Wednesday 23 April 2025

Grassington - Burnsall

Today’s adventure would be six of us Brian, Derek, Glenn, John, Mark and me all meeting up in Ilkley.

Catching the 09:33 from Leeds Railway Station from Platform 4B Brian, Derek, Glenn and Colin arriving in Ilkley on platform 1 a little before 10:00  with John and Mark meeting us directly in Ilkley for the 10:35 bus (74A) to Hebden all six of us were assembled and ready to go.

We had a thirty five minute wait for our bus but at least we were first in the queue and a journey through the North Yorkshire countryside to look forward to alighting eventually in Grassington at around 11:25.

We set of walking at approximately 11:30 after toilet visits taken care of. The weather was bright and sunny and staying close to the river but not on it we meandered through the countryside with a feeling of we’re in the right place today. 

We could see the church in Linton and the stepping stones we had previously encountered in the past. The walk had now descended to the riverside and what a pleasant walk it turned out to be.

The sun shining brightly to accompany us. It wasn’t long before we could see the suspension bridge ahead that would take us over the river to our final destination about a mile or so to our rendezvous point at The Red Lion for the 13:26 back to Ilkley where lunch would be in The Flying Duck at Mark’s recommendation and it proved to be an exquisite choice all of us all greatly enjoying our delicious meals!

Leaving The Flying Duck we made our way back to Ilkley Station for our trains back to Leeds or Bradford or in Mark’s case a bus.

Unfortunately due to a signalling problem in the Kirkstall Forge area trains were seriously disrupted and all trains to Leeds were cancelled. However, our alternative route of getting to Forster Square proved extremely troublesome and after nearly an hours delay we were on the train to Bradford!

On arrival it was patently obvious that catching any Leeds train towards Shipley would be futile so we left this station for a ten minute hike over to Bradford Interchange where Derek, Brian, Colin and Glenn would catch the 17:00 train to Leeds which was once more running late leaving about 17:08!

On arrival at Leeds we all went our separate ways to determine our way home. 

Another lovely day out for the lads and even with train delays it didn’t dampen our spirits one iota and a pleasant day out was had by all!

Cheers everyone Colin!

Colin Hendrick Ward

 

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Wednesday 16th April 2025.

Beverley via Hull Paragon

Today’s adventure would take five of us Brian, Derek, John, Mark and Me to Beverley.

Catching the 10:27 from Leeds Railway Station from Platform 15B arriving in Hull Paragon on platform 4 at 11:26. Some of us had to get onward tickets for Beverley when suddenly Brian realised he’d left his bag on the train! This ensued a rush back to the train where the cleaners assured us that the bag was not on the train then a member of the railway staff said it had been handed in and could be retrieved at the customer service office on the station forecourt. A sigh of relief as Brian was now once more in possession of his bag again.

Changing on the same platform for the Bridlington Train via Beverley we arrived in Beverley at 12:15  after leaving Paragon at 12:02. On arrival at Beverley we made our way to the Grapes to meet up with Kevin at approximately 12:25 with the short walk to Vanessa’s arriving at around 12:30. As usual because of its popularity we had a twenty minute wait on the stairs but it was well worth it and they even accommodated Kevin’s Cockapoo without a problem. They also said if you know what time you are going to arrive to can always book a table!

We then spent a couple of hours in Vanessa’s chatting about old times at Thackray’s and DePuy to bring Kevin up to date on all the  snippets of gossip!

From Vanessa's we now meandered down to the Minster for a look round this munificent building with all its splendour inside and out. However, before entering we said goodbye to Kevin who was now looking forward to a pint in his local but not before a sightseer was commandeered to take a final photograph of the Lads!

We didn’t have too long in the Minster before we had to make our way to Beverley Station for the 15:26 back to Hull which arrived in plenty of time for the 16:03 back to Leeds which arrived a little after 17:00  

Another lovely day out for the lads and a pleasant journey on Northern Trains running on time.

Cheers everyone Colin!

