The Association. PO Box 1065, , BD1 9JY. [email protected] www.dalesway.org.uk Newsletter Number 40 Autumn 2011

Editorial

It has always been one of the aims of the Dales Way Association to eliminate road-walking as far as possible from the route of the Dales Way. One short section of minor, but busy road has exercised our minds for many years, the stretch from Sprint Bridge to Hall Lane, which leads into Burneside. The obvious solution would be a footpath over the wall on the south side of the road and parallel to it. In 2006 an attempt was made to create such a footpath, but nothing came of it. In 2010 County Council started another initiative, but again, fifteen months later, no progress had been made.

In August of this year the Association requested the help of Chris Holland, District Councillor. He responded within 48 hours and progress since then has been rapid. The land is owned by the Cropper Estate (Croppers also own the paper mill in Burneside). Chris has already had a meeting with Mr Cropper, who is sympathetic to our request, but he has not yet spoken to the tenant farmer at Burneside Hall, whose agreement would also be necessary. Chris and committee member Donald Holland have walked the proposed path in order to assess the cost of the gates and stiles required. The Dales Way Association has agreed to contribute to these costs and we thank Chris for his help and enthusiasm in moving to solve a 40 year old problem.

Chris Holland, District Councillor South Lakeland has been asked to bring the dangerous traffic situation on Sprint Bridge Road, back into focus.

Dales Way Association AGM 2012

In October 2012 the AGM will be held in where the excellent train and bus services will make it easier for members and guests to attend. A buffet lunch will be available from 12 noon and the meeting will start at 1pm. We hope that some of our accommodation providers will attend who will be warmly welcomed. More details will be published in the 2012 Autumn Newsletter.

Minutes of the 19th Annual General Meeting of the Dales Way Association Held on 21st May 2011 at Linton Village Hall, Linton in at 2.00pm

Present; Colin Speakman (Chair), Alex McManus (Footpath Officer), Don Holliday, (Cumbria Representative), Tony Grogan (Committee member). Chris Grogan (), Alan Sutcliffe (Ilkley), Michael O’Donnell (), Richard and Margaret Addyman (Leominster).

Apologies; Frank Sanderson (President), Douglas Cossar (Vice Chairman and Handbook Editor), Carol Crossland (Treasurer and Membership Secretary), Chris Musson (Webmaster), Nikki Trask (Accommodation Provider Representative).

Minutes of the last AGM 22nd May 2010 at Linton in Craven.

These were proposed and seconded as a correct record.

Introduction

Colin opened the meeting, apologising for the lack of numbers which now appear to be the general trend for the AGM. He thought that the past year had been good, with high levels of energy and enthusiasm from the committee. He gave a special thanks to Carol for her work in controlling the transfer of the standing orders to the new subscriptions, also to Alex on a balanced readable Newsletter. Chris was also congratulated on his initiative with the prospect of moving the web page forward to independence.

Highlights of the year were, the opening of the new Harrogate Link route to Ilkley last July. The walk was organised by The Ramblers and had over 40 walkers traversing the route in glorious weather. It was enjoyed by everyone who participated and was well reported, giving valuable publicity all round.

On May 2nd this year we had an organised walk to appraise the watershed Alternative Route from Cam Houses to Newby Head and the Upper Dentdale High Level alternative around Wold and Great Knoutberry Fell. The walk was attended by 6 walkers but did not detract from the enjoyment on a brilliant sunny day, albeit with a keen wind.

A 10 minute slide show was shown prior to the start of the meeting to acquaint those present of the route, and illustrate what a splendid alternative it could be in appropriate weather.

Membership and income for the year were noted and considered acceptable.

Treasurer & Membership Secretary’s Report

Accounts to 31 March 2011

The Accounts show a small surplus of £287, in comparison to the £873 shortfall in 2010.

Subscriptions receipts have increased, due to some extent to the increase in the membership fee.

The amount received in donations is again pleasing at £935 for the year.

Newsletter costs have been reduced which reflects the revised efficient format of the publication, the content of which is informative and relevant.

Postage remains the highest expenditure and it is increasingly difficult to keep up with the rising costs.

It is generally felt that due to proposed funding cuts, we may be asked to contribute further to the National Parks in order to maintain signage etc; our current financial position means that we would be able to support this within reason.

Membership Update

43 new members joined in the year to 31 March 2011. Membership currently stands at 425, following the usual audit, and removing any members who have not paid within the three months grace.

My main focus over the last year has been to manage the transition of the increased subscription fee for our members. Membership renewal reminders letters incorporated the new subscription level and cheques received as a result have reflected the new level.

