Where should I start this report? My first of 2022, it was going to be the mother of all walks with 36 miles in front of us. The seven walkers all in their final preparations for the hundred in just two weeks’ time, assembled in the now familiar surroundings of Idle village. Although overcast it was forecast that the clouds would disperse and we could look forward to a warm, and sunny day and we were not to be disappointed. It was also good to welcome newbie Warren to the Thursday group.
Making a prompt 8.00am start we were soon heading out of Idle along the quaintly cobbled Railway Road towards Thackley and the river Aire. Dropping down through Buck Wood we crossed over the river via the impressive iron footbridge and quickly reached the outskirts of Esholt. Our first ascent of the day took us up to Tong Park. After dropping down past the old mill pond we were soon into Hazel Head Wood and the long steady climb to Hawksworth quarry and the summit of Odda Hill. After reaching Menston we picked up the Ebor Way at Bleach Mill, following it all the way to the Cow & Calf rocks in Ilkley for our first stop, (9 miles completed 2h 45m). After dropping down to the River Wharfe in Ben Rhydding we soon reached Denton and started our long meandering climb over Askwith Moor where the spectacular views of the ‘Golf Balls’ at Menwith Hill came into view.
There was then the short walk to the village of Timble, where lunch was taken at 12.40pm, (15 miles completed 4h 40m). The much anticipated cloud dispersal occurred over lunch and a warm and sunny afternoon boosted our spirits. Being late spring there was much talk of the summer to come and the walking challenges anticipated over the next 4-5 months. Book your holidays for July - it’s going to be a scorcher!!!
After lunch we picked up the Six Dales trail through the Washburn Valley to Norwood, Dropping down to Lindley Wood Reservoir with its impressive woodland walk. We soon reached Otley, checking the clock in the market square, 3.20pm. A short stop was taken to boost our energy levels before the steep climb to the top of the Chevin. After this arduous ascent, it was plain sailing into Bramhope, where the highlight of the day was being greeted by Olympic gold medallist Jonny Brownlee. How does the walk leader manage to arrange these celebrity meetings? Last summer the group were greeted by meteorologist and Look North presenter Paul Hudson!!! Kevin said ‘I think other walk leaders need to up their game!!!’
Departing Bramhope we were soon passing through Cookridge and heading towards Yeadon via the airport, where several planes could be seen taking off and landing. Our final stop at Yeadon Tarn was reached at 6.45pm, (33 miles in 10h 45m). Descending through Yeadon Banks and Engine Field, we were soon back on the banks of the river Aire in Idle. There was a short climb to the Leeds/Liverpool canal and the Idle swing bridge before our final ascent to Mitchell Lane and the short return to Idle village car park at 8.10pm. GPS’s were checked and these varied between 36.25m and 37.2m, in 12 hours 10 mins.

Next Thursday walk is the Anne Lister, (Gentleman Jack), history walk, in three weeks’ time. It’s only six miles long but there will be plenty of history and maybe another meeting with a celebrity!!! I wonder what Suranne Jones is doing on that day?