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Autumn Walk October 2023 Hawes,
5/10/2023 - 9/10/2023
Thursday 5th October.
Travel day. We had arranged to meet at The Golden Lion Hotel in Leyburn for refreshments before having a warm up walk around Leyburn. Some of us did meet at services on the motorway though. The welcome at the hotel was not the best; the barman was very dour, but after changing a barrel food and drink was consumed. After lunch Dick, Paul, Ralph, Dave, Mick, John W, Ben, Steve, Andy, Pete, John S, Ian and Graham started the walk through town then down a footpath towards Wensley crossing Low Lane to the River Ure. We walked along the river before crossing Low Lane again up past The Cottage to the cars parked in the market square. Until this time it had stayed fine though after starting in bright sunshine it had clouded over as we went further north before it rained as we arrived back at the cars. It was then on to the Hostel at Hawes where we met Phil and Roland who had come up by train. Later Ray and Will surprised us by arriving whilst we were having a brew.
Once checked in, Paul had a quick shower before heading to The Fountain Hotel to watch West Ham play in Europe. The rest of us joined him later for food and refreshments though Dick, Pete and Roland went to the chippy all of which was very good. During the evening Andy spilt his beer in Ralph's lap, astounded he said he never spills his beer. There's a first time for everything.
After retiring to the hostel we heard heavy rain and wind during the night.
Friday 6th October.
We woke up to low cloud and heavy rain. After breakfast Pete, Phil and Roland decided to visit the Armoury at Leeds due to the inclement weather by driving to Garsdale and taking the train. The drive to Garsdale was interesting due to local floods.
The rest donned waterproofs for the day's walk to Askrigg. All went well to start with, walking through the town to Brunt Acres Rd and down it towards Haylands Bridge. It became apparent that a change of plan would be required as the fields where the footpath went were flooded, also the road (the water level was rising as we decided what to do). We went for a higher route which meant going back into Hawes to take a path to Gayle, from there along a footpath over Blackburn Sike, here we had to jump over the water as there was no bridge and the stepping stones were under water, all made it ok. Then on to Shaws Lane and into Burtersett. At Burtersett the village institute was open for self service Tea, Coffee and snacks with an honesty box. A most welcome break from the weather. After refreshments we returned to Hawes stopping at The White Hart Hotel for lunch. It had been a very wet walk not only with the rain but waterlogged conditions underfoot.
After lunch some went to the Wensleydale Creamery, some for a walk round town others back to the hostel. We then found out that those who had gone to Leeds enjoyed sunshine all day until they got back. Once we had dried out, showered and changed we went for dinner either at the chippy or The Fountain hotel then on to The Crown for a celebratory drink with Ray who had received some good news during the day.
Saturday 7th October.
We woke up to an overcast, drizzly morning. Low clouds came in as we sat down for breakfast. After breakfast we split into two groups Group 1 Dick, Pete, Phil, Ralph, Ben and Ian went on a waterfall tour taking in Hawdraw Force and Aysgarth Falls as it was thought that they would be impressive after the rain, they were indeed. Dick and Ben wanted to watch the Luton game so it was back to Hawes for Lunch once they could stop Ralph talking to anyone who would listen to him. They found the match on in the Fountain and enjoyed some friendly banter with a barmaid who was a Burnley supporter.
Group 2 was the rest who got the bus to Garsdale to walk back to Hawes. From Garsdale station they took the Pennine Bridleway to Moorcock Inn. The group had been there once before but it had burned down a week before they got there. This time the pub was shut but it had an open tea room so all was not lost. They continued Up to Cobbles Plantation, Blades, High Dyke and onto The High Way passing Cotter Clints and down to the main road at Cotter Riggs before taking the river path to New Bridge at Appersett. Then up the road to Hardraw and the Green Dragon (they had heard from the bus driver that the road which had been flooded on Friday was now ok). At the Green Dragon they split into smaller groups one group had some refreshment before taking in the falls and returning to the hostel. Another group rested for a bit longer before taking in the falls. John S, in this group, had a fall at falls, this resulted in the need for medical attention ending in The Mountain Rescue, Paramedics and Air Ambulance being called out. John had to go to hospital (Darlington) by road in the end and Will went with him. Pete who had received a call went to pick the rest of the group up informing us of events as he was leaving. It had been a shock to all and we wished John all the best.
Once all were back we again changed and went for dinner in a sad mood after hearing what had happened to John but helped by the knowledge he was in the best place to get the treatment required.
Sunday 8th October.
We woke up to a better day no rain, low cloud to start but clearing later, windy on top. After breakfast Steve and Andy took John some clothes and brought Will back as he had stayed with John all night. Again we split into two groups Dick, Pete, Phil and Ian went to Cotter Force before driving on to Ribblehead where they parked up. They then walked to the viaduct where Phil and Ian went on further along the valley, Dick and Pete went up to the Station Inn to wait for the others. Will stayed at the hostel to get some sleep. Steve and Andy then drove to the Station Inn as it was too late to start walking. The rest walked up to Gayle from Hawes on The Pennine Way staying on it until Cam End before turning off on the Roman Road to carry on to Ribblehead and The Station Inn. After refreshment they got the bus back to Hawes.
Once all were back we caught up on John S progress got washed and changed and went down the Fountain for Sunday Roast (they had good food and drink all weekend). Whilst digesting our meal in the bar Ian gave us a couple of songs Ralph did Ernie and a poem and we persuaded a local who had been to Brass Band Practice to do a turn. Which we all enjoyed.
Monday 9th October.
Typical a fine start as we were going home. After breakfast we all went to the Creamery picking up cheese to bring home. Steve and Andy had arranged to take John S car to his house then go home; Pete took Phil and Roland back into Hawes to catch the Little White Bus to the station, before going home. While waiting for the bus Phil demolished a very large ice cream. The rest got in their cars to go home. Despite being very wet at times there had been some interesting stories before John's mishap. Another good walk all in all.
PS John is recovering and as a group we have made a donation to the Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue for all their assistance in a time of need.
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