THIS EDITION INCLUDES THE WEST RIDING ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2013 No.136 JAN 2014

WESTWEST RIDING RIDING

RAMBLERJournal of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers’ Association - Edited by Keith Wadd and Dave Pannell Inside this issue: JANET STREET-PORTER GIVES SUPPORT TO BURLEY BRIDGE Janet draws attention to the need for a bridge across the at Burley.

AREA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE The area goes truly digital!

MAP AND COMPASS COURSE FOR “Morton meander” near Sunnydale on 28th August 2013 BEGINNERS Photograph by Muriel OFlaherty

Bradford evening walks are a continuing success story! What a success the Group evening a cause for concern, and for the planning of the Each course consists of two sessions walks have been! Throughout the summer, on 1999 programme a Steering Group of nine was on separate days. There is a four alternate Wednesdays and Thursdays evenings, set up which included both Joyce and myself hours indoor theory course for learning walkers have set out on a wide variety of and with Mick O’Brien as co-ordinator. map reading and compass use, and local paths for an enjoyable 4-5 mile Our aim was to increase public this is followed by an hour out of ramble. In the words of walks awareness and develop a self- doors. On the following day there is co-ordinator, Muriel O’Flaherty: “The first funded, more professional a separate practical course over fields “Bradford gets knocked walks leaflet which could be and moorland, applying compass, continually, but for varied walks evening walk I distributed across Bradford distance and directional skills. The on your doorstep it’s brilliant. in libraries, TICs, doctors’ indoor course is at We really want to get people have a record of surgeries etc. th Methodist Church on Chapel Street, out and discovering all the area is Wednesday 7 Continued on page 2 > Addingham, and the separate practical has to offer.” This summer, an course is on the moors at Yarnbury. average of 42 people have come April, 1976” on the walks. This valuable course is organised by Henry Mason who is chair of Muriel told the West Riding Rambler: Group, and he will be running the “The first evening walk I have a record of is course twice in 2014, so you can go Wednesday 7th April, 1976 titled Sparable Lane either on the weekend of the 26th and led by Nora Hirschel who played a very big April, or the weekend of 19th July. part in the organisation of the walks for many The cost of the course is £20 for the years.” Muriel added: “I first walked with the group two sessions. Contact Henry Mason in 1995 and started leading in 1997. At this time at [email protected] or all the organisation was undertaken by Joyce 01756 700 248 Near Ryecroft on 19th June if you are interested Broughton who has been involved since the very in signing up for the course and Photograph by Muriel OFlaherty early days. Numbers of walkers were declining, improving your skills of navigation.

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org or join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RamblersYorkshire RAMBLERS TO STAGE ... from page 1 The leaflets were funded entirely by sponsorship from local LEEDS FESTIVAL OF WALKS companies. When Mick had to curtail his walking early in the 2000s, I took over as co-ordinator, and we’ve continued to develop.” A Festival of Walks organised by West Riding Area of the Ramblers’ Association and its local Groups will be staged at Leeds from 1st June to 7th June. As many Ramblers’ Included amongst the starting places for the walks this summer Association members as possible are urged to give it their were Clayton, Coley, , , Queensbury, , support. Plans for the festival are in an advanced stage of Thornton and , all close to the centre of Bradford, and the preparation, and will be finalised early in the New Year. walks have rejoiced under evocative titles such as “Black Tyersal”, “Three Greens”, “Mellow Chellow”, and “The Perfumes of ”. Most of the Groups in West Riding Area have offered walks for Most walks end up at or near a pub, and each walks season ends the festival, and is hoped that the rest of the Groups will be with the highly popular “Cheers”: a short walk followed by food. A taking part. West Riding Area will also be putting on walks. few weeks ago at the end of the summer season “Cheers “ was at Leeds is an ideal choice for a Festival of Walks, not just Stadium preceded by a walk in the local woods. because of its central location and the fact that it is the biggest in our area. It is a city full of attractive countryside within Among the comments made by those who have taken part in the its boundaries: Tong Valley, Otley Chevin, Eccup Reservoir, evening walks are; “Great walks with lovely people and the pub Harewood Park, the undulating countryside around Thorner afterwards makes for a great night out”, “Nice settings and atmosphere and Aberford, Rothwell Country Park and the newly-opened for the evening walks. You see things from a different perspective and St Aidan’s, Ledsham and Fairburn Ings. To name but a few! the company is great” and, a very common comment, “Well, I’ve lived Winding and wending its way around this varied and attractive here for years and never knew this existed!” landscape is the Leeds Country Way. Close to the city centre is the well-wooded Meanwood Valley, stretching out northwards. To the west is the green corridor on either side of the Bradford Group is now doing winter evening walks as well! They leading out past Kirkstall Abbey. are called “Walks in the Dark”, and Muriel recounted how they began: “In 2008-9 we tried out a winter evening walks programme It is planned to start the Festival of Walks on 1st June with a with leaflets distributed to existing walkers. It proved a success, grand big-bang Opening Ceremony and a celebrity to “cut the so the following winter it became official and attracts roughly half tape”. Followed of course by a walk. The venue has not yet the people who walk in summer. We have had 50 plus though! been fixed, but Roundhay Park and Woodhouse Moor have Despite winter weather, we rarely cancel – only three I think since we been proposed. The Festival will be a public celebration of started.” The Walks in the Dark programme is genuinely innovative, all that walking has to offer. The great thing about walking is that it is not just good healthy exercise, it is much more. and Muriel commented, “I’m not aware of any other Group running Both in the countryside and the town, walking gives us time a similar programme. Certainly when I talked to Central Office to enjoy a view, to appreciate what we see on the way, and to about the idea, insurance etc., they weren’t aware of anything wonder why. Walking exercises the mind as well as benefiting similar – though there have been a number of articles about walking the body. What other recreation does all this! in the dark recently.”

West Riding Area chairman, Mike Church, commented: “The This winter’s Walks in the Dark are all listed in the latest West Riding Festival is a great opportunity for walkers to get together Area Walks Programme. (see, also, Groups’ Special notes on page and show the general public what a splendid activity walking is: good exercise with lots of interesting things to see, low 4). Newcomers are welcome, and if they would like to give it a try, cost, ant it’s on your doorstep.” The Festival of Walks is “Ogden’s Tooth” awaits them on Thursday 2nd January. being organised by the Social & Rambles committee and the KW with thanks to Muriel O’Flaherty Publicity Committee of West Riding Area. Full details will be in the next Walks Programme and on the Area website, and special leaflets will be printed and distributed widely. Put 1st June to 7th June 2014 in your diary, and come along NOTICE OF WEST RIDING and join some of the walks in the Festival. Let’s walk on attractive paths (maybe even discover some new ones) close AREA AGM to a large city, and celebrate what a wonderful recreation we all share. Keith Wadd The Annual General Meeting of West Riding Area will be held at the Clarke Foley Centre, at 2p.m on Saturday 25th January 2014. All members of West Riding Area (that’s everyone who receives a West Riding Rambler and a West Riding Area Walks Programme) HUDDERSFIELD GROUP’S are eligible and welcome to attend and vote. FOOTPATH WORK DAY The speaker is Simon Barnett, Director of Walking Programmes at Central Office of the Ramblers’ Association. He will be talking Huddersfield Group held its the second official Footpath Work about Walking for Health and the important initiative recently taken Day on 14th September at Hullock near Jackson Bridge. by the Ramblers’ Association in partnership with Macmillan cancer Members of the Group worked with Kirklees Countryside charity. He will also talk about Ramblers’ issues and policies, and Volunteers to clear a long stretch of an attractive walled and be pleased to answer questions. hedged lane which had become badly overgrown with holly. The site was chosen by Kirklees Council. Provisional agenda: apologies, minutes of last meeting, matters Oliver Taylor reports: “The weather was great, and we made arising, correspondence and announcements, speaker’s address, excellent progress by lunchtime – helped no end by a farmer annual report and accounts, motions (28 days’ notice required), who lived nearby who, seeing what we were doing, came election of officers, any other business. The AGM will be followed by over on his tractor to take the cut down brags away. After a Faith Tea (everyone brings some food to share around, and there lunch, having finished work on that path, we moved to another is tea and coffee provided). The Clarke Foley Centre is conveniently path nearby (unknown to many of the group including those situated in the middle of Ilkley, and there are frequent trains from who lived nearby) for further clearance and to erect two Bradford and Leeds. waymark posts.”

