THIS EDITION INCLUDES THE WEST RIDING ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2016 No.148 JAN 2017

WESTWEST RIDING RIDING

RAMBLERJournal of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers’ Association - Edited by Keith Wadd and Dave Pannell

Bradford Group enjoying the Super Moon during their NOTICE OF WEST “Walk in the Dark” on 10th November. (report inside) RIDING AREA AGM The Annual General Meeting of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers’ Association will be held at the Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, at 2 p.m. on Saturday 28th January 2017. All members of West Riding Area (that includes all members of Groups and unattached members) are eligible and welcome to attend and vote. AGENDA: Apologies, minutes of last meeting, matters arising, correspondence and announcements, speaker’s address, annual report and accounts, motions (28 days’ notice to Area Secretary required), election of officers, AOB. There is likely to be a GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS motion on footpaths and cycling. HS2 TO AGM SPEAKER WILL Plans for the extension of the High Speed Rail project mainly using existing lines will branch off to Leeds. TALK ABOUT EARLY (HS2) to Leeds were announced in November. The main HS2 continues north east, going to the west of , then hugging the M1 close WR AREA HERO Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, commented to Temple Newsam and to join with the We are delighted to welcome John White “HS2 is an ambitious and exciting project and the existing Leeds to line near Church Fenton. as the speaker to give the address. government is seizing the opportunity it offers to John will talk about the life of Alfred John build a transport network fit for the 21st century.” A large number of rights of way will be crossed by Brown who was the first President of (The Guardian, 16th Nov 2016). That statement of HS2 both in and Leeds, and the revised West Riding Area. John is the author intent sounds unequivocal to me, and we Wakefield Way and the Leeds Country of the recently published biography have to assume that, unless something Way will both be substantially affected. “Alfred John Brown, Walker, Writer, and calamitous happens in the mean However, Ramblers Central Office Passionate Yorkshireman” (to be reviewed time, HS2 is going to happen. A large advise that with the earlier in the next West Riding Rambler). to West Midlands stage of the Although the preferred route number of rights route HS2Ltd have been very MORNING WALK has now been published, of way will be accommodating with respect the decision on the route BEFORE THE AGM crossed by HS2 to rights of way. So worst around Sheffield, a cause of Prior to the the AGM, there will be a fears will almost certainly not considerable controversy, has both in Wakefield short morning walk of 5 miles led by be confirmed. However, it is still been delayed. This does affect and Leeds Richard Smith, Footpath Secretary essential to check every public the West Riding Area as the initial of Lower Wharfedale Group, starting right of way crossed by HS2 in West route via Sheffield Meadowhall entered from Clarke Foley Centre on Cunliffe Riding Area and ensure that it is fully Wakefield near Notton and went east of Road, Ilkley at 10.30 am. The route protected. There will also be substantial Haw Park and Walton, whilst the more recently is via Middleton Woods, Middleton disruption to paths during HS2’s construction. proposed easterly route runs close to South Lodge, Hill Top Farm, Middleton, then Kirkby, , Kinsley, Fitzwilliam and Crofton West Riding Area, in a letter of January 2014, down to the Wharfe and back to Ilkley. before joining with the original HS2 route south of commented on the initial HS2 plans and stressed Normanton (see West Riding Rambler, Oct 2016). the importance of “high quality replacement My guess is that the latter route will prevail. crossings”, “satisfactory diversionary routes”, HELEN BEAVEN “enhancements of public rights of way” and Further north towards Leeds, the proposed HS2 We are very sad to hear of the death of “habitat enhancements along the corridor”. route goes west of Normanton and Altofts to a Helen Beaven on 26th November.There junction near from where a spur Keith Wadd will be an obituary in the next edition

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Without these we either get lost, or waste time hunting for the next “FINE WORDS BUTTER stile, or have to fight through shoulder high thistles. But these are “low priority” to RoW departments. They're hugely labour intensive, NO PARSNIPS” and staff can't spend a whole day just putting up waymarks or using secateurs. But volunteers can. And still the Top Table Ramblers insist. Still they mechanically trumpet Both Bucks and Kent Councils, naming but two, welcome volunteers for the message. “Volunteers are vital to our footpaths' maintenance, these “lesser” but most vital tasks. Kent sends out a large number of security, their very existence”. Like General Kitchener: “Your waymark discs – TRUSTS her volunteers to do a proper job, as well as Country(side) Needs You”. Get out and Do your Bit. Don't even wait giving them back up and advice if required. Around 2002, Bucks used to to be asked. On and on they go. send me a massive brown envelope full of these discs every spring with a So – you try. You offer your services to your Council's Countryside note saying that if I needed any more give them a call. They didn't give me Department as a volunteer – not with the big stuff like rebuilding instructions in how or where to nail up a plastic roundel. They TRUSTED bridges or even stiles, but just the mundane straightforward jobs me. And no, I didn't put them on the sides of buses, or halfway up a tree. like cutting back undergrowth and overgrowth, maybe removing I put them only on footpaths I was certain were such; I put them up where dangerous barbed wire on stiles, certainly replacing now white and I felt they were needed; many times I just replaced a faded marker with a arrowless waymarks, or the broken or missing ones that abound in new one. They're all still there. All still doing their job. And not one complaint your parish. And you're told no, or simply ignored. from any landowner - quite the contrary. Delight as at long last waymarks were appearing on their land to keep walkers on the narrow, and I communicate with five local countryside departments out of danger. They'd not seen the council in years. Like on a pretty regular basis. Over ten years one such has here in West Riding. Anyone surprised? steadfastly refused to countenance using countryside volunteers in even the humblest of tasks. The concept of volunteers dealing with undergrowth Of the 59,000 is also seen as a massive No-No to too many I asked for a list of times that any such problems reported Countryside officers. But Kent has embraced volunteers had been used by the said council it big time. “Your help is invaluable in carrying - an email listed about half a dozen all of in the Ramblers’ out spot vegetation clearance”. Accepting that which turned out to be the council helping training would, for safety and legal reasons, be out a small discrete local project, not really Big Pathwatch, essential, along with simple amendments to the volunteers at all, certainly not at all helping a third were for council's public and personal liability insurances, with the grander scheme of, for example, spot clearance of paths could be almost entirely ensuring a whole parish was properly signed missing signposts/ handed over to local walking groups. The waste or cleared throughout. waymarks of human resources is increasing monthly, and the Much - indeed more and more needs to be done paths - OUR paths – become more dilapidated. to maintain our footpaths, with dwindling resources, Volunteers can also number roadside signposts and staff and funds. You would think that any RoW office adjust some gates. Take a look at Countryside Access would leap at the chance to shorten its huge backlog of Wardens on Kent Council's website. A county that does all the works to be done by employing as many volunteers as it could. They above because it can't do it all, invites help and gets it. cost nothing, they're keen, they're numerous and they're dedicated. I said many months ago that the West Riding Area Ramblers needed And once trained they can be trusted to work alone. But no. to get chopsy about these issues, this dreadful waste of a small army “Of the 59,000 problems reported by the 3250 citizen surveyors who of potential Mini-Countryside officers. Since then, absolutely nothing took part in the Ramblers' Big Pathwatch, a third were for missing to advance the cause of, the NEED FOR volunteers in W Riding has signposts/waymarks that can quickly turn a pleasant country stroll happened, or even been discussed, as far as I can tell. Nor has anything into an epic trudge as the detours and searches mount up. But much happened at national level to give impetus to establishing any kind of real of the rest included overgrowth that would be likely to force you to volunteer groups anywhere. It's embarrassing and frustrating locally. It's abandon your walk altogether” (Dominic Bates – Guardian) shameful nationally. “Fine words butter no parsnips”, my nan would say to me. Say as many fine phrases as you like, they certainly don't open Countryside officers regard bridges, stiles and gates as “top priority”. up any footpaths. To the Top Brass at Ramblers I say : Set the example. Walkers by and large regard an iffy plank bridge, a wobbly stile, even Get the National Volunteer Ball rolling. I dare say the same locally. “I don't a locked gate as something that they can get round and over. A bit of want just words. If that's all you have for me, you'd better go” (F. Scott a nuisance most of the time, possibly a bit of a challenge. To us it's Fitzgerald). Stop talking, get doing. Or get going. Allan Friswell “low priority”. It's very rare that such a problem stops us from getting round our course. [Ed.] Allan Friswell's controversial article raises important points particularly about the full use of volunteers and how they might be What WE regard as “top priority” are those things on the ground which used on a wide scale for waymarking and vegetation clearance. This help walkers find their way - proper signage, good clear waymarking in turn raises issues about the widely varying policies of different and enough of it, and paths as free from over/undergrowth as possible. local authorities.]

