On a glorious sunny morning the Club met at Kirkburton near Huddersfield. It is an area we do not visit much and perhaps we should go there more often. The 9 mile walk started with a steep short climb out of the village into the open countryside. The whole walk was dominated by the imposing Elmley Moor Tower (1047ft) which was always in view. Our lunch stop started with one female walker deciding to have a comfort break but she strayed off the path and the trespass alarms went off causing great hilarity as she hurried back buttoning up her shorts. The walk passed the Dearne Lea Tea Rooms where nearly all availed themselves to a treat of freshly homemade icecream from the milk on the farm. Welcome rehydration in the sunshine was taken at The Black Bull in Shepley.
Todays walk in detail
19/05/2024
Kirkburton, Shelley, Little Lepton Circular
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16/05/2024
Wickersley - Brecks - Whiston - Pinchmill - Winthrop.
On a dull but warming day 22 walkers set off from Winthrop Gardens. 6 new walkers introduce themselves.
We strolled along through the woods to cross the road to head down towards Brecks.
We rehydrated at the Sitwell golf club entry road.
Heading down towards Whiston it eventually started to rain!
We safely navigated the road walking in single file and started up to Pinchmill. At the gate we took a coffee break unfortunately still raining. After Pinchmill fishing lakes we walked up the gentle incline up to Morthern Road and crossed the road back to Winthrop Garden to partake in early afternoon tea and snacks.
Many Thanks to John Bashforth for back marking.Dave Craddock
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12/05/2024
Glenn Howe, High Bradfield, Worrall Circular
Perhaps it was the belated email from the walk leaders upgrading the walk to Moderate Plus with a cumulative climb of nearly 1900ft that deterred some walkers today. 15 stalwarts turned up unfazed at the reclassification of this 10.5 mile walk. The walk started climbing up through Glenn Howe Park by the side of the Tinker Brook. We passed the Packhorse Bridge, a 1734 bridge from Ewden relocated in 1926. Our first break was on top of one of the ascents but due to the very misty weather the spectacular views were obscured. By the time lunch was taken the sun had burnt through the mists and we bathed in the warmth in the grounds of Higher Bradfield Church. Our walk continued through the Worrall Circular and along Storth Lane before finishing where we started. Refreshments were taken in the Blue Ball in Wharncliffe Side.
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09/05/2024
Trans Pennine Trail
Thanks to all 21 who turned up for one of my favourite short walks. We had blue skies and sunshine all the way. After passing through the old railway tunnel we dropped down to the River Don and after successful negotiation with the contractor we made it through the 'fish pass' building site. We then passed the old watermill house and stopped for a tea/coffee break. Then we managed the steepish climb up to Green Moor for a rest at the Ivy Millenium Green Communal garden. We then had a brief stop at the old Pump House before heading up through Delf Quarry to the top field, with spectacular views over Wortley and Stocksbridge. We walked down through the woods and over the river bridge or stepping stones. Apparently Terry considered 'wild swimming' near the stones but changed his mind.
All back at the car park safe and sound.
Martin
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05/05/2024
Hathersage, Padley, Toad’s Mouth, Carl Wark, Higger Tor, Stanage Edge, Long Causeway Circular
18 of us on yesterday's walk. Many thanks to all of you for coming on the walk from Hathersage. The weather was superb and the views magnificent as ever. Welcome to Mal who joined us for the first time. The walk along the river was quite easy and then we tackled Padley Gorge stopping at the top of this for a welcome coffee break. We then made our way to Higger Tor passing Carl Wark on the way. Slightly boggy conditions on this part and I suppose I could have taken an easier path on the way but hopefully compensated for this by avoiding a direct climb up Higger Tor. From the top of this we had our lunch and enjoyed the panoramic views. Stanage was as busy as ever and we then made our way back down to Hathersage. We took our deserved refreshments at The "George and Dragon."
Again many thanks for coming on the walk and braving the difficulties of parking close to Hathersage Station. Yet again Phil did sterling duties as back marker and thanks for that as well.
Mike Whittaker
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02/05/2024
Ravenfield - Ravenfield Ponds - Old Ravenfield.
