THE WEST RIDING No 159 | Oct 2019

Journal of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers’ Association COVER PHOTO: High above Holmfirth, looking towards the Peak District (Caroline Spalding) A good summer for walks, path work and shows

We’ve all enjoyed a wonderful summer, with a good balance of sun and showers and plenty of walks across the Area.

As usual, several of our Ramblers Groups have attended shows – the Otley Show in May attended by Take a Hike and Lower Wharfedale members, as well as the Keighley show held in September. The Honley Show was unfortunately called off due to torrential downpours, but we will be back next year!

Many groups have been conducting path maintenance projects; several in collaboration with affiliate groups such as the Countryside Volunteers and Burley Walkers are Welcome.

We also held the Brainstorming Session in July which was a good success and with hopes that positive results will follow.

In this issue we want to celebrate the fantastic work that our path maintenance groups do and particularly the hard work of our footpath officers. Lower Wharfedale Ramblers have recently replaced a broken stile with a self- Caroline Spalding closing gate at Leathley Lane, near Pool-in-Wharfedale and installed 2 new signs

(Picture thanks to Richard Brook)

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Rambler 159.indd 1 25/09/2019 09:39 New kissing gates in Burley-in- Wharfedale How partnership with affiliate groups does work Lower Wharfedale Ramblers this summer have worked in partnership with the local Walkers are Welcome group to install two new kissing gates and complete resurfacing work between Burley and Menston.

A feature appeared in the Wharfedale Observer in July bringing some welcome publicity. The Lower Wharfedale Ramblers have also previously worked with Walkers are Welcome to replace a stile in Stead to create another stile-free route between Ben Rhydding and Burley, improving accessibility in this popular walking area.

The recent work was in preparation for the diversion of a path to avoid a dangerous railway level crossing near Holme Grove. The diversion instead passes under a railway cattle arch and the new gates replace an old stile.

Richard Brook coordinates the Lower Wharfedale path maintenance team and with more work to be done in the area, hopefully the partnership with Burley Walkers are Welcome will continue to thrive.

The Lower Wharfedale Group have three days’ work from Gate to replace stile giving level access to footpath near North County Council to replace stiles and signposts, Ben Rhydding (Richard Brook) in addition to general pruning to clear a pathway. These are currently being scheduled, hoping to take place mid-October.

The kissing gate on a new line of footpath near Burley in Wharefdale – Antonia, Richard & Tom from LWR and a volunteer from Burley Walkers are Welcome (Richard Brook)

The West Riding Rambler No 159 | October 2019

Rambler 159.indd 2 25/09/2019 09:39 Clearing pathways in Kirklees, thanks to another local partnership Ramblers on site in Outlane (Oliver Taylor)

Nineteen volunteers effected an amazing transformation of Council’s Rights of Way unit was disbanded a few years ago, the footpath Huddersfield/422/110 near to Outlane, Huddersfield authority’s Streetscene team has taken on much of the work, in August. The working party was a collaboration between the and luckily, it’s not uncommon for minor footpath problems Huddersfield Ramblers and Kirklees Countryside Volunteers which are reported to be resolved promptly. The Council (KCV), who have worked together on numerous projects in provide equipment and materials for the Ramblers/KCV’s bigger recent years to maintain and improve the pathways of Kirklees. footpath projects, such as step-building and stile-replacement.

Oliver Taylor, of Huddersfield Ramblers, told me the stone steps Oliver says “probably 90% of those in attendance on our they uncovered had not seen the light of day for about twenty joint work parties with KCV are member of the Huddersfield years, a fact confirmed by a local dog-walker who was pleased to Ramblers. It has been really pleasing and positive to see how be able to use the restored path across Longwood Brook. many Ramblers have responded to these events.”

This year the joint working parties have cleared part of the Path maintenance days are publicised well in advance, Kirklees Way close to Emley Moor, building a new set of steps as appearing on the Huddersfield Ramblers printed and online well as completing path clearance in the Colne Valley between programmes, as well as on the group’s Facebook page. Slaithwaite and Marsden. Caroline Spalding (my thanks to Oliver Taylor) Kirklees Council have been asked to carry out a safety inspection of the newly restored path in Outlane and add way- markers. On the day the group displayed a Ramblers banner to inform all passers-by that these activities are a key part of what the Ramblers do and why being a member contributes to the preservation of our precious rights of way.

