Time off for good behaviour: 12-12-2016

This week the NCVs were excused work. Too much work makes for very dull volunteers - so we sparkled and left the dullness to the weather. There was a good turn out today (I wonder why???) with no fewer than 25 NCVs in the group.

Instead our very own Graham - a walk organiser par excellence - planned a lovely pre-Christmas ramble. The 5 mile morning walk began at Dry Gill lay-by, just west of Stump Cross Caverns and followed bridleways and footpaths to Appletreewick. Once we got to the village we were treated to a soup and sandwiches lunch at the Craven Arms and Cruck Barn (thanks to the AONB office for that!!) After lunch there was the option to do a further 3.5 miles to complete a circuit back to the starting point. 11 opted to do this. Those who felt that they had done enough were given a lift back in the students' mini bus (thanks Maggie!)

The photos below show us on our way....

 Father Christmas style hats (and even a Christmas pudding)

 were very much in evidence when everyone gathered in the car park.

Take a video tour around Anita's hat which was covered
 in lots of knitted Christmas paraphernalia.

Andy went for the more bohemian look with green dreadlocks.

 Maggie favoured a jaunty Christmas tree.

Graham wore a pair of festive horns - 
although one was decidedly droopy.

The view was shrouded in mist at first. 

Never mind - we knew it was there.

Off we went with Graham in the lead. To signify his importance he wore this year's must have outer garment; a tabard made of the finest silk and organdie in a delicate shade of lemon zest.

Gradually the mist lifted sufficiently for us to see more of our surroundings.

Over the stile and we were in Troller's Gyhll. 
This is the home of the Rottentrolls.
Click here to visit the Rottentrolls website.

Once or twice people had a look inside 
an old mine entrance in case there was anything interesting to be seen.

Tom and James looked calm and collected as they emerged from this one in spite of having just been chased out by the resident Barguest. 
(For those who are unsure - this is a mythical beast. A monstrous dog with huge teeth and eyes as big as dinner plates who used to eat the Rottentrolls.)

The valley became more and more steep sided....

... down and down we trekked.

The view back up the ghyll - good job there hadn't been too much rain recently. 
This can become a raging torrent when conditions are right!

At the bottom we took a coffee break and James 
broke out a tin of his delicious home made brownies. (Thanks James!)
Here he can be seen sharing his recipe with the group.

Off we went again...

....across the fields and around the mole hills.

Lots of chimney pots on display here. 
Now what's that just underneath?

A bird recognition chart of course. What else would you expect?

Eventually we followed the course of the river Wharfe.

Here we could even see the tops of the hills!

At last - the Craven Arms. 

What has caught Phil's eye?

A lamp inside which flickered a real gas flame!

Lunch was served on the very top floor of the ancient cruck barn.
Click here to see it in all its glory.

There wasn't much room or light to take photos inside but looking at the three tables below everyone had a good time!!

Ros E.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 

to all our followers.