Christmas walk - The hills above Ampleforth - Sunday 28th December

All those that attended the 2-part Christmas walk will know that some confusion arose resulting in the walk being completed in 2 parts - one being the group meeting up at walk start in Ampleforth and the other being the group meeting up at the gym, who then failed to arrive at the walk start in time to join up with the first group.

Oh well, there will always be some confusion but the lessons learnt are twofold:

- leave 45-50 minutes between gym meet time and walk start time

- ensure someone responsible for gym meeting group and walk start group, ensuring that the two join before commencement of the walk

It seems we had over 20 people for the walk, even if they were split into two groups.

Anyway we knew the route from the blogsite details and we had a map so we did the planned walk, which was fairly easy once the initial climb up from the village was done. Some clear panoramic views over the top of Ampleforth of the Howardian Hills with the steam rising from the cooling towers at Drax power station on the horizon.

Once the height was gained it was just a gentle contouring down through the plantations of College Moor and Swine Gills back to Ampleforth. It was a gentle walk but a chance to have a rest from Wallace & Gromit and the Christmas chocolates.

(Walk comments and pics courtesy of Mick Collins)

Hovingham - Sunday 14th December

We were a party of 10 including ‘Kelby’ the dog.

The weather was grey and unpromising when we struck off East for Slingsby along the old Malton-Gilling branch line. There is a heritage mosaic plaque on the site of a level crossing and we paused here for a few moments then on to Slingsby with water logged fields either side of our dry and level track.

We stopped for a drink on the charming village green in front of the old fashioned looking school and a huge May Pole. Refreshed but in need of a old fashioned WC we took the footpath that cuts through a farm yard and into some paddocks where the horses all had their best Sunday coats on. The incline towards Fryton Woods allowed a good view back over the village with its Castle ruins, interesting Church, and shop without a post office. (the post office has just shut). The solid grey clouds began to thin as we climbed into the woods and as we emerged on the other side of the bank the sun actually came out for us.

We walked through rolling pastures around Fryton moor. The map showed that some of the mounds were Tumuli and Julie told us that the Iron Age fort on the hill top would have buried it’s dead there. Nobody had a better story so we bought that one.

Lunch time found us all sitting on a convenient log washed in weak but welcome sunshine.

Turning north to head back to Hovingham we crossed over Wath beck which was rushing madly along with pale limestone coloured water frothing away beneath our footbridge.

Happy, muddy and sniffing all the way ‘Kelby’ and friends arrived back at the car park at 2.15 pm. Total time 3.5 hrs.

Cheers John.

Coneysthorpe - Castle Howard walk - Sunday 16th November

A record twenty-two people took part in this wonderful walk on a sunny and warm winter's day.

Setting off from Coneysthorpe, we headed into the upper reaches of the Castle Howard estate with the temple and mausoleum to our right. There were wonderful views across the hills and towards the various folly's in the grounds of Castle Howard.

As we approached the pyramid, the group decided to extend the walk via a two mile diversion to Welburn. Anders promised us a cafe and pub in the village, and weren't disappointed. Another lovely Yorkshire village complete with sandstone buildings and Yorkshire sash windows. The group stopped for lunch outside the village hall, with some eating their own sandwiches, others visiting the cafe, whilst a few sneaked into the pub for a pint or a half.

Once refreshed, we headed back out of the village towards to forest and towards the bridge at Castle Howard. The bridge provides wonderful views of the temple, mausoleum and Castle Howard itself.

The path then took us back to where we started - the sleepy village of Coneysthorpe. What a lovely walk and a lovely day.

Above and below, you will find some snaps taken by various of the group. Look forward to seeing you in December.

Yearsley walk - Sunday 12th October

A total of seven walkers enjoying this lovely autumnal walk led by John Farbrother.

The walk started from Yearsley and took in the surrounding hills and fishing lakes/ponds.

The weather started rather grey and misty, which is the norm for the time of the year. As a result views across the Vale of York were restricted. However, as the walk progressed the mist lifted and we were treated to lovely a autumnal day, with warm and sunny weather. This allowed for especially spectacular views of Ampleforth, the nearby impressive school buildings, and the white horse.

During the walk we came across a number of newly born calves - in one case a calf born that morning - still knock-kneed as we approaced across the field.

Lunch was taken next to a large lake and we finished just in time! Two Irish wolfhounds arrived to examine our group and would have no doubt enjoyed the odd cheese sandwich or pork pie. Wolfhounds are too big to argue with.

During the walk discussion turned to various vacations and we all learned of the pleasures or otherwise of New York, northern Spain and the ferry trip via Bilbao, and the Cotswolds.

Our next walk is scheduled for Sunday 16th November - details to follow.

Hovingham walk - Sunday 7th September 2008

A total seven people joined the Hovingham walk organized by Anders, for a gentle six mile stroll.

Walkers met at the Bannatynes Health club on the outskirts of York before driving up to Hovingham, a beautiful little village to the north-west of Castle Howard.

With the sun shining, we set off up the path behind the Malt Shovel, up into the fields and hills above the village. Despite being 'summer' the recent months near-continuous rain meant we were continually dodging waterlogged fields and very muddy paths. I am pleased to announce that nobody managed to take a tumble and mud splashed only up to the knees.

About half way through the walk we all took a rest and ate sandwiches whilst looking over the valley to the North York Moors. The day was clear so excellent views were had from Sutton Bank to the left all the way to the coast near Scarborough the right.

Upon our return from the hills we changed boots and then walked along tot he rightly acclaimed Hovingham Bakery & Spa Tea Room for tea and food. The highlight had to be the delicious bacon butties served on freshly baked white bread.

Our next walk is organized for Sunday 12th October - watch this space for further details.

Welcome to the York Oddsocks Walking Group

Hi all

Welcome to the York Oddsocks Walking Group weblog.

This page will be used to post details of future and past walks in and around Yorkshire.