we sat next to the lake and enjoyed the afternoon sunshine. After the ‘A’ party returned we travelled the short distance to the Waggon Inn pub for an extended stop before travelling directly home. A free walk today.
8/10/11 Blanchland Circular ‘A’ John Chesterfield ‘B’ Anne Chesterfield
It was wet all day as 54 members travelled directly to Blanchland. The ‘A’ party was given priority in the White Monk coffee shop to enable us to start the walk early. 27 members set away in the rain going along the road to Bainbridge and ascending to the hamlet of Newbiggin. A level footpath over the moors was followed and we stopped for lunch under cover of trees on Beldon Side. As we continued on over Harwoodshield Fell we passed several spaniels and labrador dogs with their handlers sitting alongside the track while beaters were going over the moor to disturb the pheasants for a party of shooters. At Harwood Shield Farm we cut across rough ground to reach Stobby Lea Farm where a couple of sheep dogs took an interest in us. We followed field tracks to Burntshield Haugh and then endured a stiff climb over Bulbeck Common – a long slow drag on peaty paths. After a fruit stop in the lee of a wall we walked over Pennypie Fell to the hamlet of Shildon and finished the walk through woodland to emerge back in Blanchland. Flowers: greater knapweed, heather, ling, ragwort, yarrow. Other: black grouse, hare, partridges, pheasants
24/9/11 Barnard Castle Circular ‘A’ David Killens ‘B’ Doris Farley
With a forecast of dry and sunny weather 55 members travelled to Barnard Castle, passing through an unexpected rain shower on the way. After coffee, 32 members set out on the ‘A’ walk going through the town and descending to the River Tees where we crossed on a footbridge. We joined the Teesdale Way footpath passing through fields and a caravan park. We stopped at Egglestone Abbey to view the remains and then continued along the riverside to the Meeting of the Waters, a confluence with the River Greta. Shortly afterwards, we stopped for lunch and then continued on to Whorlton by crossing a suspension road bridge and ascending a steep flight of steps. Liquid refreshments were enjoyed at the local pub before returning to Barnard Castle on the opposite side of the River Tees. Flowers: greater knapweed, hawkbit, herb robert, himalayan balsam, yarrow. Other: acorns, brambles, conkers, herons, llarmas, mallards, rowan berries, sloes.
10/9/11 Coniston – Hawkshead ‘A’ Sharron Lea ‘B’ George Gibson
47 members travelled in the rain to the Lake District stopping for coffee at the Southwaite motorway services. It was a very slow journey to reach Coniston because of the narrow twisting roads after Ambleside. The ‘A’ party set off in pouring rain, while after lunch 22 members set out on the ‘B’ walk in a light shower of rain. We walked along to Fell End Wood for a steep ascent on stony tracks. It was stifling hot and felt very humid as we continued climbing through Hill Fell Wood to emerge at a car park at the top end of Tarn Hows. All around, the tops were surrounded in mist and dark clouds. We descended on muddy tracks and grassy fields to reach Hawkshead Hill where we stopped to view the old Baptist cemetary, the outdoor baptistry and the chapel itself dating from 1709. We crossed further fields passing through Hawkshead churchyard to reach the village where quite a few of us enjoyed the afternoon teas being served in the church hall. Just before the ‘A’ party arrived it started to pour down again. Flowers: betony, bog asphodel, cross leaved heath, devilsbit scabious, enchanters nightshade, eyebright, foxglove, germander speedwell, greater knapweed, harebell, hawkbit, heather, herb robert, ragwort, red campion, tormentil, welsh poppy. Other: brambles, brown roll rim fungi, fly agaric fungi, harts tongue fern, rose pincushion.
27/8/11 Hury Reservoir ‘A’ David Killens ‘B’ Brian Drabble
Another very wet start but fortunately dry for the walks. 55 members travelled the short journey to Barnard Castle for coffee and then onto Hury Reservoir for the start of both walks. 21 members set out on the ‘A’ walk while after lunch the coach dropped the ‘B’ party, 31 in number, at one end of the Hury Reservoir. We walked down a lane and crossed the dam then walked alongside the reservoir to eventually reach Hannah Hauxwell’s former home. We descended over fields and stopped for fruit near the water’s edge but it wasn’t long before we were plagued by midges. We continued on passing through the grounds of a youth hostel and endured a stiff climb on stony tracks to reach Blackton Reservoir. We crossed the dam head and ascended the access road to reach the coach which was parked on the main road. We travelled back to Barnard Castle then the coach returned to Hury to collect the ‘A’ party. After an extended stop we travelled home in the rain. Flowers: birdsfoot trefoil, chickweed, greater knapweed, harebell, hawkweed, ragwort, sneezewort, tormentil, yarrow.
13/8/11 Grasmere ‘A’ David Palmer ‘B’ Kathleen Reavley
A wet day as 54 members travelled to Grasmere with a coffee stop at the Haughton Hall Garden Centre. The ‘A’ party, 12 in number, were dropped off at the viewing point lay-by at Thirlmere. After lunch, 27 members set out along the road passing Dove Cottage, which was the home of William Wordsworth from Dec 1799 to May 1808, the years of his supreme work as a poet. Today, as a museum it attracts about 70,000 visitors every year. We followed a country lane uphill then turned right to descend eventually to a car park at Rydal Water. We crossed the main road and followed the paths through woodland and open fell to descend to the water’s edge where we watched several young adults swimming in the lake. As we walked past the church at Rydal a wedding party was just emerging from the church and posing for photographs. We ascended the minor road next to Rydal Hall to reach the coffin route footpath. This route across Nab Scar was originally used to carry the deceased from Rydal and Ambleside for burial at St Oswald’s church in Grasmere.Today it is a public footpath with tremendous views across Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell. Although we had rain showers while travelling and the fell tops were shrouded in mist, it was warm and it stayed dry for the ‘B’ walk. Flowers: claytonia, convolvulus, enchanters nightshade, eyebright, foxglove, greater burnet, greater knapweed, harebell, hawkweed, hogweed, honeysuckle, ling, meadow cranesbill, meadowsweet, ragwort, rosebay willowherb, thyme, tormentil, water lily, water mint, woundwort, Other: brambles, buzzard, heron, lords n ladies, oak galls, raspberries, sloes.
