~Sharp Haw~
2nd April 2011
Eshton Hall
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Crookrise Wood
I accepted an invitation to walk with David Dimmock on territory new to me close to Gargrave in N.Yorks. The walk started with 500ft of ascent and finished with 300ft of ascent, hills, villages, farms and the canal inbetween. Josie Dimmock and Liz Lemal made up the walking party.
Sharp Haw
One of the many hills in Yorkshire that you might not know. 357m on the map, 1171ft. above sea level.
Sharp Haw Summit
It was rather windy and cool up here, the weatherman has promised brightening skies. Rough Haw is our next target, it's over there beyond the wall. Next one up, bring a pot of white paint.
Rough Haw Top
That's the fellwalking done for today, it's all downhill from here. Apart from the last bit.
Rockfall
Broken rockface on Rough Haw, our route takes us to the right and then down towards Flasby.
Sharp Haw
Looking back to Sharp Haw, we're on our way to Flasby.
Large Group
Cheeerful, colourful bunch led by a flourescent-jacketed guide.
Flasby
Flasby is a seldom seen village, only we saw more than enough of it as our guide led us the wrong way, then handed the map to me as he feared he had mislaid his glasses, probably somewhere on the moorland we had descended from. So it was out of Flasby and then back into Flasby and then along the path to Eshton Bridge.
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Two Haws |
Field Walkers |
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Flasby Hall |
Tree Lines |
Eshton Hall
The skies have cleared and the sun is out. Eshton Hall is now made up of private residences, previously it was a nursing home.
The Fields
We had our lunch at the fence, quite warm now and the fields are empty awaiting hungry cattle, as yet in the barns.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Our route took us to the canal for a stretch of level walking.
Eggs For Sale
Eggs at £1 for half a dozen. The producers are in clear view. Couldn't resist, borrowed £1 off Dave and put a box in my ruckscac and the coin in the jar.
The Canal Walk
Oyster Catchers
A flock of about 40 were taking it easy in the field. Apparently they don't catch oysters.
The Canal
At this point we crossed the canal and headed for Thorlby.
Manor Farm, Thorlby
The road through Thorlby leads to Stirton and then it climbs back to where we started.
Pendle Hill
Across the fields is a familiar landmark. Seen head-on, it shows the same sort of profile as when it is viewed from the east.
Sharp Haw & Rough Haw
Car parking in view, almost back to the start. The day did brighten up. We saw a weasel and Dave got a photo as I tried to usher it out of the wall, here's a link to his photoset of the same day: DD photos. And click again here for Liz's Photos
Walkers: David and Josie Dimmock, Liz Lemal and me.
Time taken: 5hrs over a distance of about 8.5 miles.
Route: Roadside parking at SD 974 539, Sharp Haw, Rough Haw, Flasby, Eshton Bridge, fields to the canal, Thorlby, Stirton and back up the road to the start point.
Weather and conditions: Cold, grey start breaking up to give a bright, fairly warm day.
Greetings Count: A few solitary walkers early on, then the group and a few folk on the towpath. Generally quiet.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Tea and cake at the Dimmocks, Silsden. Prompt service to the outdoor seating, very good. I repaid my £1, Dave found his glasses at home, he never had them with him on the walk, what's he like?
Take me back to the start ....