THE WEST RIDING No 155 | Oct 2018

Journal of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers’ Association COVER PHOTO: Autumn woodland at Hardcastle Crags (near Hebden Bridge) Let’s celebrate Autumn Walking! With regards to the RA’s average age profile, member Stephanie Blythe contributes a very valid and interesting perspective on the matter— the RA needs to keep attracting new members, so does it really matter if new members are of retirement age?

I’m an active retired sixty-something and often hear groups I belong to lamenting their age profile. One organisation I belong to even seems to avoid showing pictures of ‘oldies’ in its magazine. But an interest popular with Blackmoorfoot Reservoir, older people - like jazz for example - will Huddersfield by Caroline Spalding keep going as long as new participants replace those who pass on. is a fantastic county to explore Walk, created by Peter Davies; we’ve also Shouldn’t we embrace the fact that, as on foot, all year round. Whilst the days are seen the launch of the Wakefield Way, Jim Vickery says in his article: “it is not shorter and the weather getting a little festivals aplenty and a packed programme of too surprising that retired people... are colder, you will still find many people walks offering a broad choice for all members the most likely to find time to do some out and about in countryside. Our winter and newcomers in the region. The long, hot serious walking?” Doesn’t it follow that program will give choice all through the summer may seem a long time ago now but we should concentrate on those people season and offer the chance to experience perhaps it did entice some novice walkers to when we are trying to attract new the most beautiful of places in the autumn take their first steps in the great outdoors. members? There will always be newly and winter months. We suggest some of our retired people looking for sociable and own personal favourites inside this edition, The Ramblers Association continues to healthy activities to take up. but we would love to know yours too! face declining membership numbers and “competition” from other walking clubs Stephanie Blythe It’s been a good summer for and groups, but let’s be thankful that the walking… RA is still alive and well; able to campaign In the next edition we hope to feature and protect our rights of way. After all, some winter walks for you to consider ...with much to celebrate! 40 years since the if we didn’t do it, who would? Let’s keep in the New Year. Please send in your Calderdale Way was established and the broadcasting our message and campaigning suggestions, ideally with photographs, to Silver Jubilee of the Brighouse Boundary our causes. Above all, let’s keep on walking! [email protected]

 www.facebook.com/RamblersYorkshire  www.ramblersyorkshire.org  [email protected] News in Brief—What’s happening in the West Riding Area? Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Calderdale Way!

2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Calderdale Way, which runs 50 miles through this beautiful patch of . Created in 1978 by local civic trusts and societies to establish a connection between the districts in the newly created Calderdale borough, throughout the spring and summer Calderdale Ramblers have been walking the entire route in stages, finishing the final section on September 23.

From the lush beauty of wisteria and laburnum shrubs surrounding Shibden Park, Halifax in May, to the sweltering moorland heights during the summer heatwave; Calderdale Ramblers have traversed the valleys, cloughs and packhorse routes, passing many a remnant of Calderdale’s industrial past to celebrate and enjoy this magnificent region!

Collaborative Achievements

This Summer Huddersfield Ramblers have held a couple of path maintenance days in conjunction with the Kirklees Countryside Volunteers. In June I joined them in Kirkheaton, Kirklees, to lay hardcore onto a bridleway that had been reported as too boggy. An enjoyable morning’s work and a great example of the achievements the Ramblers can make when we collaborate with other likeminded groups across the region.

Later, in August, Huddersfield Ramblers, supported by KCV, visited Meltham to reclaim unusable paths. They constructed a flight of steps up a bank along path Meltham 49 as well as clearing head-high gorse and brambles from Meltham 48. Oliver Main photo: The repaired Kirkheaton bridleway in June. Taylor, of Huddersfield Ramblers, said: “We find this work genuinely rewarding and would encourage other groups to work Inset: Meltham path 49 with their local authority to find out about opportunities to and the newly constructed help their local footpath network in this way.” staircase thanks to Huddersfield Ramblers Caroline Spalding

