Gilling West

Thirteen of us set off on a cold but dry morning just after 10.00 am. for a fairly easy low-level 10 mile walk.

The first leg across what were expected to be muddy fields to Hartforth was, in fact, now quite easy going. The recent cold snap had left the mud frozen solid.

A right turn at Hartforth, then a short walk along Hartforth Beck followed before heading West across more fields to reach Whashton, just as several people were starting to complain of coffee deprivation. A coffee stop duly ensued, some finding a village seat surrounded by bushes affording welcome protection from the cold breeze which had sprung up.

A stiff climb out of the village, then some good views on a short stretch to Kirby Hill. We were encountering quite a few stiles which Jeremy's dog, Fox, was finding major obstacles. The only answer in some cases was to lift him over. From the ominous growling this produced, this was not much enjoyed by Fox.

At Kirby Hill, those that hadn't already seen it were shown the famous "Groundforce" Garden, though now colourless and drab in the middle of winter, it was hardly worth the 50 yard detour, compared with when Alan Titchmarsh and Co. finished it sometime last summer.

On now south over more fields and stiles towards Sturdy House. It was pleasant to be able to see the way ahead, as well as the views all around. Carol and Steve even remarked "You can see our house from here" from the top of the rise above Kirby Hill. This was a considerable improvement on the day I reccied the walk a few days after Christmas. Then it was drizzle and thick mist all day. A few times I'd even had to use my compass when crossing fields just to be reasonably sure of hitting the stile at the other side.

As the walk progressed, with some coaching from Ian, persuasion from Jeremy and Mary, and a lot of congratulation and fussing from everyone else, Fox's technique in getting over stiles was coming on leaps and bounds - literally. I'm sure he'll soon be taking them in his stride like Ian's dog, Jess.

From Sturdy House, a short road stretch, then left along Green Lane towards Beacon Hill. Because of the condition when I reccied the walk, I hadn't identified an ideal lunch stop, but the raised bank alongside this high level track seemed a good spot with excellent seating and good views all round. Furthermore the wind had now dropped, but no sooner had we sat down and got our sandwiches out, that it sprang up again - stronger and colder than ever. So, with no protection from the elements, people soon began to feel the cold and we set off again at a brisk pace.

Eventually we hit the old Richmond - Reeth road, and then onto the old RaceCourse with excellent views over Richmond. From the Race Course to the Golf Course which we crossed without fear of flying balls as there was no sign of any golfers on the frozen fairways.

Turning North, on the final leg we entered the Aske Hall estate, and then passed the front of Aske Hall itself. After leaving the estate, we joined a track which finally brought us back to the main road just South of Gilling. Here I had carefully arranged for a stream to flow across the path to enable everyone to clean their boots before we got back to the cars.

Of course we still removed them before ending the walk in the traditional manner in the White Swan.

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	Swaledale Outdoor Club

Gilling West

Richard Wright