Colin Hendrick Ward

Reunion with Roger

 Wednesday 9th April 2025.               Reunion with Roger

For today’s outing most of the Lads have decided to pay a visit to see a former workmate, the man in question is Roger Wadman. At the present time Roger is a resident in a Nursing Home in the village of South Elmsall which is close to Doncaster, so not too far a distance for his former mates to travel etc. 

Only Glenn and Dave would be absent from this visit, according to various posts on our Walking Group App the occasion was very rewarding for all concerned giving great comfort especially to Roger’s Daughter Maddi.

Thanks Everyone.

Cliff top Walk

 Wednesday 2nd April 2025.               Cliff top Walk

For today’s adventure the Lads are travelling to Yorkshires East Coast, the area in their sights is that of a coastal pathway that runs from Burniston to Scarborough a distance of more than they anticipated. The group will consist of John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin, Glenn and Mark. Their rail tickets to Scarborough had been purchased well in advance, so the fine sunny weather at the moment was of great relief. 

As per usual they met up at Leeds railway station, Derek had joined the East bound train earlier at Dewsbury, it was 9:42 when the train left Leeds hopefully arriving in Scarborough at 10:59, but guess what, twenty minutes into their journey the train came to a halt and was stationary for at least twenty more minutes, the train eventually arrived at about 11:20. Once off the train the Lads made their way to the nearby Taxi Rank and commandeered 2 awaiting vehicles to ferry them to the village of Burniston, the starting point of their intended walk. The taxis dropped the lads off adjacent to the Three Jolly Sailors public house and from here they followed the country lane taking them in the direction of the coastal pathway that runs along the Cliff top ,this is actually a stretch of the Cleveland Way that covers a 110 mile of scenic Yorkshire coastline from Helmsley to Filey Brigg.

Half an hour into their journey and the Lads get a great view of the North Sea and the task that awaits them. Little did they know at this point how taxing this journey would become, the undulating nature of this pathway and the distance they had to negotiate sapping every ounce of strength in their bodies etc.This didn’t take away the extreme pleasure and enjoyment of just being out there and admiring the wonderful views etc. 

A picnic lunch was had at roughly halfway at a suitable setting giving the lads a little respite and chance to rest their weary legs before continuing their journey on towards the SeaLife Centre and time to exit the coastal pathway . Once back at sea level and chance to collect our thoughts of how to continue this adventure seeing that no public transport was available at this point, we continued along the shore line heading for the region of the North Bay, 15 minutes later and feeling rather jaded with yet no obvious means of public transport to take them back towards the town centre of Scarborough a couple of options were considered, some taking the high road so to speak whilst others took the low road hopefully meeting up at the railway station.

Eventually we all made it back to the station and the chance for a well deserved cuppa and snack before we boarded the 15:48 train heading back towards Leeds and rest our weary bodies.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was full of highs and lows to say the least, the helpful van driver who was only too pleased to take a few photos of our motley crew, the forward planning that we didn’t put in place in order to end of our walk with a satisfactory outcome .

Nevertheless I think considering what we accomplished was satisfying to all concerned.

Cheers Everyone.

Roundhay Roundup

 Wednesday 26th March 2025.               Roundhay Roundup 

Today would see a bunch of the Lads heading for Roundhay Park and meet up at the Mansion at about 11:30. Their mission was to join an old work colleague of theirs and enjoy each other’s company whilst reminiscing days of yore! That man would be no other than Tim Kearney, so it was Keith, John, Derek, Dave, Colin, Mark and Russ  that would meet him there.

As you can imagine the conversations were rife with many an interesting story attached to them, names from the past, seldom remembered although their stories are forever etched in the memories from Thackeray’s.

As the lads chatted away consuming their various snacks the time seemed to just fly by and soon 2 and a half hours of thorough delight had passed. It was after 2pm now and time to say farewell to Tim as we escorted him to an awaiting car driven by his wife , Keith and Russ also left us at this point taking their own car journeys home, so it was just five of us that participated in a short walk down through the park which was now bathed in glorious sunshine and so pleasant, eventually we reached the far entrance and crossed over the road in order to take the No 98 bus back into the city centre and then make our respective journeys home.

