Cleveland Way Part III: Friday 30th April-Monday 3rd May 2010
Typical cold and cloudy Bank Holiday weather failed to dampen the spirits of a very capable walking party who thoroughly enjoyed a mix of moderate and strenuous walking on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park between Kildale and Helmsley. Non-walkers enjoyed side trips to Great Ayton, Mount Grace Priory, Old Byland church and Rievaulx Terrace.
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April Walk and Meal: Wednesday 28th April 2010
Another superb spring day with warm sunshine throughout enhanced this exhilarating walk on the Yorkshire Wolds around Fridaythorpe. ‘Fish and chips’ at Stuart’s in Driffield provided the perfect end to the walk.
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Tabular Hills Walk Part I: Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th April 2010
Glorious spring weather with a host of spring colour and fragrance made for an outstanding weekend as we walked from Helmsley to Appleton le Moors across the southern part of the North York Moors National Park. Highlights included the church at Kirkdale with its Anglo-Saxon sundial and the picturesque village of Hutton le Hole.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th March 2010
We completed the Spring series of walks with two fine walks on the Yorkshire Wolds around North Newbald and Bainton. Despite a poor forecast the weather stayed dry with some sunshine and we enjoyed the warmth of its rays and the resurgence of growth and colour in the countryside.
’Malham’Discovery Day: Saturday 20th March 2010
On a dull, overcast and wet day, we made the most of the impressive Yorkshire Dales scenery with a morning walk on the Pennine Way between Airton and Malham and an afternoon walk to Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar and an Iron Age village. The amount of water in Janet’s Foss and in Gordale Scar’s two waterfalls made them impressive sights which made up for the poor weather to some extent. An enjoyable day!
’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 18th March 2010
On a mild and breezy spring day we walked in the Yorkshire Wolds around North Newbald enjoying unbroken expansive views over the countryside - soon to disappear when the new wind turbines are erected on Sober Hill!
’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 11th March & Wednesday 17th March 2010
A fascinating walk around Eastrington and Portington which included two Anglo-Saxon villages, a Norman church, the site of a medieval moated manor and its 16th Century replacement. Very enjoyable!
The Wednesday walkers additionally enjoyed seeing and hearing the first skylarks of the year and a close up view of three roe deer startled by our group as we walked past a wooded area!
’Trans-Pennine Trail’: Saturday 6th - Monday 8th March 2010
On the first day of this 28 mile section of the trail from Bromfleet to Selby Abbey we experienced cool, dry and cloudy conditions as we followed the river bank. Numerous canada and greylag geese were in evidence early on whilst the sighting of the day was a surprised barn owl leaving its nest box as we passed close by! An impressive finish in Saltmarsh by the Hall whose grounds were covered in snowdrops.
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The second day from Saltmarsh to Boothferry Bridge provided perfect walking conditions with full sun, a light breeze and excellent conditions underfoot. We enjoyed a record number of wildlife sightings with four roe deer, three kestrels, a barn owl and over 30 hares sighted during the day. The arrival of spring was confirmed by the sight of hares‘boxing’on their hind legs in the aravble fields. This was as good a day as you could possibly expect!
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Another day of sunny, clear weather for the third day’s walking from Boothferry Bridge to Selby Abbey. Conditions underfoot were excellent and we enjoyed views of hares in the fields and two separate sightings of up to four roe deer.
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Thursday 4th March:‘Whittle’s Walks’
We enjoyed perfect warm, sunny and clear conditions for this walk to Alkborough Flats and return along Lincoln Cliff. The views across the Humber and Trent were very impressive and we saw a range of wildlife including two grey herons.
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Wednesday 3rd March:‘Whittle’s Walks’
Dry conditions for a repeat of last Wednesday’s walk to Hotham featuring Hotham’s‘Millennium Avenue’of trees planted in honour of local village children and the home of a well known local entrepeneur.
Thursday 25th February:‘Whittle’s Walks’
A drizzly walk but one full of interest from North Cave across the parkland of Hotham Hall to Hotham village and out into the sandy countryside to the north.
Wednesday 24th February:‘Whittle’s Walks’
A fascinating walk on the south bank from the turf Maze at Alkbrough to Whitton and return by way of Alkborough Flats during which excellnt sightings were made of a barn owl as a small flock of curlew and large numbers of teal and shelduck.
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st February 2010:‘Trans-Pennine Trail’
Saturday’s glorious bright and sunny weather made up for recent gloomy weather. We walked the Hornsea Rail Trail into Hull and then followed the‘Roof Top Walk’and Humber bank to the Humber Bridge. Superb views were had over the Humber with‘cotton wool’clouds reflected in its blue hued waters. An excellent first day!
