Southwell Ramblers visit to Malhamdale – October 2018

Southwell Ramblers annual autumn weekend away this October was to the HF Holidays house in Malhamdale in North Yorkshire. Twenty-five members of the group stayed at the HF house near the village of Malham in the beautiful Aire valley. On each day there was an alternative of a long walk or a short walk depending on members’ preference, and the non-walking members of the group had a wide range of local attractions to visit.

The lovely autumn colours in Malhamdale. (Photo by Gill)

On Saturday Peter led a short walk from the house along the River Aire to the hamlet of Bell Busk and then along Kirk Syke Lane to the village of Aireton. The group then returned to the house along part of the Pennine Way. This was a leisurely walk along very attractive stretches of the River Aire.

The short walks group at Janet's Foss (Photo by Peter)

The long walk on Saturday was led by Dave along part of the Pennine Way towards Malham, then via the waterfall at Janet’s Foss to Weets Top. The return to the house was across Calton Moor which provided a challenging walk with good views of the upper Aire valley.

The long walks group at Janet's Foss (Photo by Dave)

On Sunday Peter led the short walkers round the classic sights of Malham. These are Janet’s Foss waterfall, the impressive limestone ravine of Gordale Scar, and the spectacular limestone cliff and pavement of Malham Cove. These three geological formations can be seen on a circular four mile walk that starts and ends at the village of Malham. On the way back to the house the group enjoyed tea at the Town End Farm Shop in Aireton.

Malham Cove (Photo by Dave)

On Sunday the long walkers were led by Chris via Malham Cove, on another part of the Pennine Way, up the dry valley to Malham Tarn. Return was over the limestone moor to Malham Village, with some of the group walking back to the house along the River Aire.

Some of the group in the limestone vally near Malham (Photo by Maggie)

A short walk was provided on Monday in the Wharfe valley. Peter led a walk from Barden Bridge on part of the Dales Way to Bolton Abbey, and then back along the river to Barden Bridge passing the famous Strid where the River Wharfe is funnelled into a narrow gorge. This was a very enjoyable walk in a mainly wooded area that was just starting to show the glorious colours of autumn.

The River Wharfe near Bolton Abbey passes through the Strid (Photo by Peter)