Conisborough Challenge

 Wednesday 29th May 2024.            Conisborough Challenge 

As the title suggests today’s adventure for the Lads was a tough but rewarding experience to say the least. It was a decision hastily put together due to inclement weather conditions forecast for their intended destination of Malham, a location in North Yorkshire. South Yorkshire was the preferred choice as weather conditions were more favourable, so a re-visit to the village of Conisborough was put in place. This time the Lads would take on a scenic riverside walk starting at the railway station, it would include a visit to the impressive viaduct structure that spans the river Don, a former railway bridge from by-gone days. A few moments were spent here admiring the fantastic views in all directions which included a glimpse of the previously explored castle here in Conisborough.

From this vantage point the lads now descended the pathway leading to the river’s edge and follow the tarmac path that runs close to the riverside, this next stretch of their journey seemed to go on for ever , in fact it would be over an hour before they reached the Boat Inn, a riverside pub set in a prime location close to the villages of Sprotbrough and Warmsworth, suburbs of Doncaster.

We sat in the courtyard of the Boat Inn for a brief moment, mainly to rest our aching legs and study their menu only to find it didn’t meet our requirements, too expensive. So gathering up our belongings we ventured a little further in search of a pre-suggested cafe up in the village of Warmsworth, getting there was going to be a short uphill struggle through a wooded area before we reached the open road and finally the outskirts of the cafe only to find that it had closed at 2 pm. It was now 2:20 and with all our bellies rumbling it was a hasty dash to a nearby bus stop and take the 2:27 back to Doncaster and seek some relief for our hunger courtesy of the various food outlets situated on the upper floors of the shopping mall. Relief at last and time to rest awhile before our 15:26 train journey back in the direction of Leeds from whence we all came !.

John, Colin, Brian and Mark boarding the 10:21 train in Leeds, Derek joined the train at Wakefield leaving Glenn and Dave to jump on board at Sandal/Agbrigg, the train arrived at Doncaster 11:07 then a wait of about half an hour before we traveled the short distance to Conisborough a journey of about 7 minutes or so, once at the station it was study the map and off we set on this rather lengthy adventure taking in all the aspects of the surrounding countryside etc.

What a Great Adventure full of intrigue and surprises along with the odd misfortune ( food wise)

A distance of approximately 5 miles walking.

Cheers Everyone 

Walton Nature Reserve

 Wednesday 15th May 2024.               Walton  Nature  Reserve 

For today’s adventure John, Brian and Mark would travel from Leeds by the 10:21 train heading for the outskirts of Wakefield, their destination stop would be Sandal / Agbrigg, there to meet them would be two relatively local residents in the form of Glenn and Dave. From the station they would walk along the high street for a few hundred yards before heading in the direction of the Montague Allotments, a rather large area of gardening facilities for the residents of Agbrigg. Eventually they would reach a footpath that would lead them alongside the old disused Barnsley Canal. Following this pathway for about three quarters of a mile or so before crossing a country road and then on to the nature reserve here created on the site of the old Walton Colliery.

It was an overcast morning with predicted rainfall at some point , as we rambled around this area of man made scenery, it would be just a few spots that happened to fall nothing to spoil our adventure. Various forms of wildlife were spotted which included a heron standing by the waterside a group of swans swimming along with the company of a few other species of ducks etc. On to one of the fishing lakes now and a chance to sit for a while and enjoy the reality of this nature reserve, the various songbirds whistling out their tunes only to be disrupted now and again by the close proximity of the main railway lines .

Nevertheless it was great just to be out in the fresh air and enjoying our time here in this particular area. Now gathering our belongings we ventured a little further into a woodland area and started to make our return journey, this time to the village of Walton and enjoy what a local cafe has to offer for our lunchtime meals etc. The Whisk Cafe is only a small establishment but catered for our needs perfectly, they even extended their breakfast service to suit some of our requests. 

