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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
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Swaledale Outdoor Club |
| > Home > Newsletter > Walking > Dent |
DentIt would seem that most members took heed of the dire weather forecast and stayed tucked up in bed so we numbered only three and a dog. The weather was, however, much better than the over-hyped forecasts and despite some longish periods of rain it wasn't too bad. The mountain bikers also met at the same venue but managed a better turnout - although they did pinch one of our regulars. We'll get our own back another time! As we left the village to join the Dales Way, the church bells were calling the faithful to the morning service but we resisted and pressed on, joining the riverside path following the Dee upstream until we branched off up Deepdale, a quiet offshoot of Dentdale. Wending our way past isolated farms and cottages, through soggy pastures and over fast flowing streams swollen by the overnight rain we arrived at the last farm (Deepdale Head). A short but steep climb from there brought us to the Dent to Ingleton road at its highest point between Deepdale and Kingsdale. A convenient wall gave shelter for lunch after which we made our way along the green lane in the shadow of Great Coum. A heavy shower and sharp wind at this exposed place made walking uncomfortable for a while, but slowly began to abate as we picked our way through the ruts and large puddles on the lane. Soon the rain stopped altogether, the low cloud began to lift and nearby Whernside became visible. As the cloud cleared the sun came through and we were treated to superb views across to the Howgills in their splendid autumn colours before we headed down a wonderful but nameless gill. A fast flowing stream crashed down through a deep and wooded cleft on its way to join the Dee just outside Dent village. Tea and scones soon beckoned to complete nine dampish miles through varied terrain. In the tea-room we were joined by a couple of the club mountain bikers who had just completed the 'easy' ride but which appeared to be a tour of local tea-rooms! The scones were excellent!!! Thanks to Jan (on her first outing with the club) and Ian (and Jess) for their company and for being game enough to turn out. Alan Turner |