Eight met, on what was going to be a dreary day weather wise....forecast rain for most of the day.  However, we set off without waterproofs - so a good start to an incredible day.  We traversed out of Lofthouse - a small hamlet in upper Nidderdale housing the Lofthouse Memorial Institute which was founded to honour the fallen of the First World War and still used today for all kinds of local activities - heading to our first destination Scar House Reservoir.  An area of outstanding natural beauty - they're not wrong there - the reservoir was built to improve the polluted waters of Bradford in the 1800s.  Here we had our first break - evident that it won't be too long before we needed to don waterproofs.  Leaving Scar House we continued around Angram reservoir....this is a spectacular piece of rugged, grassy moorland that is rarely walked and very much unspoilt.  As we climbed the other side and paused to regroup we pondered on our bearings - the view of Great Whernside to our backs.

 

This is really an interesting area with lots of history for those who might want to know more, including "The Lost Village of Lodge" - with the remains of stone buildings, strong evidence of a village that used to be.  Having circumnavigated around both reservoirs we climbed above the bottom side of Scar House to follow well made tracks (and have a soggy lunch) before dropping down to the road side, across and up to the otherside to Middlesmoor.  Another small hamlet as old as the hills!!  Before retracing our steps, those who had the time took more refreshments in How Stean Cafe - in the barn.  What an excellent way to finish an outstanding walk. Thank you to our leader and fellow walkers.