North Yorks Xmas Meal/Walk | Sunday 15 December 2019


Walk Leader: Andy Ward
Participants: 14
Mileage: 9.3 miles
Ascent: 900 ft
Walk Register: Yes
Walk Report: Robert Cope


Overnight snow, a brisk wind and near freezing temperatures set the scene for our short walk prior to the annual Christmas lunch at the Smiths Arms in Beckwithshaw.  The blue sky and mainly sunny overhead conditions were not quite matched by the underfoot terrain - which was about as wet and muddy as any of us could remember!  Never mind we had an appetising lunch to look forward to - hopefully?

Our clockwise oval route took us around Haverah Park, heading initially westwards towards the Beaver Dyke Reservoirs, then eastwards on the Harrogate Link and taking in a detour around Birk Crag.  Finally returning to Beckwithhaw via the perimeter of RHS Harlow Carr and the Otley Road.

Our "trudge through the sludge" was more than worth it and, now joined by family and friends, a total of nineteen of us thoroughly enjoyed a hearty Christmas lunch and a good laugh.  Thanks Andy for leading and organising.

Another North Yorks walking year nearly over!


Photos by Robert Cope