The NCVs' Christmas walk: 16-12-2025

We made it!

Yes indeed. The NCVs have made it to the end of another year of volunteering in the great outdoors. A fantastic 2274 hours have been clocked up during 2025 and an impressive 4165 trees have been planted. So - this week it was time for a nice gentle walk and a tasty Christmas lunch. Ken and Dave kindly organised a 5 mile route, starting and ending at The Wellington pub in Darley. It was an excellent place to finish as Ken had also ordered the xmas lunch at the same venue. (Thanks for all the organisation Ken and Dave!)

Highlights of the event can be seen below:

Everyone ready?

Off we go!

Through Darley village where Andy was put 

in the stocks as he had been the last to arrive.

Down the hill to the River Nidd.

Everyone squeezed across 

the footbridge over Darley Beck...

...before passing by the limpid waters

 of the pond at Pyefield Farm 

This was created by the NCVs way back in 2013.

Clearly not maintained by the landowner!!

(Blog entry for this rather muddy 

episode can be seen HERE. Well worth checking out!)

The route contained a number of challenging stiles.

Then it was along the river to

the Summerbridge 'Youf shelter'...

...where there was a stop for coffee time.

Only 'youfs' were able to sit inside.

Older folk had to stay outside...

...but all ages were allowed a shortbread biscuit,

thanks to Liz.

Then it was back towards Darley through Low Wood, 

along the line of the old railway track.

Amazingly there was a train still running 

but it didn't stop to give the NCVs a lift.

Will thought that this giant hamster 

wheel may help him get up the hill.

Eventually the gang left the track and went 

through the fields ....

....back to the Wellington Inn.

Inside the inn were some very happy diners...

... thanks to the Wellington Inn staff! 

Thanks also to the NNL for funding the meal.

Remember the two NCVs who decided to hang up their loppers this year? 

 

Phil

  

 

Tony

Well, at the end of the meal they were both presented with 'Emergency Retired NCV Kits' containing all they would need to see them through the coming, restful months.

Emergency kit contents (see below)

Item 1 (Tony)

Item 1 (Phil)

Item 2 - slipper socks.

Item 3 = A liquorice pipe

Item 4 - Self explanatory!!

Anita and Julia tried out the pipes....

...however - it was Ken who was the one 

who had the gravitas to demonstrate

correct pipe usage.

See you back here early in the new year!