Sunday brought heavy snow in the morning and a completely different‘winter wonderland’kind of experience which was thoroughly enjoyed by all concerned as we walked from the Humber Bridge to Brough Haven and Broomfleet.
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Wednesday 17th February 2010:‘Whittle’s Walks’
A cold and grey but dry afternoon for our walk on the Yorkshire Wolds from Elloughton. Highlights included learning of Christopher Sykes of Brantinghamthorpe Hall and a garden full of snowdrops and aconites on our return to the village.
Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th February:‘Whittle’s Walks’
Both mid-week groups walked around Arram on cold, clear, sunny days. We enjoyed the warm sunshine and excellent visibility towards the snow covered Yorkshire Wolds and Humber Bridge. On both days we had very good sightings of roe deer and a barn owl towards the end of the walk.
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Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February:‘Derbyshire’s Winter Wonders’
A foggy and overcast weekend but dry and still throughout. Lunch at the hotel was preceded by an enjoyable walk alongside Ladybower Reservoir. We travelled to Potteric Carr for a‘Bittern Bonanza’wildlife event. Despite there being 4 - 6 bitterns known to be present not one showed itself during our visit! We were pleased to see a greater spotted woodpecker, kingfisher and a wide range of wintering ducks.
On Sunday we visited Hopton Hall for its snowdrops, walked by Carsington Water and completed a very good weekend with Sunday lunch.
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Thursday 5th February 2010:‘Whittle’s Walks’
Another cloudy but largely dry afternoon prevailed for this walk from Elloughton through Brantingham and up Spout Hill on to the misty Yorkshire Wolds. Highlights included the‘lovably awful’War Memorial in Brantingham and the sight of snowdrops and aconites now beginning to emerge from the frosty ground. Roll on the Spring!
Wednesday 3rd February 2010:‘Whittle’s Walks’
Easy walking on a cloudy but dry day took us from Tickton across the fields to Weel. Here we viewed its Primitive Methodist Chapel and adjacent 18th century Chapel Farm, which possesses an attractive gable with‘tumbled’brickwork. We returned along the banks of the River Hull where a little grebe was spotted.
Saturday 23rd January 2010:‘Trans-Pennine Trail Hornsea to Sutton’
Comparatively mild and fairly sunny weather provided the backdrop for this first day on the Trans-Pennine Trail. We enjoyed easy walking along the Hornsea Rail Trail with surprisingly good conditions underfoot considering the heavy and prolonged rain of the previous day.
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Thursday 21st January:‘Tickton & Weel’
Easy walking close to the River Hull from Tickton over lowlying farmland showing evidence of‘ridge and furrow’. Still cold and grey although a little warmer than yesterday. Roll onsome winter sunshine!
Wednesday 20th January;‘Skidby & Burn Park Farm’
Another cold, grey day greeted us for this walk which took in Skidby Lakes Golf Course and Jillywood Lane. Despite the weather this walk provided good exercise and certainly beat statying at home watching TV!
Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th January 2010:‘Victoria Dock Trail’
We started our mid-week afternoon walks in cold, grey weather with a brisk walk through the Old Town across the River Hull to explore the site of the now closed Victoria Dock and learned about Earle’s Shipyard, the Citadel and Sammy’s Point.
’A Walk in the Snow’: Saturday 9th January 2010
Unable to start the first leg of the Trans-Pennine Trail from Hornsea because of the present difficult travelling conditions, we enjoyed a pleasant morning walk in the snow from Willerby to Cottingham where a hot drink and biscuits was provided. On our return to Willerby we enjoyed our picnic lunches in warm and dry conditions indoors!
’New Year Walk & Meal’: Saturday 2nd January 2010
Cold, bright weather with a thin covering of snow on the ground provided the setting for this energising walk on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. Towards the end it began to rain and we were very pleased to retreat to the warmth and welcome of Stuart’s in Driffield afterwards for a delicious‘fish and chip’meal.
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’Headland Way’: Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th December 2009
A wild and windy way to finish the year with this excellent walk on the Yorkshire Coast between Bridlington and Speeton! We were pleased to escape the snow and ice on the coast on Day 1 and also to see turnstone, oystercatchers and redshank grazing on the cliff top between Bridlington and South Landing. Day 2 brought fierce easterly winds and we were very pleased to have a back wind to blow us along throughout the day. A hot meal at the‘Friendly Forester’in Bridlington provided a tasty finish to an enjoyable experience.