Oliver, who fulfils most of the duties of a Footpath Officer for the Huddersfield area, started the partnership with Kirklees Countryside Volunteers about six years ago. The group had been struggling to attract people to their footpath workdays, so Oliver suggested a joint working party with the Huddersfield Ramblers and with over twenty Ramblers contributing to the first event, the partnership has continued.

With an extensive knowledge of footpaths in Kirklees, Oliver is well-placed to identify paths in need of attention. Whilst the Revealed after many years under cover (Oliver Taylor)

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Rambler 159.indd 3 25/09/2019 09:39 Brainstorming – An update

A productive morning in Ilkley, even working with schools to Centre, Leeds, LS1 3DL (ten minutes’ provide resources in support of Duke of walk from railway station, or nearby was held at the end Edinburgh activities. parking in Park Square North) at 7pm. of July in Ilkley, with about 35 members All groups are encouraged to send representing most a representative to take part and of the local groups contribute to the debate. meeting to discuss the first steps of the West It’s in the Riding Area’s plan to early stages, attract new members to the Ramblers but at least Association. the ball is We talked about why we are members and what the Ramblers means to us, rolling! hoping to determine some USPs to be used in any marketing strategies. (Photos thanks to Diane Simcoe) Whilst we couldn’t all agree on what differentiates us from other walking groups; many positive ideas for attracting First aid training – new members were surfaced. We would like to do more in support of our path maintenance activities, as new dates added this is something that sets us apart Some readers may be aware that the from “regular” walking groups. It was Ramblers have been providing free first suggested we invite affiliate groups to aid training sessions for all members our path maintenance days or offering and volunteers. Travel expenses are also our support to Local Authorities to reimbursed. conduct the work they perhaps lack resources to complete. “The new course has been specially designed to cover the essentials, as well As well as a suggestion to promote a “Get as the scenarios you are most likely to you home guarantee” for newcomers face on a group walk. You will cover key (as do Otley Cycling Club) we could skills including how to assess and treat also potentially place a focus on using an unresponsive casualty and perform We placed the ideas into five categories: the less-traversed pathways for our led CPR – with topics including bone and partnership with affiliate groups at walks. Therefore, whilst another group muscle injuries, heart attacks, and a local level, partnership with Local may stick to the well-known routes and emergencies resulting from weather Authorities, use of online advertising, pathways, we could offer newcomers the extremes. partnership with local businesses and experience of “exploring the paths you “out of the box ideas” and general didn’t know existed.” This too would The course lasts three and a half hours suggestions for improvement. chime well with the Ramblers’ objective and will be delivered by an expert St of preserving and protecting all our John Ambulance trainer. It is a practical It seems logical to begin with simple- pathways; as we all know that paths can course, with time to practice your new to-implement initiatives, such as easily disappear if they aren’t used. skills and ask questions.” leaving walks programmes in pubs/cafes that groups tend to visit after a walk, There is a lot of work to do and I hope More details can be found online, more presence in tourist information that the enthusiasm that was clear at including how to book your place: centres and better use of Facebook and the event will galvanise members to https://www.ramblers.org.uk/volunteer- meetup.com. In addition, longer-term implement some of the great ideas. zone/support-and-development/first- proposals were suggested such as the aid/first-aid-training.aspx How we conduct the next stages of this creation of a West Riding Ramblers big project will be discussed at the next Walking Festival, creating a partnership The next event locally will take place in Area Council meeting, to be held on st with the University of the Third Age Leeds on November 1 at 9.30am. Thursday 24 October at the St George’s

