The NCVs' Christmas Walk: 17-12-2013

This week there was no task to carry out - apart from enjoying ourselves whilst having a lovely 5 mile circular walk. We went from How Stean Gorge, via Middlesmoor, over the top into the Scar House Reservoir valley and then headed back down to the How Stean Cafe for our soup, sandwiches and chips lunch. Many thanks to:

• Graham, for planning the walk 
• Nidderdale AONB office and the How Stean Cafe team, for the lunch
• Audrey and Emma WP, for the mid-morning flapjack

22 walkers set off just after 10am on a beautiful, cold but sunny day. We were very lucky given the weather during the previous few days. Four others joined us at lunchtime. I will let the photos tell the tale........

At How Stean's car park Santa had decided to do 

some abseiling - oddly none of the NCVs joined him.

A Santa look alike was also found canoeing down the gorge.

Everyone at the ready and raring to go.

Off we set - up the hill to Middlesmoor.

Chris marches briskly up the steps, 

eager to get to the top.

Good views to the right and to the left on the way up.

Once at the top there were other lovely views, 

down the valley to Gouthwaite Reservoir...

...and across to Dale Edge.

Of course there were streams that had to be forded on the way.....

Pat helps Mrs Claus over this little one.

Four stride confidently over the next one...

... whilst another considers the wisdom of 

taking a more challenging route.

This one was wider and required getting wet boots.

There were also a number of challenging stiles 

and gates that caused bottlenecks and slowed progress...

Breathe in ladies.

NCVs queue patiently as we negotiate the narrow openings - 

not easy if you are short and wearing a rucksack!

Mr Claus  catches up with his missus.

The River Nidd kept playing games with us.....

Now you see it ......

Now you don't! Where's it gone?

Back along the path to Lofthouse.......

...negotiating a very muddy area on the way.

Two wait for the stragglers - where on earth

have they got to?

 Down at Lofthouse the river was very much in evidence....

...and the view back up to Middlesmoor was beautiful.

Back at How Stean we were made very welcome....

Graham acts as mother and helps Chris to a nice cuppa...

...before preparing to dance a tango.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the NCVs and all our blog readers!

Ros E.

PS Here is a photo of the pond at Pyefield Farm we finished digging out last week. It is now completely full and looks great. We can, and do, make a difference!