Otley Observations

 Wednesday 15th January 2025               Otley Observations

As the title suggests it would be a trip to the old market town of Otley for some of the Lads today, those being John , Derek , Dave , Brian, and Glenn, Mark would be at Otley to meet them as they arrived in the town. They had took a short train journey from Leeds to Menston and then taken a ten minute bus ride into the heart of Otley rather than taking a much longer bus journey from Leeds. 

Arriving a head of schedule a brief cuppa in the bus station cafe was taken while Mark made his appearance at about 11:15. Now with all assembled our walk around the town began. First it was through the narrow lanes and alleys in close proximity to the bus station before we crossed a main road heading for the All Saints Church, close by we found our first observation that of the Navvies Memorial, an elaborate stone structure a smaller version of the Gothic north portal entrance to the Bramhope Railway Tunnel, from here we followed the pathway leading to our next observation that of the grade2 listed terrace houses built on Guycroft. From this point of interest we now made our way through the Waitrose supermarket car park and a slightly uphill climb along Burrass Lane leading onto Birdcage Walk. 

Birdcage Walk runs alongside what used to be the main railway line of bye gone days, it is now a busy link road for commuters etc. Just over half a mile along Birdcage Walk we find a footpath that would take us over this busy road and back in the direction of the town, not before passing an area where the old station platform was situated at the top of Station Road and Queens Road, yet another observation.

Once back in the town we now headed for another point of interest, that of the old Police Station and a glimpse of the old holding cells that were used for the local criminals etc. From here we continued our journey on towards our intended lunchtime venue that of Maypole Fishery to enjoy a well deserved meal.  With  meals consumed and the time approaching 2 pm it was back towards the bus station and take the next bus back in the direction of Menston not before saying farewell to Mark and thanking him for his well informed journey around his home town. It would be a nail biting bus ride back to Menston in order to catch the 14:51 train to Leeds , the five lads making it with just over a minute to spare.

Upon reflection today’s excursion to Otley was both informative and intriguing as well as doing us all good, being out and about with great company.

Cheers Everyone.

Walking in the Snow

 8th January 2025.                 Walking in the Snow at Roundhay Park

For their first adventure of 2025, it would be 5 of the Lads that would venture to an area of Leeds known as Roundhay Park. As per usual the said five would make their way to the city centre either by train or bus. It was John, Colin, Brian, Glenn and Dave that would board a No 12 bus that transported them to the Park. The city centre was surprisingly free of snow considering the amount that had fallen over the previous days, not so the underfoot conditions at the park. It was to prove a rather difficult task to stay upright on our feet. Slip sliding away was imminent at any moment with the wrongfully placed foot, so with great care the Lads made their way to the Mansion and partake in a refreshing cuppa etc. 

The Lads spent about 20 minutes or so before venturing a little further on their walk through the park with every step taken with caution trying to avoid any mishap, it was slowly, slowly, as they made their way along side the main lake and on towards the exit gates on Wetherby Road. Once the roadway was reached the lads crossed over and then down to the nearby bus stop just in time to catch the X98 bus back towards the city centre, a journey of about 20 minutes. The Lads now getting off the bus  on Duncan Street and then made their way into the Trinity Shopping Centre and go in search of their lunch time meal which would be courtesy of the Street Food Establishment.

It was Pizza for all has they found a suitable place to sit and eat their favourite delight along with a choice of cold drink etc. Time to reflect now about today’s outing, did we make the right decision to come to Roundhay or not , we all thought it was a good call considering the weather conditions even though it was tough to stay upright at times, just being outdoors in the cold but fresh air was exhilarating and gave us the lift that was needed after our Christmas break.

Cheers Everyone.

Christmas Lunch 2024

 Wednesday 4th December 2024.  

  Christmas Lunch at the Greedy Duck 

With great anticipation it would be Eleven of the Lads that made their journey to the Greedy Duck, a public house situated on the outskirts of Morley in a pleasant rural setting.

The group consisted of Keith, John, Derek, Malcolm, Russel, Mark, Glenn, Brian, Colin, Dave and John Howarth. All arrived at the pub car park at about ten minutes to midday, the doors to this establishment opening a few minutes after midday, the lads were soon shown to their pre booked table and the drinks began to flow so to speak along with the various conversations etc. Some 15 minutes later and our choice of starters began to arrive, but it was soon apparent that the soup dish was not hot enough to suit most of us , so was returned to the kitchen to be sorted out, which the chef rectified at once. The soup proved enjoyable as did the mushrooms but the same cannot be said about the main course, a few of the lads feeling a little disappointed with this serving, the pudding course was just about average, pity because it had all been served to us by a pleasant and thoughtful waitress. 

Now with the time approaching 2:30 it was time to bid farewell to the Greedy Duck and begin our respective journeys home, not before wishing each other all the best for Christmas and looking forward to meeting up again in the New Year.

Upon reflection today’s experience at the Greedy Duck was a little lacklustre, no atmosphere and a well below average Christmas lunch, only the joy of seeing each other and the banter that we exchange amongst ourselves lifting our spirits as it always does.

This year as seen 40 plus adventures undertaken, which could be a record, all done with enthusiasm and fortitude, we have overcome certain difficulties in pursuing our dreams and aspirations in making each outing as thrilling as it could possibly be. Here’s looking forward to many, many more.

Cheers Everyone and a Merry Christmas to All.