30/7/11 Swainby Circular ‘A’ Ken Armstrong ‘B’ Kathleen Reavley
57 members set out for the Yorkshire Dales on a warm sunny day stopping for coffee at the Strikes Garden Centre, Stokesley. We parked in the Black Horse pub car park and the ‘A’ party, 26 in number, set out down the high street to join a footpath across fields to Back Lane. We joined a track to pass Scarth Wood Farm, Scarth Wood and Arncliffe Wood. We reached the Cleveland Way long distance footpath and walked through fields to the Lady Chapel where we stopped for lunch. The early history of the Lady Chapel is not known but records show that a licence for Mass to be celebrated regularly was granted in 1397. We carried on to Osmotherley where the queue for ice-creams delayed our walk. Still following the Cleveland Way we reached Cod Beck Reservoir and sat alongside the water enjoying the afternoon sunshine. As we approached the car park at the far end of the reservoir there were crowds of people sitting around. While walking along a road, lots of mini motor bikes passed by. We veered off the road into Clain Wood and descended on a bridleway to return to Swainby. Flowers: burdock, convolvulus, creeping thistle. enchanters nightshade, eyebright, forget-me-not, foxglove, green alkanet, harebell, hemp agrimony, herb bennet, herb robert, himalayan balsam, hogweed, ling, meadowsweet, oxeye daisy, ragwort, tormentil, tufted vetch, wild strawberry, yellow pimpernel, yellow vetchling. Other: apples, blackbird, crab apples, greylag geese, hazelnuts, lords n ladies, rowan berries, sloes.
16/7/11 Hawes ‘A’ Ken Nevin ‘B’ Janet Heckels
It was a wet start with heavy showers on and off as 50 members travelled to Hawes stopping in Leyburn for coffee. The ‘A’ party, 14 in number, was dropped off beyond Appersett then the coach returned to Hawes. After lunch, 27 members set out on the ‘B’ walk and headed out on the Pennine Way to Hardraw. Time was allowed for those who wanted to spend time at the Green Dragon Pub or to view the waterfall in its grounds (£2 entrance fee). We endured a steep ascent through fields to reach the Simonstone Hotel which has commanding views of the Wensleydale valley below. We passed through lots of small fields negotiating a variety of stiles to reach Sedbusk, a tiny hamlet. We descended through more fields and encountered a very frisky cow with her calf. We reached the River Ure and followed a roadside path back to Hawes. Flowers: bog asphodel, cotton grass, crosswort, eyebright, golden rod, harebell, meadow cranesbill, meadowsweet, nettle leaved bellflower, oxeye daisy, ragged robin, ragwort, red campion, silverweed, st john’s wort, thyme, tormentil. Other: short eared owl.
2/7/11 Maxton – Melrose ‘A’ Peter Gilliland ‘B’ Kathleen Gilliland
On a warm and sunny day 65 members travelled to the Scottish Borders stopping for coffee at the Jedburgh Woollen Mills. Both walks started at the hamlet of Maxton, the ‘A’ walk finishing in Melrose, while the ‘B’ walk finishing in St. Boswells. 23 members set out on the ‘A’ walk, while 33 members did the ‘B’ walk which followed a country lane to Maxton Kirk then edge of field paths to a track leading down to the River Tweed. We crossed the river on a suspension bridge (5 at a time) to the grounds of Mertourn House. We had previously asked permission to view the gardens before the normal opening times so everyone paid their entrance fee (£3 or £2 seniors) and enjoyed a wander around very beautiful and colourful gardens with stunning views of the River Tweed below. We walked along the main drive to reach the road and after a short stretch of road walking we reached Mertourn Bridge. Here we followed the river past an old mill (now converted to housing) and ascended 54 steps to reach a higher level on the Abbey Borders Way footpath. One of our members took ill so the going was very slow as we descended through woodland to reach the River Tweed for a level grassy walk. Ralph Turnbull went ahead and commandeered a small trolley from the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel. With the help from others they managed to transport Pat Wilson and her friend Kathleen Tennant back to the Abbey. Fortunately we were able to contact our driver who picked us up at the Abbey and took us on to Melrose. Flowers: broad leaved willowherb, common spotted orchid, cotton grass, cross leaved heath, crosswort, devilsbit scabious, elderflower, enchanters nightshade, fumitory, heath bedstraw, heather, hemp agrimony, herb bennet, herb robert, himalayan balsam, honeysuckle, leopard’s bane, meadow cranesbill, meadowsweet, milkwort, nettle leaved bellflower, pyramidal orchid, ragwort, red valerian, st john’s wort, tansy, thyme, tormentil, tufted vetch, welsh poppy, yellow vetchling. Other: herons, mouse, oyster catchers, sand martins.
18/6/11 Keswick Circular ‘A’ John Chesterfield ‘B’ Anne Chesterfield
As 64 members travelled to the Lakes we spotted a number of fields near Hexham covered in red poppies. There was a forecast of rain today but fortunately it stayed dry but overcast until about 5pm when both walks had finished. The coffee stop was at the Haughton Hall Garden Centre. At Keswick, the ‘A’ party set out immediately upon arrival while after lunch the ‘B’ party, 28 in number, walked to the Derwentwater shore passing the theatre at the lakeside. We followed the lake shore path to Friars Crag and looked across to Calfclose Bay. We continued by the lakeside to reach the road where we saw a bride and groom go by in a vintage car. We crossed the road and ascended through Great Wood on clarty tracks and once we’d reached the top near Castlerigg we had a fruit stop. The descent was through Spring Wood on more muddy tracks. After walking along a lane where we passed nicely cultivated front gardens we crossed a field and entered Castlehead Wood and climbed to a viewpoint above the treeline. We then followed paths in Cockshot Wood and eventually emerged in the corner of the car park adjacent to the theatre at the lakeside. We left the Lakes in the rain and stopped in Hexham for our evening stop. Flowers: bittersweet, bluebell, chickweed, creeping corydalis, crosswort, dog rose, enchanters nightshade, field rose, foxglove, white foxglove, heath bedstraw, hedge woundwort, hemp agrimony, herb robert, honeysuckle, ladys mantle, meadowsweet, milkwort, red campion, silverweed, tufted vetch, water forget-me-not, welsh poppy, wild strawberry, yellow flag, yellow vetchling. Other: tadpoles.