BRADFORD GROUP WALK IN THE LIGHT OF THE SUPER MOON Don’t just marvel at the “Super Moon”, walk with it. This is what came out on to the moor, the moon was really clear, no cloud at all. Bradford Group did in their “Walk in the Dark” on 10th November. We continued through Ryecroft, and down to cross the Harden to Muriel O’ Flaherty takes up the story: “Two days after the “Super road. Once we were through the fields and on to the Moon” (or “Badger Moon”) 15 of Bradford Group, plus two dogs, set lane from Harden and Park to Harden we switched off all out on their evening walk from Harden, led by Chris Moore. The day torches and headlights and walked back by the light of the moon. A had been dull and overcast, so we weren’t expecting to see much of splendid evening walk, no rain, lovely night-time views and a convivial the moon. However, it accompanied us for much of the walk although evening in the Malt Shovel after the walk. What more could we wish sometimes with a hint of cloud cover. By the time we were climbing up for? Every bit as enjoyable as a walk in the light. Better in some ways towards Harden Moor we had a lovely view of it framed by trees.As we as the “Walks in the Dark” are so atmospheric.” Muriel O’Flaherty

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LOWER WHARFEDALE MEMBERSHIP CRISIS DEEPENS GROUP PILOTS Let’s get real. It’s serious. There’s a membership crisis in West Riding Area and in most of the local Groups in the Area. It’s VOLUNTEER PROJECT probably a similar story in many other parts of the UK. Since September 2005, every Group in West Riding Area is down in WITH NORTH YORKS membership numbers (except Take A Hike, formerly “20/30s”, RICHARD SMITH DESCRIBES AN EXCITING NEW INITIATIVE which is arguably a special case). The figures (which include all the Groups plus a small number of unattached members) for West Riding Area as a whole are 4673 members in September Richard Brook and Richard Smith admire the gate they erected near North Rigton in the pilot project 2005 and 3177 in September 2016, a reduction in numbers of 1496 - virtually a third!

The major cause of the incessant decline in our membership numbers is almost certainly a demographic time-bomb. The age structure of West Riding Area when last checked in 2009 was just under 66. The older the average of a membership, the greater the loss of members (through natural causes). Unfortunately, things get progressively worse with the decline in numbers accelerating as the existing members get even older. A massive influx of younger members would turn things round, but no way is this happening. Furthermore, new members become even harder to recruit as they politely reject the offer to walk with mainly 70 and 80 year olds. My guess is that Area and the Groups (except TakeaHike which has a younger membership) will lose at least a half of their members in For many years, the working party from Lower Wharfedale the next ten years, and this will have many major knock-on effects, Group of the Ramblers has been repairing stiles, erecting gates, some of which are already beginning (see the Annual Report which path clearing and carrying out other practical activities in North gives a few clues). Hope I’m wrong, but there are some powerful , within parishes in the Group’s area. Until recently the pointers. Keith Wadd ways in which practical jobs were allocated and completed by the Group were somewhat informal and changed over the years as the staffing situation changed within the local authority. Often, the ways in which the Group worked depended on the good HAVE A GOOD DAY OUT ON AN relationships between our working party and individual local authority Field Officers. AREA COACH RAMBLE Over the last year I have been discussing with Ian Kelly, the recently If you would like a good day out walking, why not try an Area appointed Countryside Access Manager at North Yorkshire County Coach Ramble? Please contact Val Bamforth ((01274 591678) or Council, ways in which this situation could be improved and Hilary Bloomer (01924 863860) to check availability The coach developed to become more productive and satisfactory. Ian is also always picks up at Leeds Edward Street off Vicar Lane, Thornbury, keen to develop ways of working that could be used throughout Bradford (near the Interchange – a new parking place and pick up the county with other voluntary working parties. In August 2016, place will be advised owing to Jacobs Well c.p. closing). Walks the North Yorkshire Local Access Forum agreed that a “model” are around 3-4 miles, leisurely pace; 6-8 miles moderate pace; way of working be trialled with our Ramblers Group. The results of this trial will inform the way in which further work will be developed 9-11 miles, not too strenuous but includes hills; 10+ miles, faster, with other voluntary working parties across the county. To enable more strenuous; all walks followed by a good meal at reasonable this to happen, the success of the trial will be assessed over the prices and a friendly atmosphere. Contrary to an age-old myth, first year and any necessary changes will be made to the model places are still available. Do come and join us. Diane Davies, before its wider implementation. Chairman, Social & Rambles Sub-Committee

Sheila Laking, the Volunteer Co-ordinator for North Yorkshire, has been working with us on the details for the proposed model and agreement was reached with our Group on November 11th 2016. WEST RIDING AREA WEBSITE We have already had a period of assessment, where the quality of our work has been verified by a North Yorkshire Field Officer RE-VAMPED and two members of the Group (myself and Richard Brook) have received training to equip us to be team leaders. Having two team Why not go to www.ramblersyorkshire.org and have a look at leaders gives the Group much more flexibility and enables more of the West Riding Area website? It has recently been updated and our members to volunteer for this work – so far 12 members from re-vamped, thanks to many hours of work by Steve Noble, and Lower Wharfedale have taken part. looks very impressive and colourful.

Under this working model, a local Field Officer identifies repair The “Home” page has been completely revised. Walkers, whether work needing attention and our Group undertakes the work Ramblers’ members or members of the general public, can go independently after the landowner’s agreement has been obtained. straight to the “Home” page for details of walks on offer in the Our Group has a good supply of basic tools for such work, but next few days throughout the Area, and the list is updated to the North Yorkshire loans specialist tools to the Group when required. day. The latest West Riding Rambler is available on the “Home” Given the increased pressures on local authority budgets, page, and back numbers of the journal can also be read. Other consideration has to be given to ways in which voluntary groups pages are News, Local Groups, Walks Diary, Walking Advice, can contribute to the maintenance of our path network. The Walking Books, and Message Board. A further improvement is Lower Wharfedale Group is excited to be trialling this project that the website is now more user friendly for users on mobile with North Yorkshire, and in this way helping to inform the phones. If Walk leaders want to add extra walks to the Walks & ways in which other voluntary working parties can get involved. Events Manager” by a “live feed” they will automatically appear Richard Smith, Footpath Officer, Lower Wharfedale Group on the Area website

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Redwing feeds on winter berries LETTERS TO THE EDITORS A TRUE RIGHT TO ROAM

I read your article about the “Right to Roam” with interest as I have for several years hankered after the access rights of Scotland, Denmark and Sweden. It would be nice, for example to be able to climb many hill summits that have no right of way to them, and also to be able to walk on OUTDOORS WITH farm tracks that are not rights of way. There are also many woods where one can wander freely from the path but NIGEL HEPTINSTALL have no right to do so. However, I think you are correct in stating that it would not be wise to press for it in – the opposition would be far too great. Incidentally, there Never call Birders Twitchers unless you are referring to those folk who rush around is just as much farmland in the landscapes of Denmark the country in the hope of spotting some rarity that has lost probably lost its internal and southern Sweden as in England. Humphrey Bolton compass, flown in by mistake and wishes it was in a much more familiar place. Some, but not all, of these Twitchers give Birders a bad name by wandering into private territory, flushing exhausted birds that are trying to feed up and displaying LEEDS GROUP GIVES an arrogance to those of us just content to enjoy wildlife – so Birders please. MATCHED £1500 FOR At this time of the year our breeding birds have either stopped singing or more likely have gone to better places to spend winter and so you might think winter is not LOCAL SIGNAGE a good time for us birders. Well that’s not necessarily the case – as ramblers well know, there’s always something to see in the countryside. As the weather declines in