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LEGAL ACTION OPENS BLOCKED PATHS IN NORTH

An attractive path near Kirkby Overblow, for many years blocked The initiation of legal action and the serving of a notice under Section and impassable in several places, can now be used again by walkers. 130 A-D resulted in another success. The footpath at Coldbeck The path goes in a north easterly direction from Kirkby Overblow via House, Bishop Thornton (north of Ripley) has now been restored to Hill Side farm to Sunrise Farm from where there is a path to Spofforth. use after having been obstructed for several years. This path provides Gaps have been made in hedges where the stiles had become an attractive route connecting with the Nidderdale Way at High Kettle completely lost, and two new gates installed. A recent check on Spring. the path revealed that waymarking is needed. The new path goes through pleasant countryside and there are good views from the Thanks to Group officers, Andrew Willoughby and Peter top of the hill by North Wood. The paths in the countryside around Wells, for their tenacious work in successfully resolving these long- Kirkby Overblow, Sicklinghall and Spofforth are popular with walkers, standing problems. Walkers are encouraged to use these re-opened particularly from nearby Leeds, and the newly restored route is an paths. On Saturday 14th December, Harrogate Group organised a attractive addition. The path was re-opened as a result of legal action walk starting from Kirkby Overblow following a route that went to - a notice served on County Council under Section Follifoot and Spofforth before returning to Kirkby Overblow on the 130A – D of the Highway Act 1980 for the removal of an obstruction. restored path via Sunrise Farm and Hill Side Farm.

BULL CASE GOES TO HIGH COURT

Readers may have noted that I have given regular reports of a tragic incident on a right of way in South Nottinghamshire in November 2010 when a walker was killed by a bull, and his wife seriously injured. The walkers did not have a dog with them.

I raised the matter at a Ramblers’ Association Board of Trustees meeting when I was a member of the Board. The case is now being monitored by the RA. and I have continued to request updates.

The major reason for my interest is that in the West Riding Area much of our walking is on cow and sheep pastures, and it is not uncommon for walkers to encounter a bull with a herd of cattle. The law is that a bull can be at large on a public path if it is not more than ten months old or if it belongs to a beef breed and is with cows or heifers.

In practice, walkers crossing a field where there is a bull with cattle (if the walkers are like me) take the farmer’s word for it, but give the bull a wide berth. Meat bulls are Herefords, Charolais, Aberdeen Angus, Lincoln Red, South Devon, Beef Shorthorn, Welsh Black. However, I doubt whether a mildly apprehensive walker in a field where there’s a bull will be able to tell an Aberdeen Angus (legal and black) from a manslaughter. There will be a pre-trial hearing in December, and the Kerry (illegal but also black). trial itself which will take place before a jury in the High Court will start in early April. The case will be followed with considerable interest A preliminary hearing of the South Nottinghamshire case took both by walkers and farmers. The implications may well require a place on 6th September 2014 when the farmer was charged with change in the law. KW

JOHN LIEBERG STANDS DOWN AS HUDDERSFIELD SECRETARY

I asked John to tell us a bit more about his work as those looking for led walks were being advised to Secretary of Huddersfield Group. It goes back a long approach CHA or Healthy Life as the RA was only there way! John told me: “I joined the Ramblers in 1976 with to open up and keep open footpaths, not organise a view to walking in areas hitherto unknown to me, and walks. At this meeting, the Group Secretary handed I went along to my first AGM at Burley in me the minute book, and I became Group Secretary.” where they were looking for someone to take over the post of Group Liaison Officer. Local Groups were then “Walking with the RA has given me great pleasure, a fairly recent development. I volunteered saying I did but I feel that the time has come to hand the Group not know what was involved or whether I could do it. secretary’s job to someone with some new ideas, and This brought me on to the Area Executive Committee able to go on the walks”. John continues to have an (now called Area Council) where I was asked to go to important role with Area as membership secretary and the next Huddersfield (my local Group) meeting where publications officer.

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Lonely Paths & Honey Pots Sunday walks provide reality check

“The planned bridge ... a pedestrians only suspension bridge directly above the present right of way on the stepping stones”

Decaying bridge on the alternative path from Brearton to Scotton

A couple of fine sunny Sundays in early autumn, one at the end he reached the viaduct (fortunately for him not far). I went under of September and the other at the beginning of October, provided the massive stone arches, and then went across the top of the admirable opportunities for walking, and I gladly took the chance. viaduct on “The Nidderdale Greenway” (see July WRR) to return to The two walks provided not only enjoyable country walking in Ripley. This too had plenty of walkers on it – and cyclists too. I left weather and conditions that could be hardly bettered, plus a few the walk encouraged that I had seen so many people of all ages late blackberries to nibble en route, but also provided some food out walking, but disappointed (though hardly surprised) that nearly for thought. all of them were on well-trodden paths.

The first walk started from Ripley just north of Harrogate. I went The following Sunday morning, another beautiful sunny autumn north east to Cayton Grange on a route that uses a permissive path day, I set out from the car park at Swinsty Moor Plantation in the courtesy of a joint venture some years ago by the Ingleby Washburn Valley. Bucking the trend, I set off along the Estate and the Harrogate Group of the Ramblers road, then at White Crag I took the path to Beecroft Association. I then turned south east along a Moor Plantation. From there, I turned towards bridleway, crossed the A61 to the bridleway “The vast Timble, and then continued southwards (what by Green Lane Farm (red kites), and then majority of the glorious countryside and views!) and across the turned along the Ripon Rowel. Not long footpath network two replaced Timble Beck footbridges. From after reaching Rakes Lane I turned right and there my route was Low Hall Farm, Midge strode down the airy path that leads down is very sparsely Hall Farm, Dob Park House Farm, Crag to Brearton. From there, I took the more used by the general Plantation to the road at Rose Tree Farm. easterly of the two paths to Scotton. After I then took the path to Middle Farm, went walking across two pleasant meadows and walking public, and down to Dobpark Bridge, and continued crossing a footbridge, I next came to a field this I think, raises up the Washburn Valley, enjoyable walking of impenetrable maize which I had to struggle an important with the river close by on my right. I crossed round (and have subsequently reported). Adamson Bridge, now a more functional but From Scotton I walked to the Gorge via the issue” less decorative structure than the dearly-loved route of the Round using a pleasant bridge that was swept away in the 2009 flood, lane which takes you off the tarmac road. and climbed up the hillside to High Lane, the attractive bridleway past Nether Timble. Finally, I dropped down to I crossed the footbridge over the Nidd and walked up the gorge. Swinsty Hall and followed the track to the car park which was now The Nidd Gorge really is something special. It’s hardly a gorge in packed with vehicles including an ice cream van. the strict sense, but a splendid, steep-sided wooded valley with an attractive river at the bottom. There’s a lot of it too: it extends for Apart from the path from Swinsty Hall to the car park which was two miles or more. Whereas on the paths so far, I’d met a mere swarming with people and dogs, I saw very few walkers on this ten two people ( a man training his dog, and a runner near Scotton), mile Washburn Valley walk: a couple near Beecroft Moor Plantation, the Nidd Gorge on a fine autumn Sunday morning was quite a family just before I reached Timble, and another two at Crag crowded, including a man who wearily asked me how far it was till Plantation, plus two cyclists on the bridleway at Nether Timble.

