Steam loco 41241 arrives at Oakworth Station on the Keighley and Worth line.
It's the first time I can remember being 'rained upon' all day without a break, we all returned to the coach absolutely soaked to the skin, literally.
But hey, we were in the beautiful Emily Bronte countryside, magnificent scenery, swathes of lovely heather, ( and not a Gypsy in sight !) green fields, small streams, waterfalls, stone bridges, styles, kissing gates, ( no-one was seen taking advantage of these.) we had it all on this great walk. (Except sunshine), but the thing that kept us all going, and able to ignore the inclement weather was, great company and interesting conversation.
The 'A' and the 'B' walkers were fortunate in finding a derelict building which had a good solid roof, enabling us to enjoy our lunch in dry conditions. Unfortunately the 'C' walkers were not as lucky, but they did enjoy a warm start in there usual cafe venue.
The 'A' walkers had to change tack on a number of occasions due to the low lying mist, but each diversion brought more enjoyment.
All adding up to us all wanting more, and looking forward to the September jaunt with enthusiasm.
Thanks again to our leaders: Jenny, John, and Norman.
C Party arriving back in Haworth.
B Group Walk
The weather forecast was atrocious – wet, wet, wet and windy. As the coach set off in dry conditions optimism prevailed, soon to be dampened as the coach encountered the rain (by then, in Yorkshire). So, the mood changed to one of resignation and how to remain dry for the longest time – ‘do the C walk’ is the answer. The net result of these calculations was the B walk registered a meagre 8, actually 6 and 2 guests against an average of 12 plus – such a pity as the walk to Top Withins (on a good day) is stunning with wonderful views. The B walkers got off to an early start through the village onto Cemetery Road and then the Moors. Rain lashing down! An hour’s walking brought us to the Bronte Seat and the bridge over the beck, where we met the Group A resting after overtaking us just before the Bronte Seat. There was some talk of defection as the B walk is shorter, but as the A’s got going up the sharp slope and the long incline to Top Withins, the B’s followed a respectful distance behind. After some 2 hours of leaning into the wind and rain we reached the dry sanctuary of Top Withins looking forward to sitting down for a rest and lunch……only to find the shelter full up with A walkers. They soon left and we had the place to ourselves. But there’s little point in having a long break when you’re soaking wet and there’s more to come so, off we set for the return journey to Howarth. It was a relief to have the wind and rain behind and to know that it was almost all downhill. Still rain lashing down!! On, to Stanbury past the alluring attraction of a number of warm and welcoming pubs to a right turn and down across the lake road. A last uphill section to regain Cemetery Road and our path into Howarth. Rain still lashing down!! Then a split in the party, 4 for a cuppa and 4 for a pint before returning to the coach and ….at last a dry change of clothes.
A good walk of 7 and ½ miles spoilt by wind and rain with a walking time total of just over 3 hours 45 minutes.
John Smith
Steam loco 41241 arrives at Oakworth Station on the Keighley and Worth line.
C Party arriving back in Haworth.
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