Xmas Walk and Meal: Thursday 17th December 2009
A cold wind with sunny intervals interrupted by snow/sleet showers encouraged us to walk briskly to keep warm as we followed the Yorkshire Wolds Way up Welton Dale to Wauldby Manor Pond. A back wind for the return walk downhill along Welton Wold was very welcome. With well honed appetites we drove to the Hotel Elizabeth, North Ferriby for an excellent three course meal in congenial surroundings and enjoyed some impromptu musical entertainment provided by Margaret afterwards.
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’Castleton Lights’Discovery Day: Saturday 5th December 2009
A mild, sunny day favoured our final discovery day of the season. We enjoyed an easy walk from Brough to Castleton in the morning and after lunch walked up through the Winnats Pass onto the Limestone Way and returned to Castleton down Cave Dale. Tea in Castleton rounded off an excellent day.
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Whittle’s Walks: Thursday 3rd December 2009
We crossed the Humber Bridge for the last Thursday walk of the autumn season on a cold, wet and windy afternoon around Barton Claypits and Far Ings Nature Reserve. We walked briskly to keep warm and enjoyed our visit to the‘Waters Edge’for tea and cakes at the end of the walk.
Whittle’s Walks: Wednesday 2nd December 2009
A mild and cloudy day for the last walk of the autumn season took our walkers to the Yorkshire Wolds around Skidby and Risby. We rounded off the season with welcoming tea and cake at‘Lempica’s’!
Whittle’s Walks: Thursday 26th November 2009
This cold, bright and very windy afternoon walk around Paull village and Paull Holme Strays Nature Reserve provided excellent views towards Grimsby’s Dock Tower and an incredible number of birds including golden plover, lapwing, curlew. black tailed godwits and redshank. At sunset as we completed the walk several thousand golden plover rose en masse and provided an unforgettable sight against the setting sun!
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Whittle’s Walks: Wednesday 25th November 2009
A b right and blustery afternoon featuring the steep climb to Mount Airy and return to South Cave by way of Ellerker village.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 19th November 2009
A bright, sunny and very mild day with a blustery wind prevailed for this walk on the Yorkshire Wolds which took us up to Mount Airey and across the Ellerker village.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 18th November 2009
A mild day with light drizzle made for acceptable conditions for this gentle walk to Etton West Wood and Hudson Way.
’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 12th November 2009
Cool and cloudy conditions prevailed for this energising walk to Etton Westwood and Hudson Way from Kiplingcotes. We were very pleased to return to base before rain set in!
’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 11th November 2009
A cold, bright and sunny afternoon for this enjoyable walk across Beverley’s Swinemoor to Beverley Beck and return along the River Hull brought sightings of a kingfisher along Beverley Beck and a heron on the river bank near Hull Bridge.
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’Lyke Wake Walk’: Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th November 2009
Good weather prevailed throughout except for one hour of rain on Sunday but wet ground conditions made for difficulties throughout. Credit to all the participants who walked the 18 miles from the Millennium Stone at Rosedale Head via Wheeldale Lodge and Fylingdales Moor to Ravenscar under challenging conditions!
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Whittle’s Walks: Thursday 5th November 2009
A perfect day weatherwise with plenty of warm sunshine and a wealth of wildlife on this easy walk of four miles which took in the Swinemoor, Beverley Beck and the River Hull. We enjoyed sightings of two kingfisher as we followed Beverley Beck and also saw a small flock of about 100 lapwing on the Swinemoor. At the end of the walk we were astonished to see a common seal swimming towards us in the River Hull!
Whittle’s Walks: Wednesday 4th November 2009
Bright sunny conditions with a cold wind but very good conditions underfoot. This was an excellent walk with superb visibility giving good views of Grimsby’s Dock Tower and excellent lighting conditions over Paull Holme Strays. Despite the low tide dunlin, curlew and redshank were in evidence with a wonderful show of several thousand golden plover taking to the wing in unison towards the end of the walk.
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’Prince Bishop’s Walk’Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th October 2009
Mild, sunny weather with good conditions underfoot added to our enjoyment of this walk on the first day. From Lumley Castle we walked to Finchale Priory, where we crossed the River Wear and sighted a grey wagtail from the bridge. We continued with care past Frankland Prison and had a surprise view of Durham Cathedral as we descended to the river at the end of the walk.
