Dales Highway stage 1


DALES HIGH WAY – 3rd March 2016

 

After an early start 17 members caught the 0813 train from Skipton to Saltaire in order to start the first of 6 stages of the Dales High Way.

Leaving from Victoria Hall via the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to cross the river Aire and up through Trench Wood and Shipley Glen, heading for Weecher Reservoir. Crossing Otley Road then over the moor rising to the Twelve Apostles, a Bronze Age stone circle. Good views were to be had across Warfedale before descending across Ilkley Craggs to White Wells, then heading west past the waterfall (Willy Halls Spout), then climbing the moor to pass the Swastika Stone jutting above the escarpment edge in a fenced enclosure. Lunch under the shelter of pine trees allowed a dull patch in the good weather to pass.

From Addington Moor Top we dropped down fields over many stiles and streams where eventually some of us turned right at a very muddy spot. Through a concealed gate to cross the A65. Taking a path behind the houses, crossing more streams and through the allotments, again crossing the A65 up to Moor Lane. This led to the Roman Road. We followed to Draughton Height crossroads with an ancient milestone just through the gate before heading for Black Plantation on the old (1755-1803) turnpike road from Addingham to Skipton. Descending into Skipton we passed the old Toll House. On reaching Main Street 15 members finished the first leg.

By the time we returned to our cars I suspect we weren’t far short of walking 20 miles. It was an excellent day. Let’s hope we get the same weather for Stage 2, Skipton to Settle….

John Evenden

 To see who came on the walk please press below

To see all the other photos please press Here

 To view Stan's pictures from where Doreen left off click 'Here'