For members who pay by bankers order (217 in total) the transition has been more difficult as new standing orders were needed for the new amount, which entailed increased administration. However the results have been good with 77% of payments made coming through at the correct level or above. As with any change there are anomalies, and I will continue to focus on this area during the coming year in order to bring payments up to the correct level.

Carol Crossland. Treasurer & Membership Secretary.

Web Masters report

Following on from the last committee meeting, I have had a few words with a friend of mine who runs a media company, and he has agreed to look after the web site for us. This means that we will be in total control and have a method to alter this ourselves. Each committee member will have a password and access to their relevant part of the Web Site.

This being the case, because the website has been transferred across no updates can be done to it at the moment, with the exception of the ‘News’.

Due to the Web Site being copied across there are no Stats this time, hopefully normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

I think this is a step forward in the right direction. Members should continue to send any information to me.

Chris Musson. Webmaster.

Footpath Officers Report

Following on from the last AGM

1. Cleabarrow.

The permissive path over the wall, alongside the B5284 re-opened, apart from the last 10 metres, which now enters the road on hard standing before proceeding up the lane.

2. Little Town Forest Plantation.

The trees have been cut down and dragged away and replanting work has been completed. The intention is to create a broadleaved woodland typical of the area – with Ash and Oak as the dominant species plus a variety of shrubby types – Birch, Blackthorn, Rowan etc. 3. YDNPA.

The proposed footbridge over Crosdale Beck, near the Lune Viaduct is still on course to be constructed later this year. The Dales Way Association has offered an appropriate donation.

4. The meeting with CCC Countryside Access Team and Burneside Parish Council representatives to discuss Sprint Bridge Road took place. This is still ongoing but the prospect of a footpath off the Sprint Bridge Road is very remote.

In General

Very few complaints had been received as a result of the improved waymarking now in place. Due to the proposed spending cuts the DWA may need to become more involved in the maintenance of the paths and be asked to provide financial support to the National Parks for waymarking, broken stiles etc.

The LDNPA has requested a contribution to the cost of a finger post at the BOAT junction at Cleabarrow. £150 had been agreed, when it has been erected.

Reorganisation of the various authorities

Internal movements of personnel are obviously taking place, suffice to say, we still have an individual we can call on to resolve any problems over the whole footpath.

LDNP and CCC areas

I think the Association needs to be aware as to how fortunate we are to have a committee member who can and does, report and help to resolve problems, west of the M6. Donald Holliday whom I have worked with for several years now, is our Cumbria Footpath representative.

Newsletter

The Spring Newsletter was produced, printed and sent out in April 2011 on schedule. 16 sides including cover and photographs at a reduced cost. Next issue No 40 Autumn 2011 will be despatched in early October 2011. Contributions to the Newsletter are always welcome. Despite the increasing costs of postage I think that 2 issues per year should be continued.

Alex McManus. Footpaths and News Editor.

Handbook

It was agreed that the Handbook was an excellent production and should continue in its present form.

Some anomalies in the accommodation section of the handbook had to be rectified with amendments posted in the Newsletter. A separate sheet was inserted into all remaining Handbooks before despatch to intending members. Some form of check in this section needs to be in place for the next Handbook.

Election of Officers and Committee

It was proposed by Richard Addyman and seconded by Michael O’Donnel that the following officers and Committee members should be elected en bloc:

President: Frank Sanderson Chairman: Colin Speakman Vice Chairman & Handbook Editor: Douglas Cossar Hon Treasurer and Membership Secretary: Carol Crossland Footpaths Officer and Newsletter editor: Alex McManus Web Master: Chris Musson Accommodation Providers Representative: Nikki Trask. Committee member and Cumbria Representative: Don Holliday Committee Member: Tony Grogan Committee Secretary: Vacant at present.

DALES WAY ASSOCIATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the year ended 31st March 2011

2011 2010

INCOME

Subscriptions 2,300 1,894 Donations 935 1,032 Bank Interest 10 12 Retail Sales 303 434 Less Cost of Goods Sold 55 248 84 350

3,493 3,288 EXPENDITURE

Anniversary walks - 570 Newsletter 648 1,050 Dales Way Expenditure - 17 Members Handbooks 447 293 Travelling Expenses 289 275 Postage & Stationery 1,135 1,326 Bank Charges 80 - Room hire 53 137 Subscriptions & Donations Paid 100 51 Accountancy 241 230 Web Site 213 3,206 212 4,161

EXCESS (SHORTFALL) OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE £ 287 £ (873)

BALANCE SHEET

at 31st March 2011

CURRENT ASSETS 2011 2010

Stock 325 25 Bank 11,229 11,242

£ 11,554 £ 11,267 REPRESENTED BY:

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

Balance at 1st April 2010 11,267 12,140 Excess (Shortfall) of Income over Expenditure 287 (873)

£ 11,554 £ 11,267 We have prepared, without audit, the accounts set out on this page from the financial records, information and explanations supplied.

