Christmas walk: 19-12-2023

WALKIES!!

Christmas is almost upon us so, this week, the NCVs and Nidderdale walling group met up at Grimwith car park  - not to do any work, but to go on a morning's walk around the reservoir, near Greenhow. A nice easy 4.5 mile route and, not too muddy either. Even better - there was the promise of a tasty lunch at the Toft Gate Barn Cafe at Greenhow.  You can read about the history of the reservoir HERE.

Here are some photos of the outing....

 

The Christmas hat brigade lined up for their annual photo.

 

The whistle blew and they were all out of the blocks. 

The initial congestion soon eased 

with different people setting their own pace. 

 

It was all a bit grey as the group dropped down to the water.

 

 

The Cruck barn was an unusual feature on this walk.

 

 (Wikipedia tells us that this grade 2 listed building "...used to be further west, but was reconstructed on its present site above the waterline to preserve it. This type of barn is rare for the Yorkshire Dales. Its origins were in the 16th century and was rebuilt in 1982 when the reservoir was extended")

  

Birdwatchers in the group managed to spot a number 

of species on the way  including lapwing, wigeon,...

 

 

... a barn owl,...

 

... a red kite...

 

 and a number of Dickie ducks.

 

Time for a snack stop. 

 

Mince pies all round thanks to Ruth!! 

Oh really Osian! 

Where are your manners???!

It's NOT going to fit in!

The final stretch along the top of the dam

came around all too soon.

 

Everyone gathered at the far end 

to allow the stragglers to catch up....

 

...and took in the (by now) sunny panorama.

Then it was back to the car park with half an hour to spare.

 

 Hang on folks - the cafe isn't up there. 

Where are you all going?

Be careful of the giant black bird hovering above you!!

(Note from ed - no idea what caused that!!)

 

Ahh! That's a good way to spend 30 mins.

 

The Coldstones Cut. An unusual 

sculpture to celebrate the millenium.

 

Come on. Not far to go.

 

What are you lot looking at?

 

Oooo. That's a big hole in the ground!!

 

On your marks, get set, go!

Sarah and Ros E. raced each other up 

to the two viewing platforms.

Sarah won by a mile!

 

Mick took a more leisurely approach 

and enjoyed the view from the top.

 

At 421m above sea level the view was very good!!
 

Then it was back down past the giant 

'Tour de France' racing bike.
 

 

Eventually, everyone arrived at the cafe, 

safe and sound.

 

Good job really because, as well as 

bowls of soup, there was so much else to eat!

 

And eat they did!!

And this lot.

These too.

And don't forget these! 

 

Thanks to all the staff for making such a lovely lunch.

Thanks, also, to the National Landscapes Office (yes - not the called the AONB office any more) for funding this treat. It is much appreciated.   

This is the last blog edition for 2023. It marks the end of a busy year, during which the NCVs clocked up no fewer than 2641 hours. Amazing!!

They all hope that our readers have a good festive season. They'll be back on 9th January for lots more environmentally based fun.

Merry Christmas 

and a 

Happy New Year!!