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Of course, I was delighted to see masses of people at Swinsty Moor Plantation, just as I was delighted to see so many walkers KIRKLEES, CALDERDALE the previous Sunday in the Nidd Gorge and on the Nidderdale Greenway. Paths with a tarmac or hard core surface, and few AND NORTH YORKSHIRE if any stiles to haul heavy limbs and heavy dogs over tend to be very well used, particularly if there is a handy car park. But the SINGLED-OUT BY “PATHS vast majority of the footpath network is very sparsely used by the general walking public, and this I think, raises an important IN CRISIS” REPORT issue: what do we do about it? “Paths in Crisis” was published by the Ramblers at the end of November. The Ramblers contacted every local authority in using a freedom of information request. The Ramblers asked for information on the councils’ rights of way budgets in 2012/13 and 2013/14, the number of rights of way staff employed in these years, the number of Definitive Map Modification Order applications determined and awaiting determination in these years, the number of path problems resolved, and the number still awaiting resolution. All 118 local authorities responded, a few (none in West Riding Area) were unable to provide specific data relating to rights of way budgets. New gate, old problem - path blocked From the information obtained, the Ramblers pinpointed the The short answer is USE THEM ALL (and of course report all councils that were worst overall and called “Councils of Concern the problems), and if we don’t use all of the paths not many 2013”. Cornwall was worst, Somerset next worst, and they were other people will. I really do think that Groups including Take followed by Barnsley, Kirklees, Birmingham, Plymouth, Oldham, A Hike should try very seriously to construct their future walks Staffordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Calderdale. programmes so that they go on little-used local paths as well as The report notes that Kirklees “Cut rights of way funding this year walking on popular routes. West Riding Area too could make a by 20% and the staff by 33% (and having previously cut funding point of putting on plenty of walks on sparsely used paths. I’m by 22% in and staff by 40% between 2009 – 2012)”. Calderdale not proposing we go from one extreme to the other, and our “has a very high number of path problems (and problems per programmes should still include our best loved paths and visits mile) as well as a low budget per mile of rights of way”. to our best loved areas – but the Ramblers’ Association also has a wider role of protecting the whole footpath network. Though not amongst the worst overall, North Yorkshire with 9,159 path problems was second worst in the list of “10 Councils with The situation has been exacerbated by cuts to rights of way the most amount of way problem reports awaiting resolution”. budgets. This has led to rights of way departments prioritising North Yorkshire with a cut of £98,660 was also high up the list their work and putting the sparsely used paths at the bottom of (5th) of the councils who cut their rights of way budget most. the list. And so the bad will get worse – unless we do something None of the other councils in West Riding Area feature in the lists. about it, and use them. KW It is no surprise, regrettably, that Calderdale is a “Council of Concern”. The West Riding Area Footpath Survey found that it had CALDERDALE PATHS the worst paths in our area with an illegal obstruction every 0.69 miles of rights of way in rural parts of the authority. The Council’s IMPROVED BY CROWS own information, and quoted in the “Paths In Crisis” report is a shocking 8.7 path problems per mile of right of way. However, A volunteer group called Community Rights of Way Service Kirklees despite being a “Council of Concern” in the national (CROWS) has recently been formed to do rights of way “Paths in Crisis” report doesn’t feature amongst the authorities improvement work in Calderdale. At the time of writing CROWS with the most path problems. The present situation in Kirklees (see has nine enthusiastic members (including some from the RA) Huddersfield Group report in the Annual Report) should caution and they have many years’ experience of countryside work us against too easily assuming a one to one correspondence including building bridges and stiles, path clearance, drainage between budget cuts and path works and waymarking. CROWS has two basic aims: to problems. maintain and repair the Rights of Way and permissive paths in the Calderdale area, and to report to the local council on Ramblers staff at Central the condition of the rights of way network. This new group of Office are to be congratulated practical footpath workers already has tools, insurance and a on producing “Paths in depot at Mytholmroyd, Crisis”. It will be helpful in our attempts to oppose Current projects include path improvements for Pennine further budget cuts and to Horizons E-trails, Crag Vale Community Association, and resist further deterioration in Mytholmroyd Walkers Action. our rights of way network. It has already gained valuable The West Riding Area Footpath survey carried out on 92 publicity in the Yorkshire miles of rights of way in the rural parts of Calderdale found Post. KW on average a serious illegal obstruction on every 0.69 miles of path in 2012, worse than any other local authority in . The situation is likely to be even worse in 2013. Calderdale’s rights of way need all the help they can get, and the You can download the full help from CROWS is really good news. To find out more about report from the Ramblers CROWS visit the website at www.crows-coop.co.uk or email at website: [email protected] www.ramblers.org.uk

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WEST RIDING AREA ANNUAL REPORT 2012 / 2013

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT representatives from Groups and other RA members who have a particular interest in the committee’s area of work. The West As an Area we have had a good year with work progressing in Riding Rambler is the journal of our area with news and features all contexts. I would like to thank everyone for their support and of interest to all our members. We also publish the Area Walks contributions to the work done by the Groups and the Area sub- Programme with around 660 walks throughout our territory which committees. provides a rich offering for our members and the wider public.

We again produced two excellent and varied programmes of The Area Council of West Riding Area has had four general walks, Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. These contained meetings, and an extra one to deal specifically with motions to be over 580 walks. It was good to see that we had walks from all discussed at General Council in April. The meetings take place Groups together with Social and Rambles coach parties and in Leeds and are attended by the Area’s officers, the chair and walks led by the West Riding Area walks leaders. This is an secretary of the sub-committees, representatives elected by the important recruitment aid and goes out to most libraries and AGM, and a representative of each of the Groups in West Riding some tourist information centres in our area. I would like to thank Area. Each Group is entitled to send a representative, and he/ all walks leaders for their work. she has the opportunity to report on the Group’s activities and to raise matters of concern. The meeting considers reports from Reading through the Group reports, it’s good to read that we have the Treasurer and Membership secretary, discusses the latest vibrant Groups. Visiting some of our Groups to have a chat and minutes of each of its five sub-committees, and makes decisions meet the committee and members, I’m always surprised at the on important issues and matters referred to it. activities Groups have – from walks programmes to footpath and countryside work, plus a good social life and Group holidays. The CROW Act of 2000 opened up approximately 300 square kilometres of open access land in Nidderdale AONB. Much of it Footpath survey has increased in the area covered and I thank the is difficult to get on to and the problems encountered in getting on surveyors for their continued work. Due to the Council cuts and to Askwith Moor and Snowden Carr is true of the whole swathe of lack of funding for Public Rights of Way units, the frequency of Pennine access territory. Therefore the Area has argued for more obstructions has increased to one every 1.11 miles now. access points and sent letters to five landowners or their agents and there was also a meeting with a local representative of the West Riding Rambler: we are now coming into the 33rd year of Moorlands Association. publication and looking back to the first one I received when I joined in 2000 the contents have always been informative and The West Riding Rambler journal highlighted the “preferred” route challenging, but the presentation has changed from being black of the High Speed line (HS2) mentioning that HS2 would enter and white on white paper to a colour magazine. Congratulations West Riding Area at Cold Hiendley a few miles south east of to the editors for the hard work. Wakefield. At the Area AGM held in Ilkley in January there was considerable discussion of a motion proposed by Alex Gardner 2014 will bring us many challenges on the footpath front with on behalf of Group about rights of way in built-up areas. further cuts expected to council budgets. Countryside work will The main purpose of the motion was to urge the Ramblers to face challenges with changes in planning rules and developers campaign for national guidelines to ensure that rights of way in wanting to build on green field if not green belt, so plenty to get new housing developments will be easy to use and attractive. our teeth into. On the positive side we have the Area Festival of Walks which will be based on Leeds at the beginning of June, On behalf of West Riding Are, Mike Willison, Chairman of and the celebration of the Kinder trespass in April, both of which I the Area’s Countryside Committee, strongly objected to the hope will be annual events, revised application to use Cam High Road for the transport of felled timber from nearby Cam Woodlands. One of the points Happy Walking made was that there would be an unacceptable impact on two Mike Church, Area Chairman nationally important recreational routes, the and the Dales Way.

SECRETARY’S REPORT Once again we have brought to the fore, the rapid deterioration of the Area’s footpaths. Completed analysis on the 2012 survey West Riding Area co-ordinates all of our activities (both Group and data had revealed that on average there was an illegal obstruction Area initiatives) so that we all work together for the Ramblers’ on almost every mile of path. Stringent criteria were used in Association as effectively as our resources permit. Throughout deciding whether obstructions were illegal or not. Despite the territory of West Riding Area we are monitoring paths and fierce campaigning by Huddersfield RA and North Kirklees attempting to deal with the many problems that arise, attempting RA, plus other Groups, and verbal pledges of support from to protect from major threats the countryside we walk in, and numerous councillors, Kirklees Council voted to cut its already seeking to make the right to roam work effectively. Our sub- meagre budget for rights of way staffing and maintenance by committees (see separate reports) enable issues to be considered £190,000 from 1st April (a two-thirds reduction). In the light in detail and action to be coordinated, and they bring together of the pressures local authorities are facing and their struggle

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org for more area news and past issues to improve the path network it has made us think of other investigated all the suggested routes from roads or rights of way initiatives to help fulfil our charitable object of protecting paths. on to moors without public access. As a result, good routes Steven Wood, the Ramblers Footpath Officer for Wetherby on existing tracks which did not affect residential properties Group wrote an interesting article on how parishes can make were identified, and letters written to the landowners or their an important contribution to the protection of paths through the agents requesting access. The replies were negative. North Parish Paths Partnership(P3). The P3 Agreement formalises the Yorkshire Right of Way who are responsible for access to access partnership between Leeds Council and a parish or town council. showed interest and asked if we could prioritise the routes. The agreement enables a local council to undertake minor This we have done and they have agreed to follow up the most maintenance work on public rights of way by using a) a volunteer important routes in financial year 2013/4. If negotiation does not workforce, b) farmers and land managers, c) local contractors. succeed we will consider alternative options.

Two footbridges over Timble Gill beck in the Washburn Valley Review of Access Land Having been suspended last year, the which were destroyed in the flash flood of June 2000 have now review has not been added to the ‘red tape bonfire’, but there is been replaced. Another piece of good news was the opening no information when, if ever, it will take place. of a new permissive path near Thorner which will keep walkers off the busy Thorner to Bramham road. Thanks go to the Loss of Commons or Access Land Commons automatically landowners for providing this path. became open access land. Whilst we welcome some restriction on access to allow commons and access land to be enclosed Carl Richman, Secretary for deciduous tree planting, restoration of moorland, or control of stock, subject to appropriate gates or access points, we are not TREASURER’S REPORT in favour of access land or commons being used for the erection of wind turbines. Defra have the power to allow applications, particularly on moorland, to transfer common land from an area Treasurer’s Report for the year ended 30 September 2013. wanted for wind turbines to other land in the area. This may Income was around £3,600 more than last year, whilst result in the loss of good access land on the top of moors and its expenditure increased by £4,000. Reduced self-generated replacement with less desirable land in exchange. The problem income required that Area budget for more support from Central is that neither the RA or other user groups or LAFs are statutory Office, which was given in full. consultees and may not be consulted at all or only informally before the application goes to the secretary of state for a decision. Income from book sales were down, perhaps due partly to a Natural England says application relating to commons and open shrinking market for the books and the current economic climate, access should be referred to LAFs but this has not got through to continuing the trends noted in previous years. all their officers.