We avoided the rain on Saturday by visiting‘Locomotion’at Shildon and the 7th century Anglo-Saxon church at Escomb. After lunch we visited Durham Cathedral and enjoyed some memorable walking amongst stunning autumn colour on the Durham Riverbanks.
On Sunday some easy walking along the River Wear and along a railway path took us into Bishop Auckland to complete the walk at Auckland Castle.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 22nd October 2009
Very pleasant weather conditions for today’s walk taking in Market Weighton, home of William Bradley. At 7ft 9ins he was the tallest Englishman ever! We also visited Goodmanham to learn of its connection with Edwin, King of Northumberland who was converted to Christianity here in 627AD.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 21st October 2009
Continuous light rain fell throughout this energising walk on the Yorkshire Wolds around North Newbald and Swindale.
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’Valley of the Seven Bridges’Discovery Day: Saturday 17th October 2009
A cool, bright day with good conditions underfoot prevailed once again for this outstanding day on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Our morning walk from Bishop Monkton to Ripon was full of interest including topiary, canal locks and a 13th century cathedral. Our afternoon walk took us to Studley Royal through the Valley of the Seven Bridges with the added interest of the red deer rut in progress.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 14th October 2009
A mild, damp day with the ground underfoot a little slippery following recent rain. The remote, peaceful dry valley of Swindale was the big highlight on this circular walk on the Yorkshire Wolds from North Newbald.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 13th October 2009
Mild and cloudy weather with good conditions underfoot again for this exhilarating walk featuring Goodmanham with its Norman church and Market Weighton, home of William Bradley, Britain’s tallest man.
’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 7th October 2009
Perfect conditions prevailed with warm sun on our backs and cool air to walk through as we made our way from Etton onto Hudson Way and returned to the village.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 6th October 2009
A quiet, mild day with very good conditions underfoot despite the previous day’s heavy rain. Very little wildlife was seen along the River Ancholme until we arrived at Horkstow Bridge where we were rewarded with a double sighting of a pair of kingfisher! Excellent views over the Humber were enjoyed from the Lincoln Wolds whilst hundreds of migrating geese were observed moving south towards the end of the walk.
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’Shakespeare’s Avon Way’: Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th October 2009
Once again perfect weather conditions prevailed with no rain at all and plenty of warm sunshine bringing out the best of the early autumn colour. From historic Warwick we ascended Hatton Locks (’The Stairway to Heaven’) to Hampton on the Hill and Hampton Lucy with a memorable side trip to Charlecote Park with its herd of fallow deer. We rounded off the holiday with a visit to the Shakespeare Birthplace Museum, a walk following the River Avon to Welford and a three course Sunday lunch at the hotel. Magnificent!
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Thursday 1st October 2009
Warm and sunny weather made for a‘shirtsleeves’walk along the River Ancholme and up onto the Lincoln Wolds around South Ferriby on‘Lincolnshire Day’. Hawker and darter dragonflies were spotted along the River Ancholme as were some very colourful rowan berries at Horkstow.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 30th September 2009
We enjoyed perfect warm and sunny weather throughout for this pleasant stroll on Hudson Way and around the village of Etton with plenty of early autumn colour in evidence.
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’Whittle’s Walks’: Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th September 2009
Dry weather and very good conditions underfoot provided an ideal start to our series of ten Autumn Walks. We enjoyed a pleasant circuit of about 4 miles through Nut Wood to Waulby Pond and return, with plenty of nuts and berries in evidence and the trees showing early signs of autumn colour.
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’Severn Way’: Sunday 16th - Thursday 20th August 2009
Apart from one hour of rain on the last day, this was a week of perfect walking weather with warm and dry conditions throughout during which we followed the course of the River Severn between Cressage in Shropshire and Welshpool in Wales. This was a very enjoyable experience in spite of the overgrown paths in parts of Shropshire! We walked through England’s finest Tudor town, followed the banks of the River Severn and the attractive Montgomery Canal to reach Welshpool. High quality side trips en route were organised to Wroxeter Roman City, Attingham Park and Powis Castle. A memorable holiday!
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Saturday 8th August:‘Roseberry Topping’Discovery Day
Perfect sunny weather throughout the day and the magnificence of the North York Moors in high summer with the heather flowering in abundance made this an exceptional day. After an enjoyable coffee stop in Hutton-le-Hole we enjoyed the scenic drive to Castleton from where our morning walk on the Esk Valley Walk took us to Danby Lodge. After a picnic lunch we motored to Newton under Roseberry for our afternoon walk to Great Ayton with an optional ascent of Roseberry Topping included. Tea in Thirsk rounded off a first class day.