3 Central Street HALIFAX SUTCLIFFE & RILEY Chartered Accountant Any Other Business

1. Dales Way Seat. It was noted that the President had organised the repairs to the damaged Dales Way Seat at Bowness. Don Holliday reported on what an excellent job had been done and what an effective repair had been made.

2. In the light of the poor attendance, the question as to when and where the next AGM should be held needs to be addressed by the committee. The date and venue could be crucial if we want to increase the numbers attending.

3. Colin distributed a leaflet of the new bus service between station – Dent – – Kendal. The Dent Explorer Bus 564A will run on Saturday until at least 15th October. It will run in conjunction with the timetable of the Leeds to Carlisle train opening up the area to walkers with the opportunity of transport to take them back home.

4. The Watershed alternative walk was discussed and the map and corresponding text will be added to the Autumn Newsletter.

5. Another publicised walk will take place in mid to late October, to be advertised in the Newsletter and on the Website. It is intended to walk the Bradford to Ilkley link with more details later nearer the date.

The Chairman thanked all those who had attended before closing the meeting at 3.30pm

* * * May Day walk. May 2nd 2011

On the 2nd of May, 4 members of the Dales Way committee and 3 Dales Way Association members turned up for the advertised May Day walk, alighting at 10.16 at Dent Station from the Leeds – Carlisle train. An enjoyable experience in itself.

In brilliant sunshine and a gusty wind we set off up the old Coal Road. After a mile, at Galloway Gate, as we paused for a breather, those of us who had known and worked with David Smith, our founder member and former General Secretary, gave him a silent thought.

Into the wind we enjoyed the splendid views from the bridle way which contours the slope of Great Knoutberry Fell. Arten Gill viaduct eventually came into view in the valley below, majestic if you were beneath the arches, but from here looking like an expensive addition to the Hornby train layout of many years ago.

As we neared the head of Arten Gill we sheltered behind the stone wall as sheep do, and enjoyed either a late tea break or an early lunch, depending on your eating habits.

Sun cream was applied. Who needs the Costa del Sol?

The bridle way swept away from the sheep pen and information board at the head of the glen and headed up the eastern side of Wold Fell. The gradient is not daunting but the wind made walking and talking a little bit difficult. We eventually viewed the B6255 – Ribbleshead road below us on the left, and began the gradual green lane descent to Newby Head Gate. This was the last opportunity for a bale out back to the Sportsman’s Inn and Dent station, but there were no takers. We set off up the new Pennine Bridle Way to Cold Keld Gate the scenery unfolding as we moved up the incline. The keen wind in our faces enabled frequent pauses to enjoy it, and catch a breath.

At Cold Keld Gate, on the old Cam Highway, also the entrance to Cam Farm, there was a convenient wrap around dry stonewall at the entrance gate. We then had our late lunch. We were also on schedule to catch the 17.42 train back to Leeds.

As we saddled up we were surprised at how the wind had acquired an extra edge. Like the proverbial boy scouts [and guides] we were prepared and suitable gear was donned. It was now “down hill all the way,”

The wind was now behind us, still chill, and pushed us down the old Cam Road with its spectacular scenery. All the 3 peaks plus Ribbleshead Viaduct, with the appropriate surrounding scenery.

We blew into the Railway Inn with an hour to spare to have a glass of wine, a pint of beer, a mineral water and a cup of tea, each to our own individual tastes, and a good old chat and laugh.

This had been a cracking day. Fantastic views, weather, 14 miles with no training and we did it with no blisters or injuries or dropouts.

If the weather suites you, this is a very enjoyable alternative walk to this section of the Dales Way.

The Way

I have never seen a film revue in the Newsletter before but there is always a first time. In May of this year the film The Way was released. The “way” is The Camino de Santiago, also known as The way of Saint James. It was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago and it is worth going to see it for that alone. Starring Martin Sheen and directed by Emilio Estevez it is a moving and humorous account of a father’s journey along the way after he has collected the remains of his son, who was killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the way.

* * * *

See it if you can at the cinema for full visual effect. Or get the DVD for a Christmas present.

