Having had to cancel this walk in February as a result of Hebden Suspension Bridge being closed due to damage when Jo H and I tried to complete our first recce, it was good to be able to subsequently complete a full recce and after additional repairs to the bridge, complete this walk on 20th April. My thanks go Phil Richards, Area Ranger for Wharfedale at the Yorkshire Dales National Park who kept me advised of the progress of all the repairs.

At 10am on Saturday 20th April, having received apologies from four UWFS members for not being available to complete the walk three of us set off from the YDNP carpark and headed for Linton Falls which was in full flow. Having crossed the bridge over the river Wharfe we progressed in the direction of Linton Church and thereafter followed the lower footpath towards the river before ascending to the Threshfield to Burnsall road. After crossing the road the footpath towards Thorpe was clearly visible and we progressed through very green fields, several being full of sheep and very young lambs. On entering Thorpe Lane we headed directly to the hamlet where we enjoyed our coffee/tea break in the picnic area in the centre. Thereafter walking a short distance along the road before joining the footpath to Burnsall. Again many young lambs were visible along with their Mums as we crossed the fields. At Burnsall a 12K Trail Race was in progress and the riverside car park was being well utilised. We lunched by the river before heading back along the Dales Way to Grassington.

Many wild flowers were seen along the footpaths and roadsides.

Bird sightings included: Goosander, Oystercatchers, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch,
Lapwing, Coot, Robin, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Mallards, White Geese and several
more..

Words and Photos by Ann S
Contents created by Keith P

On a cold December day, six hardy souls braved the wet ground and pending strong winds to visit Burnsall. We were rewarded by sight of a pair of Cormorants opposite Linton Church.

We went out via Low Mill and pondered the future of the Trout Farm which has a new fence and is being redeveloped. Just before the gate into the field we noticed a number of geese around the pond which now seems to be a year long feature. Turning left here, we followed the track to the start of the hill and cut off to a little used shortcut past the farm. This joins into the path which runs parallel to the road and comes out by the church in Hebden.

We then headed down Hebden Beck, passing two more Trout Farms. These farms use water that originates on Grassington Moor in and around the lead mines, which caused another discussion.

After elevenses at Hebden Bridge we has a pleasant stroll past Loup Scar and into Burnsall. By this time the predicted strong winds were supposed to arrive, so we scurried on to Thorpe through a number of quite tight stiles.

Eventually we came into Thorpe and, whilst lunching, admired the buildings that have been restored/repurposed. After a quick discussion on the likely level of mud in the fields around Linton, we cut across to pop out by Linton Falls Car park and got home before the adverse weather struck.

Content by Keith Parker.

Our next Walking Group outing will be on 20 Jan starting at Gargrave at 9.30, meeting in the Main Car Park (behind the Swan Pub).  We will start head towards East Marton along the Canal Towpath and return via the Pennine Way, or if too wet, on tracks past Newton Grange and Bank Newton. A distance of 6-7 miles.

Please bring a hot drink and a packed lunch and dress appropriate for the weather. Post walk tea/coffee and cakes will be available.

Please let the Walking Group Leader know if you would like to come.

The Walking Group

This was the Group’s second attempt at this walk as constant ice on the footpaths in January brought the walk to a prompt stop shortly after setting off.

It was dry and mild as our group of five commenced the walk from Pendle Heritage Centre at 10am. We followed various footpaths, towpaths, tracks and for short distances local roads during the walk.

Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford is an old Manor house with Walled Garden and is set in a Park next to Pendle Water.

We were able to admire the views of the hilltop town of Colne and Boulsworth Hill as a backdrop from the white lock keeper’s cottage as we joined the towpath alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The Foulridge Tunnel which took five years to build was completed in 1796 and was of interest to us all. There is no towpath through the tunnel so boats were “legged” through by men lying on top of the craft using their legs on the roof of the tunnel.

Lock Keepers Cottage

Foulridge Tunnel Western Portal

Shortly thereafter we passed the path of the former Colne to Skipton Railway. A deep ford lay ahead which thankfully could be avoided by a safe footbridge!! Safely across, we were then entertained as we watched two commercial vans go through the water which was approximately a foot deep. Fortunately, neither got stuck!!

We then ascended the hill, via a small holding, to Colne Edge and after passing through Alkincoats Woodland, a local Nature Reserve, we soon arrived at Alkincoats Park where we stopped for our coffee/tea break.

It was now time to head towards Boundary Mill at Colne where on route and with great care we crossed the busy dual carriageway. We were soon away from the traffic and heading back towards Barrowford via the Leeds Liverpool Canal Towpath. It was time for lunch which was had under one of the canal bridges as it provided shelter from the rain, and we were able to watch the volume of water entering the canal from an inlet increase dramatically. With more energy, it was time to continue the walk and as we left, we turned to watch the substantial increase in the amount of water flowing over the lock gates a few feet up stream.

The designed-in overflow is just behind the arch on the left. When this was swamped the water started to come over the lock gates.

The Swinden Aqueduct was crossed then immediately after a ‘changeline bridge’ (where the towpath swaps sides of the canal) as we then headed in the direction of Barrowford passing numerous sports fields and a velodrome. We opted for the drier option back to the Heritage Centre i.e. via the higher wooded area. An alternative route would have been via the Barrowford Memorial Park directly below our chosen route.

Thereafter it was refreshments for us all in the comfortable and welcoming Heritage Centre Café.

Ann Shaw