Thursday walk 22 June 17 report

Eight walkers, one cyclist and a dog assembled in Middleton on time, some arriving early enough to check out the cafe – purely in the interests of research, of course. The leader was uncertain of the route, but hazy recollections began to appear as we went round and no navigational errors were (apparantly) made, though the map was consulted frequently. We made our way via Hopping Farm, Bleakley Plantation and Anthony Hill, with a coffee stop by the eternal spring of Burycliffe which conveniently provided seats for all. A little-used short cut footpath through some rather long grass (not appreciated by Kathy and John’s rather small dog) took us to the start of Gratton Dale, which was resplendent with wild flowers. After a brief shower we stopped for lunch in Long Dale, with a debate over the origin of the terracing on the opposite bank. We climbed gently out of the dale, then down through a pleasant wooded dale and fields to rejoin our outward path for the last few hundred metres. On this upward leg a cherry tree was noticed, which provided a tasty appetiser before Molly Moo’s tea room (sadly out of milk but with nice coffee cake). A pleasant and sociable walk, thanks to everyone for coming along. Oh, remeasured at 11.5km by accu-string on the 1:25k map, so under 8 miles.