Telegraph & Argus, Saturday 2 April 2011 Dales Scouts are reunited.

Schoolboys who made inaugural trip in 1969 meet up with Colin Speakman. By Amanda Greaves, T&A Reporter

Schoolboys who battled through heavy rain to try out the fledgling long distance Dales Way walk have been reunited more than 40 years after the original hike.

Former members of the Bradford Grammar School Venture Scouts party, which first tested out the 70-plus mile trek, met walk creator Colin Speakman in Ilkley to retrace their footsteps over the first stage of the “People’s Path”.

But the nine venture Scouts and three teachers were the guinea-pigs for what has become one of ’s most walked paths, completing all of the mainly riverside route in three-and-a-half days.

Former economics teacher Peter Kewley, along with former Bradford Grammer pupils Mike Crafer, John Foster and Steve Kerry, met Mr Speakman at the starting point of the walk, next to Ilkley’s Old Bridge, to walk the section from Ilkley to .

While waterproofs were a must for the reunited walkers, the rain on the day did not match the downpour the Scouts were faced with on their first walk in 1969.

* Colin Speakman’s Dales Way: the Complete Guide, featuring maps and additional link routes, is published by Skyware Ltd, of Shipley, priced £9.99. Blazing a trail to Windermere.

JOHN HEWITT SETS THE SCENE OF A PIONEERING 73 MILE TREK

Trudging painfully on blistered feet, a party of ten exultantly stumbled into Bowness in the last Saturday. Behind them were three and a half days walking and the 73 miles of the Dales Way. They were the first people officially to complete this proposed long-distance footpath which stretches from Ilkley to Bowness.

With two of their number having dropped out at Sedbergh they were the “survivors” of a party of nine Bradford Grammar School Venture Scouts and three masters who set out last Wednesday to check the Dales Way route for the West Riding branch of the Ramblers’ Association, which hopes that it will become the lowland equivalent of the .

The Ramblers’ Association was well aware that certain access agreements would have to be negotiated before the footpath became a continuous one, and before the Scouts ever had set foot on the turf they were warned by a landowner to keep off one section, near .

At Buckden a farm labourer “gently directed” them to another footpath, which diverted them from their route. But the only road walking was the few miles between Conistone and Kettlewell and beside the stream at Dent.

The first part of the route runs alongside the Wharfe to beyond , and then over waterlogged Cam Fell to Dent. It was here that they hit their worst weather: first a downpour, then mist which hampered their progress along the zig-zag field paths towards Kendal.

What did the boys think of the route? “It was very much worth while. The scenery was marvellous” said 17-year-old Stephen Kerry of Rawdon. “But it would be better done in four or five days. There are plenty of farmhouses at which you can spend the night.”

“An excellent route,” added Michael Crafer (18), of Otley Road, , “but the section before Kendal is not very interesting and could be improved. Three-and-a-half days was too short a time to do it in. It is not difficult walking, but it is distance rather than effort. I would advise people walking it to choose better weather and to take longer about it than we did.”

They will now submit a detailed report to the Ramblers’ Association and to their school. And their next job for the RA: Walking footpaths in Bradford, and helping with the registration of common land in the Dales.

IN THIS DAY-TO-DAY LOG STEPHEN KERRY AND MICHAEL CRAFER TELL THE STORY OF THE 73 MILE HIKE, EXTENDED BY DIVERSIONS TO OVER 80 MILES. STEPHEN KERRY DESCRIBES THE FIRST TWO STAGES.

DAY ONE.

It was 8.30 a.m. when we left Ilkley railway station, but another half-hour passed before we could shake off the last of the photographers. Then, in bright sunshine, we walked along the banks of the Wharfe to Addingham, in the company of Mr. Colin Speakman of the Ramblers’ Association.

As there is as yet no footpath along the riverbank between Addingham and Bolton Bridge we were forced to make our first diversion – over Haw Pike and then descending steeply to Bolton Bridge. To our surprise we found that our short walk of 5½ miles had taken us over 1½ hours.

Resisting the temptation to leap the rushing waters of the Strid, we pressed on and enjoyed a well deserved lunch break at Burnsall at 1.50 p.m. We had covered 12½ miles.

When we left we were glad of the cooling breeze which had sprung up, but it became stronger and as we tackled the steep climb up to there were a good number among us ready quietly to curse it. We were glad to sink into the seats of a teashop in the village, even though it was agony to get up again afterwards.