We had a great turnout yesterday with 30 of us on the walk. Many thanks to all of you walking yesterday. It seemed the weather might be quite dull but within about half an hour or so the clouds lifted and we enjoyed some glorious sunshine. From the Cavalier we walked down Braithwell Road bfeore turning off just before what used to be a farm. When we walked across the fields we saw horses from Thornberry Sanctuary galloping across the field. From there it was down to Ravenfield ponds and through the wood with bluebells now in full bloom. We continued our journey back to the Cavalier via old Ravenfield and again saw a profusion of bluebells.
Many thanks Phil for backmarking and to all of you who came out on what was a most enjoyable day.
Mike Whittaker
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28/04/2024
Langsett, Pike Low, Cut Gate Path Circular
The weather forecast was dreadful so my thanks to the 7 stalwart hikers who joined me on Sunday.
As we made our damp ramble through the woods by Langsett Reservoir where the trees gave shelter. A following wind helped us up the first part of the climb on a good track to the gamekeeper's hut and elevenses.
Suitably refreshed we made our way across the peat moors on to gamekeepers narrow tracks and up past the shooting buts. The rest of the climb became more difficult underfoot. However we managed to 'yomp' the last half mile through bog and thigh high heather to the summit.
The views were glorious.
Lunch hiding behind the walls of the shelter, then down to the well-marked but very boggy path across the moors to Cut Gate path.
Great views and the sun came out to cheer us on our way to the cars.
Well earned refreshment was enjoyed at the Wortley Club to round off the day.
Once again thanks fellow 'yompers'
Ann
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25/04/2024
Winthrop - Sandy Flat Lane circular.
On a dull Thursday morning 25 walkers + 2 dogs assembled at Winthrop Gardens for another Wickersley Walking Festival Walk.
The 5 mile walk took us over fields and woods towards the hamlet of Morthen. We had a short stop for the obligatory coffee break and continued on through Morthen and along York Lane to quickly but safely cross the road at Royds Moor. With a threatening sky and over more fields we joined Sandy Flat Lane towards Wickersley. Five walkers left us to take a short cut back. We continued up Quarryfields and down through Wickersley Wood to arrive at Winthrop where refreshments were taken.
Thanks to all who took part and to John (back marker) and Dave (middle marker).
Phil.
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21/04/2024
Heatherdene car park, Win Hill, Hope Cross, Hagg Farm, Bridge-end- Pasture, Crook Hill [although we don't climb it] & Heatherdene car park.
17 brave souls tackled the climb up Win Hill on a lovely, but slightly chilly Spring day and so many thanks to all who came on the walk yesterday.
I don't know which was more difficult, negotiating that hill or finding somewhere to park at Heatherdene.
The views from the top of Win Hill were spectacular on a clear day as they were for the rest of the walk.
After all the recent rain conditions are at last improving and it was much better underfoot.
We saw many people walking, running or mountain biking on the the way to Hope Cross.
The journey up from Hagg Farm can seem like hard walk but we took a welcome lunch break after we completed the climb. It was then easy going across Bridge-end Pasture, past Crook Hill and then finally onto Ladybower. Heartwarming to see so many new born lambs. Drinks taken at two places, Maggie and Ann at the Strines and 6 of us at Malin Bridge.
Thanks Philip for back marking.
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18/04/2024
Whiston - Pinchmill - Wickersley - Sitwell Golf Club - Whiston.
Many thanks to you all for attending today's walk which started from Whiston. There was a total of 23 walkers and 2 exceptionally well-behaved dogs. Welcome to Donna, Chris and Dawn who joined us for the first time and thanks to John for backmarking. The weather was very kind to us and the rain held off until later in the afternoon. This was as well as conditions were still a bit tricky and muddy underfoot in places. There was that one awkward bit to navigate across the remnants of a stream but we did that without any great difficulty. From Whiston we made our way to Pinchmill, then Quarryfields, Wickersley Gorse, Sitwell Golf Club and back to our starting point on Chaff Lane. Refreshments taken in "The Sitwell Arms." Those chips were really tasty.
Thank you again for coming on the walk. I certainly enjoyed it.
Mike Whittaker
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