The West Riding Rambler No 159 | October 2019

Rambler 159.indd 4 25/09/2019 09:39 The Ramblers Mobile have or soon will have a QR Code, like the What else will the app do? one below. App When you open up the listed walk you are interested in to find out more What can it do for me? information on when and where to meet As you may be aware from the recent as well as the description (if available), Ramblers Magazine, the Ramblers you also get a map showing the start Central Office have released a mobile location, click on the map and it then phone App, so what can I expect from opens Google maps (Android Devices) in using it? which it gives you details on how to get The person taking the register with their to the walk (driving/public transport or The current version at the time of writing smart phone can scan your membership walking) from your current location. is version 2.2 and I have been following card QR code which then adds you to the So, what happens with the data its development over the last year and walk. Alternatively, there is ‘Select from collected? the feedback provided by the test groups List’, this option is limited to members and area has delivered us this current of the walking group the walk was Your Group Walks Co-ordinator can get version. This is a vast improvement on initially put on for (i.e. Leeds group walk, access to the ‘Insite Hub’ this will give all the early version during the testing phase the list will be of affiliated members of groups a lot of statistical information on and one that I’m happy to use today. the Leeds Group). Finally, there is the the number of members/non-members The app can be installed from the Apple manual option, this is for member of on the walks, type of walks (easy, store for Apple devices or Google Play for other groups and non-members. Once leisurely, moderate, etc), distances and Android devices, for more information everyone is recorded on the walk the more. You will be able to find out what in setting up the app visit the Ramblers walk leader is selected and the record of combination of distance, difficulty, time, page - https://www.ramblers.org.uk/ attendees can be submitted. days of the week get the most people volunteer-zone/data-and-digital- out walking, also which walk leader had transformation/ramblers-app.aspx). Other features include a ‘Membership’ the most walkers on their walks and the tab, this contains the QR code and average numbers attending their walks. membership number of the mobile phone user and is an alternative to carrying your So, what do the Central Ramblers membership cards, this can be scanned Office get from this app? to add you to the register if you are not taking it. One of the questions that is regularly asked by Central Office is how many The ‘Walks’ tab lists walks by all groups. members are actively out on led walks You can search for walks by location, and what sort of distance and difficulty of or use the GPS location to find walks walk they are doing. It allows the Central where you are, ideal if you want to walk Office to understand the members so that in an area you don’t with other Ramblers they can deliver the services and support groups. You can also filter by ‘My Group’ we need. or ‘My Area’ (West Riding) and it will list the up-and-coming walks for the next 2 Take a Hike have started to use the app months. on most of their walks and it is early days in getting meaningful information out of the Insite Hub. On some of the walks where I have taken the register with the Once installed and logged into you get app, I have given a quick demonstration the home screen, this screen displays of the features. Some non-members have the next five walks of the group you are asked “can I get this app?” I have said to affiliated to and featured news articles. them – “Yes, you can download the app By clicking on the walk, you get to see but only Ramblers members are able to information about on when and where log in to get full access to the features.” to meet and a description of the walk if I personally think this app is a great provided. There is an option to take the tool for members, walk leaders, Group walks register, this can be taken by the Co-ordinators and the West Riding Area walk leader or anyone with the app with Council in collecting meaningful data prior approval from the walk leader (no and to help in recruiting new members. more wet signing in sheets). There are a few ways in which the register can be But be reassured that this app is not taken, the quickest and simplest way is going to be a replacement for the printed with your member card which should walks programme, group website or the

The West Riding Rambler No 159 | October 2019

Rambler 159.indd 5 25/09/2019 09:39 area website but is a supplement to the way we do things. I Reservoirs attracting special-interest visitors other than hope that members with smart phone download and use the walkers include Embsay and Grimwith (sailing), Leighton/ app and start to see the benefits it will bring. Roundhill and peaceful Lumley Moor (fishing), Gouthwaite (bird-watching), and Eccup, the largest body of water in West Stephen Noble Yorkshire (running). Perhaps the most impressive in scale Publicity and Publications Office - West Riding Area and location are Scar House/Angram, beyond Lofthouse in and Walks Secretary for Take a Hike Nidderdale; finally, the two reservoirs embedded within the vast Barden moors always catch the eye when revealed to the striding hill-walker. Still waters in the Dales Especially inviting for local walkers are accessible parks and Yorkshire’s mighty rivers are always impressive, but walkers gardens outside the principal Dales, such as Golden Acre Park may sometimes feel a need to contemplate still waters (or near Leeds, Harewood House and Ripley Castle, all of which apparently still, given falling raindrops and inter-connecting have substantial lakes with resident wildfowl. Yeadon tarn is a streams). There are many tranquil examples near footpaths large pond, with fishing and sailing activities, in the heart of the within the Dales. small town.

The Yorkshire Dales are largely built on limestone, which allows In summary, there are many sheets of shimmering water in and water to seep through, so there are few natural lakes of any around the Dales for walkers to seek out and enjoy at any time size. The two that undoubtedly qualify are Semer Water, near of year. Bainbridge, and Malham tarn. The Malham site has a slate base with marl deposits, with water thus being trapped, and Semer Jim Vickery Water is geologically similar. Both are of a sufficient scale to fill the onlooker’s gaze. A JERRY PEARLMAN WAY? There are numerous smaller tarns (natural lakes, mostly in upland areas) scattered across the Dales, giving walkers welcome respite from extensive moorland vistas. (Swaledale and Wensleydale are less well-served in this respect, however.) Tarn Rigg Hill, on Baugh Fell, hosts more small tarns than any other Yorkshire hill-top; the special sand from its beaches once served to sharpen local scythes. The tarns north of Whernside’s summit complement the far-reaching views but are off the main path so are frequently missed. A favourite is Fountains Fell tarn, near the southern summit; one harsh winter I witnessed its shallow waters wholly encrusted in fantastical ice shapes. Remote Birkdale tarn, near Keld, provided waterpower for nearby lead mines; although the third-largest tarn in the Dales it may be the least visited of all.