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Friday 31st July - Sunday 2nd August 2009:‘Ebor Way’(York to Helmsley)
Our small but select party of seven walkers set out from York Minster in warm, sunny conditions on day one and finished in perfect sunshine in Helmsley on day three.
In between on‘Yorkshire Day’was a very wet and soggy morning followed by a dry afternoon. Most walkers managed to keep going all day on the Saturday assisted by our famous minibus support. A few took side trips to‘Yorkshire Lavender’at Terrington and Hovingham’s Anglo-Saxon church with a couple of visits to tea rooms included en route! All in all this was a great experience which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone - especially the‘fish and chips’at Stuart’s in Driffield on the way back.
The walking was great too with beautiful countryside and excellent views.
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Monday 13th - Thursday 16th July 2009 :‘Constable Country’
Four days of unsettled weather with only one shower and plenty of sun and warmth made for abundant sightings of butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies. Amongst the many highlights were the pretty Suffolk villages with their thatched and half-timbered cottages, the impressive‘wool’churches and the clear waters of the River Stour. A very enjoyable four days in a quiet and unspoilt corner of the country with a lively and appreciative group of walkers.
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Thursday 9th July 2009:‘Wildlife Spectacular’
Cool, bright and often sunny weather contributed to an outstanding day during which we enjoyed the birds at Paul Holme Stray and had an exciting encounter with Longhorn cows at Hodgson’s Fields before enjoying a home cooked meal at the Neptune Inn in Easington. After lunch we walked the Spurn footpath amongst large numbers of pyramidal orchids and had a long, lingering view of a roe deer at close quarters. A wonderful day!
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Wednesday 8th July 2009:‘Wildlife Spectacular’
Cool, cloudy weather provided the backdrop for the first of our two wildlife days in Lincolnshire. Visits to Far Ings and Waters Edge in the morning were followed by a welcome carvery lunch. Highlight of the day was the afternoon visit to Thed
dlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve. Here we enjoyed the sight of scores of butterflies and moths amongst a profusion of orchids and other flowers. Tea and biscuits hosted by Anne Bloor and Marie Riches rounded off a very enjoyable day.
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Monday 22nd -Thursday 25th June 2009:‘Swaledale Spectacular’
We enjoyed four days of very good weather amongst the glorious haymeadows of Swaledale for our walk over four days up the valley from Richmond to Tan Hill. Highlights included the palindromic inscription in Marske church, the sparkling waters of the River Swale, the colourful hay meadows around Muker, the superb scenery of the Swale Gorge around Keld and the wealth of wildlife seen from the Pennine Way near Tan Hill. This was as good as walking in Britain gets!
Saturday 20th June:‘Rochdale Pioneers’Discovery Day
Cool, cloudy and at times damp weather provided the backdrop to this very enjoyable day out in the‘Red Rose’county. Our morning walk along the Pennine Way and Rochdale Way from Windy Hill over Blackstone Edge and the old Roman Road to Hollingworth Lake Country Park was full of interest, good views and varied walking. Half the party opted for a low level walk around Hollingworth Lake. After lunch we walked the Rochdale Canal into Rochdale whilst the non-walkers visited the Co-op Museum and Touchstones Museums.
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Wednesday 10th June: Houghton Woods Walk and Meal
A heavy shower soon after setting off failed to dampen our spirits as we enjoyed our walk to Houghton Hall,‘the perfect Georgian country house in a beautiful parkland setting’and its accompanying woodland whose display of rhododendrons was at its best. A tasty lunch at the nearby Langlands Coffee Shop set the seal on a high quality experience.
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Monday 18th - Thursday 22nd May 2009: Norfolk Coast Path Part II
This was a most enjoyable experience as we enjoyed four days of good weather with plenty of sunshine and a wealth of wildlife on the Norfolk Coast between Stiffkey and Cromer. Highlights included sightings of newly arrived Little Egrets, Reed Warblers and avocets with their chicks. Side trips were provided to view the seals at Blakeney Point and to Felbrigg Hall whose walled garden was much admired.
On the final day we visited Gooderstone Water Gardens and were very pleased to watch a kingfisher perched on a branch directly outside the hide.
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Thursday 8th May 2009: May Walk and Meal
Cool, bright and sunny weather provided perfect visibility for this bracing 5 mile walk around Flamborough with excellent viewing of the breeding seabirds on the cliffs. A late‘Fish and Chip’lunch at Stuart’s in Driffield provided a superb finish to the day.