Ossett to Dewsbury Walk

 Wednesday 27th November 2024    Ossett to Dewsbury Walk

Today’s Adventure for the Lads would take them on a return visit to the town of Ossett and  from there, take part of the Greenway pathway down to the larger town of Dewsbury a distance of about 3 miles or so.  It would be a gang of seven that participated in this rather scenic route, those being Derek, Dave , Colin, Brian, John, Malcolm and Mark. They had arranged to gather at the Bus Station in Ossett around 11am.

This is indeed what occurred, it was a cold start to their journey and after a brief stop to purchase a hot pie of sorts they were on their way, through the market square crossing over the high street and onto Wells Road taking them in the direction of the start of Greenway pathway. Now with pleasant sunshine on their faces and abundant great vistas to admire they followed some of the route of the old railroad that used to be situated in this particular spot. The underfoot conditions were perfect with a tarmac surface to navigate them along their way, passing a few fellow walkers has they did so, they also managed to catch a glimpse of Derek’s wife Sandra has she waved to the lads from a distant upstairs window.

Part of this pathway took the lads through the old railway tunnel and finally onto the outskirts of Dewsbury following the river Calder for a short stretch before heading towards the town centre and their intended lunchtime destination. This would be at Cloggs Cafe, a humble establishment, run by pleasant staff who served us with our individual requests etc. After spending almost an hour in this cafe discussing various topics it was off to the railway station for some of the lads , while the rest made their way to the nearby bus station, all making their respective onward journeys home.

Yet another great day out with the Lads

Cheers Everyone.

Yeadon Tarn to Murgatroyds

 Wednesday 20th November 2024.           Yeadon Tarn to Murgatroyds 

It was a Cold but sunny morning as most of the Lads made their way to Leeds city railway station, once here the group, who included John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin and Glenn headed for a bus stop somewhere on Park Row, they were intending to catch a No 34 bus that would transport them to the far reaches of the city, Yeadon. But alas the intended bus was cancelled, now a little confusion ensued to say the least ,do we take No 33 or an alternative, it was two dear ladies who came to the rescue and pointed us in the right direction in order to take the A1 airport bus at a location known as Trinity. Eventually at about 11 o’clock we managed to board the airport bus and along the way pick up Malcolm at his home town of Horseforth. The other person joining us today will be Mark, he intends to meet up with the rest of us when we have our lunchtime meal.

As we clambered off the bus in Yeadon and with a cold wind in our faces it was off in the direction of a small stretch of water known locally as the Tarn, the temperature at this point was about 2 degrees if that. So it was best foot forward and follow our leader John, who incidentally did know the way!

The walk around the tarn was a relatively short and easy exercise, so a decision to make 2 circuits of the lake was the order of the day. After almost one complete circuit we sat on a nearby bench and enjoyed a short while admiring the charm of this location along with some autumn sunshine whilst we chatted away. Some twenty minutes later we resumed our journey and then continued on towards Murgatroyds for a well deserved lunch. Once at this establishment Mark now joined us as we browsed the rather extensive menu and decided what options to take, before not too long we were enjoying our individual choices of meal with various conversations now taking place. During our meal the opportunity was taken to provide Glenn with a belated birthday present much to his delight, we also sang the customary song along with a few other patrons of this establishment.

Now with the time approaching 2:25pm, it was time to say farewell to Yeadon and Murgatroyds and head back towards the city of Leeds courtesy of a No 34 bus, dropping off Malcolm on our way, we had already said goodbye to Mark has he was heading for his home town of Otley. Our 34 bus eventually got into Leeds about 3:15 having stopped at almost ever bus stop along it’s journey towards the city centre, Brian and Colin staying on board for the full journey, the rest of us departed the bus a little closer to the railway station in order to catch our home bound trains etc.

Upon reflection our adventure today was most rewarding, memorable and full of pleasant surprises.

Cheers Everyone.

Staying Safe at Stanley Ferry

 Wednesday 6th November 2024              Staying Safe at Stanley Ferry 

Today’s adventure would give eight of the Lads a most pleasurable towpath walk alongside the Aire and Calder Navigation at the location of Stanley Ferry. This is an area situated on the outskirts of the city of Wakefield, just a short car ride for some, whilst others travelled there by both train and bus, the group consisting of Malcolm, Keith, John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin and Glenn , all meeting up in the car park outside the on site Pub at about 11:15.

From here the Lads would begin to follow a roadway leading to the canal side pathway, then cross over the canal and head in a south westerly direction. The towpath here is more of a lane rather than a pathway giving vehicle access to the many canal boats moored alongside this stretch of water. They were heading for a distant road bridge crossing some three quarters of a mile off, twenty minutes later they had reached this structure and a photo opportunity was taken of all concerned.

Now, should we cross over the bridge at this point or continue a little further downstream for at least another  half mile or so, yes was the decision so their journey continued. It was a perfect day for walking, no sunshine on this November day, no rain either, just great to be outdoors chatting with each other.

Soon we reached our point of return and after a few minutes reflecting on our outward journey and another photo opportunity it was about turn and start heading back towards our lunchtime destination.

This would be at the on site Pub aptly named The Stanley Ferry, run by the Hungry Horse franchise who supplied us with rather enjoyable meals to say the least. The Lads spent just over an hour here in the Pub discussing future arrangements along with other less important matters, soon it was farewell to Stanley Ferry and with the time approaching 2 pm. It was off to the nearby bus stop for most of the Lads while the rest took to their vehicles.

Today was yet another interesting and pleasurable days adventure.

Cheers Everyone.