The small village of Kettlewell, built below , was a pleasant sight. Waiting for us at the youth hostel there, was the “Telegraph and Argus” photographer, but I’m afraid we could muster up very little cheerfulness for him. I must admit we were disappointed that we had missed the Yorkshire TV cameras. And we were totally speechless when we learned they had arrived to film us – at 3 p.m.! Not even the most optimistic of us had imagined we could have covered the 25 miles in that time!

DAY TWO.

Ten hours of sleep, we discovered, had not cured our stiffness, aches and blisters. To add to our miseries, the weather had taken a turn for the worse and there was rain and mist. In drizzle we continued northwards. At least it softened the ground for our feet.

Shortly after passing Buckden a farm labourer politely informed us we were on the wrong path. However his dog wasn’t deterred by our supposed trespassing and cheerfully followed us up to where we stopped for a break. The rain, to our delight, stopped too.

It was slow progress on our long, hard climb up to Cam Houses, where we were hampered by clinging mud, but our labours were not without reward when we joined the Pennine Way at the top of Cam Fell at 4.15 p.m. Before us was a wonderful panorama of the snowcapped Yorkshire Three Peaks – , Pen-y-ghent and and the deep valley of Chase.

We had noticed before that the Wharfe was full, with traces of the previous week’s flooding, and when we dropped down to Gearstones Lodge we discovered that the ford was too deep to wade and the bridge had been washed away. We had to walk up the Ribble and cross by what was probably a small farm bridge. We were near exhaustion when we reached Whernside Manor, the National Scout Caving Activities Centre at Dent, at 8.15 p.m. I had stomach trouble that evening and had to drop out at Sedbergh next morning. It was surprising to discover how our fame had spread. From the four lifts I had as I hitched back home, three of the drivers had heard of our walk.

DAY THREE.

THE STORY IS TAKEN UP BY MICHAEL CRAFER.

It was pouring down when we left the Caving Centre at 8.45 a.m. and spirits were at rock bottom. It is a bad time to hit weather like this. We had a quick 1½ mile walk into Dent Village where we had a welcome breakfast of bacon and eggs. Then out into the rain.

After saying “goodbye” to Stephen Kerry and Richard Ogden, who also had to drop out, we continued on a boggy footpath beside the riverside. The river was in flood and we had to jump a number of small streams or spend time seeking footbridges. The weather was still grim, raining on and off.

Until we reached Luneside, we had trouble finding the way through the fields, and here the local farmers were very helpful. One gave us a drink of water (we passed four or five beakers among the party) for which we were very grateful.

Then came the mist: it was so thick we could hardly see anything, and of course, it completely ruined the view. From Sedbergh to Beckfoot was very slow going. Eventually we hit the motorway. It is in the process of being built and will eventually have a footbridge spanning it, but we were faced with a sea of mud.

We diverted, reached the road, and as luck would have it got a lift into Kendal in one of the contractor’s Landrovers which managed to take six of us. The three masters and Tim Wonter-Smith, who were the fittest of us, set off to walk to Kendal Youth Hostel where we were spending the night.

DAY FOUR.

Our last day, or rather half day’s walking began with large driving hailstones, sleet and rain. But beyond Staveley Bridge the weather brightened up and we made better progress than we had done for quite a while. From the high ground we could see the Lake District peaks, covered with snow, which made the view fantastic, and particularly welcome after the fog.

We were all pretty tired as we approached Bowness. Mike Simms’ leg had been giving him trouble for some time and he was flagging. He did very well to finish the walk. The ground rose and fell and we couldn’t see much ahead of us. Tim Wonter- Smith was in front and suddenly he shouted “Water – It’s the lake. We’re there!”

We were in high spirits. We had completed the walk in time for the 4 p.m. train back home, and had kept to the route very accurately. We forgot our stiff muscles and blisters and stepped out for the last hundred yards or so. We had done it!!

(Photo shows the BGS Venture Scouts at Ilkley railway station, before they set off. Posted on the Old web page Feb 2011).

Members of the Dales Way party were: Michael Crafer (18), Robin Fozard (17), Stephen Kerry (17), John Foster (18), Tim Priestley (17), Richard Ogden (16), Peter Graham (16), Tim Wonter-Smith (18), Mike Simms (19), Mr. Jim Jones, Mr. Peter Kewlay, and Mr. M. S. Greenwood.

Article supplied by Tony Grogan.

* * *

Walkers Comments and requests for Certificates and Badges.