Peaceful lower-level lakes with accompanying footpaths are also worth seeking out, such as the Fish Pond near Sawley and How best should West Riding Ramblers celebrate the many Eavestone lake, which both long ago helped feed the monks achievements of our much loved and much-missed former of Fountains Abbey. Secluded Fishpond Wood, formerly part President Jerry Pearlman? of the Yorke family estate close to Pateley Bridge, is another attractive location and it has an explorable ice-house beside the Some years ago, Jerry told me his favourite walk was one he pond. Flooded quarries and gravel pits are often off-limits, but first took back in 1971 with Leeds Group on one of its very first the ones at Nosterfield and Marfield, near Masham are well- Saturday afternoon rambles – from near his home in Lakeland provided to welcome bird-watchers. Crescent in Alwoodley, Leeds, to Harewood village, through Harewood Park. The most economic way to harness water for human consumption is to build reservoirs, and Yorkshire boasts many Jerry and his family regularly did that walk over the next 40 or fine ones; as in the Lake District, however, they are often under- so years. He reckoned you could enjoy from the footpaths, as appreciated compared to natural lakes and tarns. The chain of he did from his own back garden, views as far as two National major reservoirs in the Washburn Valley: Thruscross, Fewston, Parks – Beamsley Beacon in the Yorkshire Dales to the west and Swinsty and Lindley Wood have adjacent paths suitable for the Hambleton Hills in the North York Moors across the Vale of all categories of walker, including dog-owners and picnickers. Mowbray to the east. Beaver Dyke (below the scant remains of John O’Gaunt’s castle) and the rather municipal Scargill reservoir can be found nearby The five-mile route is entirely within the Leeds City boundary by those seeking a quieter alternative. and includes packhorse ways probably linking the villages of north Leeds with the ancient market town of Knaresborough,

The West Riding Rambler No 159 | October 2019

Rambler 159.indd 6 25/09/2019 09:39 and old bridleways through the Harewood Estate that pre-date enthusiastic about the project, and the YDMT has offered help the building of Harewood House. with the design and print costs for a leaflet, the text of which is written and ready to go. There is every probability that It also uses short sections of the Leeds Country Way, the Ebor Ramblers Holiday Trust will contribute to any waymarking and Way and Leeds link of the Dales Way, three very popular and a possible plaque somewhere near the start of the walk which, well walked longer distance paths that Jerry’s lifetime’s work like the leaflet, will explain to future generations of walkers, helped to create. including local people just out for a stroll with their dog – just who Jerry Pearlman was and why his work with the Ramblers was so important.

For that reason alone it would be highly appropriate for both Leeds Group and the West Riding Area to adopt the Jerry Pearlman Way as a fine and fitting tribute to a remarkable, charismatic individual who made such a massive contribution to our work over such a long period.

Colin Speakman

The work of a Footpath Officer –

Start of path in Alwoodley what it requires (Colin Speakman) Antonia Woosnam-Savage became the new Footpath Officer for the Lower Wharfedale Ramblers (LWR) a year ago and has given But Jerry was very much a Leeds man, his legal career in the me an insight into the work it requires, and the projects she city extending over 60 years. He was also very active in his gets involved with. later years on his local Parish Council in Alwoodley looking after open spaces and local paths. So talking to the Pearlman As a newcomer to the role, the biggest challenge is family – Bernice, Debbie and Kate - the idea of dedicating this understanding how each local authority (LA) manages their same favourite walk to his memory as a tribute to the Rambling Designated Rights of Way network online and their reporting Lawyer elicited a warm response, subject to an additional little format. Her area covers three LAs – Bradford, Leeds and North spur off the original route that Jerry knew well to the New Inn Yorkshire – and she reports path issues directly to each LA in Eccup, one of his favourite real-ale watering holes. rather than using Pathwatch. Path problems are reported to her via the LWR website by members and the general public. It is also a walk everyone can do, even those without access to their own transport, starting as it does at the terminus of the frequent 7A bus from central Leeds and ending at Harewood Antonia gets stuck in on a path-maintenance day village on the even more frequent 36 Leeds-Harrogate bus. (photo courtesy of Antonia Woosnam-Savage) Motorists can easily get back to a parked car from Alwoodley Gates bus stop – or walk back a slightly different way around Eccup Reservoir.

