Littleborough to Walsden

 Wednesday 16th July 2025.              Littleborough  to. Walsden

Today’s adventure for the Lads would see them take a train journey to the Lancashire town of Littleborough and then walk back along side the Leeds to Liverpool Canal to the village of Walsden, this should cover a distance of just over 4 miles according to some sources! But for Derek, John, Malcolm, Dave, Brian and Mark this distance seemed to be twice as far.

Their journey began aboard a train from Leeds at 10:20 calling at Dewsbury and Hebden Bridge along the way . It was a pleasant sunny day as the lads arrived at Littleborough station at about 11:30, from here it is just a few minutes walk to the canal and the start of their walk, before not too long we are embracing  the peacefulness of our surroundings etc.

The occasional glimpse of wildlife both on and off the water are a pleasure to see, we also pass a few anglers on route hoping to catch the odd fish or two much to their dismay. We take the opportunity now and then to take photos to add to our vast array of memorable moments we have all shared in our adventures together, great stuff.

Half way through our journey we take a break from the walking and find a suitable spot to sit and consume our picnic lunches, Mark and Brian take the opportunity to purchase a drink from the nearby Summit Pub to accompany their lunch, 30 minutes later we resumed our journey past the numerous Locks along our way which brings back memories of previous occasions we have ambled along this towpath hoping to reach Grandma Pollard’s and enjoy fish and chips, sadly this restaurant no longer exists, much to our dismay.

As 2pm arrives we start to think how much further away is Walsden, some local fishermen suggest it’s another mile or so, doesn’t seem right somehow, nevertheless we keep on going and finally reach our intended destination , not before taking advantage of a honesty box with a supply of goodies to select from , Brian took advantage of this as his hunger pains returned. A few more hundred yards and we left the canal side behind and headed for the railway station just over the road, feeling rather weary we climbed the steps taking us to the other platform in order to catch our returning train heading homeward bound.

This train arriving some 15 minutes later, held up by a rather lengthy slow moving goods train, we climbed aboard at almost twenty past 3 able to have a sit down and relax, John was first off the train at Hebden Bridge, Derek and Dave followed at Dewsbury the rest continued on to Leeds . 

Upon Reflection today’s adventure was maybe a step too far, nevertheless it was a pleasurable just to be out there.

Cheers Everyone.

Whitby to Sandsend

 Wednesday 9th July.                       Whitby to Sandsend 

Today’s adventure would take on a new meaning of punctuality, we were on time and so was our train heading to the East Coast resort of Scarborough. All was going smoothly until we, that’s John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Glenn and Mark exited the station at the town and headed towards a nearby bus stop, the time was a few minutes after 10am. They were hoping to catch the 10:20 bus heading for Whitby, a rather extensive queue was already awaiting the arrival of the X94, the previous 2 had not turned up for some apparent reason. Nevertheless we took our places in the queue and hopefully we may get seated.

Quite a few minutes later than scheduled the bus along with us on board began to move away from it’s stand, with a few extra passengers taking this journey through the streets of Scarborough and further afield. We were heading towards Whitby calling at Robin Hoods Bay on our way . This would take about an hour or so depending upon the traffic. As the X94 took us along the winding roads we were given magnificent views of the splendid landscape in this region of North East Yorkshire, fantastic sights.

Eventually the bus pulled into it’s appropriate spot in Whitby, the time now was 11:45, some 10 minutes later we were inside Greggs and purchasing a bite to eat along with a drink ,our alternate decision to take a further bus journey onto Sandsend was abandoned due to our needs for sustenance, so with sandwiches to hand it was off to the beach, not before a swooping seagull had taken Dirk’s pasty out of his grasp.

Soon we made the beach and began our trek to the distant vista of Sandsend, fortunately the midday tide was still far out enabling us to progress slowly along the shoreline, the occasional rest was inevitably and a few photo opportunities taken along our way.

At this moment in time the weather was perfect, not too hot and a gentle sea breeze made conditions fine, but as the afternoon wore on the sun broke through and brought with it a rise in temperature, thankfully we had reached the picturesque setting of Sandsend and now a time to rest awhile and collect our thoughts.

We eventually climbed up the sea defence structure and made our way to a nearby bus stop. Once there we were greeted with an outcry that yet again the last 2 scheduled buses had not turned up, we were expecting to take the 1:50 back to Whitby, by 2:20 nothing had shown up so the seeds of doubt came to our forefront, what action do we take, a decision to maybe call for a taxi was suggested and true to form our leader step forward and made the call. Some 15 minutes later we were all outside Trenches ordering fish and chips before joining the bus stop queue back in Whitby.

 

The sun was now at its hottest and unfortunately our place in this queue didn’t provide us with any shade at all, thankfully this bus did arrive and we began to board slowly, choosing the wrong side of the bus to sit meaning we had to endure yet more streaming sunshine, phew it became oppressive at times.

The bus ride back to Scarborough seemed to go on and on with the weather conditions not helping, thankfully we reached the town and eventually the railway station, time now for a well deserved cuppa and a chance to relax a little, 30 minutes before our train is due to leave and head back to Leeds, from here we will take our respective journeys home.

Cheers Everyone for taking on this Adventure.

Upon reflection our adventure today was seriously effect by the failure of the bus company to deliver a proper schedule.

Saltaire Celebration

 Wednesday 2nd July 2025                Saltaire  Celebration 

For their outing today the Lads have chosen to go along with Brian’s request to visit Saltaire and have a lunchtime meal at the Boathouse Cafe which is situated on the riverbank are in the town. Those taking part will be John, Malcolm, Derek, Dave, Glenn, Mark and of course Brian, the reason for this visit is to celebrate his birthday. 

The Lads have planned to meet up at about 10:45 at Saltaire railway station and then from there take a walk along the riverbank as far as the seven arches canal bridge that spans the river. From this point they will now take the canal towpath and head back towards the town hopefully reaching the Boathouse cafe around 12:30. This is the time they have booked to have their meal.

Early morning rain had now given way to sunshine so it was a pleasant start to their walk which would cover a distance of some two and a half miles or so, taking in the many aspect's of wildlife as they ambled along, they also caught the odd sighting of young rowers in their river craft plying their skills etc. We gave them a little encouragement as they passed us by with a round of applause, great stuff.

A variety of different conversations took place as you can well imagine, John recalling some of the interesting moments from his recent holidays keeping us well amused from time to time. He can tell some long drawn out stories you know! 

As we began our return journey a brief moment was spent tossing coins into the river and making the odd wish or two, fingers crossed they might eventually come true? A few good photo opportunities arose along our way so we took advantage of these interesting and memorable moments etc.

As 12:30 came around we found ourselves just a few steps away from the Boathouse Cafe so our timekeeping was almost impeccable, we were soon shown to our respective table and given a menu each to browse through and make our choices , a refreshing drink was now in order so it was off to the bar. Some ten minutes later our food arrived and was relished with much delight by everyone. We sang the customary birthday greetings song to Brian along with a few other customers etc, with a little encouragement Brian did give us a heartfelt thanks of appreciation for all the assistance we are giving him, Cheers Lad.

We did eventually turn our thoughts to upcoming arrangements and what the next few weeks adventures would involve, could it be plan A , B or even C. Who knows with us lot. The decision to visit Whitby next week is our plan . Good luck with the rail tickets etc. 

Now with the time approaching 2:20 it was farewell to the Boathouse Cafe and make our way to the train station and our onward journeys home, saying goodbye to John as we left Saltaire behind us.

What yet another great day out with the Lads.

Cheers Everyone.