Area Council went along with the idea of providing all Area Access Land Generally We did not have to consider any members with a bag tag; the idea being to promote the Rambler’s applications for long-term restrictions and with a few well-known Association and perhaps encourage new members. The increase exceptions, this has not been the problem we anticipated since in the total expenditure for Promoting Walking as well as the the CROW Act came into force. We noted that short term overall deficit for the year is due almost entirely to the cost of the closures for game bird rearing and shooting are mainly taking tags and associated distribution costs. place in the spring nesting season rather than the autumn shooting season. The explanatory notes aid understanding of the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet. As is the custom at Local Access Forums Many of the general items above the AGM these financial papers will be taken as read but there will were also discussed by LAFs and we disseminated information be the opportunity for comments and questions. between the seven LAFs in our area. Membership of a LAF is an important way for RA members to interact with members of Derrick Watt other organisations and explain our views to them and the local West Riding Area treasurer authorities who are responsible for improving all access to the countryside. The unlamented West Pennine LAF (Bradford, ACCESS SUB-COMMITTEES Calderdale, and Kirklees MBCs) is being replaced and each local authority is now setting up its own LAF. If you are interested in Membership of the committee is open to all RA members of Local this work please contact me for further information. If you are Access Forums (LAF) and a local access officer from each RA already a member of a Local Access Forum but are not in touch Group, together with any RA officers interested in or with a practical with Access Committee please contact me so that I can advise knowledge of access. We would welcome new members and you of our meetings. new ideas for encouraging walkers on to access land. Forestry The government indicated in their reply to the The main functions of the committee are to discuss and take independent Forestry Report that they would like to see access action on any problems involving access land or routes leading to extended to all forests. Nothing further has been heard about this access land; provide an opportunity for LAF members to discuss since. the work of their forums, compare methods of operation and pick Please walk the access areas we have fought so long and hard up ideas for their own forums; raise any problems their LAFs are to obtain, and if you encounter any problems contact me or a having and bring forward matters that the RA should take up; member of the committee. advise on applications for long-term closures and restrictions. My grateful thanks to the members of the committee for their This year we have held three meetings. Items discussed during work and advice, to our LAF members for putting forward the year include: RA views at their LAFs and to our secretary, Andrew Harter, Nidderdale Access to Access We have long been aware that, who produces excellent minutes of our sometimes involved although Nidderdale is surrounded by open access land, access discussions. to the moors is very limited. Mike Lowsley, who represents us on the Joint Advisory Committee of the Nidderdale AONB has David Gibson, Chairman Access Committee

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

COUNTRYSIDE COMMITTEE phase of the large East Leeds Extension, together with proposals for the associated East Leeds Orbital Road. In recent years support offered by Ramblers’ Central Office for the work of Group and Area countryside secretaries has diminished In Wakefield another element of the LDF – policies and site considerably. It was on this theme that the committee began the allocations relating to leisure, recreation and open spaces – year by lobbying Central Office. Firstly, we took the opportunity underwent consultation, and comments were submitted. The at the Area AGM in January to make the point to Jonathan Kipling, District has 740 recorded public rights of way covering 470 km. Chair of the Board of Trustees. Secondly, the committee invited Planning approval has been gained for 570 houses on farmland Nicky Philpott, Head of Campaigns, to visit West Riding Area to see south of Pontefract, with a further 980 houses to be built on the sites of some of the proposed developments threatening our brownfield sites at Featherstone, Pontefract and Glasshoughton. A local countryside. We visited Anglers Country Park, Wakefield, £500M development comprising 2,500 houses over a 20 year period, which will be bisected by the proposed HS2 rail route. In Leeds together with industrial units and a £38M Wakefield East Relief Road we showed Nicky the site of a proposed 32,000 panel solar farm at is proposed on land to the north of Wakefield. It will be adjacent to West Ardsley threatening to obscure distant views from the adjacent the canal, and there is much concern that the visual aspect and the Leeds Country Way. The final visit of the day was to Haverah Park, overall environment adjacent to the canal should be maintained and Harrogate, and on the edge of the Nidderdale AONB, where three enhanced. proposed windfarms would add a further 28 turbines to the 8 at nearby Knabbs Ridge. We were very pleased to also welcome Tom Proposed industrial development includes a 138-hectare surface Fewins, just beginning a 6-month appointment at Central Office with mining scheme at Sharlston, a drift mine south east of Crofton, a brief to revise the Countryside Guidance Notes. I would like to and two new power stations in the Knottingley area. A proposed think that Countryside Committee’s lobbying was instrumental in this opencast mining scheme at Bretton was refused. A 100-acre short but nevertheless welcome appointment. Business Park and Community Stadium on the Wakefield / Leeds boundary at Newmarket was approved. The application for a proposed new roadway, partly on a length of the Pennine and Dales Ways, to enable extraction of timber from I thank all the committee members for their contributions and in Cam Woodland near Cam High Road at the head of Ribblesdale, particular Horace Price for representing the Ramblers on Yorkshire and referred to in last year’s report, was re-submitted. Although the Water’s Environmental Advisory Panel and the Highways Agency committee lodged a strong objection, the application was speedily Road Users Committee, and Carl Richman for taking the minutes approved by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. It now and booking the meeting room. We were very sorry to lose remains to be seen how the upgraded Cam High Road will blend Dennis Bastow of the Harrogate Group who has resigned from the with the landscape, and how the timber lorries impact with walkers committee; I thank Dennis for his enthusiasm and commitment. I along this ancient route. conclude by making a plea for anyone with an interest in planning matters and the potential impact of developments on the The Committee began looking at the impact of HS2 following the countryside to support the committee in this important area of work announcement of the preferred route north from Birmingham to helping to deliver the 2nd of the RA’s charitable objects, namely Leeds. A six-month period of consultation ends on 31st January the protection and enhancement for the benefit of the public of the 2014. This committee will be submitting a response in conjunction beauty of the countryside. If you are interested, please do contact with the Area Footpath Committee. It is estimated that there are me ([email protected]) likely to be 14 ProW and 4 permissive routes affected in Leeds (including the Leeds Country Way and the Trans Pennine Trail) and 17 Mike Willison, Chairman ProW in Wakefield. We shall have to be extra vigilant to ensure any diversions are appropriate, the network improved wherever possible, and with appropriate screening if the countryside is to continue to be FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE enjoyed. So there will be much work to do once the government confirms the actual line of the route in late 2014. The committee met four times in the year with an interesting and busy agenda at each meeting. A huge amount of work in both time In Kirklees, the Core Strategy, the main component of the Local and effort goes on between meetings; this includes fieldwork such Development Framework (LDF was submitted to the inspector who as monitoring and surveys, attendance at meetings with councils questioned, amongst other things, whether the strategy had made and other relevant orgainisations as well as reviewing regional and sufficient provision for housing. He advised that the document be national documents. The optimism and resilience of Group footpath revised; eventually the council took the inspector’s advice and have officers and other committee members in the face of substantial withdrawn the Core Strategy. There are three major concerns with challenges facing the PRoW network is heartening. proposed development – in Mirfield behind the Three Nuns Inn, at Shaw Cross, and at Thornton Lees. A meeting involving a sub group committee and North Yorkshire PRoW took place earlier in the year. This was a useful and frank Within the Leeds Group’s territory, the application for a large solar discussion based on an agenda proposed by the sub group PV farm referred to above was a cause for concern. Although committee. One of the aims of the meeting was to see how the Ramblers is not against renewable energy in principle, an the Ramblers could best support North Yorkshire PRoW, and in objection was lodged and presented at the Plans Panel as the particular, how volunteer working parties could be deployed to most layout threatened the uninterrupted views of open countryside from effect. The meeting agreed a number of actions which are being the adjacent Leeds Country Way. Although the application was monitored through regular contact. A similar meeting is being approved our concerns were acknowledged with the application sought with Leeds PRoW to take place before the end of the year. repositioning the panels further from the right of way and adding further landscaping. The West Riding Area Footpaths Survey is in its third year. The survey revealed that the PRoW network is deteriorating with illegal The public examination of the Core Strategy began. There have been obstructions a frequent occurrence. This includes public footpaths, initial consultations on the site allocations for housing, employment public bridleways and other routes with public access (ORPAs). An and green space. increase in footpaths being blocked by vegetation was also reported; signage was missing at many points. Waymarking and signposts An outline application for about 2000 homes, retail, health centre, are important in encouraging walkers to use footpaths, which community centre and primary school was submitted as the first in turn help to keep down natural growth. The survey received