Group AGMs—Notice to members

Tuesday November 6th - Calderdale Wednesday November 21st Saturday November 24th 7pm Oddfellows Meeting Hall, Halifax - North Kirklees - Take A Hike HX1 2JF 7.30pm Black Bull,Birstall 2pm Victoria Hotel, Great George Street, , LS1 3DL Wednesday November 7th - Ripon Saturday November 24th - Bradford 10am Old Deanery Hotel, Ripon 4.30pm Bingley Bowl Club, Crossflatts, Sunday January 6th - Wakefield BD16 2DF. Preceded by short walk 3.30pm Castleford United Reform Thursday November 8th - Craven commencing 2pm (same venue) and Church. Preceded by a 5-mile walk 7pm at the Glusburn Institute, Keighley followed by a meal at Busfields Arms, commencing 1pm from the Fairburn BD20 8PR East Morton, BD 20 5SP 6.30pm. Please Ings RSPB Reserve CP near Castleford Saturday November 17th - book your meal attendance with Muriel Wesley Centre, Harrogate 07981 106 470

The West Riding Rambler No 155 | October 2018 Seating at Nidd Gorge, photo by Dorian Speakman

Clear skies, golden leaves and crisp air Where we love to walk in Autumn!

Crimsworth Dean and includes five separately-identifiable woods: Gates Wood, Scotton Banks, Spring Wood, Bilton Banks and Coalpits Wood. Nidd Gorge is famous for its flora and birdlife, and at this time of year fungi are abundant; it even boasts an Iron Age hill fort at Gates Hill, near the car park.

Nidd Gorge is well worth a visit at any time of year, but autumn on the south side may be the best of all. A Walk Above Dentdale

Abel Cross, photo by WRR readers may not be aware that there is now a useful 0748 Caroline Spalding departure of the Leeds-Carlisle train on Mondays to Saturdays, and also, on Saturdays only, Western Dales Bus is running its Close to Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, atop which sits Abel connecting S1 bus service from Dent Station at 0935, to meet Cross (above) is a wonderful spot for an autumn/winter walk the 0915 arrival from Leeds. By taking this bus to Sedbergh following the mostly tarmac bridleway from Hardcastle Crags (arrival 10.07) it is possible to walk back to Dent Station along National Trust Midgehole CP HX7 7AA up the slope of the the north (Garsdale) side of the ridge wall that includes Aye Gill valley then descending to Lumb Hole Waterfall SD 992 314 - a Pike and Rise Hill. The route looks daunting on the OS map, photograph of which inspired Ted Hughes to write the poem ‘Six as there is no marked path beyond 694898; but in fact some Young Men’ just before the First World War. The beech tree leaves years ago a series of stiles were installed over the cross walls, turn to a coppery-gold colour in the autumn on the woodland facilitating this splendid high-level walk return, which can prove boggy in the depths of the winter.

Nidd Gorge Colourful Autumn Walks

A rewarding place for an autumn walk Yorkshire Dales National Park along the Dales Way As the name suggests, this is a steep-sided valley, with between Bolton Abbey and Burnsall. broadleaf woodland covering the south side of the . Leeds Harewood Park and Golden Acre There is a variety of trees to admire in their late-season foliage, especially sycamore, oak, beech and rowan. On the north side Bradford Middleton Woods, north of Ilkley. The St Ives Estate of the river, conifers proliferate. & Country Park in Bingley comprises moorland, woodland and meadows; with adventure playground for children. Access is easy from several directions, but the newly-improved Perhaps a way to encourage the youngsters to get walking! main car park is at 331584, 1.5 miles west from on the B6165, where there is a large information board. There WakefieldNewmillerdam Country Park (car park: WF2 6QQ are many good footpaths, with a footbridge plus boardwalks charges apply) lake surrounded by coniferous woodland. over boggy patches; the main path south of the river is part of Kirklees Holme Valley. The Fleece Inn, Holme, allows the Harrogate Ringway. At the north-west limit of the gorge walkers to park in their pub car park on condition that you the restored Nidd Viaduct joins up with a fine multi-use track return for a rewarding beverage after your walk! Inside you leading directly to Harrogate or Ripley, offering easy walks in can collect a pamphlet of local walks compiled by a regular either direction. to the pub which are fantastic. Climbing to the top of the bank gives excellent views of the Calderdale Crimsworth Dean, Hardcastle Crags, Cragg Vale. extensive woodland. The whole site encompasses 114 acres,

