Bewildering Bishopthorpe

 Wednesday 28th February 2024.        Bewildering Bishopthorpe

As the title suggests, today’s outing for the Lads was a rather bizarre event to say the least.

It all began with a telephone message to John, it said that our intended outing today was not going to take place due to a rather late cancellation by our prearranged guide.

So yet again Plan B was quickly put into action, a random internet search of possible walks in the city of York the night before by Dave had thrown up a possible alternative, so with map in hand and a sort of bus schedule to consider, this new approach was put into place.

All this rearranging taking place on board the 10:30 train heading from Leeds to York, those considering this alternative were John, Brian, Colin, Mark, Glenn, Derek and Dave.

On arrival at York it was a hastily purchase of a meal deal at the Sainsbury’s outlet before heading for the bus stop situated outside the railway station, unfortunately it turned out to be the wrong place, we should have been on the opposite side of the road, as our intended bus came and went. A look of confusion now ensued, but moments later a solution appeared in the form of a indication board informing the lads that a No.11 bus was due in a few minutes time that would transport them to the village of Bishopsthorpe, sigh of relief.

Once aboard the bus further inspections of the map were  pondered over with a few other passengers having their input. However a couple of stops further down the Main Street in Bishopsthorpe than intended we alighted the bus and headed for a footpath that would take us in the direction of the river Ouse. Once by the riverside we now headed in a southerly direction , eventually reaching open views of the river which was quite wide at some points, many boats and sailing craft were moored along this stretch of water .

45 minutes into our walk we considered resting for a short while in order to consume our meal deal snacks plus shelter from a rather cold breeze which was blowing in our faces on this outward journey. Another half mile or so found us outside the Ship Inn and from this point our return journey back across open fields to the village of Bishopsthorpe.

From here we eventually boarded a bus taking us back to the city of York and once again we had stood at the wrong bus stop for a while, it would be the No21 bus rushing through the outskirts and streets of the city reaching the railway station at a few minutes before 3 o’clock giving us just enough time to purchase a cuppa etc. Minutes later we were on board the 15:20 taking us back to Leeds and from there our respective homeward journeys.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was full of mishaps interspersed with endless enjoyment and fun, plus no rain to contend with.

Cheers Everyone.