Graham and Carla with 6 friends started in Ilkley on Saturday 28th May and finished on Saturday 4th June. The last 5 nights they stayed at the Barbon Inn in Barbon, which they wholeheartedly recommend. The weather varied from cold and windy at Cam End with sweltering hot weather nearing Burneside. They stopped at the cottage prior to Moresdale Hall where they enjoyed their refreshments in the front garden “at a very reasonable price.” They thought that the Dales Way was well signposted, most of the time, and with the Cicerone Guide by Terry Marsh, didn’t really go wrong. Based at Barbon to walk the Dales Way apparently did not cause a problem, except; “we asked a taxi driver in Sedbergh to drop us off at Hole House Farm, where we had ended the previous day. He assured us he knew where it was, but we ended up at Lowgill Viaduct via Crook of Lune Bridge with ½ inch to spare either side of the taxi. We managed to fit the missing bit in, to enjoy the beautiful stretch along the Lune.”

Rachel, Iris 8 years old and parents both 64 years old, from Chester, completed the walk in July. Iris raised over £200 for Claire House Children’s Hospice in the North West, making the family very proud. Rachel continues, “We stayed in accommodation listed in the Handbook and were very impressed with the standard. Overall the walk was very well signposted and maintained. We just had one moment in a pine plantation before going over Cam houses that was poorly marked. A lot of trees had blown over making the route very difficult to follow and walk. We ended up at least a mile off the route.”

Emma and daughter Lorna report; “I have just got back from walking the Dales Way with my daughter and wanted to order certificates for her. She is 11 years old. We walked the route from Ilkley to Bowness in 5 days and camped every night, except the first [we live at Linton Falls!] We carried our tent and all our equipment, half each, and she was brilliant! She smiled [nearly] all the way and pushed me when the going got tough. She even overcame her fears of cows to walk through a gate surrounded by cows, calves and a bull! I know I am biased but I don’t think that many 11 year olds would have the strength of character to complete such a walk with a heavy pack.”

John and Malcolm walked the walk from Sunday to Sunday 10th to 17th July and say, “We found the way marks to be a great help and had no problem with route finding. Our itinerary involved stops at Appletreewick, Kettlewell, Low Raisgill, , Dent, Thwaite, Burneside, and Bowness.

We met 5 Australians, 1 Swede, 2 Danes and numerous British from all over the country. 6 days sunshine and the last 2 days heavy showers in the morning, bright in the afternoon. We encountered 3 bulls, no problem with 2 of them. A charollais bull in a field with cows and calves was on a path in a field shortly before reaching the Crook of Lune Bridge. He saw us and started to advance. My colleague who was a farmer advised us to retreat, which we did. Eventually it moved . . .and we continued our walk. We also encountered a Shorthorn bull going through Swarthghyll Farm. We had to walk close to it but it ignored us.” John is a member of the DW Association.

Linda Brear and her sister Sylvia Jowett.

We completed the Dales Way over the week end of 20th – 22nd August 2011, walking the final 50 miles from Beckermonds to Bowness. The first 30 miles had been completed in day walks in 2010. The weather was kind and the views from Cam High Road were brilliant. We took the highly recommended route from Cam Houses to Newby Head, the bridleway was good underfoot and the views were great. [My italics. Ed] Our first night was spent in Dent. On the second day we walked to Moresdale Barn The final day we walked to Bowness in brilliant sunshine. We visited Burneside at mid-day to use the facilities which were hard to find as they are located in the church with the post office. It may help other walkers if this fact was noted in the Handbook on page 14. [Noted] The only unpleasant path on the walk was after taking the green lane to Shaw End. . . .the enclosed narrow path descending to the road at Patton Bridge. This path was well overgrown with nettles head high, we both suffered numerous stings. (CCC were contacted and the path was promised to be cut week commencing 19th September). What a marvellous journey we had. Your handbook is brilliant and I shall certainly recommend it.

Donald Holiday and son.

Donald and his son walked the footpath t’other way from the 1st of June. To help West to East walkers who are in the minority this way, his schedule was as follows. To Grayrigg Foot 14 miles, Sedbergh 12, Cowgill 10, Hubberholme 15, a long day. Grassington 12, Addingham 13, Saltaire 11 and train home. [His mileages].

The weather was predictable. Sunburnt in the Lune valley and hailstones at Gearstones. He complains of lack of waymarking in villages such as Millthrop and Kettlewell. The section between Crook of Lune and Sedbergh is also hard to follow from a Westerly direction.

The dangerous road walking between Bolton Abbey and Addingham came in for the usual criticism, with the added rider that “at least the drivers on Sprint Bridge road slow down.” Despite that they has a wonderful time.

* * *

Bulls along the Dales Way.

The Dales Way Association has never had an incident with a bull along the footpath. We all know that bulls are dangerous, and caution should be taken at all times.