The West Riding Rambler No 155 | October 2018 Buses at Garsdale Station summer 1975 Dales Rail Appleby c1976 How the West Riding Ramblers led the way to save the Settle-Carlisle line

Geoff Grange, former West Riding RA Rambles Secretary, recalls the Many people believe that this special pioneering work by West Riding Ramblers which led to the saving of Ramblers train run on 9th June 1974 was the Settle-Carlisle line, one of the most popular railway lines serving directly instrumental in saving the line from walkers in any National Park in the UK or mainland Europe. imminent closure.

June 9th, 2019 will mark the 45th anniversary of the running of Now very many more people were able to enjoy what the line had a special charter train which was organised by Geoff Grange on to offer, but the threat of closure remained high with British Rail behalf of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers Association. This saying it would cost £7 million to restore the famous viaduct at was only after a prolonged debate by Area EC [expand initials?], Ribblehead. Friends of Settle Carlisle did a survey of their own with the decision to go ahead only with the casting vote of our which showed that only a few hundred thousand pounds would then Chairman, Harry Smith. be the most that would be needed. When the viaduct eventually came to be restored it cost more than FoSCL had claimed, but only The train, which set out from Leeds, Bradford, Shipley, Bingley, a small fraction of the original BR figure. Keighley and Skipton carried a total of 578 passengers, was heading for Appleby and special consent had also been given to When the line’s future was debated in Parliament, the MP for use the closed stations at Garsdale and Kirkby Stephen, for at Penrith said that if the line were to close, both a wonderful asset that time on the Settle to Carlisle railway only Settle and Appleby for local communities and for walkers and a great piece of British stations remained open. Heritage would be lost forever.

Several guided walks took place from each of the three stations Thankfully, in May 1989, it was eventually announced that the and when the train arrived in Appleby we were greeted by the local line would remain open because of its importance to the local brass band and the town’s Mayor at a time soon after the abolition communities of the Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley, both as a of the County of Westmoreland of which Appleby was the principal local transport lifeline and as an immensely important heritage town, with Courts of Assize located there. Appleby was also very and tourism asset. But the major contribution of the West Riding busy that day for it was the weekend of the annual Horse Fair. Ramblers to the saving of the line should never be forgotten.

The huge success of this train prompted the newly established The story of West Riding RA’s involvement in charter trains didn’t Yorkshire Dales National Park Committee to introduce the Dales end there. Working closely with British Rail In 1974 and 1975 Rail service which led to the re-opening of many more of the Geoff Grange and the late Eric Barker organised special trains from stations on the line. This service was so popular that a Lancashire Leeds to Windermere and Barrow in Furness for walks in the Lake portion was added with the two trains joining up at Hellifield. This District, and in 1976 to Whitby and, memorably, along what is now continues to the present day as the Lancashire Dales Rail service. the Wensleydale Railway line from Bradford to Redmire. Another forgotten hero of the excellent programme of walks from these The financial risk taken by West Riding Ramblers had proved trains was the late Jim McDermid, a postman from Pudsey, who worthwhile as did the ensuing long negotiations with Midland used his extensive knowledge of footpaths in the Dales to arrange Region of British Rail to get the additional local stations at Horton, many of the very well supported walks. Ribblehead, Garsdale, Dent, Kirkby Stephen, Langwathby, Lazonby & Kirkoswald and Armathwaite reopened for use by walkers, Geoff Grange before full regular passenger services were eventually restored.

