Sunday 3rd April 2022 – Aysgarth – Yorkshire Dales
The coach stopped at Ripon to drop off today’s non-walker. Norman started the walk in the scenic Wensleydale village of Castle Bolton beside the impressive castle itself, where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner in 1568. A nearby enclosure with Wild Boar and a litter of hoglets was the next point of interest. We headed off a short distance downhill before realizing it was not the intended footpath. Soon back on course views towards the Pennine high peaks were excellent, with the 550m / 1800ft snow-capped Penhill the nearest prominent hill. A slight accident was treated with the club’s first aid kit when Verna slipped and got a cut.
Packed lunch was enjoyed beside the spectacular Aysgarth High Force waterfall before heading to Carperby and our pub stop at The Wheatsheaf, where the famous Yorkshire vet, James Herriot, had his honeymoon in 1941 according to a sign beside the door. Black Sheep ale from nearby Masham brewery was on sale here. The walk then went uphill to a high point of 308m before a gentle decent back to Bolton Castle and the coach. The wildlife seen on today’s outing was especially good for me, with hares, red kites, many characteristic curlews seen and heard, pipits, oystercatchers, shelducks, a flock of 30 golden plover, a busy rookery and more rabbits that I have seen for a long time.
- Start and finish point – SE033 918. A circular walk.
- Walk leader – Norman Emery.
- Number of walkers – 38 (and one non-walker).
- Distance – 8.5 miles / 13.5 kilometres.
- Terrain – Footpaths were over grassy pastureland, along rights of way and through open access land in the national park. Only one or two patches of mud.
- Highest point – 1010 feet / 308m.
- Weather – A fresh breeze on the exposed uplands but all day sunshine made it a layer warmer in more sheltered places. Temperatures reached 7 degrees C.
Club news – In the absence of Jean Torrington, David T welcomed Alison, Pat, Penny and Stephen on their first Weekend Wanderer’s walk.
Credits – Norman was thanked for this walk in stunning Wensleydale countryside. With our regular photographers not present, David Torrington and myself, Dave Carroll, were tasked with taking pictures for the blog.
Author’s memo – I must remember that Norman’s walks sometimes go an odd mile further than planned. It was pleasing to see returning new walkers from last month’s walk. Commiserations to several walkers who had to miss this walk due to Covid or otherwise feeling unwell and hope they will be fit for the next one.
