A Walk to Nostel Prior

 Wednesday 8th April 2026.               A Walk to Nostel Prior 

For today’s adventure the Lads have decided to follow a countryside pathway that will hopefully lead them on to the grounds of Nostel Prior , a picturesque setting on the outskirts of Wakefield. This pathway was spotted in previous adventures to Wintersett and Anglers Lakes.

So taking advantage of a glorious sunny and rather warm spring day it would be 7 of the gang taking part in the walk, with 1 other member joining them at Nostel, that person being John Howarth. 

So for John, Colin, Brian and Mark they would meet up with Glenn, Derek and Dave at Sandal/ Agbrigg Station at around 10:40. From the station they would make their way to a nearby bus stop in order to catch a 195 bus travelling towards their intended starting point, that of the countryside pathway. This journey taking about 15 minutes or so as it passes both Walton and Crofton villages on its way.

Soon the group were off the bus and trudging on the aforementioned pathway off into the unknown etc with only a rather vague map to hand. A few hundred yards into their journey and some confusion as to which new pathway to follow, a quick consultation with some oncoming walkers solved this first encounter, the next encounter came about a mile further on, this time a workmen from the nearby brickworks pointing us eventually in the right direction, so many different ways to choose from at this point in our journey.

Up to now our adventure had provided us with the great enjoyment of just being out in the countryside taking in all the aspects of this particular journey, open fields and meadows adorned with growing crops etc, birds of prey soaring high above us, then deep dense forests full of wildflowers and bird song, wonderful, even the noise of trains coming from a trackway that we encountered on our way.

Some 30 minutes later and we could hear the sound of traffic coming from the main road off in the distance, this would be the A 638 that runs between Wakefield and Doncaster, Nostel Prior is situated alongside this rather busy roadway. We eventually exited the woodland path and now found a suitably safe place to cross this road. 

Another Ten minutes and  we met up with John Howarth who was waiting outside the main entrance gates, all we had to do now was located one of the cafes situated in the grounds here at Nostel Prior. A large notice board soon gave us a clue, it was the Meridian Cafe just a few more steps away. This cafe was placed in a rather nice setting with a pleasant outdoor seating arrangement giving us lads time to relax, chat and enjoy our lunchtime meals sat in the glorious sunshine.

One of our main thoughts after lunch was how do we negotiate the problem of the suspended bus stop which we had encountered on our way into Nostel Prior due to extensive road works taking place. We later learned it had been moved to an appropriate location a good mile away. We solved this matter by taking up a position about 50 yards from the original bus stop and hopefully our returning bus would reluctantly stop and collect all eight of us, this did eventually happen although the driver wasn’t too keen. This particular bus was heading back to Wakefield bus station but not going via Sandal/ Agbrigg, so a slight change in our original plan. Dave and Glenn choose their appropriate stop for their journey home,the rest of the gang going as far as Wakefield bus station then taking the short walk on to the Railway Station in order to take a train heading back to Leeds.

Upon reflection this new adventure to Nostel was very rewarding even though there had been some inevitable consequences at times.

Cheers To all concerned.

A Visit to Temple Newsam

 Wednesday 1st April 2026                A Visit to Temple Newsam

Today the Lads are taking a bus ride from Leeds city centre out towards the village of Whitkirk, from there they will take a walk into the grounds of historical Temple Newsam. It will be a No 19A bus that will transport John, Derek, Brian, Dave, Colin, Glenn, Mark and John Howarth on this journey to Whitkirk.

From a vantage point on the top deck of this bus, almost all of the gang experienced a somewhat nostalgic experience of the many pubs they use to frequent in their youthful days along this particular stretch of road. Great memories for all concerned etc.

As the bus reached Whitkirk Church the lads stepped off, then crossed over the road heading down Colton Lane on to Elm Tree Walk, at this point the pathway verges were adorned with a glorious array of Daffodils in a variety of shades of Yellow and White, magnificent sight to see.

