Sights of Sandal

 Wednesday 23rd October 2024.                Sights of Sandal

Today’s adventure for the Lads would take them to a location on the outskirts of Wakefield, that location is known as Sandal Magna. Home to the ruined medieval Sandal Castle that overlooks the river Calder.

The group taking part in this adventure will be Brian, Colin, John, and Malcolm travelling by train from Leeds, Dave and Glenn would meet these four at Sandal/Agbrigg station then take the 15 minute walk up to the Castle and finally meet up with Derek, an approximate time of 11:00 am was suggested for this.

It was a pleasant morning full of blue sky and sunshine as the Lads began their walk. Once in the grounds of the Castle ruins this group of seven began to walk around the perimeter pathway taking in the wonderful views from this vantage point, a full 360 aspect of the city of Wakefield and the surrounding countryside etc.

From this  pathway they could see their next port of call so to speak, the nearby expanse of Pugneys Lakes about a mile away and some few hundred yards below their current location. 

It would be a steady downhill walk from the Castle following the various footpaths that would eventually lead them to the waters edge and time for a short rest and bite to eat. This was done on a few strategically placed wooden benches giving good views across the main lake. The Lads spent about 20 minutes at this particular location before moving on and then followed the wide pathway taking them in the direction of the Boat House Cafe and for some a spot of lunch etc.

A suitable place was found to consume our lunches and talk about upcoming events , what date should we arrange to see our dear friend Tim Kearney, next week or the week after, a final decision was next week.

Various other conversations took place as well as you can imagine ie, The promotion of Wakefield Trinity back into the Super League this bringing much joy and pleasure to a few of our members along with the good fortunes of Leeds United etc.

With their lunchtime break over the Lads now continued on their walk alongside the lake taking them almost full circle before eventually taking a pathway that would lead them towards a local bus stop near the Asda Shopping Centre here in Sandal. From this bus stop it was just a 5 minute ride towards the railway station and an hurried dash in order to take the 14:10 back to Leeds for some. Derek stayed on the bus and on into Wakefield, Dave collected his car and drove home,in the meantime Glenn waved the Lads goodbye at the railway station and continued his walk home.

All in all a most pleasurable and enjoyable adventure, with a few miles completed and fresh air in our lungs.

Cheers Everyone 

o