A Message from John Whittle
Here is some news of our recent walks and events:
Monday 22nd -Thursday 25th June 2009: 'Swaledale Spectacular'
We enjoyed four days of very good weather amongst the glorious haymeadows of Swaledale for our walk over four days up the valley from Richmond to Tan Hill. Highlights included the palindromic inscription in Marske church, the sparkling waters of the River Swale, the colourful hay meadows around Muker, the superb scenery of the Swale Gorge around Keld and the wealth of wildlife seen from the Pennine Way near Tan Hill. This was as good as walking in Britain gets!
Saturday 20th June: 'Rochdale Pioneers' Discovery Day
Cool, cloudy and at times damp weather provided the backdrop to this very enjoyable day out in the 'Red Rose' county. Our morning walk along the Pennine Way and Rochdale Way from Windy Hill over Blackstone Edge and the old Roman Road to Hollingworth Lake Country Park was full of interest, good views and varied walking. Half the party opted for a low level walk around Hollingworth Lake. After lunch we walked the Rochdale Canal into Rochdale whilst the non-walkers visited the Co-op Museum and Touchstones Museums.
(6 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 10th June: Houghton Woods Walk and Meal
A heavy shower soon after setting off failed to dampen our spirits as we enjoyed our walk to Houghton Hall, 'the perfect Georgian country house in a beautiful parkland setting' and its accompanying woodland whose display of rhododendrons was at its best. A tasty lunch at the nearby Langlands Coffee Shop set the seal on a high quality experience.
(6 images upoaded to photo archive)
Monday 18th - Thursday 22nd May 2009: Norfolk Coast Path Part II
This was a most enjoyable experience as we enjoyed four days of good weather with plenty of sunshine and a wealth of wildlife on the Norfolk Coast between Stiffkey and Cromer. Highlights included sightings of newly arrived Little Egrets, Reed Warblers and avocets with their chicks. Side trips were provided to view the seals at Blakeney Point and to Felbrigg Hall whose walled garden was much admired.
On the final day we visited Gooderstone Water Gardens and were very pleased to watch a kingfisher perched on a branch directly outside the hide.
(16 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 8th May 2009: May Walk and Meal
Cool, bright and sunny weather provided perfect visibility for this bracing 5 mile walk around Flamborough with excellent viewing of the breeding seabirds on the cliffs. A late 'Fish and Chip' lunch at Stuart's in Driffield provided a superb finish to the day.
(7 images uploaded to photo archive)
Friday 1st - Monday 4th May 2009: Cleveland Way
The Thistle Hotel at Middlesbrough was the comfortable base for this challenging weekend of walking between Whitby and Kildale. Cool, bright weather for all except the last day was perfect for the many 'ups' and 'downs' experienced along the coast before turning inland at Saltburn to ascend the Cleveland Hills.
We look forward to May 2010 when we complete the walk from Kildale to Helmsley.
(12 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 8th April 2009: Easter Walk and Meal
This was a very enjoyable walk on the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds around Millington and Givendale. It was wonderful to see the progress of spring with lots of woodland plants in flower including violets, primroses, wood anemones and the first bluebells of the year. On a cool, windy day the excellent home cooking enjoyed at the Millington Tearoom after the walk was much appreciated.
(7 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th April 2009 : Dales Way Part III (Oughtershaw-Milthrop)
Sunny and bright conditions on Friday and Sunday sandwiched between cold, cloudy conditions on Saturday, were the backdrop to this superbly varied weekend in the Yorkshire Dales. Moderate walking took us to Cam Houses and Far Gearstones before arriving in Dentdale. We walked the full length of the dale enjoying lots of birdlife and riverside features of the River Dee. The final section gave excellent views of Sedbergh in the shadow of the Howgill Fells. Can't wait for the final section next year!
(12 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 19th March: 'Whittle's Walks (Lockington)
Cooler conditions prevailed for this stimulating walk to Lockington and Beswick which marked the end of the Spring Walks series.
