It was set to be another fine day as Aycliffe Fell Walkers headed for Blakey Ridge in the North Yorkshire Moors. The focus of the trip was the Daffodil Walk in Farndale, 1.5 miles alongside the river Dove between Low Mill and Church Houses.
For our club members there were several optional starting points for the day’s outing including Hutton-le-Hole, the Saddle Stones on Blakey Ridge and for some walkers, the Lion Inn itself. Many of those starting from Hutton-le-Hole took an early ‘wrong turn’ to find themselves needlessly ascending very steep ground – only to descend the other side, with their starting point still in view!
Things could only get better. Those that started from the Saddle Stones had an easier time of it, descending gently into delightful Farndale with a distinct hue of golden yellow clearly discernible from a long way above the dale.
Those choosing to walk Rudland Rigg initially missed the route down towards Low Mill but eventually descended to join the much anticipate Daffodil Walk. The display not only of daffodils but also primroses, wild violets, bluebells and other species was as impressive as ever, with huge swathes of daffs draping the riverbanks along the way. Previous visitors to the area had commented that the daffodils were not as widespread as they had been years ago, but there was no suggestion that the walk was any less popular. The appropriately-named “Daffy Caffy” attracted a few of our walkers with some excellent bacon sarnies; others chose to linger in the Community Centre at Low Mill, enticed by the aroma of freshly made coffee that accompanied an extensive selection of home baked fare.
Several walkers looking for more traditional refreshment walked through Farndale and then called in at the nearby Feversham Arms to enjoy a drink whilst reflecting on the impressive sighting of a Red Kite that had soared above the group, high on Rudland Rigg; its distinctive fingered wings and wedge-shaped tail had been clearly visible. Smaller birds frequented the tables in the pub’s beer garden, mostly finches searching for scraps of food. Time to move on but the only drawback to undertaking the Daffodil Walk end-to-end is the arduous climb up out of Farndale that follows, via the aptly named Long Lane. It’s a real sting in the tail and our coach, conveniently parked alongside the Lion Inn on lofty Blakey Ridge, was a most welcome sight when it eventually came into view!
The weather held throughout the day and there had been extensive views across Farndale, Rosedale, Bransdale and beyond. All had had a great day and the excellent range of ales and meals at the Lion Inn after the walk provided the opportunity for much animated conversation about the day’s experiences. In one corner a discussion about the huge chip portions was heard. However, also heard above the din was one contradictory voice claiming to have received short measure, certainly less than his fair share of chips! “Why is it always me?” said he. Poor George……!
If you wish to get your fair share of the great outdoors, why not apply to join our walking club. See our website www.afwc.org.uk for details, or simply contact Alan on 01325 488225.