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Friday 1st - Monday 4th May 2009: Cleveland Way
The Thistle Hotel at Middlesbrough was the comfortable base for this challenging weekend of walking between Whitby and Kildale. Cool, bright weather for all except the last day was perfect for the many‘ups’and ’downs’experienced along the coast before turning inland at Saltburn to ascend the Cleveland Hills.
We look forward to May 2010 when we complete the walk from Kildale to Helmsley.
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Wednesday 8th April 2009: Easter Walk and Meal
This was a very enjoyable walk on the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds around Millington and Givendale. It was wonderful to see the progress of spring with lots of woodland plants in flower including violets, primroses, wood anemones and the first bluebells of the year. On a cool, windy day the excellent home cooking enjoyed at the Millington Tearoom after the walk was much appreciated.
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Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th April 2009 : Dales Way Part III (Oughtershaw-Milthrop)
Sunny and bright conditions on Friday and Sunday sandwiched between cold, cloudy conditions on Saturday, were the backdrop to this superbly varied weekend in the Yorkshire Dales. Moderate walking took us to Cam Houses and Far Gearstones before arriving in Dentdale. We walked the full length of the dale enjoying lots of birdlife and riverside features of the River Dee. The final section gave excellent views of Sedbergh in the shadow of the Howgill Fells. Can’t wait for the final section next year!
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Thursday 19th March:‘Whittle’s Walks (Lockington)
Cooler conditions prevailed for this stimulating walk to Lockington and Beswick which marked the end of the Spring Walks series.
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Wednesday 18th March:‘Whittle’s Walks’(Londesborough)
Bright, sunny weather and excellent conditions underfoot made for a memorable walk on the rolling chalk Wolds around Londesborough.
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Thursday 12th March:‘Whittle’s Walks’(Easthorpe & Londesborough)
Cool, bright and breezy conditions prevailed for this excellent walk through history, in which we visited the deserted village of Easthorpe and Londesborough village, hall and church. Wildlife interest was provided by the sighting of a red kite and the first frog spawn of the season in Towthorpe Beck.
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Wednesday 11th March:‘Whittle’s Walks’(Beswick and Lockington)
On this mild, bright spring day we visited Beswick where the early 17th century Beswick Hall impressed the group, before making our way by field footpaths to Lockington. Here St Mary’s church lived up to its description as‘one of the most enthralling churches in the East Riding’with its unique Norman arch, medieval glass, Moyser monument and the heraldic panels in the Estoft Chapel.
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Sunday 8th March:‘Viking Way’(Goulceby to Horncastle)
What a day of contrasts! A cold, bright and sunny morning made for very enjoyable scenic walking in the Lincoln Wolds with a sighting of the first cowslips of the year in Scamblesby. After lunch we experienced a sudden and prolonged squall with heavy rain and wind which made for cold, wet walking to Horncastle. A hot meal of home made steak and kidney pie at the Admiral Rodney provided a very welcome pick-me-up!
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Saturday 7th March:‘Viking Way’(Ludford to Goulceby)
Bright and sunny weather with excellent condions underfoot made for a first class day’s walking in Lincolnshire. Masses of snowdrops and crocuses together with the first primroses of the season provided an abundance of colour whilst bird sightings included a flock of field fare, a heron and a peacock. Further interest was provided by visits to the disused churches at Biscathorpe and Goulceby and the sites of deserted villages at Wykeham and Biscathorpe.
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Thursday 5th March:‘Whittle’s Walks’
A warm, sunny, springlike day for this excellent walk to Walcot Hall and along Lincoln Cliff to Burton on Stather. We particularly enjoyed the fine views of the River Trent from the Edge.
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Wednesday 4th March:‘Whittle’s Walks’
A cool, dry day for an exhilarating walk from Sancton onto the Yorkshire Wolds and return via a secluded dry valley.
Thursday 26th February: ’Whittle’s Walks’
Another cloudy and windy afternoon on the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds around Sancton. We followed a dry valley to the summit of Arras Hll and en route found a dead kestrel whose beautiful plumage we were able to admire.
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Wednesday 25th February: ’’Whittle’s Walks’
A cool, breezy walk along Lincoln Cliff from Alkborough was brightened up considerably by the masses of snowdrops at Walcot Hall. Good views were had of the River Trent and of the surrounding countryside.
