Range Walking Club

Sunday 14th July 1996-Yorkshire Dales-Pateley Bridge

 

On Sunday, 14 July we visit the attractive Yorkshire Dale - Nidderdale and the market town of Pateley Bridge. As usual we depart school at 0800 hours prompt and proceed directly to Pateley Bridge. All parties may use toilet facilities here and the 'B' and 'C' walks start here. The 'A' and 'B+' walkers board the coaches for a short trip up the Dale to Lofthouse. All walks finish in Pateley Bridge where the usual tourist facilities can be found. We aim to leave no later than 1800 hours to arrive back at school for 2030 hours. The cost of travel is £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children and students in full-time education. Please return slips with cheque (not cash) to the school office by Thursday, 4 July, in an envelope marked "Range Walking Club".

 

'A' Walk

We start at Lofthouse in Upper Nidderdale from where we pass How Stean Gorge before climbing through fields to Middlemoor. We then follow the Nidderdale Way over Rain Stand before descending to the dam at Scar House Reservoir. We cross the dam and climb to follow the edge of Nidderdale with extensive views towards Great Whernside and the surrounding moors. Eventually we descend back to Lofthouse before following the river to Ramsgill and then alongside Gouthwaite Reservoir to Pateley Bridge.

 

Distance: 15 miles

Ascent: 800'

Leaders: Arthur Jones and Ian Mitchell

 

'B'+ Walk

Starting at the pretty village of Lofthouse, we follow the Nidderdale Way eastwards past Gouthwaite Reservoir and Nature Reserve to Wath, from where we gently climb the valley side to Heathfield and then follow a small valley up to a veined lead mine. At this point we pick up a different section of Nidderdale Way, then through woods to Low Wood caravan park. We follow the tarmac track back to the river Nidd which we then follow down to Pateley Bridge. A more gentle than usual 'B'+ walk with varied scenery and views.

 

Distance: 11 miles

Ascent: 500' max

Leaders: John McEvoy and David Wake

 

'B' Walk
We leave the old town of Pateley Bridge by the aptly named Panorama View path and follow the scenic Nidderdale Way up to the spectacular setting of Brimham Rocks. Here we hope to allow free time for exploration but please note that children should be supervised at all times. Hot and cold refreshments are on sale for those wishing to "travel light". Our walk continues on another section of the Nidderdale Way down to the River Nidd, which we follow northwards along field paths to our starting point.

 

Distance: 8½ miles

Ascent: 800'

Leaders: Glennis and David Poole

 

'C' Walk

A circular walk starting and finishing at Pateley Bridge. We use the Nidderdale Way to Hillend before heading north past a small waterfall, across open farmland to Gouthwaithe Reservoir and on to the small village of Wath before rejoining the Nidderdale Way along the disused railway line and footpath bordering the river back to Pateley Bridge. This is a highly panoramic route with some shaded sections.

 

Distance: 7 miles

Ascent: 500'

Leaders: John McKay and David Turton