The West Riding Rambler No 155 | October 2018 Getting out and about this Autumn the greener way

One delight of living in West Yorkshire is that despite usual Sundays, whilst over in the east there’s great walking off the grumbles, we still have an excellent network of local bus and 36 between Leeds, Harrogate and Ripon, not forgetting the 24 train services to enable walkers to get out into the countryside. branch between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge which So, whether it’s because you don’t have access to car or want has a Sunday service this winter. to do linear “point to point” walks along the Calderdale Way, Dales Way, Wakefield Way or , a local bus or These are just some of the services there for walkers to use. train can get you out there and bring you back from somewhere There are bargain day tickets to be had on most services. But if different at the end of day’s hike. you are lucky enough to have a Senior Bus Pass it’s amazing what trips you can make and walks you can do - with enough money Especially useful for walkers are local rail lines like the Calder saved to enjoy a pot of tea or something stronger whilst waiting Valley line, the Settle Carlisle, and if you love steam, the Worth for your bus home at the end of a walk. Valley Railway between Keighley, Haworth and Oxenhope which operates most weekends. The autumn colours of mid and upper Colin Speakman Wharfedale are accessible every Sunday all year (Saturdays till end of October) with Dalesbus 874 from Leeds, Otley, Ilkley and Skipton (www.dalesbus.org). Services to Malham and into Swaledale and Wensleydale continue until the end of October. But how many walkers know of the Bronte Bus network from Keighley, including the amazing B3 bus which links Keighley and Haworth over Cock Hill to Hebden Bridge – a brilliant way to gain height for great walks into Crimsworth Dean or even Hardcastle Crags. And how about the 900/901 which links B3 Bus waiting at Huddersfield and Hebden Bridge via Cragg Vale or the 596 up Hebden Bridge Station to Heptonstall and Blackshaw Head which runs hourly even on

Keighley Worth Valley train arriving at Oxenhope

The West Riding Rambler No 155 | October 2018 Access to the West Riding’s countryside in times of austerity

of working with local authorities and more enlightened landowners in clearing paths, repairing stiles and gates, and popularising use of local paths. Our Local Groups were mainly founded in the 1970s when resources were also slender. There was a time when more militant RA members always carried a pair of wire cutters in their rucksack to deal with brambles, illegal barbed wire or even fencing structures that impeded a right of way.

We need to work with other kindred organisations who care equally about their local environment – CPRE, whose West Riding and Craven branches are doing great work to defend our Green Belts Jack Madden and Eric Barker of Leeds Group lead a and nearby countryside, Civic Trusts and village societies who again protest walk near Aberford along a public right of way can liaise closely with local RA Groups to resist major Green Belt planted with potatoes, June 1974 (Yorkshire Post) infringements and loss of access. The local media – both press and local radio - can prove highly effective in alerting the wider Access to the countryside for the people of West and North community to threats to local amenity. Yorkshire has never been more vital – for our health, well-being and increasingly, as a tourist asset, to help maintain our economic Above all, West Riding Area needs to start recruiting new, younger prosperity. West Riding Ramblers, at both Area and Group level, activists. We need to get away from our too cosy image of middle but also as individuals, need to be aware of many changes in how aged, even elderly walkers out for social gatherings – important as our countryside is managed. We need to respond and react to these such events are. We need younger professionals, who can provide changes. the next generation of leaders to show us the way ahead. Having had the privilege of accepting an invitation this summer to walk two The biggest single factor is continuing ‘austerity’ policies which stages of The Dales Way with our splendid West Riding Area Take mean an ever-reducing role for local and central Government in A Hike group, I have no doubt that such outstanding people exist, maintaining our footpath network and ensuring precious access when we can persuade them to lead us on the crucial campaigning to open countryside is maintained. Loss of professional staff from work that we need to cope with the challenges that lie ahead. town halls, cuts in funding for equipment and materials, loss of Where, for example, is the bright young lawyer, well informed on grants for footpath maintenance and improvements schemes, mean footpath and access matters, we can turn to in times of crisis? Fifty that standards will continue to fall. How will hard pressed legal years ago, we recruited just such an individual – Jerry Pearlman. officers be able to deal with recalcitrant landowners who block stiles Somewhere, we need to find another Jerry, and he or increasingly or plough public rights of way? likely she, may already be a member of the West Riding Ramblers.