4/6/11 Ingram Circular ‘A’ Janet Heckels ‘B’ ML Davinson & C Vallente
After a two day heatwave, Saturday was a cold windy day, more like winter. 50 members travelled into Northumberland stopping for coffee at the Heighley Gate Garden Centre near Morpeth. At Ingram we parked beyond the information centre in a car park adjacent to woodland and toilet facilities. The ‘A’ walk with 20 members started with a steep ascent onto Brough Law. We then followed grassy tracks before descending over rough ground to Chester Burn for lunch. In this sheltered area it wasn’t long before the midges joined us. We passed through woodland and crossed fields to a deserted farmhouse called Chesters. We descended through dark woodland to open fields for an undulating walk to reach a stony track. We skirted Lumsden Hill then climed Wether Hill followed by a very steep descent to Middle Dean. Another steep ascent followed over the shoulder of Turf Knowe then a stony track and a shortcut on top of the remains of an old wall to return to the coach. Flowers: birdsfoot trefoil, bluebell, brooklime, broom, chickweed, claytonia, comfrey, crosswort, elderflower, forget-me-not, foxglove, germander speedwell, gorse, greater stitchwort, guelder rose, heath bedstraw, herb bennet, herb robert, hop trefoil, ladys mantle, ladys smock, leopard’s bane, milkwort, mimulus, orchid, pignut, red campion, rest harrow, tormentil, tufted vetch, white campion, white dead nettle, wild rose, yarrow, yellow pimpernel. Other: chaffinch, curlews, goldfinches, lapwings, minnows, 2 peacocks.
21/5/11 Richmond Circular ‘A’ Peter Gilliland ‘B’ Kathleen Gilliland
It was warm and dry as 69 members headed for a day at Richmond. The ‘A’ party, 23 in number, set off after coffee to follow part of the Coast to Coast long distance footpath and then return via a new permissive path over army owned land. The ‘B’ party, 39 in number, set out crossing grassy fields and descending to the main road through the cemetary. After passing a caravan park we crossed the River Swale on a footbridge into Hudswell Woods owned by the National Trust for a riverside walk back to Richmond below the Castle. We continued on to the old railway station for a stop to have ice-creams etc. The walk followed the disused railway track to another footbridge over the Swale to reach the ruins of Easby Abbey. The Abbey of St Agatha was built in 1152 by Roald, Constable of Richmond Castle. Easby was a house of the Premonstratensian order known as “white canons”. We spent time wandering around and also visited the parish church next door and admired the 13th century frescoes inside the church. Field paths were followed and then a steep climb to finish the walk in the market place. We had an extended stop before travelling directly home. Flowers: bistort, bluebell, white bluebell, bugle, cotton grass, crosswort, dog violet, greater stitchwort, hawkbit, heath bedstraw, herb bennet, herb robert, ladys smock, lousewort, marsh marigold, meadow cranebill, milkwort, pignut, primrose, red campion, rock rose, speedwell, sweet cicely, tormentil, water aven, wild garlic, yellow corydalis, yellow pimpernel.
7/5/11 Reeth Circular ‘A’ Geoff Palmer ‘B’ Kathleen Reavley
55 members set out to the Yorkshire Dales with a weather forecast of heavy rain for most of the day. After coffee in Richmond we travelled to Reeth situated in Swaledale and at the end of Arkengarthdale where the two dales meet. Coach parking is non existant, however we were able to park on the edge of the village opposite the primary school. 33 members set off on the ‘A’ walk by returning to the village centre and taking a minor road to Arkengarthdale. We crossed grassy fields passing East Raw Croft Farm and saw lots of little red flags sticking in the ground. Upon further investigation we discovered they were indicating the presence of mole traps. Further on we had lunch on a rocky outcrop then we walked alongside the River Swale to a footbridge at Kirk Park Hill. As we followed a bridleway to Langthwaite we passed a field containing hundreds of chickens, certainly free range there! We frequented the pub in Langthwaite and as we left the rain started. We crossed the river and followed the road for a short distance before enduring a steep ascent on a stony track to Bouldershaw House. The mist started rolling in as we walked along a minor road and descended to Fore Gill which is where the opening sequence of the TV series All Creatures Great and Small was filmed. We ascended onto Calver Hill following grassy tracks and ensured that we all stayed together as visibility wasn’t too good. We descended from the fell via a narrow walled lane to reach the village primary school. As expected, the weather changed for the better as we finished the walk. On our way home we stopped in Richmond. Flowers: bluebell, crosswort, dog violet, forget-me-not, garlic mustard, greater stitchwort, green alkanet, ladys smock, larch flowers, marsh marigold, may blossom, meadow cranesbill, primrose, red campion, rock rose, rowan blossom, silverweed, sweet cicely, thyme, wild pansy, wood anemone, wood aven, wood sorrel. Other: heard cuckoo, frog, lapwings, siskins.
23/4/11 Patterdale – Glenridding ‘A’ Sharron Lea ‘B’ George Gibson
It was warm and sunny as 46 members set out to the Lake District. We stopped in Barnard Castle for coffee. As we reached the Lakes, dark clouds appeared although it didn’t rain until the end of the afternoon. The ‘A’ party, 17 in number alighted in Patterdale and then the coach returned to Glenridding for the rest of the day. After lunch, 25 members set out on the ‘B’ walk along a minor road to join the Greenside Road above Glenridding Beck. We passed the youth hostel to go through a disused mine. We followed a stony zig zag track to a footbridge which led to the open fells. We turned left to follow a track below Birkhouse Moor. The track became rather difficult to negotiate with a drop down and then a climb up a rocky outcrop. While most of the party turned back and followed an easier track below 7 managed to complete this awkward section. The party regrouped at Miresbeck where we enjoyed a fruit stop on a grassy knoll. We continued to climb uphill and then descended to Lanty’s Tarn, a quiet and serene place. We deviated from the route up to Keldas Hill to admire the view over Ullswater then retraced our steps back to the tarn. We continued a descent to pass Patterdale Hall and Grisedale Bridge where we followed a roadside path back to Glenridding. The ‘A’ party returned shortly afterwards and we left at 5.30 pm stopping at Barnard Castle on the way home. Flowers: bird cherry, blackthorn, bluebell, celandine, cow parsley, dog violet, eyebright, forget-me-not, garlic mustard, gorse, greater stitchwort, holly flowers, ivy leaved toadflax, ladies smock, lords n ladies, milkwort, opposite leaved golden saxifrage, primrose, red campion, tormentil, wild cherry, wild strawberry, wood anemone, wood sorrel. Other: hard fern, parsley fern, tadpoles in puddle.