(3 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 18th March: 'Whittle's Walks' (Londesborough)
Bright, sunny weather and excellent conditions underfoot made for a memorable walk on the rolling chalk Wolds around Londesborough.
(4 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 12th March: 'Whittle's Walks' (Easthorpe & Londesborough)
Cool, bright and breezy conditions prevailed for this excellent walk through history, in which we visited the deserted village of Easthorpe and Londesborough village, hall and church. Wildlife interest was provided by the sighting of a red kite and the first frog spawn of the season in Towthorpe Beck.
(5 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 11th March: 'Whittle's Walks' (Beswick and Lockington)
On this mild, bright spring day we visited Beswick where the early 17th century Beswick Hall impressed the group, before making our way by field footpaths to Lockington. Here St Mary's church lived up to its description as 'one of the most enthralling churches in the East Riding' with its unique Norman arch, medieval glass, Moyser monument and the heraldic panels in the Estoft Chapel.
(5 images uploaded to photo archive)
Sunday 8th March: 'Viking Way' (Goulceby to Horncastle)
What a day of contrasts! A cold, bright and sunny morning made for very enjoyable scenic walking in the Lincoln Wolds with a sighting of the first cowslips of the year in Scamblesby. After lunch we experienced a sudden and prolonged squall with heavy rain and wind which made for cold, wet walking to Horncastle. A hot meal of home made steak and kidney pie at the Admiral Rodney provided a very welcome pick-me-up!
(8 images uploaded to photo archive)
Saturday 7th March: 'Viking Way' (Ludford to Goulceby)
Bright and sunny weather with excellent condions underfoot made for a first class day's walking in Lincolnshire. Masses of snowdrops and crocuses together with the first primroses of the season provided an abundance of colour whilst bird sightings included a flock of field fare, a heron and a peacock. Further interest was provided by visits to the disused churches at Biscathorpe and Goulceby and the sites of deserted villages at Wykeham and Biscathorpe.
(9 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 5th March: 'Whittle's Walks'
A warm, sunny, springlike day for this excellent walk to Walcot Hall and along Lincoln Cliff to Burton on Stather. We particularly enjoyed the fine views of the River Trent from the Edge.
(4 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 4th March: 'Whittle's Walks'
A cool, dry day for an exhilarating walk from Sancton onto the Yorkshire Wolds and return via a secluded dry valley.
Thursday 26th February: 'Whittle's Walks'
Another cloudy and windy afternoon on the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds around Sancton. We followed a dry valley to the summit of Arras Hll and en route found a dead kestrel whose beautiful plumage we were able to admire.
(2 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 25th February: ' 'Whittle's Walks'
A cool, breezy walk along Lincoln Cliff from Alkborough was brightened up considerably by the masses of snowdrops at Walcot Hall. Good views were had of the River Trent and of the surrounding countryside.
(3 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd February: 'Lancashire's Winter Wonders'
This was a very timely first 'Walking in Britain' break of the year after the long, cold winter months. A mild dry weekend with some sun and wind provided the backdrop to a very good visit to Lancashire. En route to the hotel for lunch we visited Hollingworth Lake for some easy walking. Our afternoon visit to Martin Mere proved to be the highspot of the weekend with a guided tour including the wild swan feed, the captive wildfowl and a visit to the beaver enclosure.
On Sunday, a sunny trail of Liverpool city centre included Albert Dock, the Pier Head and the two cathedrals. After lunch at the Anglican cathedral, we rounded off the weekend with a beach walk at Crosby to view Anthony Gormley's Another Place' sculpture.
(15 images uploaded to photo archive)
Coming soon! Look out for details of next year's 'Derbyshire's Winter Wonders' weekend on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th February 2010.
Saturday 14th February: 'Snowdrop Spectacular'
This day lived up to its promise with an easy walk over frozen ground to Hodsock Priory where the winter garden and snowdrop woodland impressed our group. Milder conditions after lunch failed to melt the ice at Clumber Lake. This enabled the numerous swans, ducks and wildfowl to provide plenty of entertainment us as they skated about on the surface. Tea and scones at the Clumber Tearoom were a welcome reward at the end of the day!