more northerly and easterly climes, birds in huge numbers descend on this country Leeds Group last year donated £1000 to the Leeds Council because of the relatively mild climate and feeding opportunities. Your gardens are Public Rights of Way (PRoW) team for the erection of probably full of squabbling blackbirds and many of these are migratory birds. In thirteen footpath signposts. The sum was match-funded, fact I reckon our local birds who stay at home, display a quite different personality making a total of £2000 for the enhancement of local paths. compared to those from Scandinavia. Our birds are loners, trying to hold territory and The location of the signposts was suggested by Lee are keen to keep away the competition; after all, if you possess a nice berry-laden Davidson, Leeds Group footpath officer, and myself, and mountain ash tree it might sustain you throughout the winter if you can keep away agreed by Leeds PRoW. The signposts were distributed the competition and supplement it with worms. Well, the competition is great, huge in the west and south of Leeds, where we thought a new numbers of these migrants descend on us and our resident birds fight a lost cause footpath signpost would have most impact, encouraging keeping their mountain ash to themselves. Just as our birds are loners, the visitors new walkers to try the path. A successful example is Leeds are gregarious, happy to share the berries with their mates. It’s said you can tell Footpath 158, approximately 250m in length between Tong these migrants from our resident blackbirds because they have black beaks and our Road and Hall Lane, Farnley. It leads on to Gamble Lane, resident birds have yellow beaks. This is only partially true because juvenile birds also connecting with local housing. Previously, this was a little have dark bills until, I believe, the first moult. used path, indeed I wondered if most walkers realised it was there. A new footpath signpost was erected at each Blackbirds aren’t the only members of the thrush family you might see as you are end. An electric fence has been recently erected, possibly out and about. Other migrant thrush visitors include the fieldfare and redwing, because of increased footfall, and evidence of path use and both can arrive here in huge numbers. Mixed flocks of 500 are certainly not can be seen. unheard of and they not only strip our hedgerows of berries, but also seem to like short grass such as pasture land and park land to hunt for invertebrates. This year, Leeds Group again had surplus funds and Fieldfares are large thrushes, mistle thrush size, but distinguishable by their decided, after discussing the idea at our recent AGM, to greyish head and upright gait. They are usually seen with other fieldfares although donate another £1500 to PRoW. This has again been match especially when large numbers are involved they may also be seen together funded so £3000 is available for footpath improvement. The with equally large numbers of redwings. Redwing are much smaller birds with Big Pathwatch report highlighted missing footpath signs at a more uniform colouring and a red underwing or shoulder which is not always junctions with roads as one of the biggest concerns. This evident and is best viewed from close up. Another identification marker is the is also a local authority statutory duty. creamy white eye stripe. Redwings are considered classic night time migrants Leeds PRoW do a tremendous job protecting the path and most may already be here. If you are out at night and hear a high-pitched network; however, where they possibly need support is whistle descending from the skies, it’s probably a flock of redwings. I guess over the considerable number of missing signposts. Leeds they call to one another to maintain contact, otherwise they stray of course and Group gave a recent presentation to the city’s PRoW become a prey to twitchers in some foreign land. department of suggested signage and this time focused We have six species of thrush in this country, sadly most of them have on a specific area for maximum effect. The area is between suffered a decline over the last forty years. Some of them, the fieldfare New Farnley, Far Royds, the M621 and , and redwing are visitors from Scandinavia. Mistle thrush, song thrush and measuring 12 square km. It offers good walking on open blackbird are resident although their numbers are boosted by migration, fields and some 360 degree panoramic views. New again from Scandinavia and Continental Europe. The sixth species is the housing is being built on the edges and it is essential to mountain blackbird or ring ouzel which is purely a summer visitor. help the new residents to go out walking in the countryside. The aim is to encourage more use of PRoWs, thus keeping them open by reducing barriers to access for everyone. It should also support Leeds Council aims on health and well- being, inequalities and climate change. Once the improved VOLUNTEER EVENT work has been carried out, we would hope to evaluate the This will be held on Saturday 18th March at the Rose Bowl at Leeds project, at least by anecdotal evidence of increased footfall Metropolitan University in Central Leeds, for more details and to sign up throughout the area. It is hoped to have some signage up by go to www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer-zone/support-and-development/ April. Leeds Group would be keen to hear any experiences ramblers-roadshow-events.aspx of walking in the area. Martin Bennett

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WEST RIDING AREA ANNUAL REPORT 2016

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT SECRETARY’S REPORT

Another year has passed and from West Riding Area co-ordinates all of our activities (both Group my vantage point I think a very good and Area initiatives) so that we all work together for the Ramblers’ one for the Area. We have had Association as effectively as our resources permit. Throughout many new initiatives and new projects the territory of West Riding Area we are monitoring paths and undertaken over the year. attempting to deal with the many problems that arise, attempting to protect from major threats the countryside we walk in and Owen Wells stood down as our Area seeking to make the right to roam work effectively. Our sub- Co-ordinator of the Area Programme committees (see separate reports) enable issues to be considered of Walks for personal reasons and I in detail and action to be co-ordinated, and they bring together would like to thank Owen for all the representatives from Groups and other RA members who have excellent work he has done over the a particular interest in the committee’s area of work. The West Mike Church years. This led to a problem of how Riding Rambler is the journal for our Area with news and features Area Chairman we were going to produce our bi- of interest to all our members. We also publish the Area Walks annual programme. Stephen Noble of Programme with around 660 walks per year, mainly throughout the Take A Hike Group and Peter Sweeney of Leeds Group came our territory, but with some walks further afield, which provides a to the rescue with a new procedure where each Group enters rich offering for our members and the wider public. its walks on the national RA website. From this, Stephen with Peter’s help can update the West Riding website and send details The Area Council of West Riding Area has had four general to Design Mechanics to produce the hard copy programme. My meetings, and an extra one to deal specifically with motions to be thanks to Stephen and Peter. discussed at General Council in April. The meetings take place in Leeds and are attended by the Area’s officers, the chair and We have also updated the West Riding Area website to the latest secretary of the sub-committees, representatives elected by the technology which has allowed Stephen and Peter to streamline AGM, and a representative of each of the Groups in West Riding the production of the Area Walks Programme. If you want to Area. Each Group is entitled to send a representative and he/she know when the next walk is, or anything on the Area website you has the opportunity to report on the Group’s activities and to raise can now download it on your smart phone. A message board for matters of concern. The attendance of Group representatives members has been added. is much valued and enables Groups to raise issues that have significance for ramblers throughout the area. The meeting The Lost Paths project is slowly moving forward, a time considers reports from the Treasurer and Membership Secretary, consuming job but well worth the effort. discusses the latest minutes of each of its four sub-committees, We have a strong Footpath Sub-committee and Countryside Sub- and makes decisions on important issues and matters referred to it. committee working hard to protect rights of way and the countryside At the end of January 2016 national chairman, Des Garrahan, in our area. I would like to thank the chairs and members of the addressed the AGM at Ilkley. He made several references to committees for all the work they have done. Both committees will governance and to Areas and Groups. Changes to both Areas face increased workloads in the coming years with the cutbacks and Groups were amongst the governance review proposals on spending by councils on RoW staff and the easing of planning to be put forward by the Board of Trustees. Further to this, it regulations, and for many of the councils not having an agreed Local was stated in the July edition of the West Riding Rambler that Plan thus allowing developers access to the Green Belt. the national General Council meeting made a wide-reaching The Social & Rambles sub-committee continues to organise the decision affecting the future of the association. On Motion 6, by a monthly coach rambles and Area walks plus excellent walking substantial majority, delegates voted “to withdraw immediately the holidays. I thank the small team for all their work. The West Riding future governance proposals”. Rambler continues to provide a top quality quarterly report on The goal of claiming the Area’s historic footpaths was clearly happenings in the Area plus thought provoking articles and I thank documented last year by one of two motions put to the Area the co-editors. We were only at one show this year, the AGM. It requested the Board of Trustees to obtain substantial Show, which was well organised by Keighley Group; unfortunately, support for members to enable them to carry out work on it was a disappointment owing to terrible weather. We were not restoring lost ways (before the 2026 cut-off date). The motion able to make our other usual shows due to illness and old age. was passed unanimously. As part of this process, the Area We need new blood for the shows, it’s interesting and a chance to Footpath committee had submitted an application for a path tell the general public what we do. Anybody interested in helping at Ripon to be added to the Definitive Map. What was once please contact me. On the bright side, Ripon Group used some of a popular path from Hell Wath Lane to Plumpton Lane had our equipment and had two successful days at Ripon Market not been walked for many years as it had been blocked by the Mike Church, Chairman landowner. So too was the goal of claiming/saving a historic path near Ilkley. A resident in Ben Rhydding had contacted Ramblers

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org for more area news and past issues ANNUAL REPORT 2016

about a path that he and other local residents had used over the £33m Wakefield Eastern Relief Road. Work has started on the many years which had been blocked. Richard Smith, footpath adjacent City Fields housing development. During the year, Council officer of Lower Wharfedale Ramblers, researched the history of approval was sought for £2.9m new cycleway and walking route the path and presented to Bradford Council clear proof of the linking Wakefield and , mainly along the banks of the historic route. He submitted a claim requesting that the route be River Calder. Progress is continuing with the proposed drift mine included on the definitive map. south east of Crofton and north east of Wintersett.

