On Wednesday, July 9, our group met on Middleham Moor for a walk in Coverdale. Heading up the dale, we crossed the moor above the racing stables, and reached the road leading down through Agglethorpe village. Leaving the road, we crossed fields so high in grass that walking was difficult, crossed a new footbridge to reach Melmerby village, and walked on into Carlton , the largest village in the dale. Here a pleasant green area presented an opportunity for a lunch stop. Our route then lay down Quaker Lane , and to two footbridges over Melbeck and the river Cover. A short climb from there brought us to the path into West Scrafton , which was the turning point – we were now heading back down the opposite side of the dale. This side of the dale has many gills draining the slopes above, each of which is crossed by a footbridge over what is in some cases almost a miniature ravine. Over field paths, footbridges and tracks, our group passed through East Scrafton , where we paused for refreshments, and through Caldbergh. Walking over moorland and rough grazing, we came to the road near Braithwaite Hall, from where a path led us back over the Cover at Hullo Bridge , and to the road where the cars were parked. So ended a 9 mile walk in good company, and in dry, bright weather. As we drove away came the first drops of what turned to heavy rain – we had been very lucky.

On Sunday, Keith and Daphne will be leading a walk from Morton-on-Swale, when there will be a choice of six or nine miles. Departure will be from the junction of High Cleugh with Mallorie Park Drive, Ripon, at 9.30am. For more information regarding the walk please ring 01765 600013.