09/4/11 Alston Circular ‘A’ Geoff Palmer ‘B’ Margaret Palmer
62 members set out for Cumbria on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far. The coffee stop was spent in Hexham. We travelled to Alston which claims to be the highest market settlement in England, being about 1,000 feet above sea level. After parking at the railway station 32 members set out on the ‘A’ walk following the Pennine Way long distance footpath above the River South Tyne to Bleagate. We left the Pennine Way and descended to the river where we crossed a bridge and enjoyed a level track adjacent to the river to eventually rejoin the Pennine Way into the small village of Garrigill. At its peak the village was home to 1,000 people mainly employed in the lead mining industry, its population numbers less than 200 now. We sat in the village square enjoying the sunshine while some visited the local pub, the George and Dragon with a log fire roaring in the grate. We left the village on an uphill stretch of road walking until we reached the cemetery. Here we joined field paths above the Pennine Way back to Bleagate. We followed a walled lane and crossed fields passing High Nest Farm where we saw a lady bottle feeding a lamb in a field. We returned via Annat Walls to Alston. The evening stop was in Hexham. Flowers: ash flowers, blackthorn, butterbur, celandine, coltsfoot, cowslip, dogs mercury, gorse, marsh marigold, primrose, pussy willow, scurvy grass, violet, wild strawberry, wood anemone, wood sorrel. Other: chaffinch, dipper, llarma, old pony, 4 oyster catchers, 2 pheasants, pied wagtail, sand martins, swallows.
26/3/11 High Newton – Craster ‘A’ Jennifer Bell ‘B’ Ron Ellis
After a week of pleasant sunny days, Saturday turned out to be very cold but dry. 76 members set out today and after a coffee stop at the Heighley Gate Garden Centre near Morpeth we travelled to High Newton where the ‘A’ party alighted for their linear walk to Craster. The coaches then travelled to Craster and after lunch 37 members set out on the ‘B’ walk. We left the coastline and followed field paths to Howick Hall, the home of the Earl Grey family. The most well-known member is the second earl, Charles, who was Prime Minister of the UK between Nov 1830 and July 1834. Earl Grey tea, named after him was blended to suit the water at Howick, using bergamot to offset the taste of lime in the water. After passing the entrance to the estate, we did a short stretch of road walking to reach the coast. We followed the coastal footpath to a reconstructed hut. Archaeologists from Newcastle University have unearthed the earliest and best preserved Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) round-house to be found in Britain. After having a good look around we returned to Craster walking into a cold blustery wind. Hot drinks were very welcome when we got back. Upon the return of the ‘A’ party we travelled to Morpeth for the evening stop. Flowers: bulrushes, celandine, chickweed, coltsfoot, dogs mercury, gorse, periwinkle, pussy willow, scurvy grass, violet. Other: bumblebee, fulmars, geese, lambs, oyster catchers, pied wagtails, tree creeper, heard woodpecker.
12/3/11 Robin Hood’s Bay Circular ‘A’ Ken Armstrong ‘B’ Kathleen Reavley
With a forecast of snow in the Borders but brighter further south, a good attendance of 81 members for the first walk of the season set out on an overcast and mild day. After coffee in Guisborough we travelled on to Robin Hood’s Bay where the coaches parked up for the rest of the day. 40 members set out on the ‘A’ walk while after lunch 32 went on the ‘B’ walk. The ‘A’ walk started out from the coach park along the disused railway line all the way to Ravenscar, stopping for lunch just off the track on a grassy mound. We descended through the golf course grounds to reach the Cleveland Way long distance footpath. This section of walk was more undulating as we followed the cliff tops. The fruit stop was spent at the National Trust alum works remains where signs indicated that adder snakes were about – but not today. After further walking along the cliff tops we descended on to the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay. We had an extended stop before travelling home, stopping once again in Guisborough. Flowers: coltsfoot, daffodil, dogs mercury, lambs tails, primrose, pussy willow, snowdrop. Other: curlews, lapwings, oyster castchers, robin.
What We Saw or What You Missed – Summer 2010
23/10/10 Haydon Bridge Circular ‘A’ Jennifer Bell ‘B’ Ron Ellis
It was a wet start as 54 members travelled to Northumberland, stopping for coffee in Hexham. At Haydon Bridge, 20 members alighted for the ‘A’ walk then the coach travelled on to Bardon Mill where after lunch 25 members did the ‘B’ walk. We started by crossing the Newcastle-Carlisle railway line and then a footbridge over the River South Tyne. Quiet country lanes led to the hamlet of Willimoteswick followed by a steep ascent over fields to reach a level minor road across Winshield Side. We plodged through a clarty track to the ancient woodland of Briarwood Banks Nature Reserve and descended a very steep footpath to reach the River Allen in full spate. We stood alongside the river for a fruit stop then continued through Allen Banks woodland for a wonderful autumnal walk. We left the gorge on a footpath in front of Ridley Hall and at the far side of the field 2 enormous pigs came tearing across their field attracted by the chattering in our group and thinking they were going to be fed. We walked to the River South Tyne and turned upstream and we saw a young lad catch a fish on his fishing rod. We crossed fields to Beltingham and followed minor roads back to the footbridge we had crossed earlier in the day to return to Bardon Mill. The final evening stop was in Hexham. Flowers: greater knapweed, herb robert, yarrow. Other: brambles, elderberries, haws, heron. Rabbits, rose hips, snowberries.
