Aycliffe Fell Walking Club went to the Forest of Bowland for their September outing. The weather didn’t live up to the promised sunshine but it stayed hot and humid with only light rain. All of the walkers set off from the Jubilee Tower near Quernmore and most enjoyed a 12-mile trek across a varied landscape of fields, nettled paths and minor roads down to the coastal path below Lancaster. However, I very much hope you enjoy this account from a walker on a different route.
On Saturday, and as part of my birthday present from me to me, I went off with Aycliffe Fell Walking Club to Lancashire’s ‘Forest of Bowland’. It was a warm, humid but misty start to the walk when the coach dropped us off at the Jubilee Tower, Quernmore, Lancaster.
I set off up the hills to Grit Fell and over to Lancashire’s second highest peak, Ward’s Stone. It was so humid and warm that when the heavens opened, and rain fell heavily, it was most welcome, even though I was soaking wet. Ward’s Stone is a flat topped hill and has two triangulation points about a kilometre apart. Whilst I was there, and over a period of just a few minutes, the mists cleared and the views majestically appeared.
I then made my way to the old Clough Quaries & down to Cragg Wood. This ancient wood is a ‘Specal Area Of Conservation’ because of its upland location and the Sessile Oaks and Birch trees that grow there.
It felt like a very long trek along minor country roads and on into Lancaster City to complete about 14 miles but where the Crafty Scholar and the Lion Inn provided some welcome food and refreshments for a weary walker. On the coach home, I was pleasantly surprised by the AFWC Chair wishing me a ‘Happy 70th Birthday’ along with the birthday wishes from those on board!
Our next walk is on Saturday 14th October from Bellingham to Hexham.
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 per 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, visit our website www.aycliffefellwalkingclub.com and book a seat on the coach using the online form.