Surveying Settle

 Wednesday 17th May 2023.                Surveying  Settle

It was pastures tranquil and green that the lads would experience today on their visit to the North Yorkshire market town of Settle. They intend to cover between 4 and 5 miles of countryside that surrounds this particular location. Those making the rail journey will be Colin, Malcolm, Dave, Glenn and John, they should reach Settle just before midday and that is indeed what occurred. 

After leaving the railway station the lads began their adventure, with John and Colin leading the way as they had both previously done this walk. First a call at the local supermarket to purchase sandwiches and drinks etc then remember which direction to head was it left then right or was it right then left, a mobile phone image was consulted then we were on our way, over the river bridge and crossing the main road they soon found themselves in a relatively quiet and picturesque setting with just bird song and the sounds of running water in their ears. The pathway taking them through meadows adorned with grazing sheep and lambs with the odd farm tractor off in the distance. 

Not before too long a suitable place was found to consume our sandwiches and enjoy this tranquility interspersed with the odd passers by, at one point the lads struck up a conversation with a young man named Kevin, he was in the area taking advantage of the challenges of the 3 Peaks and the numerous countryside walking in this location. We chatted for about 15 minutes or so before he bid us farewell and was gone. Soon we were back on our feet and continuing our journey, we eventually came to a country lane which we had to follow for a few hundred yards before taking a farm track leading us back towards the river making sure the gate was securely closed behind us. At the end of the track we crossed over the river passing a row of cottages on our way, then it was follow the pathway towards the John Roberts paper mill and join another country lane heading back towards the outskirts of Settle. Along this lane Colin and John had previously had a chance meeting with an elderly couple who had relocated here ,originally they were from the Leeds area, did manage to get the attention of the elderly man only this time, took him a few moments to recall their meeting of last year, nice to chat with him again. 

Now for the last stretch of this journey and remember the short cut passageway leading to the town centre that brings us close to main high street, here was a chance to partake in a late lunch courtesy of the fish and chip shop , meals collected we walk a few more yards up the high street and found ourselves a suitable bench to sit at, right outside the ice cream parlour, how fitting for the Lads.

With more than an hour until the next train heading for Leeds it was a rather leisurely lunchtime affair has we reflected upon our adventure here in Settle and also discussed future plans re our upcoming visit to see the Flying Scotsman Steam Locomotive at Howarth. Now with the time approaching 3:50 pm it was a steady walk back towards the railway station in order to catch the 16:28 back to the city of Leeds and then our respective paths home.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was more than just great, it was fantastic just the kind of medicine we all need, peace and tranquility with fun company.

Cheers Lads.