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org for more area news and past issues welcome media coverage in the local press. Keith Wadd noted Closer links between the Countryside Committee and the Footpath that local authority PRoW officers carry out a valuable job even with committee have resulted in a better response to issues that concern diminishing staff numbers and resources resulting from insufficient both committees. Several matters have been complex, though funding from councils. Thanks to both Keith and Tony Ottery for the knowledge and expertise of members has helped frame the key coordinating the survey along with more than sixty survey walkers. points, resulting in well thought through responses. HS2 has been an agenda item and there was joint representation by Mike Willison Keith presented some guidance on taking legal action against and Steven Wood at a seminar in Birmingham arranged by Central footpath obstructions. It was noted that one of the Ramblers’ Office. charitable objects is “the protection of paths and other rights of way”. Legal action is often the last recourse only considered WRFP members contributed to the considerable work by the after all other avenues have been tried to resolve an obstruction. Countryside Committee over the proposed solar panel development Legal action has to be taken by individuals, but if it reaches the alongside the Leeds Country Way at Haigh Farm, West Ardsley. Magistrates’ Court and is authorised by both Area Council and Central Office, the Ramblers’ Association will bear any legal costs. Other matters of interest included:

An individual member of the Harrogate Group, Peter Wells, has had A presentation by Peter Young of the Burley Bridge Association a notable success. Electric gates were causing the obstruction of which gave a good overview of continuing developments for a footpath at Coldbeck House Bishop Thornton. There was part of a footbridge. The building of a bridge would greatly open up a misaligned footpath from many years ago along the boundary of access north of the River Wharfe for both the residents of Burley in the field and Peter served a Section 130 on North Yorkshire which Wharfedale and walkers to the area. has finally resulted in the success of the definitive PRoW being The committee was kept informed of the Deregulation Bill currently re-opened. Peter kept the Committee informed throughout his being considered. campaign and the committee offered its full support. Selby area continues to be covered on an ad hoc basis by The footpath officer reports have included a regular update on neighbouring Group footpath officers. West Riding members are budgets to enable the committee to keep them under scrutiny. invited to get in contact if they would be interested in taking on this Kirklees, for example, has suffered severe cutbacks and Calderdale role. Support from the WRFP would be provided. faced similar resourcing issues affecting its ability to carry out PRoW duties. Budget cuts remain a matter of great concern, particularly Peter Taylor has resigned as Leeds Group footpath officer for over the long term. Footpath clearance and maintenance if health reasons. Peter’s passion for footpaths and his knowledge neglected will result in additional problems of obstruction and of footpath law have been invaluable. He has been involved in navigation leading to increased health and safety issues, for footpath matters and maintenance for many years. Peter will be example, broken stiles that are dangerous to use. greatly missed by the WRFP committee.

Other footpath matters included: Chris and Paul Horbury have also resigned from the Footpath Committee. Chris and Paul’s contributions to the committee will A possible “rationalisation” of the PRoW network at Saxton by Selby be a real loss, their optimism and “can do attitude” made them both District Council. Committee members did a walk around the paths very good colleagues to work alongside. and in this instance agreed there may be a case for rationalisation. The proposal had pros and cons and the views of the residents of In summary, Committee members have worked hard and achieved Saxton were of particular importance. a substantial amount over the year. This has been helped by close and positive contact with local authority PRoW officers. The Ilkley Tennis Club applied for extended car parking which would enthusiasm and expertise of Committee members are inspiring, and affect the Dales Way if accepted. The Lower Wharfedale Group keep the protection of the PRoW network footpath officer made some measured counter proposals and we await the outcome. Martin Bennett, Chairman Woodhall Bridge just north of East Keswick, and part of the Ebor Way, remains closed. The repair work is being carried PUBLICITY & PUBLICATIONS out by NYCC and is taking a very long time which is greatly SUB-COMMITTEE inconveniencing walkers. It has been quite a good year. Plans were made during the year to Two bridges in the Washburn Valley have been replaced, helped by organise a Leeds Festival of Walking and this is beginning to take diplomatic WRFP member efforts. shape (see separate article). It is very much the sort of thing we should be doing: promoting walking and showing what an excellent A footpath was saved from possible extinguishment at Mickley. recreational choice it is for a wide range of ages and capabilities; Refuges on the A58 Whitehall Road near Hunsworth have improved promoting footpaths; going for publicity. In the development of footpath crossing safety thanks to nuanced and persistent talks. the Festival project, the Publications and Publicity Committee (PPC) and Social & Rambles Committee have worked together to pool A railway footbridge at Morley is expected to be completed by the their expertise, and the Groups have willingly contributed walks. We end of the year which will re-open Leeds FP37. hope the festival will be a very considerable success. Please give the festival your support, and in particular help us to put on a big Types of surface appropriate for bridleways generated much online show at the opening ceremony on June 1st. discussion. Over the summer of 2014 we had a stall at several local shows: A very thoughtful motion was put forward by the Keighley Group Honley, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Gala at Birkenshaw, Mirfield to the General Council of the Ramblers’ Association in April to and Nidderdale. Unfortunately, we had to withdraw from our consider PRoW in proposed housing developments. Too often bookings at the Otley Show and Show because of last footpaths are an afterthought, resulting in high fenced, narrow minute hitches. It is planned to take part in all of these shows ginnels which quickly become unattractive and discouraging to next year. A stall at Lotherton Show was investigated, but it was walkers. In the worst case, local residents can call for gating decided that a 3-day show was probably beyond our resources. orders with the loss of access. We have an attractive stand at the shows that is a credit to the

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Ramblers and attracts many visitors. Thanks in particular to Thanks to everyone who has worked on the committee. A very small Mike Church who over several years has taken a major initiative in number of us through our combined efforts have enabled the Area’s organising this important area of our work and given many hours of various publicity endeavours to be discharged to a high standard. his time at the shows. However, the team is working with no one on the subs bench. We really do need a few more people to help. Two or three people who The Walks Programme has been another considerable success. could do a half day at some of the local shows (particularly Otley and Each six-monthly programme contains details of approximately 300 Bingley) would be very welcome. A further person to join the West walks, and it looks good too. Particular thanks for this are owed to Riding Rambler editorial team would be very acceptable. We could Owen Wells, but, over all, a large number of people take part in the do with a Press Officer to give us publicity in the local and regional production of the programme during the time that it gradually evolves media, ideally someone with a background in journalism, but if this is from the requests sent out to potential walks leaders to, several weeks lacking we can provide some training for someone keen to give it a later, the final product that goes to the printers and is put on the Walks go. We also need a chairman and secretary for the committee. Diary of the Area website. It is an impressive collaborative effort. Keith Wadd, The four 2013/14 editions of the West Riding Rambler that co-editor Convenor Dave Pannell and myself have published are to a high standard. The intention has been to produce a quarterly journal that is informative, interesting, looks attractive, and which will encourage support for SOCIAL & RAMBLES SUB-COMMITTEE the activities and campaigns the Area organises. Every effort has been made to include news items from the whole West Riding Area Two walks programmes were again produced containing over 600 over the course of the year as a whole. Please feel welcome to offer walks in total, plus 4 midweek walks every week with the Lower contributions. Wharfedale Group, and alternate Sunday and midweek walks the Rydal Group. The Take A Hike Group which is aimed at younger The distribution of the Walks Programme and the West Riding walkers has weekly walks plus social events. Rambler is an important and time-consuming job. Many thanks to Rose Reeve who has ably done the work for several years but has To provide such a wealth of different walks involves a large number now stood down. We are grateful to Samantha Waddington who of people including all the walks leaders, the Group walks secretaries has taken on this responsibility who collate the walks for submission to Owen Wells who with help from Dave Pannell produces this very important document the walks Throughout the latter part of the year Dave Pannell was developing programme. Many thanks to all these people for the work they do a re-design of the Area website. This was launched at the end of and finally to Sue de Verteuil the secretary of the Social & Rambles October 2014 and looks really good (see separate article). Committee who assists Owen with the proof reading.

Substantial media publicity was achieved in the summer as a result Monthly coach rambles continue to be extremely popular giving of the West Riding Rambler article on the Area footpath survey which the opportunity to visit different walking areas further afield from the revealed an alarming deterioration in the condition of local paths. normal Sunday walks and to do linear walks followed by a drink and Both the Yorkshire Post and the Yorkshire Evening Post took up the a meal at a local pub. Thanks to Val Bamforth and Hilary Bulmer for story in detailed reports with photograph. Keighley Group’s survey organising the coach rambles, and to Terry Jacques for organising of its local paths led to a substantial article in the the Christmas Coach Ramble and dinner at Skipton Golf Club including a photograph of a blocked path at . following a walk in the Skipton area.

