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The Official Web Site of the Dales Way Association |
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News - NewsMay Day WalkFriday 06 May 2011
May Day- - May Day- - May Day. May Day walk. May 2nd 2011 On the 2nd
of May, 4 members of the Dales Way committee and 3 Dales Way
Association members turned up for the advertised May Day walk, alighting
at 10.16 at Dent Station from the Leeds – Carlisle train. An enjoyable
experience in itself. In
brilliant sunshine and a gusty wind we set off up the old Coal Road.
After a mile, at Galloway Gate, as we paused for a breather, those of us
who had known and worked with David Smith, our former founder member
and General Secretary, gave him a silent thought. Into
the wind we enjoyed the splendid views from the bridle way which
contoured the slope of Great Knoughtberry Fell. Arten Gill viaduct
eventually came into view in the valley below, majestic if you were
beneath the arches, but from here, looking like an expensive addition to
the Hornby train layout of many years ago. As
we neared the head of Arten Gill we sheltered behind the stone wall as
sheep do, and enjoyed either a late tea break or an early lunch,
depending on your eating habits. Sun cream was applied. Who needs the Costa del Sol? The
bridle way swept away from the sheep pen and information board at the
head of the glen, and headed up the eastern side of Wold Fell. The
gradient is not daunting but the wind made walking and talking a little
bit difficult. We eventually viewed the B6255 Hawes – Ribbleshead road
below us on the left, and began the gradual green lane descent to Newby
Head Gate. This
was the last opportunity for a bale out back to the Sportsman’s Inn and
Dent station, but there were no takers. We crossed the road and set off
up the “new” Pennine Bridle Way to Cold Kell Gate. This 3-mile section
was the opposite of “downhill all the way” but the scenery unfolding
gave us a good excuse for frequent pauses to enjoy it, and catch a
breath. At
Cold Keld Gate, on the old Cam Highway, also the entrance to Cam Farm,
there was a convenient wrap around dry stonewall at the entrance gate.
We then had our late lunch. We were also on schedule to catch the 17.42
train back to Leeds. As
we saddled up we were surprised at how the wind had acquired an extra
edge. Like the proverbial boy scouts [and guides] we were prepared and
suitable gear was donned. It was now “down hill all the way,” The wind
was now behind us, still chill, and pushed us down the old Cam Road with
its spectacular scenery. All the 3 peaks plus Ribbleshead Viaduct, with
the appropriate surrounding scenery. We
blew into the Railway Inn with an hour to spare to have a glass of
wine, a pint of beer, a mineral water and a cup of tea, each to our own
individual tastes, and a good old chat and laugh. This had been a cracking day. Fantastic views, weather, 14 miles with no training. And we did it with no blisters or injuries or dropouts. If the weather suites you, this is a very enjoyable alternative walk to this section of the Dales Way. Maybe the next time |
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