Having spending almost an hour here in the cafe discussing what future destinations we would envisage entertaining, it was time to leave Walton by means of the 196 bus , instead of the lengthy walk to the station at Sandal/Agbrigg this was a much easier option giving the Leeds lads the opportunity to take an early train back to the city. Glenn was the first to say farewell has he lives close to the cafe, Dave took the bus ride in order to make it back to the car whilst guiding the lads the now shorter distance to the station.John , Brian and Mark able to catch the 14:07 back to Leeds and then make their respective journey home.

Yet again, another great day out with the Lads

Cheers Everyone.

Favourable Filey

 Wednesday 8th May 2024.                 Favourable Filey

It would be all change for the Lads has they traveled to the North Yorkshire coastal resort of Filey, the train journey there would involve several stages, Leeds to York , York to Seamer and finally Seamer to Filey. The 3 Amigo’s John ,Colin and Dave left Leeds at 9:16 and eventually arrived at the resort about 11:20. 

The interrupted rail journey was negotiated with relative ease as we passed through York and Seamer, a few glimpses of wild life were spotted as we trundle along the countryside trackway. 

Upon reaching Filey railway station which is positioned a short distance from the seafront, a decision was made to head for a region locally known as Filey Brigg , a prominent part of the coastline here at the resort, its a great vantage point which gives you fantastic 360 degree views of the whole region, magnificent location to say the least.

After a few brief conversations with some local residents we were soon heading in the right direction ,over the Iron Bridge that spans the Ravine and up towards St. Oswalds church then onto open grassland and finally passed the very large car parking area that facilitates the many visitors to the Brigg. Soon we were enjoying the previously mentioned vistas.

It was a beautiful day, blue skies and pleasant sunshine with just a gentle breeze every now and again, distant hazy views of Scarborough to the north and Primrose Valley to the south could be spotted, the Lads spent quite a few moments here upon this vantage point before heading down the pathway taking them to the beach which was a fairly steep descent , Once on the beach and with a low tide it was an easy task to reach what is known locally as Cobbles landing , here we were able to enjoy a lunchtime meal of fish and chips from one of the many takeaway outlets whilst sat on a nearby bench looking out over the seafront. The fish and chips were followed by the customary ice cream enjoyed while taking a short stroll along the beach and passed a group of infant schoolchildren taking advantage of such a pleasant sunny day, great to see them enjoying themselves. Before not too long it was time to say farewell to the beach and head back towards the railway station, a slight uphill climb now ensued for a short distance until we reached the proximity of the station and a chance to sit for a while before our return journey home began.

It would be the 14:24 train that took us away from Filey and travel the short distance to Seamer , here again a short wait before we boarded the train heading for York and yet another transfer to reach Leeds. From Leeds each of us making our separate journeys home.

Looking back and reflecting upon today’s adventure, it was great fun full of pleasurable moments and time spent out in the open enjoying what this coastal resort has to offer.

Cheers Everyone.

 Wednesday 1 May 2024

York Rowntree Park Café

Today’s adventure would take six of us Brian, Glenn, Malcolm, Derek, Mark and Me to York.

Catching the 10:30 from Leeds Railway Station from Platform 12D arriving in York on platform 7 at 10:57.  

We left the Railway Station at York and made our way down to Rougire Street and down Tanners Moat to the river and then along to Ouse Bridge. 

Crossing the road diagonally and down the steps we were now on the left hand side of the river and followed this until we reached the Millennium Bridge. It was a lovely day and the walk was very pleasant and relaxing.

We crossed over the Millennium Bridge and made our way to Rowntree Park Café for lunch and a long chat. We spent just over an hour and a quarter in the café before we meandered back to the Railway Station stopping occasionally for respite as the day had now become much warmer.

We arrived back at the station in plenty of time for the 15:08 Northern train back to Leeds arriving in Leeds at 15:40

After a very enjoyable day in York the lads then all made their individual ways home on their respective modes of transport with a trip to Filey to look forward to next Wednesday where Dave and John would be back from their holidays abroad.

Cheers everyone!

Colin Hendrick Ward