There have been no new publications. “Stepping Out from Leeds 44 members attended a walking holiday in Menorca between 5-19 and Bradford” is not selling as quickly as had been hoped and has October 2013 staying at the Port Mahon Hotel situated in a lovely been reduced to £5. Despite this, it contains twenty good walks position overlooking the harbour. The hotel provided an excellent of around eleven miles, with detailed descriptions, map and photo, base with two buffet meals a day, excellent food with great variety. all of the walks ideal for a “moderate” day’s walk not far from home. The weather was glorious making for a thoroughly enjoyable time. Nearly all of the routes include some attractive little walked paths, the Many thanks are due to Hilary Bulmer for organising such a good increased use of which we hope to encourage. Harrogate Group holiday. has been revising its popular leaflets on the Harrogate Ringway and Knaresborough Round. These will be available, completely revised, Tony Hatton, by early spring 2014. Chairman

GROUP REPORTS area Footpath Committee and attends the CALDERDALE GROUP Bradford Rights of Way Forum. Chris is helped by John Chadwick when required. This last year our walks programme has been BRADFORD GROUP John is our treasurer and keeps his eye on devised by Ginny Feeney who has done a our accounts, and has fulfilled this task over sterling job in finding leaders for it. A request The group as usual met on a regular many years in an excellent manner. That was sent out to all our members asking for basis, The walks side of our operation is leaves yours truly. I am local secretary, more volunteers. It really is essential that represented by Muriel O’Flaherty and David and deal with any queries or complaints people offer, so that we can cover more walks Beetham. They and their committee do a that come to hand. I also act as stand-in in our picturesque area. Some that have wonderful job in offering walks all the year chairman. round and providing a vibrant social scene. taken place have had low numbers attending, I will say no more, as the subject is covered Our recent AGM was attended by 18 people. but on the whole the rest have been well in a separate item. The pre-meeting walk and the post-meeting supported, especially the Sunday afternoon meal at the Busfeild Arms were enjoyed by ones, and it has been pleasing to see the 906 Chris Moore is our footpath secretary. He all. All committee members are continuing bus used to get to the start of walks. Some has done a sterling job over many years. in their roles for the coming year. of our members offered to lead for the South This year he has dealt with 52 footpath Walk and Ride Festival – a big thank problems. Chris attends the West Riding Malcolm Pitt, Secretary you therefore goes to them all.

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

Judy Gannon, our chairman and treasurer, for their hard work over the last year and remain much the most popular with is doing an excellent job and so are Mick particularly to Henry Mason (Chairman), turnouts frequently over 30. Thanks to all Chatham and John Fox who regularly David Gibson (Treasurer & Footpath Officer) the leaders. For the first time in years, attend the West Riding Area footpath and Jane Gill (Footpath Officer). harsh winter weather forced us to cancel meetings as well as our own. We are so walks – on three occasions in fact. fortunate to have their expertise. Jeff Halden (Secretary) Janet Whitaker, having ably taken over as Social Secretary where Keith Wood A very contentious public enquiry began at HARROGATE GROUP Halifax Town Hall in September regarding left off, arranged holidays for the group in a bridleway proposal on a riverside Hexham in February (beautiful weather!) The Harrogate group has had one of its permissive footpath in Ripponden. As so and Southport in July. This latter trip most successful years since the Group many people attended, it is to be continued included a whistle-stop tour of virtually was formed. We have offered a full, in the New Year. We are hopeful that a all of Liverpool’s major attractions, weekly walks programme which has decision for a footpath only. A successful masterminded by Janet herself, complete been well supported both by members public enquiry was held regarding Old with Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey! The Group and visitors. Our six coach rambles all Causey at Sowerby Bridge, and we are also completed the 21 mile Sefton Coastal went well in excellent weather. We have to have a footpath created and put on the Footpath in two days. When you read managed to hold the seat price for these definitive map. this, the group will also have visited the trips the same for four years and maintain a Isle of Wight. In many ways the highlight small surplus. Again, an interesting year has passed all of the year, though, was our trip to Selva too quickly, but a big thank you must go We have been very active on the footpath in the Italian Dolomites in June, organised to all our committee members who help work. Working with the full-time ranger by Dorothy Woodcock – a wonderful week to make our Group a pleasure to work from NYCC we have surveyed and re- amid some of the most exciting scenery with. waymarked the whole of the Harrogate imaginable. Enormous thanks go to Janet and Dot. Diane F. Hall Ringway and the Knaresborough Round. Necessary repairs have been identified and To no great surprise, and despite group completed. This has been particularly CRAVEN GROUP lobbying, Kirklees Council carried through beneficial to the section alongside the its plan to abolish the Rights of Way Unit Yorkshire Showground. New guides to The group has had a full and active year. and drastically reduce the budget for the routes are being prepared and will be maintenance from 1 April. Though we Membership has held up well; as has available shortly. the average number of people per walk, expected this outcome, we were unhappy despite bad winter weather which caused Group members served formal notices that Kirklees had not done the things it the abandonment/curtailment of at least on North Yorkshire County Council had promised to do in the 1-year “stay of two walks. about three long-standing issues of path execution” we had won the previous year – blockage which required resolution. The especially putting proper plans in place for Good publicity is one of the keys to response of NYCC was exemplary and all prioritising work and using volunteers. success, with the Group’s own website three problems were dealt with and the As it happens though, the re-structuring going from strength to strength and re-instatement work carried out to a high of the Highways Dept since the cuts has undoubtedly contributing to the wider standard. been to the benefit of the network: rights of interest in the Group and its activities. way work is now being carried out by the Thanks are due to Linda Copeman who One highlight of the year has been the revamped “Streetscene” team, a 23-strong runs and maintains the website on our reception given by the public to the division of highways more used to dealing behalf. Also busy on the publicity front opening of the Nidderdale Greenway, the with pavement and street issues, but who has been Pam Daniels who ensured that bridleway linking Bilton to Ripley over the have taken very keenly and adeptly to the local press, “The Dalesman” magazine Nidd Gorge Viaduct. Thousands have footpath work, to which they must devote and all the TICs in our area were supplied already enjoyed the route making the half a day per week, meaning a total of with our walks programme. stress of two public inquiries worthwhile. 140 hours per week is going into on-the- The Group has had an active year on Delia Wells, Chairman ground improvements to paths across the social scene, with coach rambles to Kirklees. This is real progress. The new head of the enforcement team is also Robin Hood’s Bay in May and Castleton in HUDDERSFIELD GROUP September; a walking weekend in Patterdale showing much more willingness to get in July; a BBQ in June and an Annual Dinner tough with landowners on obstructions, The Huddersfield Group programme in October. All these activities were well despite rights of way being only a small continues to delight its members with supported by members and friends. part of his role. varied and inventive walks across all On a less positive note, the Craven grades, from our monthly A+ walks down Therefore this has, bizarrely, been a more Footpath Working Party Group has to our summer Tuesday evening strolls encouraging year than last the last few, unfortunately ceased to exist as an (some of which wear this designation despite the cuts. However, the reality is independent entity. Changes within North lightly). In particular under the leadership that every council is facing a 40% budget Yorkshire County Council mean that full- of Kevin Thomas, the group has completed cut that has not even really begun to bite. time staff now arrange work and volunteers the Stanza Stones Trail from Marsden to In order to maintain this new momentum carry this out under their supervision. The Ilkley; with Janet Whitaker a walk took in in Kirklees, we need Group members to Group’s appreciation of the sterling work the 1940s weekend at ; also in be far more active in both reporting and carried out over the years by Alan Aspden May, Elliot Day pioneered an innovative volunteering on footpath issues. The (Footpath Working Party Officer) and the route from central Manchester to Walkers are Welcome initiatives in the volunteer working group is recorded here. Marsden, and other walks have taken Colne Valley have shown how groups of place in such diverse locations as the volunteers can work with the Council to The Group’s thanks go to all walks leaders, White Peak, the West Pennine Moors and make and maintain major improvements to working party and committee members Forest of Bowland. Local walks , though, the rights of way network.