9/10/10 Newcastleton Circular ‘A’ Geoff Palmer ‘B’ Kathleen Reavley
45 members travelled to the Scottish Borders stopping for coffee at a new venue: Houghton Hall Garden Centre near Carlisle. We had a wet start to the day but it became dry with heavy cloud for the rest of the day. Newcastleton or Copshaw Holm as it is known locally because the new village was established on the site of a tower called Copshaw, but took its name from the older settlement at Castleton. After lunch, the ‘B’ party walked through the streets to reach the Liddel Water and we followed it until the end of the village. Instead of walking on an old railway line we kept to the roadside as logging operations had churned the track to oozing mud. As we walked along we admired private front gardens which were still full of summer colour. We followed a stony lane passing the old parish church which was built in 1808 and closed in 1952. In the wall of the building beside it, which once served as a school, is a tone with a Latin inscription. It can be translated as ‘For God and the Church, today is mine, tomorrow is yours.’ It is dated 1621 and the initials are those of Walter Scott, minister of Castleton at that time. We climbed up to join an old drove road to skirt past Priest Hill. The track levelled out and we were surrounded by forestry. We descended to a picnic area next to the Whithaugh Burn. Nearby, were ponds which were frequented by dragonfilies in the summer months. After a fruit stop we continued along a stony track passing Dykecrofts Farm where we spotted lots of conkers on the ground. There was a toilet stop at the Foresty Commission’s visitor centre then a steep descent back to Newcastleton crossing the Liddel Water by the Holm Bridge built in 1823. An evening stop in Hexham. Flowers; devilsbit scabious, greater burnet, greater knapweed, harebell, hawkbit, herb robert, meadowsweet, oxeye daisy, ragwort, tormentil, yarrow, yellow vetchling. Other: crab apples, guelder rose berries, hairy caterpillar, heron, robin, sloes, 2 tiny frogs.
25/09/10 Bowes Circular ‘A’ John Chesterfield ‘B’ Anne Chesterfield
On a dry, cold and windy day, 67 members travelled the short distance to Barnard Castle for coffee and then on to Bowes village. 22 members set out on the ‘A’ walk while after lunch 34 members set out on the ‘B’ walk heading off through the main street to reach Bowes Castle. This was thought to have been built by Alan, Earl of Richmond soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066 on the site of the old Roman fort, a date of 1087 indicates how strategic the location was to the Norman conquerors. After admiring the remains of the Castle we crossed fields to join the Pennine Way footpath. We crossed the River Greta and endured an uphill climb to reach a road which eventually petered out into a grassy lane. After a fruit stop, we negotiated a wet boggy area and crossed a reed covered field to reach West Ling farm and then Plover Hall farm. Good tracks were followed passing a herd of belted Galloway cows to reach Howlugill farm. We crossed grassy fields and climbed various stiles to reach a minor road leading back to Bowes. Flowers: applemint, greater knapweed, ragweed, red clover, watercress, white clover, yarrow. Other: elderberries, grouse, haws, ink cap fungi, pheasant, rabbit, sloes.
11/09/10 Kilburn Circular ‘A’ Ken Nevin ‘B’ Janet Heckels/Maria Regan
54 members travelled to North Yorkshire stopping for coffee in Thirsk. The coach parked at the top of Sutton Bank at the visitors centre for the day. 30 members set out on the ‘A’ walk by following the Cleveland Way, skirting the gliding club. Not long after, the heavens opened for a downpour but it didn’t last too long. We passed above the White Horse of Kilburn and descended steep steps to a car park showing a close up view of the Horse. The Kilburn White Horse was created on 4th Nov 1857 by removing topsoil to expose underlying limestone rock. In Aug 2010, 2,000 litres of paint at a cost of £6,000 was used to redifine the horse. This landmark was created by a local businessman, Thomas Taylor who may have been inspired by other chalk figures he had seen around the country. We continued on to Kilburn village, the home of ‘Mousey Thompson’ and after lunch walked through the church yard and ascended into High Kilburn. Tracks were followed to Fox Folly Farm and field paths to Byland Abbey. We sat opposite the Abbey for a fruit stop and ice-creams from the Abbey shop. We endured a steep climb through fields past Abbey House and into Snever Wood. The tea stop was in a clearing while some walked to Mount Snever Observatory. We continued on field paths to Cockerdale Wood and with a steep descent passed Cockerdale Farm sitting in a secluded closed valley. We climbed to Hell Hole wood to reach a tiny chapel, built in 1957 by the sculptor John Bunting, It is a memorial to 3 former pupils of nearby Ampleforth College who were killed in WW2 and the chapel is cared for these days by current pupils at the college. The chapel was locked but we admired a wooden sculpture of the Mother & Child in the grounds. After a short stretch of road walking we reached the information centre at Sutton Bank. The evening stop was in Thirsk. Flowers: eyebright, greater willowherb, harebell, hawkweed, heather, herb robert, himalayan balsam, ragwort, tormentil. Other: acorns, brambles, bullace plums, crab apples, 4 deer, elderberries, guelder rose berries, hazelnuts, sloes, tiny frogs.
28/08/10 Kielder Water ‘A’ Davin Killens ‘B’ Janet Heckels
50 members travelled directly to Kielder on this mostly dry day. We all had coffee at Tower Knowe before the ‘A’ party set out on a linear walk to Kielder Castle. After lunch, the ‘B’ party, 23 in number, set out for a linear walk to Leaplish Waterside Park. We followed a good surfaced path either alongside or closeby the reservoir for quite a way and then deviated into woodland to eventually reach an area where we sat and watched a water skiing lesson in progress. Undulating paths were followed to Leaplish Waterside Park where we were collected by the coach and transported to Kielder Castle. Upon the return of the ‘A’ party, everyone enjoyed refreshments in the cafe before travelling to Hexham for the evening stop. Flowers: betony, chickweed, devilsbit scabious, english stonecrop, eyebright, golden rod, greater burnet, greater knapweed, greater willowherb, harebell, ling, meadowsweet, orchids, ragwort, rosebay willowherb, tormentil, tufted vetch, yarrow, yellow vetchling. Other: adder, brambles, buzzard, chaffinches, mallards, rapberries, rowan berries.
14/08/10 Mungrisedale (Keswick) ‘A’ David Palmer ‘B’ George Gibson
Although it was a wet start as 61 members travelled to the Lake District the weather changed for the better doing the day. After the usual coffee stop at the Southwaite Services, we dropped the ‘A’ party (19 in number) along a narrow road close to Mungrisedale village hall. The coaches then continued to St John’s in the Vale and parked for a short while on the A591. After lunch, 27 members set out on the ‘B’ walk. We went alongside the road to reach a picnic site and toilets. We then endured a steep ascent onto various crags to reach High Rigg. Here we followed grassy tracks with plenty of undulations and stunning views of the fells all around. There was a steep grassy descent at the far end of High Rigg. Unfortunately, Ruth Johnson slipped and cracked her forehead as she descended. Somewhat stunned and bruised, but fortunately okay we continued to the tiny church in St John’s in the Vale. After a look around we followed stony tracks below High Rigg and stopped for refreshments at a farm serving home made teas. We returned to the coaches where they had spent the afternoon in Keswick. We returned to Mungrisedale where the ‘A’ party were waiting for us. Another evening stop in Hexham. Flowers: enchanters nightshade, eyebright, foxglove, greater knapweed, harebell, white harebell, heather, ladys mantle, ling, meadowsweet, ragwort, rest harrow, rocky scabious, tormentil, yarrow, yellow pimpernel. Other: lizard, oak galls, raspberries, rowan berries.
