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Walk leader* Route* Weather* Walkers* Apologies and Excuses* Comments* Evening Meal* Picture Gallery Mike and Michelle |
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Baybridge circular via Birkside Fell and Harwood Shield. Mainly sunny, cold and windy in exposed spots, and occasional spots of rain. Sandy, Ron, Michael, Michelle, and George. |
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This was a rescheduling after the original walk two weeks earlier was cancelled due to low numbers. A small group did a walk prior to attending Carol's birthday party. |
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We started at Baybridge and headed north west over a sunny but windy Birkside Fell, with early sightings of grouse and rabbits, although have to say most of the rabbits were dead and the grouse lucky to survive the hunters who were out in force. Sandy spotted a large frog and tried to herd it while we attempted a few photographs. There were still a fair number of larks running round in the heather. Having confirmed our position (using old fashioned technology - a compass, and confirmed by GPS!) we turned south and headed not just for a lunch stop but for a lunch hut. A piece of perfect organisation by Michelle. As the sun was shining we took the benches outside and enjoyed a sunny lunch with perfect shelter from the wind. Just when you think you're in the middle of nowhere along come another couple (from Blyth) who were extremely talkative. Having corrected their navigation they pressed on leaving us to wonder if they ever did find their car again. The post lunch stage of our journey was a small test of our leader's navigation, as we pressed on towards Low Hope over a heather moor while trying to locate the elusive footpath. Crossing the picturesque Stobby Lee Burn we headed on to the first farm of the walk, which involved the usual guesswork as to where the path went. We pressed on to Harwood Shield where the path took us past some impressive farm machinery involved with baling hay. From there it was a long steady climb by gravel track which brought us to our second break at Riddlehamhope. A beautiful spot to enjoy some late afternoon sunshine and a second refuelling stop. Here we found a lovely secluded retreat (needed a bit of work doing to it) with beautiful views down the valley. From here a wide track lead us all the way back to Baybridge passing Gibraltar and Newbiggin on the way, with sightings of kestrel and buzzard. A very impressive house in Newbiggin gave us, the Farts, only ever sighting of topiary stags, and not to mention the lovely horse in the field. Back at the cars (after 9.5miles) we were amazed to see how many Labradors you can pack into the back of a Land Rover. |
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Off to Carol's 60th Birthday party, where a good time was had by all playing with her Wii. George went to Evelyn's concert. |
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