Range Walking Club

Sunday 26th April 1998- Ilkley area of Yorkshire

The April walks take us to an area not previously visited by the club. On Sunday, 26 April, we have walks planned for the llkley area of Yorkshire. Plenty of splendid views and pleasant walks abound. As usual, the coaches will leave school at 0800 hrs prompt returning to Formby by 2000 hrs approximately. There will be no toilet stop until llkley where all walks start and finish. The cost of travel is £6.00 for adults and £3.00 for children and students in full-time education and who were formerly Range High School pupils. (A note on future fares is included later in this letter). Please return slips with cheque (not cash) to the school office by Thursday, 2 April, in an envelope marked "Range Walking Club". Walking boots are essential for all walkers (and hats recommended to avoid the local cannibal customs!)

'A' Walk

This month's walk from Ilkley climbs north via Middleton taking in Beamsley Beacon (393 m) as the high point with views (blizzards permitting) of the River Wharfe wending its way past Bolton Abbey. Our return follows the Wharfe along the Dales Way.

 

Distance: 13 miles

Ascent: 1500'

Leaders: John Roberts and Margaret Pegg

 

'B'+ Walk

We set off along the riverbank before passing through a variety of stiles to the edge of the Moor. A short climb over the moorland edge takes us to a Christmas tree and pine plantation and then back onto open moorland which gradually descends to green lanes leading to the attractive village of Botany. A short, steep climb along a road takes us back onto a moorland track, with extensive panoramic views, eventually joining the Dales Way. This leads to a steep descent to White Wells (baths available - cold water only) continuing down to the town of llkley.

 

Distance: 11 miles

Ascent: 1600'

Leaders: Dave Wake and Steve Butler

 

'B' Walk

We leave the southern side of llkley heading east and climbing to cross the Buckstone Beck and then visit the Cow and Calf rocks. Heading for York View we should have fine views across Wharfedale, then south across Hawksworth Moor to cross the Bingley Road and via lanes and fields to Mount Hill, along the Otley Road to pick up the Dales Way Link. We then follow this due north across Bingley Moor, with a steep descent to Rombalds Moor and then Ilkley Moor itself to drop down to White Wells and then on into the town and a fine choice of tea shops.

 

Distance: 9 miles

Ascent: 1300'

Leaders: Barry Bord and David Poole

 

'C' Walk

We start at the bridge over the Wharfe just below Ilkley and make our way along the river bank before turning north towards Middleton Woods. Here we begin a gentle ascent through the woods before taking series of lanes and paths to the picturesque Fairy Dell. From here we walk along the edge of open moor before a slow descent to the Wharfe valley via the village of Denton. We return to Ilkley by following the river back to our starting point.

 

Distance: 7½ miles

Ascent: 600'

Leaders: John Mackay and David Turton