A great time was had by All

Cheers Everyone 

Walton Wanderers

 Wednesday 19th March 2025.                    Walton Wonderers

As the title suggests, today’s outing for the Lads will take them to the village of Walton, a suburb of Wakefield. The gang will consist of Derek, John, Colin, Brian, Mark, Russ and Dave, all congregating at the railway station of Sandal/Agbrigg at around 10:30.

Once eventually all had gathered it was best foot forward and this particular adventure began, a short distance along the main road first, then off onto the pathway taking them to the old disused Barnsley Canal and follow its towpath for almost a mile leading them to the Walton Colliery Nature Reserve. Once in this location there is a wide variety of different pathways that can be taken, the choice is ours.

It was the medium length of distance we took, on through a wooded area and passing alongside a few lakes and an old railway line before eventually reaching the nearby car park. From here it is just a few hundred yards to our intended lunch time meal venue, a newly opened cafe named Buttons that came highly recommended and it proved to be so. We really did enjoy our choice of meals sat outside in the pleasant sunshine we were blessed with today. We spent almost an hour sat here at Buttons Cafe before it was time to say farewell to Walton at begin our various journeys homeward bound, Russ was first to leave followed by the rest of us, the nearby bus stop coming in very convenient to transport us back to Sandal/ Agbrigg railway station. 

Upon reaching the station it was a disappointment for the Leeds Lads to find out the next two trains from here to Leeds had been cancelled. With about an hour to wait for the next available train the lads made their way back towards the bus stop and take a bus into the city of Wakefield where a couple of options could be taken. Again unfortunately it was only a train that would get them back to Leeds.

Upon reflection today’s adventure was most rewarding at times, great just to be out in the fresh air and enjoying the company and the fine weather accompanied by great food.

Cheers Everyone.

Visit to the 509

 Wednesday 12th March 2025.              Visit to the 509

The 509 is the appropriate name of the cafe situated on a corner of the high street in Outwood, a suburb of Wakefield and Leeds. 

For today’s adventure here at Outwood four of the Lads would meet up at the local railway station and then take a walk around the Lofthouse Colliery Nature Reserve, those four would be John, Colin, Brian and Dave, Derek would join them later once they reached the 509 cafe at about midday.

The weather was kind to the Lads has they embarked on their journey even though the original forecast was for rain from early morning, this didn’t come to fruition, they only suffered some very minor light showers.

Their walk proved to be quite exhilarating at times taking a slightly different route than their previous excursions, sunny intervals were on offer for most of their journey as they ambled along.

After almost an hour and a half of walking the 4 lads found themselves approaching the cafe and now a chance for a cuppa before Derek arrived and then their lunchtime meals could be served.

The lads were able to get seated at an appropriate table just in time as some 10 minutes later the cafe became rather crowded. Good choice of food selection and at very reasonable prices would be the cause of this,no doubt.

Our meals consumed and future plans discussed it was time to say farewell to the 509 and take our respective journeys homeward bound.

Upon reflection today’s adventure turned out pretty well. considering what could have happened.

The best laid plans of mice and men ! so to speak.

Cheers Everyone Anyway 

Mark’s Birthday Bash

 Wednesday 5th March 2025.           Mark’s  Birthday  Bash

Today’s Birthday Celebration will take place at a venue in the heart of Leeds, the venue in question is that of the Whitelocks Ale House, a three hundred year old establishment with a rather quaint atmosphere so to speak. It was 9 of the Lads that participated, those being, Keith, John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin, Glenn, Russ and obviously birthday boy himself Mark.

A table had been booked well in  advance as it can get very busy, this turned out to be so. 1:00 pm was our scheduled time to take our seats along with the many other customers. 

Various methods of transport had been used to get the lads to this venue on time which included walking, bus rides and train journeys, all proving worthwhile. Our meals here at the Whitelocks Inn were enjoyed with great pleasure and so was the company that was sat around our table. Plenty of laughs and joking taking place as you can imagine over the almost 2 hours we spent here. The customary birthday song was sang to Mark , much to his delight, with a few other customers joining in our rendition, Great Stuff.

A memorable time was had by All

Cheers Everyone