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Wednesday  5 January 2022

Harewood Grounds Circular. 

It was a freezing cold morning as Brian, John and Colin assembled for their first sortie  of 2022 around the grounds of Harewood House estimated to be approximately 5 Miles with lots of inclines to keep the old circulatory system pumping. 

We rendezvoused in Leeds City Bus Station at 10:40 in time to buy our lunch from Greggs before catching the 10:55 No. 36 to The Harewood Arms where we alighted at 11:40 and made our short way to Church Lane and past the Muddy Boots Café on our way to the park entrance. 

The weather was extremely cold with a biting wind and the sun was as yet not shining through which meant a brisk walk was required to keep us all warm. 

The views were spectacular looking across the park with a viaduct standing out in the distance encapsulated in glorious sunshine which we had yet to feel the benefit of. 

It was now approaching 12:30 and hunger was upon us and passing the bridge where we had last eaten pork pies that Eddie had bought from Castleford Market. We reminisced about that very day but decided not to stop until sunshine was in our grasp. A little further on we found the exact spot where we consumed our repast in glorious sunshine. 

We then continued our journey passing through another gate by the holiday cottages and commenting on how good it was to be out once again and achieving the simple task of putting one foot in front of the other making us feel that what we were doing was the right thing to do. 

We shortly came to the woods and climbed gently up the path eventually taking a left turn that ran adjacent to the Emmerdale estate which we followed until we exited the woods and began the long haul back towards the A61 and our bus back to Leeds. The bus arrived at 14:03 only a minute behind schedule so pretty good arriving safely back into Leeds at around 14:40. 

Brian and John alighting on Vicar Lane for their respective journies back to Morley and Bingley respectively. 

Colin continued back to Leeds City Bus Station to return to Beeston with over 8000 steps and around 12,000 for John. 

We missed the lads that didn’t venture with us but as we learn to live with this pandemic we could all be back together very soon. 

Another great day out proving over and over again you don’t need to travel far to enjoy yourselves!

-- 

Colin Hendrick Ward

Festive Cheer

 Wednesday 8th December 2021.             Festive Cheer

Festive season is with us now and the Lads have decided to visit The Angel pub at Bruntcliffe which is near Morley, Leeds. A group of 8 will hopefully enjoy what this venue as to offer them in the way of Christmas lunch. A meeting time of around 12:30 was suggested with a table booked for 1:00 pm. courtesy of Brian. Joining him will be Colin, Keith, John , Derek and  Dave, with a surprise inclusion of Malcolm and John Howarth. A blustery day greeted the lads has they arrived at the location, but they where soon inside the pub safe from the elements and enjoying a festive pre - dinner drink along with all the usual banter on these occasions. Yo Ho Ho and all that stuff. The Lads now left the bar area and were shown to their table , the place was rather full with other similar groups of people who had also chosen this particular venue. Before not too long a waitress had handed out the menus for us to browse and make our choice.

With our meals ordered and the drinks flowing the various conversations struck up between all of us , just nice to be together enjoying ourselves. A photograph album was passed around which brought back fond memories from the many adventures that the Lads have had the pleasure of experiencing over the last few years. As you can imagine this brought a wry smile to all our faces, well done for this Dave.So with our festive meals  enjoyed somewhat, it was time to say farewell to The Angel pub and make our respective journeys home wishing each other all the best for Christmas and the New Year.

Cheers Lads 

Out and about near Outwood

 Wednesday 1st. December 2021.         Outwood Adventure 

Today’s adventure for the Lads turned out to be a brief encounter at the Lofthouse Colliery Nature Park. This location is situated on the outskirts of Wakefield, close to the railway station at Outwood, so an easy place to get to. A rendezvous time of 11:00am was agreed and fulfilled with journeys by both train and car to Outwood. None of the Lads have been to this location before although they have passed close bye the area upon their numerous train journeys . A not too favourable weather forecast is predicted for this outing, so best foot forward Lads and off we go.