The decline in membership (down by almost a third since still has no Core Strategy. Consultation on the draft Local September 2005) is extremely worrying. Area Council has Plan, which proposed 20,000 houses was concluded in February. discussed how and why has it happened, its consequences, and Part of the proposals included Farnley Estates wanting to sell off what might be done? The Wakefield Way has been revived by the two parts of Green Belt land for housing in the hope that this money Wakefield & District Group of the Ramblers. The project has been would fund a proposed Farnley Tyas Country Park. At the time of revived to promote the profile of the Ramblers in the Wakefield writing, consultation is underway on the publication draft Local Plan area. The book, “The Wakefield Way” by Douglas Cossar in prior to its submission for public examination. Following objection, association with Trevor Hiles the footpath secretary of Wakefield the Farnley Tyas proposal is no longer included in the plan. Group, published in 2004, described an attractive 75 route close to the boundary of the metropolitan district. The Wakefield Way A proposal to link junction 25 of the M62 with the junction was planned in 2004 but never became an official route because of M1, cutting through North Kirklees was announced with the some of he proposed paths lacked definitive map status. The Leeds City region Local Enterprise Partnership submitting a funding Group has entered into discussions with Wakefield Rights of Way application to the Department of Transport. staff in order to work out how they might secure the Council’s Just as the Site Allocation Plan (SAP) for Leeds was issued for recognition of the Wakefield Way boundary walk, having regard final consultation in September 2015, a proposed major mixed use to the nearby Barnsley Way, the Kirklees Way and the Leeds site near Bramham including 3000 houses was withdrawn by the Country Way. Another aim was to persuade the staff to enter the landowner. New sites have had to be found to make up the shortfall Wakefield Way on the Ordnance Survey map. The Big Pathwatch and they have been subjected to the same consultation process survey finished at the end of 2015. The aim was for walkers to as all the others. As a consequence, the SAP timetable has been survey rights of way in all one kilometer grid squares shown on put back, with the SAP now expected to be adopted before winter OS maps in England and Wales. It was noted in our area that 2017/18. Meanwhile, recent appeals by housing developers have missing signposts at junctions with roads and undergrowth and been upheld because the Council does not have a 5 year housing overgrowth obstructing paths were particularly noticeable. supply. This is leading other developers to submit applications Carl Richman, Secretary on protected areas of search (PAS) sites under the Unitary Development Plan. At the time of writing the Council is proposing to undertake selective review of the Core Strategy focusing on a revision of the original requirement of 70,000 houses, the cause ACCESS of much debate and opposition. Given that the same procedural stages would be required as preparing a new plan, adoption would Access for walkers to the extensive moorland that forms a major not be before winter 2018/19. part of West Riding Area has continued to work smoothly and no incidents have been reported. The spate of applications for large (>15m) single wind turbines on farms in Leeds appears to have come to a halt following the David Gibson, West Riding Area Access Officer government’s removal of the on-shore wind turbine subsidy. One of the two refused applications noted in last year’s report went to appeal. The proposal at Woodhouse Farm off the A64 near COUNTRYSIDE SUB-COMMITTEE Barwick and Scholes, and clearly visible from the Leeds Country HS2 has been a standing agenda item so that we keep abreast Way, was for an unusual 37m to tip 5-bladed vertical axis turbine of any changes prior to the announcement of the definitive route. supported by a structure in the form of an asymmetric tripod. The During the year, a major alteration of the route around Sheffield, Leeds Group submitted a strong objection to the initial application claimed to be a saving of £1bn was announced. Further to the and further objection comments were lodged for the appeal. east than originally proposed (see WRR No. 147, Oct 2016), Although the RA supports appropriate locations, I am pleased this new route will have a different impact on the Wakefield area. to report that on this occasion, the appeal was dismissed. The Although the attractive countryside of Haw Park and Walton Park Inspector in his Decision, having visited an existing turbine of the will now be unaffected, the proposed new route will significantly same design, stated “this leads to a significantly more industrial impact on Crofton and Sharlston and will also be not far from the appearance than a simple monopole mast design.” The grounds of Nostell Priory. At the time of writing, the government Inspector also noted: “Turning to the visual aspect of the turbine has confirmed the route from Birmingham to Leeds but is inviting it is important to note that the site is surrounded by an extensive comments on the more easterly route round Sheffield. The network of public rights of way (including the Leeds Country Way). remainder of the original route within WR Area is unchanged save These appear well used, and at the time of my site visit I observed for a tunnel at Woodlesford, and the station at Leeds becoming those rights of way in use at various times of the day ….. When part of the existing station complex. in view the design of the turbine, with its tripod base and rectilinear vertical blade arrangement, would materially exacerbate During the year, the Committee was asked by Ramblers Central its visual impact. In the Inspector’s judgement the proposal would Office to comment on a draft policy on hydraulic fracturing (fracking). have a moderate to significant adverse impact on the character and visual appearance of the locality.” Large housing developments have commenced in Wakefield, Normanton, and . and proposals submitted for 475 In the Yorkshire Dales National Park it was noted that the enlarged houses on greenfield land at Knottingley. all on sites adopted in area came into effect on 1st August with concern expressed as the Site Allocation Plan. The Leisure Recreation and Open Space to where the extra money is going to come from to carry out the Local Plan underwent public examination. Aimed at providing an changes. Also of concern are proposals to allow conversion of essential link between the A642 and A638, work has continued on roadside barns for housing, and the possible extension of Arcow Quarry near Horton in Ribblesdale.

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org for more area news and past issues

Once again, my thanks go to all committee members for their North Yorkshire C.C. caused much discussion over a draft idea to contributions to this important area of the RA’s work, and to Carl classify some “dead-end” ProWs as “obsolete”; quite rightly, this Richman for taking the minutes and attending to the administration. has now been dropped. The concern was over the effect it would Much of West Riding Area is not represented on this important have on the integrity of the whole PRoW network; paths have been aspect of the RA’s work in delivering its 2nd charitable object: “the in place sometimes for hundreds of years with aesthetic, historical, protection and enhancement for the benefit of the public of the economic, environmental, leisure, and utilitarian characteristics to beauty of the countryside”. If anyone in Bradford, , name but a few reasons for their continuation. The committee also Craven, Harrogate, Keighley, Lower Wharfedale, Ripon, , held the firm view that local authorities should instigate enforcement or TakeaHike is interested in this work, please contact me to remove footpath obstructions where necessary. More positive [email protected] news came when worries over Kirklees PRoW funding and resources were eased. Mike Willison, Chair National Ramblers’ documents were produced “The Ramblers: a path to follow, Our vision and Strategic Framework 2015-2025” FOOTPATHS SUB-COMMITTEE and “Renewable Energy Planning Applications”. Both were examined and supported. The West Riding Footpath Committee held four meetings during the year. The meetings were an opportunity to discuss and act A joint Footpath and Countryside committees’ objection was put on both local and national footpath issues. The experience and about three options proposed for the A65 link knowledge of committee members are invaluable when dealing road to Leeds-Bradford Airport. The countryside around Billing with PRoW problems, and complex legal matters. Group footpath Hill would be adversely affected by road noise and pollution. A officers are in regular contact with local authority PRoW teams and number of PRoW would be affected, something that was incredibly environmental organisations. They also respond to individual walker overlooked at the public consultation. reported problems as well as looking at PRoW orders for creations, diversions and extinguishments. Formal policy by both Cycling UK (formerly CTC) and the British Horse Society to campaign for the removal Looking back over the last year, the Big of the different footpath and bridleway status has Pathwatch dominated the end of 2015 right been adopted by each of these organisations. up to 31st December when 1km squares The experience This would mean that both cyclists and horse were still being completed. My view that riders could use footpaths. Bridleways only the Big Pathwatch campaign was overall and knowledge of comprise 20% of the 140,000 miles of a good mixture of successes with some PRoW in England and Wales. However, it need for further work is unchanged. committee members would be better to increase the number of The relaunch under the simpler name are invaluable when bridleways overall rather than risk spoiling Pathwatch has just begun, with walkers’ enjoyment of a peaceful and excellent media coverage not just for the dealing with PRoW carefree use of footpaths. The Lost Ways campaign, but also for walking and for project could be one way of focusing on the Ramblers. problems bridleways, particularly focusing on kilometer squares without any PRoW or in areas with very The Big Pathwatch comprehensive report and limited bridleway access. A further option would be summary can be found on the Ramblers website. to create bridleways alongside busy roads, especially Missing footpath signposts at roads was cause for dual carriageways where there is often extra land making the greatest concern. With austerity continuing to hit local this possible. Walkers, cyclists, and horse riders are mostly on the authorities and their ability to maintain public services, the Ramblers same side and it will be best to work together on our common aims. is asking everyone to help ensure the upkeep of our paths by walking them, picking up litter and carrying a pair of secateurs to clear Other footpath matters: overgrown brambles, etc. However, reporting footpath problems remains the most important action to take, along with letting your The Tadcaster “Barnardos” Inquiry into a DMMO continues. West elected representatives know about any wider concerns that impact Riding Area is supporting the Action Group. A threat to extinguish on the path network. a dead-end bridleway at Crimple Viaduct, Harrogate, has been averted. The bridleway thankfully remains a dead-end and it offers West Riding Ramblers put another motion on Lost Ways to General fine walking and views. In North Yorkshire, more than half of all Council this year to the effect that the Board of Trustees as a PRoW claims were about ploughing and cropping. matter of urgency sets up a system to help members prepare and register claims including the employment of experts. The motion Work by local authorities on their National Street Gazetteers remains is being considered by the Board. Committee members attended far from complete, leaving it difficult to access information on the Lost Ways training hosted by the British Horse Society which was wider highway network, for example, whether streets are publicly or very useful. To remind everyone: any Definitive Map Modification privately maintained. The proposed Government sell-off of the Land Order (DMMO) claim made before 2026 using historical evidence Registry has been withdrawn. The proposed Deregulation Act with for a path will go in the DMMO queue and be saved if successful. implications for PRoWs has still not been passed. Paths not claimed will be lost forever. It was sad to hear of the recent death of Jack Richardson a Definitive Maps and PRoW details can be viewed online for each dedicated former Ramblers footpath officer. I met Jack a few local authority on its PROW website except for Calderdale Council. years ago when he invited me to Ripon to look at an old footpath Calderdale is a cause for some concern in this respect. Whilst there claim near Studley Roger. Aged 96 at the time, Jack drove out to is a limited website for ProWs, there is no online Definitive Map, Plumpton Hall and explained the issues behind the long-running nor is there any obvious way to report a footpath problem by any saga. I subsequently took over his files and evidence, and a form of communication. The status of the authority’s ProW team DMMO claim is in progress. is uncertain with some of its duties being picked up by Highways. We have been joined by Spenser Watson, Footpath Officer for All possible legal avenues are being explored to ensure that local Craven Group inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pat authorities carry out their statutory duties. Ashton, Footpath Officer for Group has stood down.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Many thanks to Pat for her considerable efforts and work over Members of the sub-committee know what they have to do many years. Her contributions will be missed. Janet Whitaker from and get on with it. Many thanks to them all for their substantial the Huddersfield Group has attended recent Footpath Committee contributions to the Area’s work. The sub-committee to which meetings. I also intend to stand down as Chair and as Area they are accountable meets once or twice a year to review what is Footpath Secretary at the AGM in January. It has been a very happening, and consider any changes and new initiatives. I have enjoyable and rewarding five years and I have learned a great deal acted as “convenor” for several years to keep things together, but from my colleagues, and am heartened by both the knowledge the committee could do with a chairman who would take a more and expertise there is in our organisation to maintain our wonderful positive role and ideally also to act as Publicity Officer for West paths. The committee has continued both to support and hold Riding Area. to account local authorities in their responsibilities and duties for maintaining PRoW. Keith Wadd, Convenor