Known Bulls are as follows.

Swarthghyll Farm. Freya Hart has a small herd of Northern Dairy Shorthorns. The bull answers to JR. There is also a pure white cow called Queenie.

Luneside Farm. Mr Thaxton, whose family have had the farm for generations, has a charollais bull. Mr Thaxtons fields are after High Oaks and up to Lincolns Inn Bridge. His herd could be in any one of these fields. The bull is called Davie and is “as quiet as a lamb” he told me. He also added that you should be more cautious with cows who have their calves with them.

Bramaskew. The field below the green lane that leads up to Bramaskew has a fine brown bull with a cow and a calf when I met him on 20th May this year. As a point of interest, and reassurance, I met 27 walkers that day walking from Lincoln’s Inn Bridge to Lakethwaite Farm, and back. Doing a walk each way you tend to meet everyone who was on the footpath that day. All were fine and had had no problems with any of the animals.

Near Crook of Lune Farm. The path here leaves the river bank and climbs to follow the hedge/wall on the right. Looking down the rather steep bank, you can see the large field and curve of the River Lune. A large herd of charollais cattle sometime graze there with his Majesty. I have always seen them, and him, at this distance. Further to the above.

Emphasising what Mr Thaxton said, it was reported in the Daily Express on 3rd September that a 61 year old woman was trampled to death by cows as she walked through a field just yards from her home. She was cornered by the herd of 20 on her regular morning walk at Radyr, a village near Cardiff. Police believe her dog’s bark may have spooked the cows who were guarding their calves. Another 63 year old lady was trampled by cows 2 years ago in a field 2 miles away.

In the Sunday Times 4th September in his usual purple prose, Rod Liddle reported that the traditional placid and affable British Friesian cows are being phased out and replaced by borderline psychotic animals from France. These creatures – limousin and charollais breeds – have a tendency to attack dogs out for a walk and are not too keen on two legged species. This information comes from a former vice-president of the National Farmers Union of . Brian Jones, who said that the French cows were “more temperamental” and “highly strung.”

Let us hope it is only happening in Wales

We will always have to walk in fields inhabited by cows and the occasional bull, but we should not be deterred by the infrequent tragic accidents we hear about. However, common sense and caution should be used at all times.

* * *

The start of the Dales Way Bradford Link

Bradford Dales Way Link walk.

Saturday 15 October 2011. 10.00 a.m. Cathedral Gates, Bradford ; 12.30 p.m. Victoria Hall, Saltaire.

Members of the DWA are invited to join a walk on the Bradford Dales Way Link, from Bradford Centre via Saltaire to Ilkley.

This is a full day’s walk of 13 miles (20 km), moderately strenuous, with an option to join the walk at Saltaire for the second part only.

The first part is a mixture of gritty, urban, inner-city walking with some surprising green corridors, following the line of via Bolton Woods to Shipley, joining the Leeds- canal at Shipley and on to Saltaire. Distance: 5½ miles.

The second part climbs steeply up through the rural outskirts of Saltaire on a high- level traverse of , finishing with a steep rocky descent from to into Ilkley. Distance: 7½ miles.

Meet for the full days walk at the gates at Forster Square, Bradford, at 9.50 a.m. for a prompt start at 10 a.m. It is a 10 minute walk from Bradford Forster Square railway station – Leave the front of the station and head east for Valley Rd, turning right to pass the Postal Sorting Office and crossing to Forster Square, to the gates near to the gent’s barbers at the bottom of Bolton Rd.

Meet for the second part of the walk at Victoria Hall, Saltaire, 12.20 p.m. for a prompt 12.30 p.m. start. It’s a 5 minute walk up from Saltaire railway station to Victoria Hall – the large hall guarded by lions. We will be joined by Friends of A , who are walking the first section of that walk from Saltaire to Ilkley, as the two routes are very similar. We will retire to the Bar t’at pub in Ilkley where food and drinks can be purchased.

Tony Grogan. Walk leader.

YDNPA

The bridge over Crosdale Beck.

The Dales Way Association is making a contribution to the cost of this project which will be built by the end of September.

Annual Liaison Meeting

A meeting takes place each year between officers of the YDNPA and Dales Way Association committee members. This has been going on for several years now and is appreciated by the Association and an excellent rapport continues between us. This years meeting takes place at their headquarters in Grassington on October 4th. The signs at present are that the team that the Association works with will continue to be available in the near future. Other Areas

The Lake District National Park Authority seems to have worked through their reorganisation and we have a contact who looks after our interests. He was responsible for restoring the finger post at the BOAT junction.