(14 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 12th February: 'Whittle's Walks'
Snow falling continuously throughout this walk on the Yorkshire Wolds around Drewton, Weedley and South Cave made this a very memorable experience. We particularly enjoyed Connie's delicious home made scones at the end of the walk.
(6 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 11th February: 'Whittle's Walks'
An exhilarating walk on the Southern Wolds around Elloughton and Brantingham with plenty of snow in evidence on the tops.
(4 images uploaded to photo archive)
Sunday 8th February: : 'Viking Way'
Day four from Normanby le Wold to beyond Ludford. Even colder today with much ice and frost on the ground but before lunchtime we were bathed in warm sunshine as we enjoyed spectacular scenery and a redundant church at Walesby. Plenty of snow to scrunch our way through as we climbed from Tealby to Ludford. A hard day's walking but very enjoyable nonetheless!
(8 images uploaded to photo archive)
Saturday 7th February: 'Viking Way'
Day three of this trail in Lincolnshire from Grasby to Normanby le Wold brought a crisp, sunny day with plenty of frost, ice and snow on the ground. Watched two whooper swans noisily alighting on a pond at Clixby. Very pleasant walking with a back wind took us through an impressive dry valley to the highest point of the Lincolnshire Wolds. A day to savour!
(11 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 5th February: 'Whittle's Walks'
Cold and dull with occasional sleet for this walk from Beverley Westwood to Walkington to explore its connections with the Ferguson-Fawsitts and Beverley Minster's role as a sanctuary church. A cold wind on the retun leg but it certainly beat being cooped up inside!
Wednesday 4th February: 'Whittle's Walks'
We enjoyed perfect walking conditions with snow scrunching underfoot and warm winter sunshine on our backs for this scenic walk on the Yorkshire Wolds above South Cave. A big highlight was the red kite which showed itself above the woods at Drewton.
(4 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 29th January:'Whittle's Walks'
A delightful walk in cold, clear winter sunshine featuring Brantingham with its connections with Christopher Sykes and Elloughton Dale.
(3 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 28th January: 'Whittle's Walks'
An enjoyable walk around Walkington in mild, bright conditions but very soggy underfoot following overnight rain!
(1 photo uploaded to photo archive)
Saturday 24th January: 'Viking Way'
Another cold, frosty day as we made easy progress southwards through the Lincoln Wolds by way of Barnetby, Bigby, Searby and Grasby. Some warm sunshine after lunch and a first sight of aconites in flower at Searby added to our enjoyment of another day's good walking.
Thursday 22nd January: 'Whittle's Walks'
Mild dry weather with some sunshine made for enjoyable walking around Everthorpe and North Cave. A couple of sightings of snowdrops in flower encouraged us to believe that spring is just around the corner!
Wednesday 21st January: 'Whittle's Walks'
A wonderful day with warm winter sunshine throughout for this walk around Welton Water. Several ducks were sighted including shoveller, pochard and tufted duck together with good views of the Great Northern Diver.
(3 images uploaded to photo archive)
Thursday 15th January: 'Whittle's Walks'
A cloudy and breezy day for an energising walk throufh Welton village and round Welton Water in search of a rare Great Northern Diver which managed to hide itself from view with great success!
(1 image uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 14th January: Whittle's Walks'
An excellent walk under cloudless skies with some winter sunshine along the Mill Beck and Mires Beck in North Cave. Also featured was the Hull and Barnsley Railway and the hamlet of Everthorpe.
(3 photos uploaded to photo archive)
Saturday 10th January: 'Viking Way'
A very cold and frosty day with sub-zero temperatures throughout. (It was cold enough for Ann's bottle of water to freeze!)
Brisk walking was the order of the day as we travelled along the Humber Bank from Barton to South Ferriby and then ascended the Lincoln Wolds to Wootton Wold. We were very grateful for the minibus back up with its welcome supply of hot soup and hot drinks. At lunchtime we had the luxury of being able to shelter in the warmth of the minibus whilst we ate our picnic lunch. A stimulating day!