Not before too long the lads now found themselves in the vicinity of the Old House and its surrounding buildings etc, one of them being the Courtyard Cafe an ideal place to have lunch, seeing that the time was just after 12:30. There was quite a busy atmosphere as we entered the courtyard area but soon found suitable tables to sit around.  One by one we now ordered our choice of lunchtime meals and soon began to consume them. As per usual various conversations now ensued and yet again the main theme was where does the next outing take this group. A few suggestions were considered but no definite plan put in place at this particular moment.

The Lads spent almost an hour in this establishment before beginning their return journey back towards Whitkirk Church and the nearby bus stop in order to board a No 19 bus that would ferry them back to the city centre, yet again a few more pubs were added to that nostalgic list before we left the bus at our appropriate stops.

Upon reflection today’s visit to Temple Newsam was great, just being out there experiencing each other’s company along with the nostalgia.

Cheers Everyone.

Mark’s Birthday Bash

 Wednesday 18th March 2026.             Mark’s Birthday Bash

Today’s outing for the Lads is a two fold event, on the first hand it will be a celebration birthday meal held  at the Whitelocks public house in the city of Leeds, secondly it be the momentous occasion of the Lads 400th adventure since they began way back in 2013, what a great achievement to the endeavour of this so-called walking group.

It would be a pre-meal canal side walk for some of the group this morning, John, Malcolm, Dave, Colin and Glenn participating in a relatively short distance alongside the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, travelling from the railway station heading west. Their exit point would be in the vicinity of Viaduct Road, a synonymous place associated with their previous employer ie. Chas F Thackrays. From this point they would walk towards Kirkstall Road in order to take a bus ride back towards the city centre.Their intention now was to meet up with the rest of the gang at the Whitelocks establishment at around midday.

Eventually the group would consist of 4 other members, Keith, Derek, John Howarth and last but not least Mark whose birthday celebration it was.

Upon entering Whitelocks we were soon seated at our reserved table and considering what meals to have, once these had been ordered various conversations now ensued involving all concerned. 

We spent just short of two hours here in this quaint establishment before it was time to say goodbye to each other and begin to make our respective journeys home.

A great time was had by All.

Cheers Everyone.

A Walk along the Rochdale Canal

 Wednesday 11th March 2026               Rochdale Canal Walk

For today’s adventure the Lads have planned to take a Train Ride to the far reaches of West Yorkshire and take a short walk alongside a stretch of the Rochdale Canal that runs between Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge. Those taking part will include  Malcolm, John, Derek, Dave, Brian, Colin, Glenn, Mark, with John Howarth joining the lads once they have completed the walk.

A meeting up time of around 11am at Mytholmroyd Railway station was put in place, the canal was just a short distance away, Hebden  Bridge a further 2 miles along.

It was a sunny start to the morning but with a rather chilly wind blowing in our faces as we walked steadily along the tow path heading towards our objective, a canal side cafe close to the heart of Hebden Bridge. It would be here that the lads would meet up with John Howarth at around 12:30.

Our walk was interspersed with the odd rest stop and the occasional chat with fellow walkers enjoying this particular stretch of waterway. A few wildlife species were also spotted as we ambled along. We eventually caught up with John Howarth at our intended location that of the Hebble End coffee lounge. Once inside we made ourselves comfortable sat around a couple of tables, a short time was spent browsing through the limited menu before our individual orders were taken, little did we expect to wait a considerable time before they arrived in dribs and drabs, not very efficient to say the least.

We began to leave this establishment at about 1:45 with a couple of the lads deciding to take the bus back to the railway station here in Hebden Bridge, the rest of us walking there. We bid farewell to John Hey at this point, he was taking a different train journey home, we boarded a train heading in the Leeds direction and our respective journeys home.

Reflecting upon today’s events I think we all enjoyed being in each other’s presence and embracing the outdoors adventure etc.

