Thixendale - 8th March 2009

The walk started in beautiful sunshine as 9 + 2 dogs were soon warmed up by the climb out of the village. Conditions underfoot were quite firm so good progress was made along the Wolds Way. We stopped for a group photo after 2.43 miles (or at least 10 miles if you happened to be one of the dogs) and asked some following walkers to take a photo of the whole group – only to find it was 3 more Oddsocks who had missed the start! So 12 +2 now headed off towards Warram Percy and a well earned lunch break. After a quick inspection of the church, lunch was had in its lea before we set off on the return leg.

At this point the sun started to disappear behind some thickening clouds and by the time we got out of Deep dale valley the first spots of rain were starting to fall. It did stop for a short time but soon returned as we retraced out path along Raisthorpe Wold. This time it did not stop and soon turned to snow being driven by a strong westerly wind. At this point we were walking south so everyone was white on one side only!

The weather finally eased as we got the bottom of Court Dale and the sun was even starting to break through as we arrived back in Thixendale.

According to the GPS we had walked 7.91 miles in 2hrs & 50 minutes. One advantage of this faster than planned walk, was that the pub in Thixendale was still open. We therefore adjourned to it for a drink and a huddle around the fire before heading back home.

To summarise, this walk started and ended in sunshine with a good variety of wintery conditions in between. Definitely no cobwebs left after this one!

Levisham - Sunday 8th February 2009

Fifteen brave souls plus one adventurous labrador arrived in Levisham, having successfully navigated the snow and ice on the one-in-five hill approaching the village. I for one was sure the car wouldn't make it.

We set off on the path heading towards Newton on Rawcliffe and above the railway for the North York Moors Railway, before turning right and heading north towards the Hole of Horcum. Having had half an inch of fresh snow over night made the surface crisp and crunchy underfoot. No trains running today - not sure whether this was due to the conditions or simply being out of season. Anyhow, it would have been a treat to see a steam train making its way trhough the snow-covered moors.

We made our way along Levisham Bottoms and stopped for a break at Skelton Tower, bathed in sunshine and with magnificant views along the valley.

We then set off again towards the Hole of Horcum, however the going got tougher and it was agreed we should shorten the walk. This resulted in a climb up the West Side Brow hillside through snow, at times over a foot deep. Once we reached the top, lunch was had overlooking the valley.

After lunch, we continued along the hilltop, and despite losing the path in the snow (and thus going approriately 'off-piste') we found our way back the main path near Dundale Rigg, before heading back towards Levisham. Upon arrival back in the village, the temperatures had dropped considerably and so the decision was taken to driven over to Lockton before stopping for a drink, so as to avoid the possibility of getting stuck on the steep road out fo the villages.

Despite the consitions, we had a wonderful walk. It is not often you get the chance to see the moors under snow - have a look at the pics to see what you missed!

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