The NCVs' summer walk: 18-08-2015

Today was a day free of balsam pulling, bracken bashing and 'de-rhododendronisation' as it was the day of the annual NCV summer walk. Will kindly offered to lead the way and we all followed like sheep (although at some points Will was at the back and other NCVs took the lead - and not always in the right direction!) The weather was rather gloomy during the morning, and it rained all the way back after lunch, but we all enjoyed ourselves never the less. 

The circular walk began in Glasshouses. We stopped for a coffee break en route and then a tasty sandwich and chips lunch at the Half Moon Pub (courtesy of the AONB office - thanks for that!!) Here Paul was presented with his leaving gift - a photo book to help him remember his three years with us as he moves on to pastures new with the Woodland Trust. We wish him well for the future.

The photos below give you a flavour of the walk. 

A gang of 20 NCVs gather, ready for the off.

Along the River Nidd we went....

.... with one or two unable to resist pulling some balsam on the way.

At Smelthouses everyone waited for the last in the group to catch up...

...before setting off up the lovely wooded 
valley of Fell Beck.

Here we stopped for a coffee break...

...and then crossed the rickety, rackety bridge, 

keeping a watchful eye for the troll hiding underneath.

Up towards Brimham Rocks we admired the gaggle of geese....

...and the lovely (if dark) views.

There were many stiles along the way that slowed progress at regular intervals:

Some were very demanding in terms of actually reaching 
the wall - particularly for the tallest members of the group!

One led straight into a blackthorn forest - ouch!

We all enjoyed our lunchtime treat....

...wherever we sat.

Tony - will you please look at the camera? 

Ha Ha - got you!

Ladies - raise your chips to the AONB office who paid for them!

Paul is presented with his gift and thanked for 
all he has done over the last three years.

Paul and his photo book of memories.

On the way back everyone was judged on their crossing style 
as they traversed one particular stream on some very slippy rocks.

Back in Glasshouses the gang awaited the stragglers.

We now look forward to our Christmas walk!

Ros E.