Skipton, Yorkshire Sunday 27th February 2011

Today’s Walks

Strenuous Leader: Dag Griffiths   Distance: 12 miles

This is a linear walk from East Marton where the coach will drop us off, so it would be preferable to be “booted” and ready to go. NB there are no toilets at East Marton, the nearest are at Gargrave which we will reach after three miles on the Pennine Way. We head north from Gargrave through Eshton to Friar’s Head before heading SE to Flasby, Flasby Fell and Sharp Haw (at 357 metres, the highest point of the walk). From Sharp Haw we continue in a SE direction to Skipton, eventually crossing a golf course to reach the town.

Moderate Leader: Philomena Walker   Distance: about 9 miles

We set off taking a path by the castle, over the golf course (watching out for low flying golf balls) and crossing the A59, and up to the Craven Heifer at Tarn Moor. We then follow paths towards Flasby Fell and turn left into Crag Wood. We circle around and through the woods back towards Tarn House Farm. We cut across behind a caravan park towards the A59 and back to Skipton along the road. Weather permitting, very scenic with nothing too strenuous.

Leisurely Leader: Sue Daniels   Distance: 7 miles

We leave Skipton town centre and head for the canal and follow the pathways over to Niffany Hill. From there we cross the fields over to Carleton-in-Craven, through the village and take a gradual climb up to Throstle Nest. We then head down the valley and back into Skipton. I have not been able to recce the walk so do not know what conditions will be like underfoot.

Easy Leader: Hazel Anderton & Margaret Black   Distance: about 5 miles

We start with quite a steep but short walk, bringing us to the edge of the town where we cross over the A65. This is banked on either side and may be slippy. However, from there onwards this is a pleasant walk mainly across pastureland, with just very short stretches of country lane – and, yes, a few stiles. We walk almost imperceptibly up to Tarn Moor with its super views, and perhaps some inquisitive sheep. After lunch we continue over pastureland and across a golf course. This brings us to Skipton Woods where we follow the path alongside Ellerbeck returning us into the town.