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Our Group has well over 300 members, 2012. It was preceded by a well attended Success for instance has been achieved and too much is falling on the shoulders of walk. John Miles stood down from the in opening up a footpath at Gildersome a (very) few – mostly our doughty footpath chair after the meeting and also from the including new stiles. Some footpath secretary, Pat Ashton. Above all, when committee. Gladys Miles also stood down matters take longer to resolve though you come across a footpath problem – from the committee. Many thanks to committee members are tenacious in REPORT IT, PURSUE IT, and involve local both John and Gladys for all the hard work following up outstanding issues. councillors if you do not get a satisfactory and contributions over the years. We are response. Don’t ignore it fortunate that they are still leading walks It is with regret that the committee has for the Group. Discussion took place accepted the resignation of Peter Taylor Oliver Taylor about a possible campaign focus on the as the Group’s footpath officer. Peter’s footpath network around Morley. This contribution to keeping footpaths KEIGHLEY GROUP was linked to the proposed footbridge over open around Leeds over many years the railway at Morley. From a meeting in has been immense. Colleagues in The Keighley group has maintained its May with PROW officers, local councillors, Leeds Group have much to thank steady progress this year, averaging 18 LCC’s cycling officer and Network Rail, Peter for his knowledge of footpath law people on the 26 walks we organised, ideas were discussed for the creation of a and his practical skills in maintaining attracting 22 people into its ranks as cycle way and footpaths between Morley paths. Peter has agreed to stay on the new members, as well as surveying rail station and the White Rose Centre. committee. 380 kilometres of public rights of way Information is still awaited on the feasibility Finally, on behalf of the committee I would on our patch. Its committee met four of the cycle way and any implications for like to give a vote of thanks to John times to keep the Group ticking over, the ROW network. Clark who has done invaluable work and we have lobbied local politicians not to Leeds Group walks are published in the contributed so much to the Leeds Group reduce even further the budgets of their West Riding Area walks Programme over many years both on the committee Countryside & Rights of Way section, and and on the Leeds Group website www. and in leading walks. John has we have publicised our cause in the local leedsramblers.org.uk There have been decided to take a step back from active newspaper. We have created a Keighley walks near to home in Leeds and also involvement, at least for the time being. We Group website www.keighleyramblers. further afield. The walks have varied in wish him all the best in the future. co.uk and we have added postal codes length between five and ten miles at both to our walk meeting point addresses for a leisurely and faster pace. These are Martin Bennett, Chairman those who use satnavs in their cars to popular days out and are appreciated by find a destination. We bought some members, discovering new locations led attractive and popular embroidered LOWER WHARFEDALE by our experienced leaders. The social badges publicising both the group and the walks also help to attract new recruits. GROUP Ramblers to sew on to our rucksacks, we have organised an AGM and a Christmas Committee members have attended The Lower Wharfedale Group has had dinner, and our Group resolution on various meetings including the Local another successful year and whilst the enclosed suburban rights of way worked Access Forum, Parks and Green Open overall membership of the Group shows a its way up through the ranks and was Spaces Forum, HS2 seminars and council similar decline to the rest of the Ramblers’ eventually passed at the Ramblers national meetings. Personal interests and organisation, the good news is that the conference, the General Council. By our membership of such organisations as the four weekly walks we deliver are very standards we have been busy! Canals and Rivers Trust have contributed well attended and don’t appear to show to the expertise and knowledge of the a similar decline. Across the four walks Many thanks to all members who committee. we get over 75 members out in a typical maintain their membership during these week, indicating that there is a healthy uncertain times, and to all ramblers Footpath and Countryside matters have appetite for mid-week walking by those who support our walks. With a special continued to be a focus throughout the who are not restricted to weekends. note of appreciation to Jeff Maud, year. Contact with council officers takes Michael & Rosemary Blake, Ken & Kathy place on an almost weekly basis. St The co-ordination of so many walks Symes, Pauline Raw, Yvonne Weber, Aidan’s, the former mining site , has each week does however bring its own Peter Shackleton, Allan Friswell, Allan seen several kilometres of footpaths challenges. This year, like a number Humphrey, Andy Blakeley, Joyce Percy, and bridleways created. A proposed of other key functions within the Lower Bridget Moody, Paul Chambers and solar panel development at West Ardsley Wharfedale Group, the responsibility for Bill Black. Without these 15 people involved considerable work, including the Walks Co-ordination changed when volunteering to do their bit for the Group, representation to Leeds Council. A Len Jones retired from this position at the we wouldn’t be where we are today. visit to the site was arranged for Nicky end of 2012. Len was always going to Philpott, Head of Campaigns at Central be a hard act to follow, but Jill and Colin Alex Gardner Secretary Office. Media coverage included Kershaw have stepped into the role and interviews with BBC Radio Leeds and the done a sterling job in keeping everyone LEEDS GROUP Morley Observer. The Leeds LDF Site informed. Allocations Plan gave cause for concern The Leeds Group committee met six times with the potential for many footpaths to The activities organised by the Social in the year and has been active between be affected by plans to build on greenfield Committee and other volunteers are meetings. There has been a regular walks and greenbelt land. A footpath diversion another important part of what makes programme, and committee members at Kiddal near the Fox & Grapes pub took Lower Wharfedale such a successful have been in frequent and productive up a considerable amount of committee Group. Once again their efforts this year contact with public rights of way officers members’ time. The footbridge at the have ensured that a wide and varied range from Leeds City Council. rail crossing at Morley is expected to of events were delivered for the benefit of be completed by the end of the year. members. From this year’s Group holiday The previous AGM was held at St Andrews Numerous footpath issues have been in Dovedale, the barbecue, the coach Church In Pudsey on 10 November reported with many resulting actions. ramble to the Lake District, the curry

Visit the Area website www.ramblersyorkshire.org for more area news and past issues evening and the Compleat Rambler social and Rachel for their help in manning the A reminder to all that the AGM is on 12th evening, thank you everyone who made Mirfield Show. January and everyone is encouraged to these events happen. attend. You won’t be press ganged on “Stride Out” continued to be published on to the committee (no promises though) Monitoring and responding to footpath a bi-annual basis with interesting articles and any thoughts on the types of walks related issues in our area continues to on walking and the countryside. provided would be welcome. be a never ending but rewarding task for our Footpath Officer, Richard Smith. In Mike Church, Membership Secretary the last year over 30 footpath issues WETHERBY GROUP have been considered and investigated, RIPON GROUP with more than half requiring a site visit The Wetherby group held its AGM on and a response from Richard on behalf On Thursday 14th November Ripon Group Sunday 3rd November, with sixteen of the Ramblers. The good news is that held their 2013 AGM at a local restaurant. members present. The Rambles persistence does pay and it is not unusual After a couple of years we’ve found a Secretary reported another very good year to see planning applications amended in replacement for Brian Derbyshire, our with a varied and interesting programme response to our objections. footpath officer. The members are very and walks generally well supported. A grateful to Brian for his valuable footpath total of 25 Sunday walks were offered, Kevin Goodings, secretary work over many years and for continuing plus nine evening walks from May to July. until a replacement, Marguerite Miles, was One new leader has been recruited, but NORTH KIRKLEES GROUP found. Our treasurer announced that he any new offers to lead walks would be will resign in the next few months. Our welcome. Once again we have produced two full declining numbers mean that the pool programmes of walks for the Autumn/ of volunteers lessens each year. On The Footpaths Officer submitted a winter and Spring/summer programmes, the brighter side, we continue to have comprehensive report updating the Group average number of walkers around sixteen. an interesting and well-supported walks on proposals to divert footpaths around programme. Saxton, and providing the latest information During the year, Peter Evans resigned for on the closure of Woodhall Bridge which family reasons and we thank Peter for Barbara Jordan, Secretary will be closed for a further 6 months. He the work he has done during his time as also reported that Leeds City Council is Group Secretary. conducting a condition survey on footpaths WAKEFIELD & DISTRICT in the Wetherby and Harewood wards, and Membership has declined by 5% over the GROUP will look for support from groups such as year in line with both Area and national The Ramblers in carrying out maintenance figures. What a difference a year makes! The work. The Publicity Secretary reported washout that was 2012 was replaced by on her sterling work throughout the year to In July we had a stall at the West Yorkshire the lovely summer of 2013 and with it a recruit new members, using six methods Fire and Rescue Annual Gala at the soaring level of happiness and people overall. After discussion it was reported that Birkenshaw headquarters; this is now an enjoying the walking. Thanks again to we might try for permanent stands in libraries annual event. In August we managed to Christine and her army of leaders for and sports centres. The group looks get a stall at the Mirfield Show after not putting on such marvellous walks for us forward to another season of good walking, being successful in the last two years. all to enjoy, and long may they continue to and always welcomes new walkers. We had a lot of interest from the public at volunteer their services; without them it both shows and would like to thank Mark would be pretty dull! John Reeman, Chairman

WEST RIDING AREA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE

As part of a major overhaul of the “digital communications” for the area, we launched a completely overhauled website last month. Up until now, we have relied on a small army of volunteers to take the printed walks diary and convert it into a format that the old website could display. Now the entire website has been rebuilt from scratch meaning that the site needs little day-to-day maintenance, leaving our Area webmaster Dave Pannell to spend more time on publishing news stories and building up our following on our also newly- launched Facebook page.

