As the Met. Office Forecast promised sub-zero temperatures, freezing fog and a biting wind I was expecting a modest turn-out for this walk but it takes lot to put off the hardy souls of the SOC walking section and seventeen of us set off from Marske Bridge en route to Marrick.
An early start from Richmond saw five of us kitted out with appropriate winter gear and ready to set off on what promised to be a good day’s hard walking by 9:30am.
I was joined by nine section members for what is one of my favourite walks in the Yorkshire Dales. An 11 mile circuit full of interest and variety which started this time from West Witton rather than the usual start at West Burton. This provided a couple of advantages – less distance to drive from Richmond and more importantly, the opportunity of a long flat warm up before we hit the one sustained ascent of the day.
Eight of us met at 1000 hrs in Richmond Market Place, intent upon walking off the excesses of Christmas Day. It was a sunny, windy day and we descended to river level via Castle Hill and the "new" steps. We passed over the Green Bridge and followed the riverside path, past the old Copper Mine and to Round Howe and the footbridge. We didn't see the Kingfishers which frequent this part of the river.
Knowing my usual luck with the weather, I thought an easy local walk with a comfortable dry coffee stop would be the best bet for early January, but I needn’t have worried as 5 Jan was a beautiful crisp sunny winter day.
Barnard Castle to Cotherstone Thursday 22nd December 2016
Posted by Len Pope on 2017-01-08
Barnard Castle to Cotherstones and back - Thursday 22nd December
My Thursday walk went very well and was thoroughly enjoyed by Ann & Geoff Wall, the only ones to turn out. The weather at the start was not very promising, but very soon cleared, with reasonable going underfoot, apart from a little slip by Geoff. We only had a brief shower at Cotherstone, the half way point, which had been preceded by wonderful rainbows along the way.
Sixteen walkers joined me today for a short six-mile circular from Reeth. We set off for Grinton in some glorious winter sunshine, along the Swale, before climbing up to pass through fields via a string of stiles of varying design to reach Marrick Priory.
Seven stalwarts and leader met for an early start at Hawnby church with the expectation of a good stride of 12.5 miles and improving weather prospects.
Bob led us south over Hawnby bridge, where we turned left to cross “clarty” fields to follow the River Rye. We ascended to the deciduous Cliff wood, eventually dropping down alongside the river. At one stage the leaves and steep muddy banks, necessitated crossing a wooden walkway, which in itself proved treacherous.