(7 images uploaded to photo archive)
Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th January: 'Humber Bridge and North Ferriby'
This was an excellent first walk of the new season with good conditions underfoot and some winter sunshine.
Good sightings were made of redshank and sanderling but the star turn was a flock of about 30 curlew wheeling and calling hauntingly overhead!
With calm conditions on the Humber and a high tide there were some very attractive reflections on the river as the sun sank low in the sky. (4 images uploaded to photo archive)
Friday 2nd January 2009: 'New Year Walk and Meal'
Warm winter sunshine and good conditions underfoot combined to make this walk around Harpham and Lowthorpe a very enjoyable one. We visited Harpham church to view its remarkable series of monuments to the St. Quintin family and its 18th century Peckitt glass as well as the former collegiate church of Lowthorpe.
'Fish and chips' at Stuart's in Driffield rounded off a memorable afternoon.
(5 images uploaded to photo archive)
Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th December 2008: 'Rudston Roam'
Cold, cloudy weather and a number of winter colds amongst the party did nothing to dampen the spirits as we enjoyed 20 miles of fine walking between Driffield and Bridlington by way of Rudston and its famous monolith. A hot meal at the Hayride in Beverley rounded off a great experience!
(13 images uploaded to photo archive)
We look forward with keen anticipation to next year's final leg along the chalk cliffs between Bridlington and Speeton on 29th & 30th December 2009.
Thursday 11th December: 'Xmas Walk and Lunch'
A day of exceptional weather with treacherous black ice on the pavements, bright sunshine and a sleet shower for our walk on the southern Yorkshire Wolds. Everyone safely negotiated the conditions and we enjoyed good views over the Humber whilst two separate sightings were made of roe deer durng the walk. An excellent Christmas lunch at the Hotel Elizabeth, North Ferriby was the reward for our morning's exertions!
(3 images uploaded to photo archive, 'Whittle's Walks' folder)
Saturday 6th December: 'Bolsover Lantern Parade'
Superb winter weather with unbroken sunshine throughout the day provided the setting for this outstanding day. A morning walk in the country park (or visit to Hardwick Hall) preceded a fine afternoon walk from Glapwell to Bolsover with very good views west to the Peak District. In Bolsover we chose between free entry to the castle or a brass band concert in the parish church before viewing the 'Lantern Parade'. This proved to be a spectacular end to the 2008 season of Discovery Days.
(15 images uploaded to photo archive)
Our first Discovery Day in 2009 will be a 'Snowdrop Spectacular' on Saturday 14th February. We recommend that you book early as this is sure to be very popular.
Thursday 27th November: Whittle's Walks
Easy walking around Bentley and Fishpond Wood with the first heavy rain in ten weeks of walking! Once again we disturbed a hare. An excellent season of Autumn Walks was rounded off with tea and scones at the 'Purple Cow' in Cottingham.
The next series of walks on Thursday afternoons starts on Thursday 8th January 2009. All welcome.
Wednesday 26th November: Whittle's Walks
A mild and cloudy day for this enjoyable walk around Barton and Far Ings National Nature Reserve with sightings of cormorants, heron, goldfinch and redshank en route. For this last walk of the series we finished with tea and cake at the 'Water's Edge' Cafe. Delicious!
(2 images uploaded to the 'Photo Archive')
We start a new series of ten walks on Wednesday 7th January 2009. All welcome!
Thursday 20th November: Whittle’s Walks:
A very good turn out for a breezy but sunny walk on the south bank of the Humber from Barton to Chowderness enjoyed excellent views across to the north bank and some fine walking by the Far Ings National Nature Reserve.
(3 images uploaded to the ‘Photo Archive’)
Wednesday 19th November: Whittle’s Walks:
Excellent sunny weather and good conditions underfoot made for a very enjoyable walk along Jillywoods Lane to Bentley. Highlights included a superb ‘mackerel’ sky, the sighting of a hare and purchases of all available supplies at the ‘Honey Box’ in Bentley!
(3 images uploaded to the ‘Photo Archive’)