Woodland bridleway, Harewood Estate (Colin Speakman)

Both the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, on which Jerry served for many years, and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust of which Jerry was a founder-Trustee, are

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Rambler 159.indd 7 25/09/2019 09:39 Antonia was introduced to the role and its responsibilities by the previous incumbent, Richard Smith and also works with Richard Brook, the Footpath Maintenance Group Leader for LWR.

Her role includes keeping abreast of planning consultations, the development of Neighbourhood Plans, attending Footpath Officer meetings and those of the LAF in North Yorkshire. She has worked with Otley Walkers are Welcome to get a path HARROGATE GROUP CELEBRATE through Gallows Hill Nature Reserve designated by Leeds City Council, which has included standing at a path junction earlier 50TH ANNIVERSARY this year to distribute “Path Evidence Forms” for completion Harrogate Group celebrated its 50th anniversary with an Anniversary and submission to the Council in September. She has also Dinner at Harrogate Golf Club on 26th July.. It was an excellent meal responded to the Ilkley Civic Society who have requested her and an enjoyable occasion concluding with a quiz devised by the Group’s chair, Richard Hersey. Amongst those present was West Riding help to investigate not-yet designated historic paths in Ilkley. Area chair, Mike Church.

In addition to attending meetings, writing reports and John Taylor, long-standing member of the Group and former conducting path maintenance, Antonia will also walk footpaths membership secretary, gave an entertaining short talk on the history to check if access is affected in any way where construction of the Group. The inspiration for the Group’s foundation was Corrie is being undertaken. It is a very varied role which can take up Gaunt who had been a member of the RA since the 1930s. Corrie singlehandedly fought the vested interests of the Claro Water Board to two-three half days per week and a role that remains highly obtain the two valuable rights of way across nearby Haverah Park, He important for all our groups in the West Riding Area. also improved the signage of footpaths in Pannal. In 1985, in memory of Corrie, the Group installed a seat in Haverah Park on an attractive site overlooking John of Gaunt’s castle. Amongst the Group’s founder members was Walter Brown the Group’s first Secretary and Chairman, the Knaresborough historian Maurice Turner, and the first Treasurer, John Dickinson, who was adamant that the Group originally never intended to offer walks as Harrogate Rambling Club (founded 1936) already existed. The Group had a large territory to protect, stretching from the slopes of Great Whernside to east of the A1(M)

The walks programme was erratic and infrequent in the early days, but in other areas the Group soon found its feet. The Harrogate Ringway was surveyed in the mid 1970s, the Dales Way Link established in 1974, and the first of four editions of Walks Around Harrogate was published in 1972. Ripon Group separated from Harrogate Group in 1972.

A major figure in the Group’s history was Peter Goldsmith, the Group’s Chair from 1977 to 2007, and an enthusiastic walker, member of the Group’s footpath working party, and tireless protector of the Group’s rights of way. In more recent years, Delia Wells was the Chair and the Group much benefited from her adept leadership and the friendly atmosphere she created.

The Group in 2019 continues to put on a walk of between 7 and 12 miles every Saturday, and in the summer on weekdays it has a programme of shorter walks. It has two enthusiastic footpath officers who check and comment on proposed path diversions. They also check planning applications to make sure rights of way are protected, a substantial job in view of the many housing developments in the Harrogate District. The Group also has an attractive and informative website.

Keith Wadd. with many thanks to John Taylor for the information on the Members of Lower Wharfedale Group history of the Group and Take a Hike at the Otley Show

West Riding Ramblers Website As you may be aware the websites walks programme has not been working for some time now. Last year the company that built and hosted the website closed its doors, the website was then transferred to a new website hosting-only company. The website continued to be hosted on the old company’s servers to which we had limited access. On 12 June 2019 the website was moved on to the new company’s servers, this should now give us more access to the “back end” to find out what has gone wrong. The repair work to the website is now going to be undertaken by small team of volunteers, but without any documentation on how the website was put together it is difficult to find out what is causing the problem. Please be mindful that the volunteers working to fix the problems do have full time jobs and we hope to get this resolved soon.

From the editors... the From Stephen Noble - Publicity & Publications Sub-Committee Chair

The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in and Wales, Company Registration No 4458492 Registered Charity in England and Wales No 1093577 Registered Office 2nd Floor Camelford House 87-90 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TW

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