Teesdale Walk - 16th May 2017

This was one of Ruth's excellent Teesdale walks and although the brief description of the walk is in the title of Ruth's notes below a few more words on the walk itself would be welcome plus a photo if anyone has one?

Plants seen on 16^th May 2017 Swaledale Walkers outing to Teesdale – Hanging Shaw, Harwood Beck, Langdon Beck, Valance Lodge and East Underhurth Caves

Alchemilla

Angelica

Bird’s-foot Trefoil

Bush Vetch

Buttercup

Butterwort

Common Milkwort

Cowslip

Crosswort

Daisy

Dandelion

Early Spring Sedge

Garlic Mustard (Jack-by-the-Hedge)

Globe Flower

Ground Ivy

Hedge Parsley

Horse Tail

Marsh Marigold (Kingcup)

Marsh Valerian

Milkmaid (Cuckoo Flower)

Mountain Pansy

Northern Marsh Orchid

Pignut

Primrose

Ribwort Plantain

Scurvy Grass

Spring Gentian

Violet

Water Avens (Geum)

White Dead-nettle

Wood Anemone

Yellow Archangel

Birds

Redshank and 2 chicks                                           Black-headed Gull

Common Sandpiper                                                Skylark (heard)

Lapwing                                                                    Curlew (heard)

Northern Ireland - 1st to 7th May 2017

A select band of 11 of the Reeth Amblers set off on 1 May in 4 cars, on a beautiful day to drive to various B&Bs for an overnight before catching the 1130 ferry to Belfast on Tuesday 2 May.  The ferry crossing was very smooth and we all duly disembarked for the drive to our hotel, The Enniskeen Country House Hotel on the outskirts of Newcastle, Co Down.  We all arrived at roughly the same time despite one or two or us having taken the “pretty” route.  The hotel is in a glorious setting at the foot of Slieve Donard in the Mountains of Mourne and far exceeded our expectations.  We had a very warm welcome and enjoyed tea on the terrace in some lovely spring sunshine. The next day, Wednesday, we met up with our walk guide, Eimear Flanagan, and we set off to do a linear walk of approx. 8 miles, the Brandy Pad, which is an old smugglers route through the Mountains of Mourne, only we did it from inland to the sea.  It was a fairly tough walk but we all made it and the weather was perfect. 

Brandy Pad Walk

 On Thursday, we set off for a circular walk from Ott Mountain, which took us up to and over the Mourne Wall.  We then contoured through a peaceful valley before going up a very steep slope – but we all made it and the views from the top were worth the effort.  We then followed a fairly gentle path down and back to the cars.  The sun shone but there was a cold wind.

Strangford Lough Ferry

We all took a day off from walking on Friday; 3 of the group went to Belfast to see the Titanic Exhibition while the rest of us drove to Mount Stewart on Strangford Lough.  Mount Stewart, which is a National Trust property, has recently undergone a £7 million refurbishment and is well worth a visit.  The gardens are superb.  We then drove in convoy to Portaferry to take the local ferry over Strangford Lough, followed by a delightful drive along the coast back to our hotel. 

Our last day, Saturday, we opted to go Silent Valley,  where 2 large reservoirs have been created along with various walking trails all of which seem to give lovely views of the surrounding mountains.  We then all drove down to the coast for an ice cream before going back to the hotel for one last get together on the terrace but this time with a nice glass of Prosecco and strawberries dipped in chocolate.  This was a chance to say thank you to Eimear for all her hard work on our behalf.

Silent Valley Reservoir

Our journey home on Sunday was uneventful; the ferry crossing was smooth and the weather was lovely.  We all stopped at the Inn on the Loch, Crocketford for a meal together before going our separate ways.  All in all, everyone had a great time and the rumour is that we plan to do it all again next year!

Margaret Lowery 

Surrender Bridge Walk - 9th May 2017

Lunch at Kinning Mine

A brilliant walk in stunning, sunny weather starting from Surrender Bridge and heading up the Old Gang Beck track, then via the remains of Moor House Farm to lunch at the Kinning Mine area.  After lunch we worked our way down to Blades and after a short, sharp climb out of Blades worked our way back to the cars at Surrender Bridge.  Then down to the Punch Bowl for afternoon tea sitting outside in the bright sun.  In all about a 6 and a bit miles with 20 in the group.

We started out in relatively cool, overcast conditions, but the weather soon improved and the key feature of the walk was the gradual shedding of layers of clothing by all of the party members as it got warmer and warmer.  Thanks to Les and Sue for an excellent walk in near perfect conditions with wonderful views.

Lookng up Swaledale from above Blades

Castle Bolton Walk - 2 May 2017

Whilst the Reserves were playing away in Ireland, the First Team of nine set off from Castle Bolton on a cool, mainly cloudy day, up onto the ridge to the North which separates Wensleydale and Apedale and then West along the shooting track, with a brief stop for coffee, before turning South for lunch in the Bolton Estate shooting hut known as 'Sweet William' aka Greenhaw Hut on the OS map. After that a gentle walk South and then East on the grassy track back to Castle Bolton at 2.30pm for well-deserved tea and cake in the Castle tea room. Nearly 9 miles in all with a couple of stiff climbs, making over 1200 feet of ascent in total. A good start to our summer campaign! - Alan