After leaving the station it’s just a short distance to the trackside pathway that will lead the them on to the beginning of the the nature park, first point of interest is the memorial structure that as been placed in memory of the miners who sadly lost their lives here at the local coal mine of Lofthouse. After a few moments of respect the Lads ventured on not knowing what lay before them. It soon became apparent that several pathways could take their adventure in different directions, they decided to stay on what they thought was the perimeter footpath, a few encounters with dog walkers didn’t give the Lads any clues, so on they ventured, by this time an heavy shower of rain was falling , so maybe time to take cover if only for a couple of minutes till it passed over. From this point a different direction was decided upon, the Lads had no idea as to where they were heading, then all of a sudden they realised they had almost covered a rather limited circular route of the park and where only a few hundred yards from the railway station they had previous left an hour before. A suggestion was now made to visit a nearby cafe and have either a coffee break or something more substantial, the latter was agreed upon.

 So off to Cafe 509 about 10 minutes walk away, what a lovely and pleasant surprise lay a head of the Lads, it was only a small roadside establishment but served the Lads with a truly tremendous meal , enjoyment to the fullest was had by all. Thanking the staff as they left the Lads now headed back towards the station at Outwood and take their various modes of transport to their respective homes.

Yet another great day out with the Lads 

Cheers.

Adventure at Anglers

 Wednesday 17th. November 2021.      Adventure at Anglers

For today’s outing 5 of the lads will make their way to the outskirts of Wakefield, to visit a man made lake which is known locally as Anglers, Anglers Country Park to be exact. A picturesque setting to say the least.

John Colin and Brian will travel by Train from Leeds then take the 196 bus from Wakefield heading for the village of Walton where Dave and Derek will board the same bus and then ride the remaining distance on through Crofton and finally to a drop off point close to the lake. This bus journey proved to be rather exciting and scary at some stages, (rather eager driver). Anyhow the Lads arrived safely and where soon at the water’s edge after taking the short pathway from the countryside bus stop. A decision was taken to walk in an anti-clockwise direction around the lake, so with the wind at their backs and the sunshine on their faces off they went.

The time was about 11:30, a steady amble along the footpath was enjoying with the usual banter between the group members, before not too long they had completed almost half of the lake side walk, now time to head for the cafe situated nearby for a short coffee break, actually they spent a good thirty minutes here discussing future adventures and possible venues for their Christmas Dinner Outing. With time moving on it was back to the lakeside pathway and complete the circumnavigation of this wonderful setting here in the countryside near the city of Wakefield.

The Lads now made their way  to the country lane bus stop for the short ride back to the village of Walton and have an  enjoyable lunch time meal at the New Inn, a table was booked in advance for this occasion and there to meet them was another one of the Lads, Keith, he has taken the opportunity to share a little time with the rest of us and join in the banter at our table. Hopefully he will be fit enough to take on a local walk at Lofthouse in a couple of weeks time. With the time now approaching 3:00pm it was over the road for three of the lads and take a bus back into Wakefield and a Train back to Leeds ,for the remaining lads it was a car journey to their respective homes.

Yet another great day out with the Lads 

Cheers Everyone.

 

Wednesday 10 November 2021

Saltaire Circular. 

It was a mild morning as Colin caught the 10:26 to Skipton where he would be alighting at Saltaire and meeting up with John. 

It was only John and myself today as Dave and Brian were otherwise engaged. 

We first headed towards the park where we walked up-to the main road where we would eventually travel through the woods skirting round Milner Fields and eventually back onto the main road where we soon picked up the canal and our walk back into Saltaire. 

It was extremely quiet as we walked through the autumnal surroundings and the weather was almost spring like as we meandered along catching up with all the news. 

From this it was decided that we would be going to the Toby Carvery at Bruntcliffe on Wednesday 8 December for our Christmas meal and Brian would be booking this for 13:00 with meet up from 12:30 onwards. There would be six attendees Derek, Keith, Dave, Brian, John and Colin. 

We made good progress along the canal and our destination the “don’t tell Titus cafe” where we would purchased our dinner and then we crossed over the road to the small park where we both devoured  our pie, pasties, and a slice with a custard filling for Colin. 

Colin then returned to Beeston on the 14:12 from Saltaire to Leeds after another lovely day out with over 12,000 steps and slightly more for John. 

Another great day out proving once again you don’t need to travel far to enjoy yourselves!

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Idyllic Ilkley

Blog

Wednesday  27 October 2021

Ilkley - Addingham. 

It was a mild morning as Brian  and Colin assembled in Leeds City Station for the 10:33 Leeds to Ilkley departure where they would be meeting up with John. 

We set off for the toilets near the car park as Colin and Brian were ready to go and Colin was able to use his Radar disabled key for only the second time. Brian followed after Colin emerged and a couple of minutes later we were ready for the walk down to the park and subsequently our trip along the river. 

