Addingham walk: Sunday 3rd April 2022
Addingham walk: Sunday 3rd April 2022
By Kevin Hudson
On a typical early April day, the cold morning gave way to a dry and at times sunny day, as the group of ten hardy souls’ left Addingham village. Heading for the river Wharf and the steady climb towards Beamsley Beacon. Crossing the river via the suspension bridge we were quickly climbing through fields and being in the lee of the hill it felt as though winter had still got its coat on but once into the sunshine it was pleasantly warm and the promise of the summer walking season to come was definitely in the air. Talk soon turned from past challenges undertaken to the new challenges ahead in the coming year.
Fields that can be boggy in the depths of winter were easily negotiated and as we climbed it got firmer underfoot due to residual frost being present in the ground. Passing through the tiny hamlet of Langbar we reached the final ascent of the beacon, following a meandering and at times rocky path, the gradient getting steeper with every stride as the group, snaked their way to the summit. Being 1300ft in height, it provides panoramic views of Lower Wharfedale and the hills beyond.
After a brief pause for the obligatory photos, we were quickly onto the descent at a much quicker pace than the ascent we had just undertaken!!! Regrouping at the bottom we were soon headed towards Myddleton Lodge, known locally as the ‘Monastery’ and the monastic shrine that was going to be our ‘elevenses.’ Aptly being just two weeks before Easter Sunday the shrine depicts Christ on his journey to the crucifixion. After we were all suitably refreshed we had the short descent into the picturesque spa town of Ilkley, where we followed the river to Ben Rhydding. There were no takers for the stepping stones over the river so we started the long and at times steep climb to the famous Cow & Calf rocks. Passing the Wheatley Arms, (the scene of the infamous Christmas party!!!), I would like to say we scaled the hill in long strides but in reality we struggled to the top and were relieved to see the car park café come into sight over the brow of the hill and our well-earned lunch stop.
Hold on - let’s just go back a second there? The scene of the infamous Christmas party? I cannot say anymore, the first rule of the Christmas party has always been, what happens at the Christmas party stays at the Christmas party!!!
After lunch we continued the now steadier climb crossing Backstone Beck, into Rocky Valley, following the line of Ilkley Crags, before dropping down to White Wells. The ‘cold water’ spa, used to be in the open air but was enclosed in the 19th Century and there still remains an icy plunge pool, for any brave souls. In case you are wondering, no - none of us took to the water. The opening paragraph said ten ‘hardy souls’ not brave souls!!! The naturalist, Charles Darwin on his visit to Ilkley in 1859, is reputed to have taken a plunge in the waters! But despite this famous alumni, Darren our guest walker from Sherwood LDWA, could not be enticed to take a dip in the pool!!!
After White Wells we made good progress to the Swastika Stone, above Woodhouse Crag. Continuing on the Dales High Way passing Pipers Crag and Addingham Crag, we eventually reached Windgate Nick or so we thought!!! Luckily Phil, with his local knowledge pointed out the cairn, we thought was Windgate Nick was actually Black Hill, Windgate Nick being a short distance further on!!! After checking maps and navigational software we conceded defeat and bowed to Phil’s superior knowledge and started the descent to the hamlet of Addinghan Moorside. With each stride of the descent we could feel the temperature rising as we dropped down into the sunshine and out of the wind. Passing Sunny Bank Farm, we quickly reached Small Banks Farm and The Streets Farm, before crossing the A65 and returning to Addingham via the football club, arriving back at our cars by 3.15 pm and the completion of another excellent walk lead by the ever popular Vera.
There were though a number of unanswered questions at the end. Did Lesley holiday in Venice or Berwick? Why did Trevor offer to clean everyone’s boots? And did Ralph go to the pub? Even if you could not attend the walk I’m sure you will know the answer to at least one of those questions!!!