Dave featured in a workshop this year on web and social media at the Ramblers General Council, and spoke about the importance of moving our communication as an association into the digital age. He comments “For many people, the vast majority of communication is done digitally. If we want to continue to be relevant as an association we need to make sure we put our message where people are. Increasingly people expect the information they want to be available on the Internet, and for it to come and find them. On Facebook alone, there are 52,000 people in the West Riding area who list walking or hiking as an interest or past time - connecting with these people will Visit the new website at www.ramblersyorkshire.org and also be a key course of action in assuring the Rambler’s future” search for “Ramblers Yorkshire” on Facebook

ANNUAL REPORT 2013

WEST RIDING AREA ANNUAL REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th SEPTEMBER 2013 FinalFinal accts accts 13 13 20132013 20122012 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ IncomeIncome NotesNotes CentralCentral Office Office Funding Funding 1 1 22,00022,000 17,00017,000 Net IncomeNet Income from from Book Book Sales Sales 2 2 781 781 2,0932,093 Net IncomeNet Income from from Events Events 3 3 145 145 - - InvestmentInvestment Income Income 4 4 7 7 10 10 OtherOther Income Income 5 5 970 970 1,2411,241 23,90323,903 20,34420,344 LessLess Expenditure Expenditure ProvisionProvision & Protect & Protect of Footpaths of Footpaths 952 952 786 786 ProtectionProtection of Countryside of Countryside 1,0241,024 753 753 PublicPublic Education Education 816 816 753 753 PromotingPromoting Walking Walking 6 617,04717,047 14,04814,048 GovernanceGovernance 7 7 430 430 - - DeficitDeficit on social on social events events 3 3 - - 95 95 PaymentsPayments to Groups to Groups 6,2506,250 6,3506,350 OtherOther 8 8 200 20026,71926,719 - - 22,78522,785 DeficitDeficitDeficit for for the for the Yearthe Year Year -2,816-2,816-2,816 -2,441-2,441-2,441

BALANCEBALANCE SHEET SHEET AS AT AS 30th AT 30th SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2013 2013

EMPLOYMENTEMPLOYMENT OF CAPITAL OF CAPITAL

Current Current Assets Assets BookBook Stock Stock 7,6617,661 8,8038,803 Net pre-paymentsNet pre-payments 9 9 1,7201,720 1,7961,796 BankBank Balances Balances 6,0626,062 15,44315,443 7,6607,660 18,25918,259 ££ £ 15,44315,443 £ £ 18,25918,259

CAPITAL CAPITAL EMPLOYED EMPLOYED CapitalCapital Account Account BalanceBalance as at as 1st at October 1st October 16,04816,048 18,48918,489 DeficitDeficit for the for Year the Year -2,816-2,816 13,23213,232 -2,441-2,441 16,04816,048 Burley Burley Bridge Bridge Provision Provision 10 10 2,2112,211 2,2112,211 ££ £ 15,44315,443 £ £ 18,25918,259

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

HavingHaving carried carried out procedures out procedures in accordance in accordance with withthe Area the Area and Groupand Group Audit Audit Guidelines, Guidelines, I I considerconsider the West the West Riding Riding Area Area accounts accounts to have to have been been properly properly prepared prepared and toand give to givea true a true and fairand view fair view of the of West the West Riding Riding Area's Area's finances finances for the for year the yearto 30 to September 30 September 2013 2013

Signed:Signed:StephenStephen Dennison Dennison Date:Date: 24 October24 October 2013 2013

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

PagePage 1 1 NOTES TO ACCOUNTS

Fin accts 13 Notes £ £ 1 Full year budgeted funding from Central Office 22,000

2 Net Book Sales for year 1,923 Stock revaluation: Opening at 1 October 12 8,803 Closing at 30 September 13 7,661 Cost of books sold 1,142 Net income from book sales 781

3 Coach fares, hotel accommodation, etc 17,582 Coach hire, hotel accommodation, etc 17,437 Net income from events Final accts 13 145

4 Interest on Bank accounts 2013 2012 7 Total investment income £ £ £ £ 7 Income Notes Central Office Funding 1 22,000 17,000 5 Various donations 745 Net Income from Book Sales 2 781 2,093 Gift Aid payment from HMRC 175 Net Income from Events 3 145 - Advertisement 50 Investment Income 4 7 10 OtherTotal Income Other Income 5 970 1,241970 23,903 20,344 Less Expenditure6 Production costs for WRR and Walks Programme ProvisionPrinting & Protect West Riding of Footpaths Rambler Magazine952 (WRR) 3,914 786 ProtectionDesign of costs Countryside WRR 1,024 690 753 PublicPrinting Education Walks Programmes 816 2,688 753 7,292 Promoting Walking 6 17,047 14,048 GovernanceDistribution costs for WRR and7 Walks430 Programme - DeficitPostage on social events 3 - 6,261 95 PaymentsEnvelopes to Groups 6,250 3176,350 OtherMileage 8 200 26,719 165 - 22,7856,743 Deficit for the Year Total costs for-2,816 WRR & Walks Programme 14,035-2,441 Bag tags 2,196 General administration 816 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30th SEPTEMBER 2013 Total 17,047

EMPLOYMENT7 The OF CAPITALcost of the AGM has to be shown separately 430 (Two years' costs: 2012 £200 + 2013 £230) Current Assets Book Stock 7,661 8,803 8 Net pre-paymentsContribution towards new kissing9 gate1,720 at Askwith 1,796 200 Bank Balances 6,062 15,443 7,660 18,259 9 Deposit paid for holiday in Eastbourne May 2014 1,720 Net pre-payments £ 15,443 £ 18,2591,720

CAPITAL10 EMPLOYEDThe balance of funding received from Central Office and Burley Bridge Association Capital Accountto support the expense of promoting the building of a bridge over the River Wharfe Balanceat Burley as at in1st Wharfedale. October There were16,048 no transactions during the year: 18,489 Deficit for the Year -2,816 13,232 -2,441 16,048 Burley BridgeBurley Provision Bridge Provision 10 Balance at2,211 30 September 2013 2,2112211 £ 15,443 £ 18,259

EXAMINER'S STATEMENT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE RAMBLERS' ASSOCIATION - WEST RIDING AREA ANNUAL REPORT 2013

Having carried out procedures in accordance with the Area and Group Audit Guidelines, I consider the West Riding Area accounts to have been properly prepared and to give a true and fair view of the West Riding Area'sPage finances 1 for the year to 30 September 2013

Signed: Stephen Dennison Date: 24 October 2013

Page 1 Janet Street-Porter with campaigners at the site of the proposed bridge at Burley-in-Wharfedale Photography by Jane Cameron of Look Lively Media

Janet Street-Porter gives support to Burley Bridge Campaign

Janet Street-Porter came to Burley-in-Wharfedale on Saturday of the proposed bridge at nearby Leather Bank. The River Wharfe 14th September in an event organised by the Burley Bridge was not in full flush so the recently repaired stepping stones stood Association (of which she is president) to draw attention above the waters and could be used with due care for to the need for a bridge across the River Wharfe at the those who wanted to put their feet in the Nidderdale village, and more specifically to raise the final £500 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the other required for the planning application. Janet expressed side. Not everyone likes to use stepping stones, however, and, more importantly, even though they In a rousing and humorous speech Janet her astonishment were usable on the day of the event, they are expressed her astonishment that there was that there was still flooded and impassable for most of the year. So still no bridge across the River Wharfe at no bridge across a powerful case continues to exist for a bridge Burley-in-Wharfedale, and she listed the at Burley, many advantages a bridge across the river the River Wharfe would bring to the residents of both Burley and at Burley-in- The planning application will be for a small nearby Askwith, as well as to walkers throughout Wharfedale suspension bridge for pedestrians only. The the area. modest structure will blend well with the attractive riverside scenery at Leather Bank, near Burley. The event was hosted by the Generous Pioneer, the pub at the end of Burley by-pass. After Janet’s speech, Many thanks to Janet, now a TV Masterchef as well as a a crowd of about fifty people enjoyed a bright early autumn celebrity in her own right, a fervent supporter of walkers’ interests, afternoon, and walked with Janet down the bridleway to the site and a former president of the Ramblers’ Association.

THANKS TO ALL THE FOOTPATH SURVEYORS Many thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s West paths is not going to rely on anecdotal evidence and scattered Riding Area Footpath Survey. The results will be published as examples, but solid accurate evidence that will enable local soon as possible next year. The Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire authorities to be compared (though so far we have resisted this), Evening Post gave substantial publicity to the results of the and comparisons to be made from year to year. 2012 survey, and particularly the major finding – the rapid deterioration in the condition of rights of way between 2011 Footpath surveyors: please offer to continue to do this valuable and 2012. It is impossible to assess the extent to which our work next year. For Ramblers who haven’t yet taken part, please survey has an impact on local authority budgets and policies, consider surveying four Explorer squares next year. We can still but the survey has now provided us with good reliable, large- find some for you. It’s interesting work, and takes about four scale information on what is happening to our local paths. The half days, if that. It can be done any time in the spring, summer local authorities are now aware that they are being monitored, and up to the end of October. If you might be interested, please and that the Ramblers’ Association in its campaigns to protect get in touch with Keith Wadd at [email protected]

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 West Riding Rambler designed by THE DESIGN MECHANICS - www.thedesignmechanics.com