31/07/10 Sandy Hills-Kippford ‘A’ Ken Armstrong ‘B’ Arnold Holliday
This proved to be the most popular outing of the season with 80 members travelling on a warm, overcast day to Dumfries & Galloway. The coffee stop was at the Gretna Green Services. At Sandy Hills, the ‘A’ party alighted then the coaches continued on to Kippford and parked up for the day. After lunch 39 members set out on the ‘B’ walk following the Jubilee footpath along the coastline, named to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The path left the shoreline and turned inland over meadows which are managed by the National Trust for Scotland to encourage a diverse range of flowers which support the local butterfly population. We had a fruit stop at Rockcliffe where one or two paddled in the sea. We continued on to reach Castle Point, passing en route an old grave of a sailor called Nelson who was shipwrecked and whose body was washed up near Castle Point. We met the ‘A’ party on top of Castle Point and sat together to enjoy the views. The ‘A’ party left on the route the ‘B’ party had come while the ‘B’ party went inland to return to Rockcliffe via field paths. We then entered Mark Hill wood and climbed over Muckle Hill with its stunning views acoss the estuary. We returned to Kippford via a steep descent to emerge next to the local corner shop with its extortinate prices. The evening stop was spent in Hexham. Flowers: bell heather, birdsfoot trefoil, burdock, chickweed, convolvulus, devilsbit scabious, double flowered soapwort, enchanters nightshade, eyebright, foxglove, garlic mustard, golden rod, greater knapweed, greater stitchwort, green alkanet, ground ivy, harebell, hawkbit, hawkweed, honeysuckle, ivy leaved toadflax, meadow cranesbill, meadowsweet, mignonette, milkwort, oxeye daisy, purple toadflax, ragwort, red campion, rock rose, rosebay willowherb, scarlet pimpernel, scurvy grass, sea kale, sea lavender, silverweed, tansy, thyme, tormentil, tufted vetch, yarrow. Other cockle shell beach, cormorants, frog.
17/07/10 Etal & Ford Circular ‘A’ Janet Heckels/Maria Regan ‘B’ Mary-Lou Davinson/Claire Vallente
70 members travelled to Northumberland on a cool and damp morning. After coffee at the Heighley Gate garden centre we continued on and parked in the English Heritage car park at Etal Castle and the ‘A’ party set away on their walk. After lunch 26 members set out on the ‘B’ walk to reach Etal Rhodes with its interesting workshops and out-buildings such as an old blacksmiths shop, a wood turning business and an old touring caravan. Several members helped themselves (with permission) to raspberries growing along the side of a building. We continued on past the side of a farm to follow field paths. The first field was covered in a purple haze of blue flax flowers. We reached Heatherslaw and crossed the bridge over the River Till and continued straight on to walk alongside the river through a potato field where a sign informed us that the crop was being grown for Tesco and would be harvested in August. At this point the heavens opened with a heavy deluge. We crossed a road bridge and walked into Ford where we had a half-hour stop. The rain stopped by then and some sat and enjoyed the tranquility of this model village while others visited the Lady Waterford Gallery with its many watercolour paintings by Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford. They are unique 19th century murals and scenes from the Bible. We returned to Heatherslaw via woodland tracks and field paths where we viewed the various workshops before returning to Etal along a path closeby the main road. Flowers: claytonia, convolvulus, creeping thistle, dog rose, elderflower, field pansy, flax, greater willowherb, ground elder, ground ivy, harebell, lesser hogweed, marsh valerian, meadow cranesbill, meadowsweet, orange hawkweed, pineapple mayweed, ragwort, red campion, rosebay willowherb, silverweed, storksbill, sweet cicely, tansy, tormentil, tufted vetch, white campion, yarrow. Other: frog, 2 hares, herons, oyster catchers, red squirrel, swan, white butterfly.
3/07/10 ANNUAL OUTING Lancaster – walk Peter Gilliland
61 members travelled to Lancaster stopping for coffee at the Tebay motorway services with plenty of entertainment from the various groups of hen parties making their way to Blackpool. From Tebay it only took 40 minutes to reach Lancaster. 35 members set out for a shorter than usual walk on a fine sunny day. We walked through the streets to reach Queen Victoria’s monument, a splendid statue erected in 1906 with 4 interesting panels depicting eminent Victorians. We endured a steep climb through the streets to reach Williamson Park situated on the site of a former quarry, in a commanding position overlooking the city with the Ashton Memorial dominating the skyline all around. This Memorial was commissioned by Lord Ashton as a tribute to his late wife. Born in Lancaster, Lord Ashton became a millionaire produing oil cloth and linoleum which was exported from the port all over the world. We had the lunch stop here and several members climbed the steps in the Memorial to the first floor outdoor viewing gallery. There were superb views of the surrounding countryside and across Morecambe Bay as well as the lakeland hills and Blackpool Tower. We left the park and descended to the canal to follow the towpath for a pleasant waterside walk. A narrow boat passed us just as we were leaving the towpath after we watched a youngster haul in an eel on his fishing rod. We followed a minor road to Ardcliffe and a country lane to reach the River Lune. We walked upstream firstly on a cycle track then public footpaths to return to Lancaster where time was available to look around the town. The evening stop was spent in Barnard Castle. Flowers: convolvulus, dog rose, dyers greenweed, evening primrose, flowering rush, foxglove, garlic mustard, greater mullein, green alkanet, ivy leaved toadflax, mallow, meadowsweet, nipplewort, opium poppy, oxeye daisy, purple loosestrife, ragwort, red campion, red valerian, self heal, silverweed, teasel, tufted vetch, water bistort, water buttercup, welsh poppy, white water lily, woundwort, yellow loosestrife, yellow waterlily. Other: brambles, burnet moth, 2 herons, oyster catcher, redshank.
