Blubberhouse to Harrogate

Sunday 4th July 2024 – Blubberhouse to Harrogate

The non-walkers were dropped off at the bus stop next to Betty’s Tea Rooms. The bus carried on the A59 towards Blubberhouses, dropping off the walkers at the Sun Inn pub. After all the sun the week before, we set off under a clouded sky after a photo call with the resident peacocks at the pub and a Red Kite circling above. The walkers went through meadows, woodland, and farmland to our coffee stop above John O’Gaunt’s Reservoir, only to find a small group of walkers had beaten us. We carried on to Long Liberty Farm, where some of the group were chased by a herd of cows, just managing to close the gate before we had any casualties.

The route was a bit overgrown in places, adding a dash of adventure to our trek. We climbed up to our lunch spot nestled among rocks and wild heathland, enjoying the perfect blend of exercise and relaxation. A short walk of around a mile brought us to our very popular next stop, the watering hole, this time in the guise of the Smith’s Arms at Beckwithshaw. The group sat out in the beer garden in the very pleasant weather, which luckily lasted all day. We had to walk along the road, which is never what you want when out walking, until we reached our stile into Cardale Woodland. Walking through the wood, we emerged at the side of RHS Harlow Carr. We then had a short walk into Harrogate through Valley Gardens, finishing at the garden gates.

With 8.5 miles under our belts, the day wouldn’t be complete without a well-deserved ice cream before heading back.

Join us next time for more memorable moments, beautiful landscapes, and great camaraderie!