Grassington Sunday 29th April 2007

Today’s Walks

Note we are offering four walks today, which we hope will reduce the numbers on the regular Moderate walk, and also give some of the more able Easy walkers the chance of a little extra challenge. If this works out well, we will hopefully be able to make this a regular thing, depending of course on whether or not we can get an extra leader. Your feedback will be much appreciated.

Strenuous Leader : Jackie Gudgeon     Distance: 11 miles

From Grassington we head off down to the River Wharfe for a pleasant stroll along the river to Hebden. Up Hebden Gill, through old lead mine workings to eventually emerge back into limestone country at Bare House. Down to join the Dales Way which we take in the direction of Grassington, bearing off through Grass Wood where we have a choice of either dropping down to the river again, or entering Grassington by briefly joining the Dales way again. A good varied walk with lovely views of Wharfedale.

Moderate Leader: Jim & Ramlah Eaton     Distance : 8 miles

The walk starts from the cobblestone square of Grassington village and takes us out over Grassington Moor. A very pleasant route then follows, through rugged countryside, shaped by a mix of agriculture and ancient leadmining. Over stiles and across stony fields to a pretty beck where we follow a miners track alongside the water. We will find much evidence of the old lead mining along the way. We eventually reach a picnic area for a break or lunch, depending on the time. Further on we see more and more mining remains, spoil heaps, lime kilns and derelect 17th century mine works. A good days walk which ends back at the village for the great little cafes and pubs Grassington is famous for.

Alternative ‘Easier’ Moderate Leader: Derek Lee     Distance: 7 miles

This walk is, at 7 miles. a little shorter than the Moderate and involves only 700 feet of ascent, half the usual height climbed on the Moderate walk. There are no steep hills but plenty of stiles in the morning. We start by crossing the river to Threshfield, then through farmland before climbing westwards up to our highest point on Backstone Edge with views to the north and back to Grassington. From here we cross the exposed Linton Moor before turning opposite the workings of Swinden Quarry to return to Grassington, with a stop in the pretty village of Linton on the way.

Easy Leader: Nancy Rencontre     Distance: 4.5 miles

A ‘flowers and views’ walk alongside the River Wharfe, pasing Linton Falls and continuing along the Dales Way. Easy walk with one slight climb.