I would like to end with a quote from an editorial from The Guardian (14th November 2016): “...... as the Ramblers point out, walking SOCIAL & RAMBLES SUB-COMMITTEE is probably the best single way of promoting both physical and mental health devised”. Owing to a change in the format for entering the walks and other unforeseen circumstances, no Sunday walks have been Martin Bennett, Chair submitted by the West Riding Area in the present winter/spring Walk Programme.

PUBLICITY AND PUBLICATIONS The Social & Rambles Committee is looking for additional members to join them. Any member who is interested in joining SUB-COMMITTEE us, please contact Diane Davies on 07944809119 or email aldi. [email protected] A major success story has been the re-design of the Area A vacancy has arisen for a committee member with some website www.ramblersyorkshire.org. Have a look at it! It looks computer knowledge who would be happy to take on the good and is good. It is also accessible by mobile phone. Many responsibility for obtaining details of West Riding walks from thanks to Steve Noble for the many hours he put in to update leaders, and ensuring the details are on the website and in this valuable facility for West Riding Area. See the separate the 6 monthly Walks Programme. Walk leader names and article for further details. full information to complete this twice yearly task will be made The West Riding Rambler and the West Riding Area Walks available. Programme have continued to be produced at a high standard Terry Jacques has resigned from the committee due to other both in content and design. As editor of the content of the journal, commitments. Terry will still be leading walks for the Ramblers. I have tried to make it interesting with a good news service and We thank Terry for all he has done for the committee over the last some constructively controversial articles, and my co-editor Dave few years. Thanks also to Margaret Read for stepping in to take Pannell has enabled it always to look colourful and attractive. the Minutes for our meetings. With respect to the continuance of the West Riding Rambler there are issues that have to be faced, and these are dealt with in a Monthly Coach Rambles still remain popular. Numbers have separate article in this edition. remained fairly steady over the past year. However, we still need to increase the numbers to enable us to reduce the cost of the We have been able to have a stall at only one local show this coach fare. Members from all Groups are welcome. Over the year, the Keighley Show, our presence at this entirely because past twelve months, the Coach Rambles have taken us to Long of the enthusiasm of Keighley Group. We usually have stalls at Preston, Pendle and Clitheroe, Longshaw Country Park in the the Bingley, , and Nidderdale shows (a good spread Peak District, Austwick (with a most stunning display of bluebells across the area) and the team that has done it so enthusiastically and other wild flowers), Goathland, West Witton, Sedburgh, over recent years bluntly is unable physically to do it any longer. Hurst Green and the Wolds. Days of good walking, fabulous It would be good if the Area’s presence at shows can be scenery, and the occasional downpour. Many thanks to all the resumed in 2017, because it sends a message of what we do to walk leaders for their excellent walks. 22 members joined the protect paths and the countryside in the vicinity, and to support 2015 Christmas Coach Ramble with walks in the Dearne Valley the local walking community. Visitors to the stall sometimes seek area. 14 more members joined us later for an enjoyable meal at to discuss local path problems and other issues affecting walkers. the Wortley Hall Hotel. As always, thanks to Hilary and Val for It is also an opportunity to attract new members. Basically, at least their hard work organising the coach rambles. four people per show are needed (each to spend half day on the stall - a whole day is a really long stint!); it involves some lugging A five day coach holiday to Tenby in April was fully booked and around of boxes of books (a few usually get sold) and other items a great success. The seafront hotel served excellent food and for the stall. It is a good opportunity for local Groups to get provided varied nightly entertainment. A good selection of walks involved and publicise the many things they have achieved for was enjoyed by all. An eight day holiday to Puerto Pollensa walkers in the locality. in Majorca in early October was thoroughly enjoyed by 41 members with 9 members staying on for a second week. The No books have been published this year, but much of the hotel, food, and location were all first class. The weather did preparatory work for a revised edition of the book of the Wakefield not disappoint either (except one day of thunderstorms and Way has been carried out by Wakefield & District Group over the torrential rain) with some very hot days. Varied walks took us summer (and this has also generated good local publicity). around the island to stunning locations. Yet another successful Samantha Waddington who has been our Distribution Officer holiday. Many thanks to Hilary Bloomer for arranging these for several years is standing down after she has organised the excellent holidays. Thanks go to all members of the committee distribution of this edition of West Riding Rambler and Annual for their continued work and support. Report. Many thanks, Samantha, your valuable contribution to the Diane Davies, Chairman smooth running of the Area’s work is much appreciated.

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org for more area news and past issues

GROUP REPORTS BRADFORD GROUP North Yorkshire County Council has now Bank Farm in appreciation of the work completed the 40% cut to staff, and there done to improve our footpaths by Ken The Group Committee has met on a are now 5 access officers dealing with all Fozard, Peter Goldsmith, Len Roberts and regular basis. Chris Moore, the Group’s access and obstruction and two rangers Rodney Waddilove. Footpath Officer, reported a quiet year, who do the actual work on the ground – but nonetheless there were many planning each deals with half of the county outside The Chairman and a small group of applications and applications for diversions the National Park. Contractors can be ramblers took part in the “Escape to the to attend to. A full programme of evening employed, but the actual work that can Country” TV programme. A walk from walks has taken place in both winter be paid for is much reduced because of Pateley Bridge to Brimham Rocks was (Walks in the Dark) and summer, and budget cuts. undertaken It meant a full day’s filming that these have been followed by various social will probably be edited to 5 minutes screen events. However, figures collected over The Group’s thanks go to all walks leaders, time. The programme focused on a couple several years show that numbers taking officers and committee members for moving to the area from the Midlands who part are declining. In 2007, a combined their hard work over the past year, and hopefully will join us as members. particularly to Henry Mason (chairman), total of walkers taking part in the spring Membership is down to 276 from 299 and summer walks was 1260. The total Andrew Gold who took over as Treasurer from David Gibson and also organised (and 313 the previous year). I hope we peaked in 2011 with 1323 walkers. can reverse this at some point, or the Numbers in the last three years have been the coach rambles, newly appointed Vice Chairman and Footpath Officer (inside the number of walks we put on may decline well under a thousand, down to 613 this significantly. last year. Numbers on the walks during national park) Spencer Watson, and to David Gibson who continued in the role of winter have declined in the last four years Richard Hersey, Chairman from 621 in 2012/13 to 395 in 2015/16. Footpath Officer (outside the national park). The Group is to circulate walks details to Jeff Halden, Secretary schools to encourage younger people and HUDDERSFIELD GROUP their parents. On the publicity side, a stall will be taken at local shows. HARROGATE GROUP Huddersfield Group’s fortunate members have enjoyed another happy and successful Malcolm Pitt, Secretary The Harrogate Group has had another year across all of our varied activities. busy and productive year working to Exactly 100 walks were led by the Group protect our footpath heritage and provide CRAVEN GROUP in the 12 months from last year’s AGM to an interesting programme of walks. this year’s – a remarkable number – and, The Group has again had a full, active and Out two footpath officers have once again as Group Walks Programme Co-ordinator, successful year. Our total membership, made sure that any developments in our I would like to pay tribute to the dedication, after several years of decline, is the same area are assessed for their direct impact inventiveness and good humour of all our as last year; the number of people taking on footpaths and on the wider environment leaders. Without them, there would not be part in our walks has also been maintained through which they pass. Our thanks to a walks programme and most likely not a at last year’s high level. our footpath officers, Andrew Willoughby Group. Five new leaders graced the new programme too, and they are due a special We continued to give particular emphasis and Bernard Ellis. Bernard is standing down after many years of valuable footpath thank-you: leading a walk for the first time is to good publicity, this being a major factor never easy, especially member turnouts that in the increased participation in our work in Nidderdale, and the Group thanks him very much for his substantial are reliably on the high side. The average activities. The Group has its own website, attendance on our Sunday A walks is now and we are indebted to Linda Copeman contribution. The NYCC is holding local liaison meetings that will hopefully identify a nearly thirty, and several walks attracted who runs and maintains the website on much higher numbers. Evening walks, B our behalf. Continuing her good work strategy for improving our footpath network despite budget constraints. walks and our monthly Saturday A+ walks on the publicity front, Pam Daniels has have been well supported too. Invariably ensured that the local press, The Dalesman In addition to regular Saturday walks and people are attracted by the friendly welcome magazine, and all the TICs in our area were some shorter Thursday walks, we have they receive and the certainty of a good supplied with our walking programmes. The run five coach rambles over the summer day’s walk at a decent pace. Followed, Craven Herald continued to publish brief months, to the Peak District, the Yorkshire equally invariably, by a decent pint. snippets of information regarding our walks Coast, the Lake District, Swaledale, and and social activities. the Yorkshire Wolds. Attendances have Walks have been all over the place, from been slightly down this year with about our own lovely South Kirklees countryside The Group has again had an active and across all parts of to the year on the social scene, with coach 25 per coach and a small overall deficit of £73. We ran six coach rambles the Dales, Peak District, and (even!) Lancashire. rambles to Goathland in May and Reeth A walk around Drax Power Station proved in October. We had a very successful previous year, but five this year was more sustainable. One of the main problems surprisingly interesting, as did an excellent walking weekend based in Keswick in July, walk from Leeds City Centre. and a walk and lunch (replacing our Annual is that there is a small group of about 20 walkers who lead all the walks. For the Dinner) in early November. continued overleaf same reason, there have been a small In response to requests from some number of gaps in the weekly Saturday members, we piloted a short walk at a programme. A successful summer slower pace on the same day and from the evening meal was held at the Station same location as the longer walk. This Hotel, Birstwith, and a Christmas meal was was judged to be a success, and we plan enjoyed at the Ascot Hotel, Harrogate. A to incorporate it as a standard feature Christmas lunch is planned at the Ascot of our summer programme. This will, of Hotel this coming year. A bench has been course, mean more walks leaders! installed between North Rigton and Horn