We first headed towards the old bridge and took to the left along the river bank towards Addingham starting at around 11:20.  

We soon made good progress along the public path going past the sports centre travelling through a number of fields before we got to the housing estate on the outskirts of Addingham whereby at this time after an hour and a half Colin was beginning to feel the strain big time and we ultimately decided to return to Ilkley on the No 62 Keighley to Ilkley bus to relieve Colin of his acute fatigue which was extremely debilitating for him. However, ensuring us he would survive to fight another day. 

So far we hadn’t even caught a glimpse of the suspension bridge which is clearly visible for miles when we follow the road route. 

We then caught the 12:45 bus at the Ilkley Road / Church Street bus stop and twenty minutes later we were back at Ilkley bus station which necessitated us going back towards the Lister Arms where we would be having our lunch. 

Lunch over and firm commitments during our meal to have Christmas Lunch at the Toby Carvery in Bruntcliffe where Brian who was visiting on Thursday to sample the ambience and check out the food. 

Leaving the Lister Arms we made our way back to Ilkley railway station to board the 15:40 to Leeds and 15:51 to Bradford Forster Square for Colin & Brian and John respectively. 

On arrival in Leeds Brian and Colin returned to Morley and Beeston respectively after another lovely day out over  11,000 steps for Colin and even more for Brian and John. 

Another great day out proving once again you don’t need to travel far to enjoy yourselves but you need to walk only distances within your capabilities! 

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A Brief Encounter

 Friday 22nd October 2021.              A  Brief  Encounter 

Ho what a surprise for some of the Lads, an opportunity to meet up in Leeds came their way. Dave, who at the moment is receiving medical treatment here in the city, hurriedly arranged this encounter. He, plus Colin, John and Brian had a late lunch time meal courtesy of the Wetherspoons venue at the railway station.  

Their meeting lasting just over an hour, it was a good tonic for Dave and a bonus for the rest of the lads , a time to catch up on passed adventures and try to plan for more of the same ,when next year comes around. Plenty to think about then, let’s hope the present situation sorts it’s self out somewhat and we are all able to get out there again.

So for now it’s Cheers Lads.

Railway Ride

 Wednesday  20 October 2021

Leeds - K&WVR. 

It was a wet morning as Brian  and Colin assembled in Leeds City Station for the 10:26 Leeds to Skipton departure dropping them off at Keighley where they would be meeting up with John. 

We then walked up from the platform and across to the K&WVR to purchase our £12 concessionary ticket to allow us to travel the full line from Keighley to Oxenhope and return. We decided that we would alight at Haworth on our way back from Oxenhope after a quick turnaround. 

Arriving at Haworth we walked up the slope and over the bridge and up the cobbled street to the Park and joined the main street that would take us up the full length until reaching the top looking at the quaint shops on the way as we perused the wears on offer. 

We had passed a little café earlier that we all agreed would be ideal for a spot of light lunch and given that our train back to Keighley was not until 13:35 we had just over an hour to steadily consume our meal. 

Ordering Carrot and Coriander soup with chunky brown bread and butter plus sausage rolls for Brian and John and half a Yorkshire curd tart for me. 

We all agreed that the meal was excellent and on finishing we meandered down Haworth high street entering at the top of the park this time and down to Haworth station with a few minutes to spare before our 13:35 back to Keighley which was also just in time for Colin and Brian to catch the 14:01 train back to Leeds arriving at 14:30. 

We were extremely lucky as the weather had been only slightly wet but nothing like forecasted and was in all other aspects fine and reasonably warm. 

John going off to catch his bus back to Bingley arriving home just a few minutes later. 

On arrival in Leeds Brian and Colin returned to Morley and Beeston respectively after another lovely day out with plenty of exercise navigating the climb away from Haworth station the cobbles and the high street with almost 6000 steps for Colin and even more for Brian and John. 

Another great day out proving you don’t need to travel afar to enjoy yourselves. 

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Otley Outing

  Thursday 14 October 2021

Leeds - Otley. 

It was a cold morning as Brian, John and Colin assembled in Leeds City Bus Station for the 11:00 Leeds to Otley. 

Arriving in Otley at 11:50 we made our way down to Weegmanns pie shop where Brian purchased a healthy salad sandwich and I sought to buy two pork pies consuming one immediately. John deciding his Greggs meal deal purchase in Leeds bus Station was sufficient.