For the rich and privileged in our Society, living within their country I am sure no one voted to see our local Government services estates, this may not make much difference. Indeed, lack of action decimated in the way they have been over the last decade. Access to keep footpaths open may be something they will welcome – to the countryside is no longer a priority for Government resources, footpaths and access legislation will quickly be undermined if there locally or nationally. The Ramblers need to reinvent itself, even is no one there to enforce the law and repair stiles, gates and signs. rediscover its old militancy, for some tough battles to come. Developers, eyeing our precious Green Belts, for new ‘executive home’ housing estates, will be delighted if they can build over Colin Speakman suburban or even rural footpaths with impunity.

But to those of us who live in the crowded suburbs of town and cities, loss of green space, blocked footpaths and barbed wire will be Yorkshire Three Peaks a personal tragedy, a threat to so much that we value. Route Guide

So how do we respond as Ramblers to these huge changes and For anyone walking Yorkshire’s Three challenges ahead? The Ramblers are a citizen-action group. Peaks this handy map and guide Working together we can act as a collective watchdog – highlighting, published by Skyware press provides all to the wider community, problems on footpaths and threats to green the information you need at 1:25,000 space. We can help ensure that even cash-strapped local authorities scale, and at just £1.99 is excellent are forced to take action. We can also, through our excellent Local value - saves carrying bulky OS maps. Group structure – plus several excellent active Walkers are Welcome Available in local shops or direct from Groups in West Riding Area - take direct action ourselves in terms Skyware - www.skyware.co.uk

The West Riding Rambler No 155 | October 2018 Harewood House seen from the south east by Sirenuk, licensed under Creative Commons

A Favourite West Riding of Yorkshire Walk Along part of Leeds Country Way

In a county as diverse Adel Crag and then by an aqueduct to eventually reach as West Yorkshire, let Municipal Park. This total distance of about eight miles has alone one as huge as become too much for comfort. But this is the best way if you are fit. the West Riding, I find it impossible to select Now, though, I go past Thorn Bush Farm, along the often busy one favourite walk. Eccup Lane to the junction with Black Hill Lane (GR 284422). But from at least half After a short distance on this lane I cut south-westwards through a dozen, I have chosen Eccup Whin wood to join the very busy King Lane. Heading north- Eccup Village a walk, which begins westwards, I soon reach a footpath that takes me into Golden Acre at Wike Lane, Leeds Park. This was created by Frank Thompson as a pleasure park, and and strikes west through the grounds of Harewood House. The remnants of a miniature railway can still be seen. There is a café 36 Leeds to Harrogate bus drops me at the gates of the estate (OS and a duck pond where I sit to eat the last of my sandwiches. I then GR 325431). Past the gates, I am in a totally different world from make my way to a bus stop outside an hotel where I catch the X84 Chapel Allerton where I joined the bus. Harewood House stands bus to . out to the north, appearing more attractive than close to. Between Anthony Silson the path and the house is a large expanse of parkland. It is mostly grass but with clumps of trees apparently planted at random. Both bullocks and sheep were grazing when I last went this way. Picnic in the Park On reaching the valley floor, grass gives way to bushes and trees and a stream with a waterfall, which is about as close to the picturesque On 15th August a group from the Wakefield Ramblers took part in as can be seen on this walk. The waterfall and bridge is still part of Picnic in the Park, held in Pontefract. Rob, Joyce and Derek from the Harewood estate, which continues for about a mile yet. the Group set up a stall and engaged with the picnic participants, handing out many a leaflet as well as balloons and badges. Whilst Now the way is uphill, but sheltered from sun and wind by trees. most people spoke of walking for a purpose, i.e. to the shops or with At the top, (GR 303438) the path heads south past Emmerdale the dog, one couple talked of taking their two small children up village. It is truly remarkable that a village was created here solely Snowdon and were keen to learn more about the Ramblers. Another for television viewers to be entertained. I now head (at GR 303434) chap ran a walking group for disabled people. south-westwards towards Eccup. In this section, crops are grown and there is grass margin set aside; whether this will survive Brexit It is just this type of event that will help to spread the word about remains to be seen. After a boggy section, fields of grass, grazed by the RA and the role it plays in protecting our rights of way. As this either sheep or cattle are visible to the right of the footpath. event demonstrates; people do like to walk and are interested in what we do; so my thanks to these three for the time they At Eccup there is a most welcome seat where I eat my lunch volunteered and I hope that the books they sold and the leaflets they oblivious to traffic passing on the road to nowhere. From Eccup, distributed might bring a few new faces to the next Wakefield walk! I would, until recently, have made my way southwards to join the Meanwood Valley Trail walking through Adel Beck gorge, past My thanks to Derek Lowery for his contribution of this story.