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

Huddersfield Group members Janice Cooper, Adrian Rivett, Andrea Vokes and Eddie Vokes carry out essential path maintenance near Mills

It was sad to lose the services of Pat Ashton, which they do use. Requests for routine fantastic week in Villars in Switzerland in early our Footpaths Secretary and a good friend maintenance are usually responded to September amid Alpine landscapes of the to many in the Group, who has moved away and dealt with pretty quickly; more serious very highest order. No amount of thanks from the area. Pat’s work, not just in the problems less so, and this is where could do justice to the hard work put in by Ramblers but through a local Walkers Are members reporting problems may need Janet Whitaker, Jenni Feather and Dorothy Welcome group, was the cornerstone of to be tenacious and get local councillors Woodcock to bring these trips about. Janet some significant footpath success stories. involved. Walks leaders should also make has now stepped down as Social Secretary We thought she would be hard to replace a point of using neglected paths on walks. but we know her shoes will be most ably and so it has proved – no one has come filled by her successor, Pauline Wilson. forward to take on the role – so our plan is The Group also fed into consultation on Thanks to Lynne Broadbent, too, for again to form a sub-committee based on areas, Kirklees’s draft Local Plan, making strong arranging a popular Christmas Dinner at The with a member responsible for paths in objections to some of the proposals, Auctioneer, . each: Colne Valley, Holme Valley, Kirkburton, especially over plans to replace Bradley Golf Huddersfield, and Meltham. Course – a vital green lung – with housing; One final thing: on a very snowy walk in If you are interested in adopting one of this sadly looks to have fallen on deaf ears, November 2015 we were indebted to the thes areas, please get in touch with me on but, pleasingly, plans for the proposed services of Glossop Mountain Rescue [email protected] Farnley Country Park, an unnecessary and Team for coming to the aid of a member ill-thought out scheme in an entirely rural who suffered a broken leg in a remote At local authority level, the rights of way area, have been discarded by the council. location on Bleaklow, We are fortunate situation in Kirklees is – though not ideal indeed to have such committed people – still relatively positive. Streetscene, The Group has enjoyed four terrific holidays who give freely of their time and energy to the department which now looks after this year: a weekend in Keswick in February, help stricken walkers and others. By the footpaths among many other duties, still blessed by excellent weather; a weekend way, the member has made a full recovery has 8 rangers able to carry out practical in Moffat in July which was unfortunately and is back walking with the Group! work and 4 enforcement officers with not so blessed; a week in Braemar in the Which sort of tells its own story. powers to deal with serious offenders, Cairngorms in October with brilliant autumn colours and outstanding scenery; and a Oliver Taylor

KEIGHLEY GROUP

I wish I could begin by reporting what After much discussion over the summer it available locally. We’re just tired of banging a successful year we have had, but was agreed to close down the Group website our heads against the stone wall that our in truth it has been steady rather because of the amount of work involved and local authority has become; life’s too short! than anything else. We gained 8 new the lack of feedback from Group members, members but have lost 14 through and to use our webpage on the national I would therefore like to thank all our walks lapsed membership and resignations. website (www.ramblers.org.uk/keighley) leaders for their efforts over the last year. The Membership Secretary of our to provide basic information to interested By taking the trouble to organise walks Group, whilst accepting this reflected individuals. This is mainly because in the of such variety they are helping to keep the national trend, emphasises regularly Keighley Group most of our active members interest in Keighley Ramblers alive. So that our national policy of increasing joined the Ramblers simply for sociable thank you all for being so conscientious, fees during this period does present walking, so that is what we concentrate on. and for providing so many happy hours membership retention problems at It is the walks that attract new enquiries and rambling around our lovely countryside. Group level, especially when they are far members, and it is the walks that provide the Without you, it just wouldn’t happen. in excess of other walking group fees. atmosphere to go out and enjoy a few hours Finally, I would like to thank Tony White for Would a supermarket increase its prices in like minded company. And, despite the volunteering to organise a lovely meal out if it was losing customers because of the budgetary cut backs, which the Ramblers recently, complete with an after meal quiz. competition? can do very little to reverse, there are still Thank you Tony, it was a great night out. hundreds of miles of lovely walks open and Alex Gardner, Secretary

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org for more area news and past issues