Cheers Everyone.

 Wednesday 4 March 2026

Visit to Ilkley

Catching the 10:33 from Leeds to Ilkley with Malcolm, Brian, Colin and Glenn. Meeting us at the station was John coming over from Forster Square. Derek And Keith would meeting us at The Flying Duck. 

The day was sunny and bright as we left the Station in Ilkley and walked down to the river where we exercised our legs as we travelled towards the bridge for a crossover to the other side and a return towards Ilkley Park where we crossed over The ancient bridge in the Park and up to Leeds Road where we would soon encounter The Flying Duck for our dinner with most of us enticed by Pork Pie, gravy and mint sauce and a drink of our choice. We spent a good hour in the pub before we returned for the 14:10 at Glenn’s suggestion back to Leeds and what a good call it was. 

Another simply Devine day out with the weather on our side for once. 

Best regards Colin

Colin Hendrick Ward

The Murgatroyd Experience

 Wednesday 25th February 2026.       The Murgatroyd. Experience 

As the month of February draws to a close, the Lads are making a trip to Yeadon, their mission is two fold. Firstly once they have all arrive in the town, those being John, Colin, Brian, Derek, Glenn, Dave, John Howarth, Mark and finally Malcolm, they will make their way in the direction of the local Tarn and circumnavigate its embankment in a clockwise direction. Once this as been achieved the second reason will begin to unfold. The Lads have made a reservation at the nearby eatery courtesy of Malcolm, it’s been his birthday recently and he chose the venue of Murgatroyds fish and chip restaurant as a celebration event etc.

Most of the Lads met up in Leeds around 10:30 , their intention was to take the Airport Flyer Bus up to Yeadon on the way Malcolm would board the bus at his local stop, little did he know that a splendid rendition of Happy Birthday was forthcoming from all on board this bus, great reaction from all concerned. The bus dropping all our gang off at the appropriate stop, Mark finally joined us there , he had made the journey by car. The Time now was about 11:30, the Tarn was just a short distance away and some 40 minutes later after our walk we found ourselves seated at an appropriate table in the conservatory of the Murgatroyd restaurant.

Before not too long our choice of meals had been placed with a helpful waiter, who was very accommodating with our orders etc, shortly after this as per usual various conversations ensued and yet again the main topic was a future proposal of a trip to the North Yorkshire town of Richmond.

Little did we know what ultimate confusion this would bring to the table has we sat enjoying our lunchtime meals. With No specific plans confirmed about this trip to Richmond we said farewell to Yeadon and the so called Murgatroyd Experience and began to make our way to a nearby bus stop, as we waved goodbye to Mark.

It would be a No 34 bus that transported us back in the direction of Leeds and yet again we gave Malcolm a further rendition of the birthday wishes song, much to his delight. He left the bus at his preferred stop the rest of us travelling on into the centre of Leeds hoping to make it in time to catch our homeward trains etc.

Upon reflection, today’s adventure was a success, even though a little fragmented at times, just good to be out there enjoying each other’s company.

Cheers Everyone.

Wednesday 18 February 2026

Visit to see Roger Wadman

Catching the 10:20 Doncaster train from Leeds there would be a large contingent of friends visiting Roger today! Visiting today was Malcolm, Brian,Donald,Mark, Derek, Sam, Colin, Glenn, John and John Howarth. 

Sadly when we arrived at the home Roger was less effusive since we saw him last In October 2025 he had deteriorated significantly and it left us all shocked and saddened. He could have been feeling unwell or even suffering an infection but we will visit again in April to see if there is any improvement. The journey home was rather sad but we live in hope. I spoke to his daughter who agreed he had significantly deteriorated but felt that he does rally and maybe we caught him on an off day?

We had a spot of lunch at the South Elmsall Community Centre before leaving to catch the 13:39 back home to our various destinations.  

See you in April Roger!

Best regards Colin