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Appersett

Following the heavy rains on the Thursday, and subsequent floods. I was concerned that the riverside paths I intended to use may have been rendered impassable, but a couple of dry days ensured that river levels high in the dale were down to normal so I could breathe a sigh of relief.

The day dawned bright and clear and despite some fog on the journey to Appersett the forecast was good for most of the day which boosted my confidence. For those readers who do not know I have a quite undeserved reputation for leading walks on very wet days. Five members, Ian, Ray, Lillian, David and Bill joined me and we set off following the River Ure upstream to Mossdale Head where we stopped for coffee and to admire the falls where Mossdale Gill cascades down, framed by the arches of a small viaduct that once carried the Wensleydale Railway.

From here we turned north and after crossing the main road and the river at Thwaite bridge headed up towards higher ground and joining an old road known as The Lady Ann Clifford Highway running high above the dale and allowing views across the valley to the Garsdale Viaduct carrying the famous Settle - Carlisie railway. By now the sky had clouded over and a mist started to descend which spoilt the views samewhat. Was it going to rain and further ruin my reputation?

The ruined buildings at High Dike provided shelter, from the now chilly wind, for lunch before heading into the mist and up, over the open moor. At this point we learned that this was one of the rare occasions when Bill bad not brought his GPS gizzmo. As the path got smaller and very indistinct we asked was this an act of faith in the leader's navigational skills or an act of folly? After about a mile we reached the shelter of the forest, descending through it into Cotterdale a delightful and quiet dale at the end of a single track road. The majority of houses appear to be holiday lets and deserted at this time of year. So peaceful!

After crossing the Cotterdale Beck the group ascended through the forest on the east side of the dale and onto Abbotside common joining the Pennine Way where it descends from Great Shunner Fell to Hardraw. After descending through the mist for a mile or so, with nothing but the odd sheep and our own thoughts for company, we left the Way to descend back to our starting point. "Does this go down a very steep grassy bank?" asked Lilian, "I remember slipping and falling down here once". It did but you will be pleased to know she did't on this occasion.

Back in Appersett the mist still hung around with a chill in the air as a winter evening drew close, but IT HAD NOT RAINED for the whole day. Cynics please note.

Alan Turner

Last Modified: 7 May, 2003