Dales 17km Walk - Appletreewick & Trollers Gill - 29 Nov 2008

On the 6th of November, not too long ago, I became an Inn Way walking club member. This is the club that was founded by Mark Reid, the author of the series of award-winning guide books. (My previous walks of Northumberland and Yorkshire Water Way were from his guide books.) As a member, I was entitled to several benefits, including free guided walks led by the author himself, as well as a monthly 'walking weekend' route pack which provides 2 walks from 1 village throughout the North of England.

This Dales walk over the weekend had been extracted from one of the monthly route packs. It would commence and end at Appletreewick, forming an 8km circular walk. The extra 9km walk which made up the total 17km for the day was the route to the accommodation for the night and dinner place.


Forced myself up in the morning. Had to catch the 0644 train to Leeds. Super early!!! Had a few Becks the night before at Hossain's house party. Hence had a very good night sleep due to exhaustion and alcohol. :) Anyway, I was very thankful to Gabriel (my classmate) who offered to give me a lift to the train station that morning as he was up beforehand to send his friend to the airport. He appeared at my doorstep at 0610, and dropped me off at the train station. Thanks pal!

It was shockingly freezing that morning. -5 degrees! Although it was 5 degrees below freezing point, it didn't feel that cold as there was hardly any wind. However, cars and everything else were covered with a layer of ice. More interestingly, that morning was very foggy. I didn't realise visibility would impose a big problem till I was on the train to Leeds. Was looking out of the window and admiring the fog, when suddenly started to get worried. I hoped navigation wouldn't be affected. It would be challenging, yet exciting! Had a small meal at Leeds train station while waiting for the Ilkley train. Once arrived, I hopped on and wore my contact lenses on the train. Excitement was growing!!! Yipee!!!!


After getting off at Ilkley, I took a bus straight to Appletreewick where I began my walk. By then, I was thankful for the disappearance of the fog and the replacement of a very promising sunny weather. Great day for walking. Great day for photographs. :) Appletreewick, pronounced locally as 'Aptrick', is one of those villages whose name is a pleasure to say and so you always say it twice. Try it! It is a village of great charm with many beautiful stone cottages, some of which are of great antiquity.











The walk was a good one, especially the first part of it. It followed field paths (muddy underfoot) and quiet country lanes. A path led up behind Parcevall Hall, passing an old dam that once supplied waterpower to a paper mill, up into the deep valley of Skyreholme Beck with its gleaming limestone scree slopes and crags. From this wide limestone valley, a permissive path led up passing several crystal clear springs into the narrow boulder strewn dry valley of Trollers' Gill - a dramatic limestone ravine that is also known as the 'Gordale of Wharfedale'. It is interesting to learn that this valley is the home of a wolf-like beast with large fangs and staring eyes which preys on unsuspecting travellers (like me??? Haha!!!) The section up through Trollers Gill followed a rough and rocky path which was rather hard on my heels. Lots of balancing and falling from side to side. Quite a hilarious view if you happen to be watching behind me!

















I met a group of about 50 walkers, consisting of children and adults, who appeared to be doing the same walk as me. Chatted with a few of them and found out that it was Diana's birthday, and she wanted to celebrate her day with a walk like this. How cool! I overtook them as it was a big group and there was no point following their pace.


The remainder of the walk was along a fine 'green lane' known as Kail Lane that headed across Appletreewick Pasture before a long and steep descent along a stony track back into Appletreewick where I had begun. All around was moorland with rolling hills in every direction and the only sound of sheep and birds to break the silence. Simply wonderful and peaceful!











After completing the planned walk, it was time to start walking to Thorpe - where I would be staying in a pre-booked B&B (Holly Tree Farm) for the night. Reached after a 5km long walk. Stayed in a single room - rather small but cosy and sufficient. I was allowed to use the living room which had a fire place and TV. Was quite disappointed that they could not serve dinner, and was told that the nearest pub which served food was in Linton - about 2km away. Oh dear...daylight was ending, and I would have to rush there and back, otherwise I would be walking in pitch darkness. Note that this is not Singapore where you get road lights everywhere. Brought along my small torchlight, and ran to Linton for dinner. Expensive but I had a super delicious and filling dinner. Getting back to the B&B was a dangerous and scary one. I took the longer way - by road - this time, in order to avoid getting lost in the middle of fields. Cars zoomed past me, and I had to shine the torch at myself when vehicles were approaching in order to warn them: Hey, beware! I'm here! Don't bang into me! It was actually about 5pm then, but everywhere was already in complete darkness. That was the negative point about walking during the winter season. Summer time would be ideal with longer daylights.









I finally made my way back safely. Washed up and went downstairs to sit in the living room to watch TV and do some work. Mr Hall came in shortly after and we had quite a long chat. Both Mr and Mrs Hall left for Dancing Classes at 8pm, and I was left alone in the house. Some self-time now...peace....breathe...... After all the firewood had been burnt, I went back upstairs to my room. Goodnight! Time for bed!