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Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd February:‘Lancashire’s Winter Wonders’
This was a very timely first‘Walking in Britain’break of the year after the long, cold winter months. A mild dry weekend with some sun and wind provided the backdrop to a very good visit to Lancashire. En route to the hotel for lunch we visited Hollingworth Lake for some easy walking. Our afternoon visit to Martin Mere proved to be the highspot of the weekend with a guided tour including the wild swan feed, the captive wildfowl and a visit to the beaver enclosure.
On Sunday, a sunny trail of Liverpool city centre included Albert Dock, the Pier Head and the two cathedrals. After lunch at the Anglican cathedral, we rounded off the weekend with a beach walk at Crosby to view Anthony Gormley’s Another Place’sculpture.
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Coming soon! Look out for details of next year’s‘Derbyshire’s Winter Wonders’ weekend on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February 2010.
Saturday 14th February:‘Snowdrop Spectacular’
This day lived up to its promise with an easy walk over frozen ground to Hodsock Priory where the winter garden and snowdrop woodland impressed our group. Milder conditions after lunch failed to melt the ice at Clumber Lake. This enabled the numerous swans, ducks and wildfowl to provide plenty of entertainment us as they skated about on the surface. Tea and scones at the Clumber Tearoom were a welcome reward at the end of the day!
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Thursday 12th February:‘Whittle’s Walks’
Snow falling continuously throughout this walk on the Yorkshire Wolds around Drewton, Weedley and South Cave made this a very memorable experience. We particularly enjoyed Connie’s delicious home made scones at the end of the walk.
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Wednesday 11th February:‘Whittle’s Walks’
An exhilarating walk on the Southern Wolds around Elloughton and Brantingham with plenty of snow in evidence on the tops.
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Sunday 8th February: :‘Viking Way’
Day four from Normanby le Wold to beyond Ludford. Even colder today with much ice and frost on the ground but before lunchtime we were bathed in warm sunshine as we enjoyed spectacular scenery and a redundant church at Walesby. Plenty of snow to scrunch our way through as we climbed from Tealby to Ludford. A hard day’s walking but very enjoyable nonetheless!
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Saturday 7th February:‘Viking Way’
Day three of this trail in Lincolnshire from Grasby to Normanby le Wold brought a crisp, sunny day with plenty of frost, ice and snow on the ground. Watched two whooper swans noisily alighting on a pond at Clixby. Very pleasant walking with a back wind took us through an impressive dry valley to the highest point of the Lincolnshire Wolds. A day to savour!
(11 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 5th February:‘Whittle’s Walks’
Cold and dull with occasional sleet for this walk from Beverley Westwood to Walkington to explore its connections with the Ferguson-Fawsitts and Beverley Minster’s role as a sanctuary church. A cold wind on the retun leg but it certainly beat being cooped up inside!
Wednesday 4th February:‘Whittle’s Walks’
We enjoyed perfect walking conditions with snow scrunching underfoot and warm winter sunshine on our backs for this scenic walk on the Yorkshire Wolds above South Cave. A big highlight was the red kite which showed itself above the woods at Drewton.
(4 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 29th January:’Whittle’s Walks’
A delightful walk in cold, clear winter sunshine featuring Brantingham with its connections with Christopher Sykes and Elloughton Dale.
(3 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 28th January:‘Whittle’s Walks’
An enjoyable walk around Walkington in mild, bright conditions but very soggy underfoot following overnight rain!
(1 photo uploaded to photo archive)
Saturday 24th January:‘Viking Way’
Another cold, frosty day as we made easy progress southwards through the Lincoln Wolds by way of Barnetby, Bigby, Searby and Grasby. Some warm sunshine after lunch and a first sight of aconites in flower at Searby added to our enjoyment of another day’s good walking.
Thursday 22nd January:‘Whittle’s Walks’
Mild dry weather with some sunshine made for enjoyable walking around Everthorpe and North Cave. A couple of sightings of snowdrops in flower encouraged us to believe that spring is just around the corner!
Wednesday 21st January:‘Whittle’s Walks’
A wonderful day with warm winter sunshine throughout for this walk around Welton Water. Several ducks were sighted including shoveller, pochard and tufted duck together with good views of the Great Northern Diver.
(3 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 15th January:‘Whittle’s Walks’
A cloudy and breezy day for an energising walk throufh Welton village and round Welton Water in search of a rare Great Northern Diver which managed to hide itself from view with great success!
(1 image uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 14th January: Whittle’s Walks’
An excellent walk under cloudless skies with some winter sunshine along the Mill Beck and Mires Beck in North Cave. Also featured was the Hull and Barnsley Railway and the hamlet of Everthorpe.