LEEDS GROUP Mission in the centre of Leeds, with summer. We had one coach ramble dates of meetings on the Group website. this year where we offered 4 walks all The Leeds Group Committee has met four Members are warmly encouraged to come terminating in Blackpool where we had a times in the year, with considerable activity and observe proceedings with an option to meal. That was extremely popular and is between meetings. There has been a seek nomination to the committee during almost certain to be repeated more than regular and varied walks programme, and the year. once next year. committee members have been in frequent and positive contact with Public Rights of Carl Richman, Secretary On the social front, here have been Way officers from Leeds Council. Work numerous occasions where we have Peter Sweeney, Walks Co-ordinator, walked further afield and gone out for a carried out by committee members has reports that we took pride in that Leeds kept the Group solvent and efficiently run. meal afterwards and other occasions when Group would have a walk in the printed we have just gone out for a meal. The previous AGM was held at the Victory programme for every Saturday of the year. Hall, , on 21st November 2015. It This year at least a couple of Saturdays In March of this year our Group holiday was preceded as ever by a well-attended were missed, but we still had well attended was to the HF country house at local walk. At the AGM Colin Calderwood walks, sometimes two, arranged at Derwentwater in the the Lake District. In raised a matter of importance based on short notice - .perhaps a sign that we the coming year we are venturing further recent changes in farming. Dairy herds were now accept communication via email as afield, namely to Austria, during the being reduced in number because of the normal. To have a walk in the printed summer for some alpine walking. falling price of milk. It was likely that fields programme means committing oneself up to eight months in advance. Now a walk This year our footpath officer, Richard previously used for dairy herds would be Smith, has responded to over 30 turned over to crops or to beef raising. This can be arranged, advised by email and put on the website just the day before. footpath related issues and has made could lead to a rise in problems for walkers over 20 visits to the sites of the reported such as cropping and young beef cattle. People have mentioned that we only problems. All these issues have received Leeds Group walks are published in the have a few short leisurely walks and that a response – mainly to one of the three West Riding Area Walks Programme when there is a short walk it is very well local authorities in the Lower Wharfedale which is also on the West Riding and the attended. It would be ideal if we had a area. Claiming unrecorded paths will Leeds Group websites. There have been short and longer walk every week. But become an increasingly important issue planned walks near to home in the Leeds what goes in the programme is not up as we move towards 2026. Our working area and also further afield. The walks to the walks co-ordinator. It is up to the party has completed some work this year have varied in length between 5 and 10 walks leaders. If the walks co-ordinator and there are significant projects agreed miles at a leisurely pace or a faster pace. is given more short walks there will be for the future. These are waiting for the These are popular days out led by our more of them in the programme. There is local authority to get permission from the experienced leaders and are appreciated a larger turnout for shorter walks so why landowners for the work to be completed. aren’t there more leaders for short walks? by members discovering new locations. Tim Moon, Secretary Committee members have attended Another point raised is that in the past our walks were always in the afternoon. various other meetings including the Local NORTH KIRKLEES GROUP Access Forum, Leeds Park and Green Twelve noon would be the earliest start, and in the summer 1 p.m. and even 2 p.m. Spaces Forum, and extensive dialogue A good year for the Group with work The start time for all walks is at the absolute with PROW officers. Footpath and starting on footpath maintenance and two discretion of the walk leader but for summer countryside matters, as always, have been of our committee looking into the Lost 2017 we could try later starts again. important areas for focus throughout the Paths project. year. Contact with council officials takes Perhaps it would increase our numbers. place on a regular basis. Footpath and Our programme of walks for the autumn/ countryside matters can be protracted and LOWER WHARFEDALE winter and spring/summer again had a time-consuming. For instance, countryside GROUP good variety of walks and we welcomed matters included site visits for proposed some new leaders. turbine applications. Previously, the Leeds The Lower Wharfedale Group has had We had one social event this year which Group donated £1000 to Leeds Council’s another successful walking year and our was our annual Christmas Dinner, this time ProW department to put up footpath membership numbers appear to remain held at the Marsh pub in . signposts at road junctions. This was stable. The 4 mid-week walks that we match-funded. However, the Leeds area deliver each week are very well attended. Membership figures have declined again, still has many signposts missing and it I estimate that we get between 60 and 80 by 2.22% over the year in line with both has therefore been decided by the Group walkers out each week, these are mainly Area and national figures. to donate a further amount of £1500 and Lower Wharfedale group members but also have this match-funded. Signposts are quite a few regulars from other Ramblers We had to postpone our Annual Get the starting points to alerting walkers and Groups in the area. LWRamblers has over Together and AGM owing to an accident the general public to a local public footpath. 400 members but only half seem to walk our chairman had on his way back from Without signposts, often even local people with us. I would be interested to hear Israel. The new date is 17th January can be unaware of a path on their doorstep. from the other half about what they want 2017 at the Old Colonial pub in (if anything) from Lower Wharfedale Group. starting at 7.30 p.m.. There are committee vacancies for the You can email me via our website Chair and Publicity. This is an opportunity www.lowerwharfedaleramblers.co.uk Mike Church Chairman for one of our Leeds Group members to extend the work and successes of the This year we introduced some short Leeds Group. Committee meetings are evening walks during the longest days of held at 7 p.m. at the Oxford Methodist summer and intend to repeat them next

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

RIPON GROUP literature and membership forms, but with the market attracting visitors from the surrounding towns and counties north of Ripon it is not possible to know if the recruitment drive was a success.

Thanks to all the committee for their support during the year, and we look forward to an active 2017.

Daphne Barton, Chair

TAKEAHIKE

We are a very friendly Group run by the members and part of the Ramblers’ Association. The Group was formed in 2002 as a younger version of the Ramblers, but we are very much of the opinion that you are very much as young as you feel.

We have at least one walk every weekend and new members are always welcome to join us. Our walks vary, everything between 4 mile rambles to strenuous Our stand at Ripon Market long distance routes. Among the shorter in September distance rambles this year have been walks from to Harewood and a Malham circuit. Among the more The 2016 programme started with our be viewed via a link to a Flickr site, and strenuous walks were a 13 mile walk from traditional New Year’s Day Walk in the members can submit their own photos Clapham to Ingleborough via Gaping Gill, Studley Royal Deer Park followed by for inclusion through an external link. and another strenuous route was a 14 mile mulled wine at a member’s house. To Prospective members can make enquiries Emley Round, taking in Skelmanthorpe complete the festive season our festive via a dedicated membership email address. and Lepton. Many of the TakeaHike walks lunch took place in Ripon on 23rd January. have been around 10 miles, and these By the August deadline for the walks to be have included Great Whernside, Brimham included in the Area Walks Programme, we Rocks, and Beamsley Beacon. had appointed a committee member to the post of Group Walks and Events Manager, Aside from our regular weekend walks and all our winter walks were uploaded to we run evening walks. These are about the Ramblers website. 4-5 miles in length and included routes on Otley Chevin, Almscliff Crag, and Eccup Membership has not varied much this year, Reservoir. We also organise a number with the membership numbers currently of weekend walking trips away. Recent standing at 86, and sadly we lost five weekend trips have included the Lake members who passed away during the District and Snowdonia. Claire Balding with Ripon year. All members receive our quarterly Group members newsletter, either by email, or post to We have a Socials Diary which members members who have not submitted an use to organise nights out, theatre trips, and so forth. Recently there was an This year’s walking programme was well email address. Archery trip that was attended by more received by our walking members. On 5th Our Footpath Officer has been busy than 20 of our members. We also have October, the Claire Balding programme on throughout the year, with a few objections a pub meet on the first Thursday of every Radio 4, “Ramblings”, gave prominence to to DMMOs, and a number agreed. A month. This allows existing members the Group when featuring a walk emulating sub-committee has been set up to deal to catch up over a drink, but also gives the 1938 Jarrow March route through Ripon with the applications for “Lost Ways”. potential new members the chance to find to Ripley. One of our Group led the walk, out more. and made a significant contribution to the Dates and locations of our walks continue programme, Claire Balding remarked on to be submitted by our press officer to All the details of forthcoming walks how many footpaths there are in the area the Ripon Gazette and the Stockton and social events can be found on the and how good the walking must be. and Darlington Times for inclusion in TakeaHike website www.takeahike.org.uk their weekly editions. A publicity officer Our own website www.riponramblers.org. was appointed from the committee to 2017 will see us celebrating our 15th uk was set up during 2015. It went live bring some ideas forward to attract new anniversary. We plan to have a busy just before the start of 2016. It includes members to join us. We took stand space calendar to celebrate this with our information about the Group, including at Ripon Market on two Thursdays during members past, present and future. its history, Upcoming walks and events September when there was a lot of interest can be viewed via a link to the Ramblers Andrew Sneddon, Secretary shown. 48 visitors to the stand took website. Photos from our walks can

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WAKEFIELD & DISTRICT supporting this diversion at Farm WETHERBY GROUP GROUP near to the Aire and Calder Navigation as it will link up with the new footpath/ The Group held its AGM on the 30th The Wakefield Group has had another cycle track which is due to open in spring October. The chairman thanked the Walks successful walking year with the project to 2018 linking up Wakefield and Castleford Secretar, Margaret Petrie and all her re-walk the Wakefield Way being successfully along the towpath and will remove a leaders for putting on an excellent varied completed. A disadvantage of the old route footpath which has been subject to programme of 12 winter walks and 14 was the fact that it did not exclusively use obstructions over the years. There is a new summer walks, plus 9 summer evening public rights of way and so could not be development in Wakefield called City Fields walks. supported by . A new route and we have proposed new footpaths has been finalised using only rights of way around the development next to the river. The summer walks ranged widely and has been submitted to Wakefield Council We will monitor the situation as it develops. and went to places far afield including who have agreed to approach Ordnance Leyburn, Richmond, the Dales, Sutton Survey to get the route marked on the OS On the countryside front, the main focus Bank, and Welton in the Yorkshire Wolds. map. The next step is to waymark the route has been on HS2 but as the route has not Particular thanks went to Steve Wood, and it is hoped to start this next spring. We been finalised (still in consultation phase) Footpath Officer, and Allan Matthews, are in the process of putting the new route on it is difficult to say what impact it will have Website Manager and prolific walks leader. the Ramblers website, and hope to publish on footpaths in the area. Steve Wood commented that last winter’s a new book of walks based on the revised Our walks co-ordinator has continued to floods and local authority cutbacks have route. West Riding Area of the Ramblers provide a varied programme with a walk impacted on the standard of rural paths has agreed to support the book and to make every weekend of between 5 and to miles. in the area, and that local authorities funding available. The Group would like to Due probably to the publicity given to the should liaise more with local volunteer thank Wakefield Council for its help and co- Wakefield Way (we did get the first walk in groups including the RA. He said that operation with this project. the Wakefield Express) the average number Big Pathwatch will be re-launched. The The year has had its usual quota of on our walks has increased to 13. Rather Membership Secretary reported a loss of 7 footpath diversions and our footpath disappointingly, despite this publicity, our members during the year. secretary is monitoring these. Of membership has declined to 171. John Reeman, Chairman particular mention is a diversion which Derek Lowery, secretary impacts on the Wakefield Way. We are

