New Years Eve Walk S Yorks

[Alison Milne]

A beautiful winter’s day greeted us -clear blue skies, snow and ice. Ten people met at Bolsterestone and divided into 2 groups, setting off along a high path that afforded fine views of Ewden Valley. At Cote House Farm we took a short detour to Walders Low, the apparent burial site of a Saxon King. A dismal attempt at snowman making was made, concluding in the opinion that conditions were unfit for such frivolity.
A few more fields, an icy track and a descent through woodland led us to the figure of the Wantley Dragon – a creature reputed to have lived near Wharncliffe Chase and eventually slayed by More of More Hall in 1685. The magnificent dry stone body was sculpted by John Alston in 2009 and the huge wooden head, boasting 1.6m in length, was chainsaw-sculpted by Adam Bell, using elm. The site provided an excellent location for socially distanced snap and drinks to toast the arrival of 2021.
Down we then continued to More Hall and Broomhead Reservoirs and across the first dam. A pursuit of the Southern edges of the two reservoirs ensued. Cormorants were spotted along the way. At the far end of Broomhead Reservoir we entered woodland before a short length of the very muddy Northern shoreline path. The only way back was up, up up.
After more woodland, some open fields and a farmyard we emerged onto a skating rink lane that approached Bolsterstone. For the last few hundred metres we wandered through the graveyard of St Mar’s Church , leading us directly back to the cars. A fantastic way to spend the last day of 2020.
Happy New Year everyone and looking forward to seeing you all for more outdoor adventures in the coming year.
Ali

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