Report of Yorkshire Dales meet in late June

What a stunning location for the club’s first away meet since the start of the pandemic, at Dalesbridge campsite, Austwick. Members stayed for varying lengths of time, some [not seen for months/years] for only one night, but a total of 35 people in all, as well as three dogs, one horse and a parrot [yes, really! – thank you Gordon]. There was climbing at Twistleton Scars and Pot Scar, and cycling on quiet roads [and discovering the best scones ever apparently] and horse riding for one. The Friday walk north of Austwick took in glacial erratics and limestone pavements [so lovely to be in such different scenery from the Peak District]. Saturday’s walk included wild swimmimg for two at Stainforth Force, and on Sunday, 14 of us explored Yordas cave in Kingsdale, followed by watching the local Cave Rescue team competently dealing with an injured motor-cyclist out on the moors, some distance from the nearest tarmac road.
On the campsite, members’ ‘accommodation’ varied from tiny tents [for the oldest members!] to campervans, motorhomes and a caravan. But nothing could compete with the Presidential palace, of a carpeted blow-up tent, with electrical hook-up for the essential fridge and heater!
Culinary delights over the weekend, included a Saturday night BBQ and a variety of excellent tarts/cakes from the boulangerie in Austwick [all made locally by the French chef]. But the prize has to go to the couple who cooked almost the full English breakfast without leaving their sleeping bags.
Thank you everyone for your various contributions to making it such a great meet – I’m only sorry that Paul Gibson, the meet organiser was unable to be there.
Vanda Boyd