19/06/10 Hawes Circular ‘A’ Geoff Palmer ‘B’ Kathleen Reavley
69 members set out today on a dry but cold day. After stopping for coffee in Leyburn we continued on Hawes and parked up for the day. 36 members set out on the ‘A’ walk following footpaths to Gayle and joining the Pennine Way ascending fields and meadows giving a splendid display of wild flowers, especially the intense yellow of buttercups. For lunch, we took shelter on the open fell and then followed a stony track called West Cam Road looking down on the valley and Snaizeholme farm. Although it was sunny it was also quite wild with the wind. After a short stretch of road walking we joined the Cam High Road, an old Roman road to skirt Wether Fell. A steep descent was endured on a bridleway and footpaths to reach Gayle then Hawes. A good walk of 12.9 miles today. Flowers: comfrey, dogs mercury, garlic mustard, germander speedwell, herb robert, ladys mantle, ladys smock, marsh marigold, meadow saxifrage, silverweed, small cranesbill, sweet cicely, water avens. Other: bees, black headed gulls, mallard, white butterflies.
05/06/10 Grasmere Circular ‘A’ John Chesterfield ‘B’ Anne Chesterfield
It was a really warm and sunny day for this outing to the Lake District. 60 members travelled to Grasmere, stopping for coffee at Southwaite Services. The ‘A’ party, 23 in number, set away and after lunch 28 membes set out on the ‘B’ walk passing Dove Cottage and following the coffin route to skirt White Moss Common. We crossed the road into White Moss woods and passed beneath Loughrigg Fell to reach the shore of Rydal Water. A steep ascent followed onto the fells to reach the Rydal caves. We stopped for fruit above Rydal Water and admired the fantastic clear views all around. We walked along the Loughrigg Terrace enjoying the views of Grasmere then descended into woodland to reach a road. A black lamb in an adjacent field ran towards us bleating its heart out. It followed us along the fence line and we tried to encourage it to go back to the flock. We joined a woodland track alongside the road to return to Grasmere. As we waited for the ‘A’ party to return, some of us stood on the bridge in the centre of the village and watched a goosander duck diving and swimming underwater in the stream, totally oblivious to the comings and going all around. An evening stop was spent in Hexham. Flowers: bluebell, bogbean, celandine, chickweed, cotton grass, crosswort, figwort, foxglove, garlic mustard, germander speedwell, green alkanet, hawkweed, hawthorn blossom, heath bedstraw, herb bennet, herb robert, ladys smock, lesser stitchwort, lousewort, ramson, red campion, rhododendron, silverweed, spleenwort, tormentil, tufted vetch, welsh poppy, yellow pimernel. Other: buzzard, deer, ducklings, goosander, greylag geese, heard cuckoo.
22/05/10 Coldingham – Berwick ‘A’ David Palmer ‘B’ Doris Farley
It was warm and sunny as 73 members set out for Scotland, stopping for coffee at the Heighley Gate Garden Centre near Morpeth. We continued on to Coldingham where the ‘A’ party (28 in number) alighted to commence a coastal walk towards the Scottish/English border. The coaches then travelled to Berwick-upon-Tweed for the start of the ‘B’ walk with 38 members. Berwick is in Northumberland and is the most northerly town in England, being 2.5 miles south of the Scottish border. Due to its position on the north bank of the River Tweed, the town changed hands no fewer than 14 times in the two centuries up to 1482. We were fortunate to park in the only 2 coach parking bays in one of the back streets as the town was very busy with traffic and shoppers. The walk started with a stroll on the ramparts high above the town. We walked round to the coast and towards the river mouth admiring the fine architecture of the pinkish grey Georgian buildings along the way. We crossed the river using the ‘old bridge’ also known as ‘Berwick Bridge’ dating from 1611, it is a fine red sandstone structure with 14 arches. Until the 19th century it was the main crossing point of the Tweed at Berwick. There are 2 other bridges: the Royal Tweed Bridge, the most recently built in 1925. It carries the old A1 through the town and the Royal Border Bridge, an impressive 19th century railway viaduct, opened by Queen Victoria in 1850 and built by Robert Stephenson. On the south side of the river we followed the path upstream spotting lots of swans and herons along the way. We stopped for fruit at a picnic site (with toilets) adjacent to the A1 bypass. We crossed the river again using the bypass bridge to walk back to Berwick on the north side of the river. We collected the ‘A’ party north of Berwick and continued on to Morpeth for the evening stop. Flowers: bluebell, celandine, comfrey, crosswort, dog violet, few flowered leek, garlic mustard, gorse, green alkanet, ground ivy, gunnera, hawthorn blossom, herb bennet, horsechestnut candles, ladys smock, marsh marigold, primrose, ramson, red campion, red dead nettle, scurvy grass, silverweed, tufted vetch, white dead nettle, wild strawberry. Other: mallard and tiny ducklings, herons, ladybird, swans.
8/05/10 Burton Leonard – Ripon ‘A’ Peter Gilliland ‘B’ Kathleen Gilliland
A damp day as 72 members set out for Ripon in North Yorkshire. After coffee in Ripon, both coaches travelled to Burton Leonard for the start of 2 linear walks. 30 members set out on the ‘A’ walk while after lunch 36 members set out on the ‘B’ walk doing the first part of the ‘A’ walk. We initially followed a country lane then field paths, negotiating various stiles to reach the village of Bishop Monkton. Everyone was charmed by the pretty chocolate box village with its stream adjacent to the main street and ducks and yellow ducklings sitting on the grass verge. We left the village via a hedged track and crossed fields to reach the River Ure. We walked upstream and stopped for fruit at the start of the Ripon canal. We followed the towpath towards the city and admired the variety of sailing vessels moored up in the marina. The towpath was skirted on one side by Ripon racecourse which has a huge lake where there seemed to be hundreds of geese and swans around. We reached the canal basin close to the centre of Ripon and walked to Ripon cathedral where we were treated to a musical performance by the Northern Synfonia who were practising for a performance that evening. A nice end to a good walk where it had stayed dry but with a cool wind all day. Flowers: 3 cornered leek, bluebell, butterbur, celandine, cowslip, crosswort, cuckoo pint, field pansy, forget-me-not, garlic mustard, greater stitchwort, ground ivy, hawthorn blossom, herb robert, horsechestnut candles, ladys smock, marsh marigold, primrose, ramson, red campion, red dead nettle, sweet cicely, watercress, white dead nettle. Other: baby crow, bees, black headed gulls, blackbirds, bulrushes, canada geese, coots, goldfinch, greylag geese, heron, kestrel catching mouse, mallards and ducklings, moorhen, mute swans, oyster catchers, tufted ducks.