We then made our way down to the park and returned to the spot where last December we were unable to complete our walk due to mud and my temporary blindness. 

The riverside was our next stop as we decided to get close and personal occasionally taking the main path as we headed towards Pool Bank. We continued in this trajectory until we all decided that we had walked far enough and traced our steps back to the bridge where we crossed over to the other side and meandered back in to Otley for a cup of coffee where I was the only participant. 

After our brief break we made our way back to Otley bus station and bumped into Steve Middleton and his wife Sandra. At this point we got on the ilkley bus which was fine for the Middleton’s as that’s where they were going for a meal but not for me, John and Brian who were meant to be travelling to Leeds to view an exhibition taking place in Queens Square,  a 7meter globe of the Earth as viewed by the Astronauts. Never mind! Maybe next time. 

Another good day full of excitement and diversions but not enough to dampen our spirits. 

John then went to catch his  ride for Bingley and Brian and Colin catching the 15:10 train to Leeds and then returning to Morley and Beeston respectively. 

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Sunny Scarborough

 Thursday 7th. October 2021.               Sunny Scarborough 

Today’s adventure for the Lads would see it blessed with unseasonably very warm sunny shine, as the midday temperature began to hit the 22 degrees mark. This all took place at the East Yorkshire coast resort of Scarborough. The group who enjoyed this outing consisted of Brian, Colin, John and Dave along with Alan who had arrived in the town a few days earlier, he met up with the Lads as they arrived at the station just a few minutes before 11am.The previous day had been totally different as rain persisted for almost all of the daylight hours. 

Greetings over it was now time to head for the Clock Tower Cafe, a favourite haunt of the local residents, from this vantage point you can admire the wonderful views that are on display, especially on such a glorious autumn day as this. We soon found a place to sit and enjoy a cuppa along with a bite to eat as we all soaked up the sunshine that was on offer. Fifty minutes later we found ourselves down on the beach and walking towards the Lifeboat Station, at this point the tide was far out to sea, opening up a vast amount of sand for the visitors and their dogs to explore , fun for everyone.

As the lads left the beach they now crossed over the road and began to make their way up the winding streets that would eventually  take them to the old church of St. Mary’s that sits on the hillside overlooking the South Bay. This was a daunting task for a couple of the lads, but several resting places came in handy  to say the least . Twenty minutes on and the Lads found themselves by the side of the Church graveyard and viewing the headstone of Anne Bronte along with many more from a bygone era.

5 more minutes from this point found us admiring the views of the North Bay here at Scarborough, yet again what splendid views of the far off distant coastline stretching as far as the eye could see. 

Now for the decent from this vantage point back towards the shoreline and onto Marine Drive , walking slowly back towards the town centre and take up the opportunity to enjoy our late lunch time meal at the Lookout fish and chip restaurant which overlooks the harbour. Meal consumed it was over the road for a visit to the harbour bar for some of the lads and relish some of their delights.

By this time it was well into the afternoon and the Lads were now making their way back towards the railway station via the funicular tramway in order to catch the 16:32 train heading for Leeds with a change of train at York, estimated time for arrival in Leeds being about 18:07. From here the Lads now took their respective journeys home either by bus or yet another train.

A total distance of about 5 miles covered in today’s adventure with

Yet another great day out with the Lads here at Sunny Scarborough.

Cheers Everyone.

Memorial Walk

 Thursday 30th September 2021.           Memorial Walk

Two years on from the passing of our dear friend Eddie Hampshire, a small group of Lads along with Eddies wife Marilyn have taken a trip to Golden Acre Park , a place that he often visited from time to time just to sit and admire the wildlife that habitats this location here on the northern outskirts of Leeds.

A meeting time of around midday was suggested, then after a short coffee break the walk began, the rain that was forecast held off for most of this journey as we made our way to the hide, a spot where we could sit for a while and reflect about the many adventures that involved our dear friend. Many a new thing came to light has Marilyn talked about their adventures through the many years they spent together, which was nice to hear about, especially their visits to Canada etc.

Our walk lasted almost an hour or so before it was time to say farewell to Golden Acre Park and head back towards our respective homes, upon reflection this was a sad moment for us all but was tinged with bouts of smiles and laughter.

Cheers Eddie you are always in our thoughts.