WALK REPORT

HARTINGTON, March 4th 2007

One of the club’s favorite destinations due to the presence of pubs, teashops and cheese-shops (in no particular order!) turned into a not so favorable day, due entirely to the English weather. Of course it was predicted but we all know how fickle the weather can be on the day. Thanks to a request for new leaders, Ken & John put together two excellent walks to fill the middle distance walks members have been asking for, whilst Carol produced a classic long walk through the dales and over the moors.

Thanks to all the leaders, the conditions on Sunday really do make a hard job for them to get everyone back safely.

I read in the paper today that most of England has had approx half this month’s rainfall in the first 4 days, and I’m sure that we would all agree with that as the conditions underfoot were probably the worst experienced for many years. Despite the wet and the wind the dales are always beautiful, even in the winter, as the foliage that covers the rocks has gone, just leaving the bare limestone formations to look at. Again because of the heavy rain all the streams were flowing fast and furious, creating a moving spectacle that at other times of the year often flow underground with just a trickle on the surface. 

I think it’s fair to say that most groups put their heads down to try and get back to the coach as quickly as possible for a quick change and some warm refreshment. With most groups returning early we decided to leave Hartington a little sooner than planned ………….

......................................... but we will be back!!!   

Richard White.