The West Riding Rambler No 155 | October 2018 Book Reviews Hidden Histories: a Spotter’s Guide to North Guide to the British Landscape, Yorkshire Pub Walks by Mary-Ann Ochota by Keith Wadd

Whether you love Yorkshire country pubs or rambling through stunning landscape in ’s largest county, Keith’s latest guidebook offering 20 great walks each starting and finishing at an outstanding pub will delighted connoisseurs of both. The book is truly pocket sized and will fit easily into an How much do we really notice when out walking in the anorak or rucksack countryside? This impressive book provides an overview of how pocket. There are the natural and built environment has evolved to shape the way concise walking the landscape looks today. directions, and very useful maps (which of course must be used in conjunction with Nearly 300 information-packed pages, with numerous the appropriate Explorer Map) and details of things to see on or supporting photographs and illustrations, reveal the history close to the walk. Attractive, full colour photographs and maps of various aspects of the countryside including field-patterns, illustrate each walk making it exceptional value. tracks and mounds, going back to the Stone Age. The chapters on villages and churches will be of particular interest to those I have one grumble. Like so many authors and publishers who interested in social history. Several of the Yorkshire examples really should know better, Keith sadly ignores the 25% of the are quite well known, such as the Ilkley Moor swastika stone, population who don’t have access to a car. Parking instruction Norber erratics and Thornborough henges. Others may come as great, but no reference to any bus or train services, even - more of a surprise: the narrow lane between Muker and Askrigg amazingly - on the walk starting at Ribblehead on the Settle- was once a major north-south drove road; a cairn on Beamsley Carlisle line or others on frequent or even good Sunday bus Beacon “almost certainly contains at least one Bronze Age services. Yet each and every one of these – even Thixendale from burial”; Herleshow village was demolished by nearby Fountains Wharram-le-Street – can be reached by bus or train. Which is Abbey, and now appears merely as “earthworks” on the OS map. probably a very good idea indeed if you are calling in the pub for a pint (or two!) of excellent local ale and therefore should not As well as being a good read this guide can serve as a reference be driving. And public transport users also buy books – so why work to elucidate future encounters in the great outdoors. ignore such an important segment of your market? The book was first published in 2016 and is now available as a paperback; it may be possible to find it online at less than the So once again we bus and train users simply must do our own stated cover price. Hidden Histories: a Spotter’s Guide to the research. Otherwise a highly recommended little guidebook, British Landscape, by Mary-Ann Ochota. Published by Frances available in local shops (ISBN 978 1 4674 3573) for £5.95 or direct Lincoln, 2018. ISBN 978-0-7112-3693-6. £16.99 paperback. from the publishers at www.countrysidebooks.couk.

Jim Vickery Colin Speakman

The West Riding Rambler is a magazine for you. We would like to know more about the topics you wish to read about, whether it is walk suggestions, celebrations, current campaigns or matters arising in your area.

The Ramblers is first and foremost an organisation dedicated to protecting and preserving our rights of way. Let’s talk about this, both at a local and national level. We know we have problems with declining and ageing membership and we must find a practical way to attract younger generations to our cause but ways of tackling this immediate problem are better solved with a pool of thoughts and opinions—not just by those in charge. Share your thoughts, share your ideas; perhaps just share a photograph of a beauty spot close to you. We want, above all, to write a magazine that appeals to you. Please do send any suggestions or contributions to [email protected] From the editors... the From We welcome all contributions, however cannot promise to publish everything which we receive.

The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England 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