24/04/10 Guisborough Circular ‘A’ Tom Bell ‘B’ Doris Farley
On a dry and sunny day 75 members travelled directly to Guisborough. After coffee, the coaches went to Newton-under-Roseberry to drop off the ‘A’ party then travelled back to Guisborough for the rest of the afternoon. After lunch 33 members set out on a circular walk, passing through the town towards the parish church where it was clear that a wedding was about to take place due to the number of people standing around in all their finery. It was quite a fashion parade for the ladies. We passed the remains of Guisborough Priory and followed a clear path through fields to emerge at the main road. We spotted a field of llarmas in the distance before crossing the road next to the historic Guisborough Hotel, an ivy-clad example of Victorian architecture at its very best and once home to the prestigious Chaloner family. We crossed the busy road and followed the path over grassy fields to Little Waterfall Farm then a farm track for a steep ascent to Spa Wood to join the Cleveland Way footpath for a level walk through Guisborough Woods. Our fruit stop was beside an area completely stripped of trees with the exception of branchless tree trunks standing like totem poles, There were hazy views as we continued to Highcliff Nab where we stood and admired the whole of Guisborough below us. A steep descent followed passing through Kemplah Wood to return to Guisborough. One coach collected the ‘A’ party from Newton-under-Roseberry and we had the evening stop before travelling directly home. Flowers: celandine, coltsfoot, cowslip, dog violet, dogs mercury, germander speedwell, ground ivy, lesser stitchwort, opposite leaved golden saxifrage, primrose, red dead nettle, wild pear blossom, wild strawberry, wood anemone, wood sorrel. Other: peacock butterflies, white butterflies.
10/04/10 Whitley Bay ‘A’ Walter Stiff ‘B’ Kathleen Tennant
It was on a glorious calm sunny morning as 73 members travelled directly to Whitley Bay. An unusual early start of10.30 am for the ‘A’ party from outside the Sealife Centre. 39 members set out along the sea front dropping down to the beach until close to St Mary’s Lighthouse. There has been a light on St Mary’s Island since mediaeval times. The present lighthouse was opened in 1898 to replace the old lighthouse on Tynemouth Point. The lighthouse beamed it’s warning light for 86 years until taken out of service in 1984. It is now maintained by a friends society. We continued along the coast to Seaton Sluice and then headed inland through Holywell Dene following the Seaton Burn upstream. We crossed the burn on a footbridge, endured a short steep climb through woodland to reach the Holywell ponds. We skirted the ponds to Holywell village passing the ‘B’ party (26 in number) coming in the opposite direction.After crossing the busy road, we stopped for lunch adjacent to the burn. Closeby was a covering of white violets making quite an impact so early in the season. We followed tracks to Eardson. And after a short stretch of road walking we reached the Bee Hive pub for afternoon refreshments. We took the path in a corner of the car park to enter a field containing flighty ponies but fortunately they kept their distance. A stretch of disused railway line led past a golf club to reach the main road. The coaches were parked midway between St Mary’s Lighthouse and the Spanish City. We travelled directly home. Flowers: blackthorn, coltsfoot, cowslip, dog violet, germander speedwell, gorse, primrose, red dead nettle, scurvy grass, white dead nettle, white violet, wild strawberry. Other: bulrushes, cormorants, geese, heron, oyster catchers, pied wagtail, starlings, whopper swans.
27/03/10 Otterburn Circular ‘A’ Ken Armstrong ‘B’ Arnold Holliday
On a dry and cold day 71 members travelled to the Otterburn woollen mill. After coffee, the ‘A’ party set away and after lunch 35 members set off on the ‘B’ walk. We walked through the village and followed a minor road to a farm and trudged through a clarty farmyard. With a biting wind blowing, we crossed open grassy fields to reach open moorland where in 1388 the Battle of Otterburn took place. In the Borders, the war between the Scots and English turned into a personal feud between the familes of Douglas (from Scotland) and Percy (from England). At Otterburn, their armies met and started to fight as night was falling on 9th August 1388. The battle continued by moonlight and the Scottish leader, the 2nd Earl Douglas, was mortally wounded. He was worried that his death would encourage the English, so he told his men to hide his body beneath a bush so nobody could see it. The Scots went on to win the battle and captured the English leader Henry (Hotspur) Percy. When he offered to capitulate, he was directed surrender to the bush under which Douglas was lying and so the battle became famous because it was won by a dead man. After a fruit stop where we all sat on stones forming a circle, we followed tracks and bridleways to reach Hopefoot. We passed through woodland and the entrance to Otterburn Hall. Further fields were crossed with an uphill section back to Otterburn. The evening stop was spent in Hexham. Flowers:alder catkins, celandine, coltsfoot, lambs tails, pussy willow, snowdrop, winter aconite. Other: otter footprints, skylark.
13/03/10 Saltburn Circular ‘A’ Brian Drabble ‘B’ Arnold Holliday
It was a cool and overcast day as 77 members travelled to Salturn stopping for coffee at Guisborough. 39 members set out on the ‘A’ walk descending to the sea front and after a toilet stop next to the car park continued on through Saltburn Nature Reserve. The paths in places were very clarty which made it heavy going but we soon reached open fields where we stopped for lunch. We passed through the village of Brotton, crossed more fields to reach the cliff tops and the Cleveland Way. After the tea stop an undulating walk followed, passing various sculptures along the way. These are the work of artist Richard Farrington who was commissioned in 1990 by the local Parish Council and Cleveland Arts to produce sculptures to be sited along the Cleveland Way National Trail. Standing in a prominent position close to the path we stood and admired a circular sculpture, 7ft in diameter, made of metal and standing on edge with 10 charms suspended from its rim. We also spotted various other smaller sculptures at various points along the path. There was a steep descent into Saltburn where it was high tide so there was very little beach to walk on. We had time for refreshments before travelling to Guisborough for the evening stop. Flowers:celandine, coltsfoot, crocus, gorse, primrose, snowdrop, winter heliotrope. Other:harts tongue fern, newt.