Undeterred by heavy snowfall on 25th January, 29 dedicated members of Aycliffe Fell Walking Club, travelling by coach, headed toward the south-west of Whitby, North Yorkshire Moors for their monthly walk – this time the Hole of Horcum.
However, due to road closure, the coach couldn’t get through and they had to make do with a variety of circular walks from Sleights.
As predicted, the skies were clear of any further snow-threat and the sun was much in evidence. Our group split up to tackle various walks, some going via Aislaby and Hutton Musgrave, Egton and Egton Bridge, others via the north side of the river Esk, with a pub-stop at Grosmont, before heading for Beck Hole and then battling across open moorland through deep snowdrifts back to Sleights. One foot forward and three feet down was the pattern for much of the day and rolling over dry-stone walls, since the gates couldn’t be seen, was a new experience for some.
Great fun was had by all. After the walk the group enjoyed a warming welcome and excellent ale at The Plough, Sleights before heading back home tired but happy – and not a single cobweb remained!
(www.afwc.org.uk Aycliffe Fell Walking Club is currently being supported by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership)
