Aycliffe Fell Walking Club were out in force last Saturday 10th June with a visit to the Ingleton/ Horton in Ribblesdale areas of the Yorkshire Dales. The weather was hot and the area was full of charity walkers raising money for childrens’ hospitals and noticeably hundreds of walkers fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association.
AFWC members often do similar fundraising activities individually and next month two members are raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society (details are on our club website).
There were a number of walkers on Saturdays agenda with one member choosing to walk over Whernside and Inglebrough (2 of the 3 Peaks) from Ribblehead. Most opted to walk from Chapel le Dale and Clapham with some going over Whernside, some over Inglebrough, whilst others, including myself, went along more level routes via the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct and a section of the Ribble Way into Horton. Whilst all was calm lower down, it was cold and blowing a gale on the top of Whernside!
We were delighted that both the Golden Lion and The Crown pubs were open for business and some enjoyed an excellent buffet meal at the former. Also popular was a visit to the much cooler atmosphere of St Oswald’s Church where tea, coffee and cakes were being served. Everybody had enjoyed a great day and were full of smiles on the way home.
It should be noted that AFWC outings involve enough choice, so, if you are new to walking, you can choose a shorter walk whilst braver and more experienced walkers may choose the longer and more demanding routes. The walks are not ‘led’ as such, but there are enough walk suggestions for everyone’s needs at a cost (to cover the coach) of only £15 per person per outing. Annual club membership is only £10/ person. The coach picks up walkers in Darlington, Aycliffe Village, Newton Aycliffe, Middridge, Shildon, South Church and Bishop Auckland and frequently Barnard Castle and the Premier Inn at Stockton if on route. If you are interested in joining us on one or more of our walks, please visit our website:
www.aycliffefellwalkingclub.com
and book a seat on the coach using the online form.
The next AFWC walk will be on Saturday 8th July with a long-awaited visit to Skelwith Bridge, Elterwater and the Langdale Fells. Some lowland routes will be available but Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell will also be on the menu.