(3 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Saturday 10th January:‘Viking Way’
A very cold and frosty day with sub-zero temperatures throughout. (It was cold enough for Ann’s bottle of water to freeze!)
Brisk walking was the order of the day as we travelled along the Humber Bank from Barton to South Ferriby and then ascended the Lincoln Wolds to Wootton Wold. We were very grateful for the minibus back up with its welcome supply of hot soup and hot drinks. At lunchtime we had the luxury of being able to shelter in the warmth of the minibus whilst we ate our picnic lunch. A stimulating day!
(7 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th January:‘Humber Bridge and North Ferriby’
This was an excellent first walk of the new season with good conditions underfoot and some winter sunshine.
Good sightings were made of redshank and sanderling but the star turn was a flock of about 30 curlew wheeling and calling hauntingly overhead!
With calm conditions on the Humber and a high tide there were some very attractive reflections on the river as the sun sank low in the sky. (4 images uploaded to photo archive)
Friday 2nd January 2009:‘New Year Walk and Meal’
Warm winter sunshine and good conditions underfoot combined to make this walk around Harpham and Lowthorpe a very enjoyable one. We visited Harpham church to view its remarkable series of monuments to the St. Quintin family and its 18th century Peckitt glass as well as the former collegiate church of Lowthorpe.
’Fish and chips’at Stuart’s in Driffield rounded off a memorable afternoon.
(5 images uploaded to photo archive)
Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th December 2008:‘Rudston Roam’
Cold, cloudy weather and a number of winter colds amongst the party did nothing to dampen the spirits as we enjoyed 20 miles of fine walking between Driffield and Bridlington by way of Rudston and its famous monolith. A hot meal at the Hayride in Beverley rounded off a great experience!
(13 images uploaded to photo archive)
We look forward with keen anticipation to next year’s final leg along the chalk cliffs between Bridlington and Speeton on 29th & 30th December 2009.
Thursday 11th December: ‘Xmas Walk and Lunch’
A day of exceptional weather with treacherous black ice on the pavements, bright sunshine and a sleet shower for our walk on the southern Yorkshire Wolds. Everyone safely negotiated the conditions and we enjoyed good views over the Humber whilst two separate sightings were made of roe deer durng the walk. An excellent Christmas lunch at the Hotel Elizabeth, North Ferriby was the reward for our morning’s exertions!
(3 images uploaded to photo archive,‘Whittle’s Walks’folder)
Saturday 6th December:‘Bolsover Lantern Parade’
Superb winter weather with unbroken sunshine throughout the day provided the setting for this outstanding day. A morning walk in the country park (or visit to Hardwick Hall) preceded a fine afternoon walk from Glapwell to Bolsover with very good views west to the Peak District. In Bolsover we chose between free entry to the castle or a brass band concert in the parish church before viewing the‘Lantern Parade’. This proved to be a spectacular end to the 2008 season of Discovery Days.
(15 images uploaded to photo archive)
Our first Discovery Day in 2009 will be a‘Snowdrop Spectacular’on Saturday 14th February. We recommend that you book early as this is sure to be very popular.
Thursday 27th November: Whittle’s Walks
Easy walking around Bentley and Fishpond Wood with the first heavy rain in ten weeks of walking! Once again we disturbed a hare. An excellent season of Autumn Walks was rounded off with tea and scones at the‘Purple Cow’in Cottingham.
The next series of walks on Thursday afternoons starts on Thursday 8th January 2009. All welcome.
Wednesday 26th November: Whittle’s Walks
A mild and cloudy day for this enjoyable walk around Barton and Far Ings National Nature Reserve with sightings of cormorants, heron, goldfinch and redshank en route. For this last walk of the series we finished with tea and cake at the‘Water’s Edge’Cafe. Delicious!
(2 images uploaded to the‘Photo Archive’)
We start a new series of ten walks on Wednesday 7th January 2009. All welcome!
Thursday 20th November: Whittle’s Walks:
A very good turn out for a breezy but sunny walk on the south bank of the Humber from Barton to Chowderness enjoyed excellent views across to the north bank and some fine walking by the Far Ings National Nature Reserve.
(3 images uploaded to the ‘Photo Archive’)
Wednesday 19th November: Whittle’s Walks:
Excellent sunny weather and good conditions underfoot made for a very enjoyable walk along Jillywoods Lane to Bentley. Highlights included a superb ‘mackerel’ sky, the sighting of a hare and purchases of all available supplies at the ‘Honey Box’ in Bentley!
(3 images uploaded to the ‘Photo Archive)