Cumbria County Council are in the midst of their reorganisation, but we still have someone to call on if necessary.

In any reorganisation, there is a lot of uncertainty. Maybe at some time in the future when the dust has settled we will be informed of the new structures.

Footpath

It has been a good walking season for me, and the Dales Way footpath. I have walked from Buckden to Bowness [and back] in sections, apart from the last leg from Burneside where I got the train back. Most of the walks were in good weather, which enabled me to take more photographs of the western half of the footpath to add balance to the latest DVD.

Several damaged way marks were replaced, branches, brambles etc cleared from the footpath and finger posts. I also called on some accommodation providers to chat and leave surplus Handbooks, Newsletters and DVD leaflets. All of them seemed pleased to see me, as a representative of the Dales Way Association. We have since had a letter from a walker, with one of her remarks, “your Newsletters in some of the B and B’s were very useful and interesting.”

The big advantage of doing a section in both directions is that you meet almost everyone who is walking the footpath on that particular day. What struck me on these days out were the wonderful folk doing the walk. Lovely people, friendly, amusing and very interested when they saw my badge to hear more about the Dales Way Association. At first I was surprised that none of the walkers I spoke to were members of the Association, but then logic clicks in. We have over 400 members, who have in all probability done the walk, so the odds of meeting one of them doing it again on my journeys are quite remote.

I walked the Bradford Link on the 11th August with Tony, who is leading the advertised walk on October 10th

Committee Comments

Letter from Jeremy and Pam Sutcliffe who have offered a copse opposite Studley Garth [Upper Dentdale] 700 metres after you pass under the Dent Head Viaduct, as a picnic stop for Dales Way walkers. The Association has offered to contribute to the cost of a stile and supply a notice to tell walkers they can use it. It is called “Poppy Wood” after their granddaughter. We thank them for their generous gesture.

The web page is still under development.

Our membership is declining and steps are to be taken using the web page and we hope, cooperation with our accommodation providers.

We are also working to fill the vacancy left by Nikki Trask who has resigned due to pressure of work. The Association thanked her for her work in the past. Keeping accommodation information up to date and liasing with the providers is a very big job. We will be asking in the near future if the providers will agree to display extra newsletters and membership application forms at appropriate places in their establishments It was reiterated that the Dales Way Association was completely neutral regarding the standard of the accommodation listed in the Handbook, unless we are asked to look at serious problem. No information that suggests it is criticising or recommending a specific accommodation should be printed in the Newsletter. Walkers should be encouraged to share their views about accommodation etc with others on the Dales Way face book page. The Dales Way Association will obviously observe the comments, but will not become involved.

For clarification, prices in the Handbook are per person and not for the room.

The YDNP want to sell the Sedbergh Information Centre. The Sedbergh Parish Council wish to purchase this and the Dales Way Association supports their case. If you feel this is the correct course of action contact the YDNPA and say so.

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The new finger post at the BOAT junction at Cleabarrow. The Dales Way Association paid for this.

New updated DVD “A Taste of the Dales Way”

Brought up to date in July 2011 the new DVD has 472 images and lasts for 38 minutes. It includes the proposed Watershed Alternative over Cam Fell and Great Knoutberry down to Lea Yeat. This DVD will enable you and your party get a glimpse of what lies ahead along the Dales Way footpath and add to your expectations for the trip. After your adventure another viewing will rekindle the memories.

Produced by members of the Dales Way Association, it is a slide show of over 470 slides, following the footpath from Ilkley to Bowness on Windermere with a musical background.

The DVD will play on your DVD player / television, as normal. The DVD should play on your computer, but it may or may not produce the background music, dependant on you computer settings.

To order a copy, please send a stamped addressed envelope, [2nd class stamp, A5 envelope, 23mm x 16mm] to; Membership Secretary, the Dales Way Association, PO Box 1065, Bradford BD1 9JY.

Include a cheque for £3.99 made out to The Dales Way Association. Allow 14 days for your copy to arrive.

“It really lifted my heart to see and remember my own travels.”

“Fantastic . . . . This will spur me on to go back and complete the Dales Way.”

“Congratulations. . . . Will allow me to reminisce the happy times, as my arthritic curse strikes.”

“Brought back some happy memories.”

“Great fun in front of the tele, with a glass of wine.

“Superb. Makes me want to do it again.”

“Liked the humour, music and the scenery.”

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The Dales Way Association welcomes contributions to the Newsletter.

Enjoy your walking.

Alex McManus. News Editor.

The Crosdale Beck “kit bridge” awaiting the YDNPA volunteers.