View from Wadsworth FP67, Luddenden Dean, towards Warley Moor

HIDDEN GEMS: LUDDENDEN DEAN IN CALDERDALE I was returning from an afternoon exploring the paths on the fringe knows where the spa was let me know! There are two paths up of Moor and paused awhile to wait for the shadows cast the hillside, one turning right over a stone bridge to Throstle Bower by clouds to move past the houses at the top of the opposite where there is the graveyard of a former Wesleyan chapel with an hillside. The path goes down to the Catherine House Lane/Wood interesting memorial to orphan children who died whilst working at Lane bridleway. It is supposed to go straight across the lane to Spa Calvert’s Mill at Wainstalls. The other path turns left and crosses the Wood, but actually you have to turn left for 80m to a stile, and then stream by stepping stones which are submerged in wet weather. go down the edge of the field to another stile into the wood, then Both routes pass a ruined farmhouse at Upper Heys and lead up to turn right until you meet the path down to the stream. If anyone the path on to Warley Moor. Humphrey Bolton

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

WEST RIDING AREA ANNUAL REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2016 Final accts 16 2016 2015 £ £ £ £ Income Notes Central Office Funding 1 26,600 22,000 Net Income from Book Sales 2 392 211 Net Income from Events 3 256 256 Investment Income 4 15 15 Other Income 5 981 903 28,244 23,385 Less Expenditure Provision & Protect of Footpaths 749 685 Protection of Countryside 676 691 Public Education 605 607 Promoting Walking 6 14,295 17,710 Governance 7 - 247 Payments to Groups 3,920 20,245 4,900 24,840 Surplus/Deficit for the Year 7,999 -1,455

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th SEPTEMBER 2016

EMPLOYMENT OF CAPITAL

Current Assets Book Stock 6,345 6,576 Net pre-payments 8 1,600 1,388 Bank Balances 20,951 28,896 12,933 20,897 £ 28,896 £ 20,897

CAPITAL EMPLOYED Capital Account Balance as at 1st October 20,897 22,352 Deficit/Surplus for the Year 7,999 28,896 -1,455 20,897

£ 28,896 £ 20,897

EXAMINER'S STATEMENT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE RAMBLERS' ASSOCIATION - WEST RIDING AREA

Having carried out procedures in accordance with the Area and Group Audit Guidelines, I consider the West Riding Area accounts to have been properly prepared and to give a true and fair view of the West Riding Area's finances for the year to 30 September 2016

Signed: Stephen Dennison Date: 20 October 2016

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Page 1 NOTES TO ACCOUNTS Fin accts 16 NotesFin accts 16 Notes 1 Full year budgeted funding from Central Office 26,600

2 Net Book Sales for year 623 Stock revaluation: Opening at 1 October 2015 6,576 Closing at 30 September 2016 6,345 Cost of books sold 231 Net income from book sales 392

3 Income: Coach fares, hotel accommodation, etc 23,263 Expenditure: Coach hire, hotel accommodation, etc 23,007 Net surplus from events 256

4 Interest on Bank accounts 15 Total investment income 15

5 Various donations 768 Gift Aid payment from HMRC 213 Total Other Income 981

6 Production costs for WRR and Walks Programme Printing West Riding Rambler Magazine (WRR) 3,849 Design costs WRR 1,092 Printing Walks Programmes 2,391 7,332

Distribution costs for WRR and Walks Programme Postage 5,849 Envelopes 344 Mileage 165 6,358 Total costs for WRR & Walks Programme 13,690 Website maintenance - General administration 605 Total 14,295

7 The cost of the AGM no longer needs to be shown separately -

Pre-payments 8 Income: Coach fares, hotel accommodation, etc - Expenditure: Coach hire, hotel accommodation, etc 1,600 Net pre-payments for 2016-2017 events 1,600

West Riding Area Treasurer’s Report for 2015 - 2016 The main expenditure item during the year was for promoting The Area ended the year with more funds than expected and the funds walking. It had been anticipated at the time of making the held for the next year will be reduced to a more acceptable level. budget request for the year that a repeat of the WalkLeeds Explanation in the Notes to the Statement of Financial Affairs and Festival would take place. In the event it was not possible to the Balance Sheet give further information. These papers are arrange the Festival during 2016. This meant that the funds published in the January 2017 edition of the West Riding Rambler requested from Central Office were not used, leading to an and will be taken as read at the AGM, but allowing the opportunity unexpected surplus. Other expenditure was less than had been for matters concerning the finances to raised should any member budgeted for. wish to do so. Income apart from Central Office funding was much the same as Derrick Watt - West Riding Area treasurer. the previous year.

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

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WAKEFIELD WAY: OFFICIAL APPROVAL FOR REVISED ROUTE

Wakefield Group celebrate walking the final stage of the Wakefield Way

At the end of 2015, Wakefield & District Group discussed how best The first walk took place from the Anglers Country Park at Wintersett to promote the profile of the Ramblers in their area, and looked to the on Saturday 7th May 2016, and was covered by the local paper, the “Wakefield Way” book written by Douglas Cossar in liaison with Trevor Wakefield Express. 27 people took part. Keith Wadd and Wakefield Hiles, the Group’s footpath officer at that time. The book was published PROW Manager, Virginia Moulton, also kindly attended and joined in 2004 and described a 75 mile walk beside the entire boundary of the us on the walk. The walks were generally well attended with over 30 Wakefield Metropolitan Borough. An added feature of the book was that people on two of the walks. 16 people, including Virginia, took part it created 21 circular walks and 3 linear walks which enabled the in the final walk on 29th October. On the completion of the whole Wakefield Way to be completed as part of a number walk we enjoyed a Wakefield Way cake and refreshments of attractive local walks easily undertaken in a leisurely in the cafe at Anglers Country Park. Thanks to Squires day’s timetable. One downside of the exercise was the The Wakefield Cafe for letting us set up the cake together with a reluctance of Wakefield Council to adopt the route Group decided to display of leaflets. The prize winners were Marylin largely on the grounds that parts of the proposed route re-survey the route, Monahan who walked 91 miles, Joyce Ainsworth could not be identified as rights of way. However, since keeping as far as 71 miles and Joyce Voakes 69 miles. that time the book has proved to be the backbone of the Group’s walks programme every year, and it possible to Douglas We attended a meeting with Virginia and her team has also been the case that the local landscape has Cossar’s original in October where we agreed the route, and Virginia has agreed to put the route forward to Ordnance changed quite dramatically with the establishment of route country parks in many parts of the district. Survey to have the Wakefield Way marked on the OS map. In all, we have had three meetings with Virginia It seemed the right time to approach the Rights of Way staff and her team, and we would like to thank them for their at Wakefield Council to discuss how we might be able to secure their support and cooperation. recognition of a Wakefield Way boundary walk, having regard to the successful creation of the Barnsley Boundary Walk, the Kirklees Way, Wakefield Group is in the process of inputting the walks on to the and the Leeds Country Way in adjacent local authorities. To this end, Ramblers website and hopes to print a new book of walks based we attended a meeting with the Wakefield rights of Way staff in March on the revised route of the Wakefield Way. West Riding Area has 2016 and the authority were broadly supportive of the project. They agreed to support the book and to make funding available, and it is indicated that our Group would need to carry out the necessary work expected it will be published in early 2018. on the ground to meet their criterion of an entirely rights of way route, The revisions to the route of the Wakefield Way which have been but also stated that it would not be an obstacle where the route crossed agreed with Wakefield Council are at (in a clockwise direction): a country park for which the council had a responsibility. In the light of Notton Park (GR SE 345 130), Woolley (SE322 130), Emroyd this, the Wakefield Group decided to re-survey the route, keeping as Common ( SE 262 175), Carr Gate near JCT 41 of M1 (SE 240 305), far as possible to Douglas Cossar’s original route, but using only public Methley Bridge Farm (SE 405 255), Pontefract Racecourse (SE 445 rights of way. The Wakefield Group undertook this by walking over the 223), Thorpe Audlin (SE 480 155), (SE 490 120) (SE summer this year all the walks in the original book, modifying them 475105), Howell Wood (GR 437 095), South Hiendley (SE 400 123) where necessary. To spice up the walking it was decided to monitor the attendance on the walks and give prizes to the three people who Derek Lowery Wakefield Group walked the furthest over the summer. EDITOR OF WEST RIDING RAMBLER TO STAND DOWN I shall stand down after the July 2017 edition. There are two main successor (or successors - which might be a better idea) with every reasons for this. The first reason is that I continue to think that the help and support to ensure a smooth transition. I also wish to say that it West Riding Rambler provides a valuable service. The second is that I has been a pleasure to work with my co-editor, Dave Pannell, who has turned eighty a few months ago, there is no replacement for me, and transformed the design and appearance of the West Riding Rambler no back-up of any sort. It is important that the journal is kept going and I’m pleased to say Dave and his team at The Design Mechanics after me and its future made secure. My standing down provides an are happy to continue their excellent design work. opportunity for this to happen. I’ve very much enjoyed co-editing the West Riding Rambler, and my decision to stand down is taken with If you might be interested in taking over from me, please feel welcome many regrets and misgivings, but I feel it is the right one. I‘ll provide my to discuss it with me at [email protected] Keith Wadd

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