Grassington to Burnsall

 Wednesday 9th September 2026.                 Grassington to Burnsall

At the fourth attempt, today the Lads finally got to fulfill their intended riverside walk up in the Yorkshire Dales. This would involve 6 of the gang making an earlier start than usual, they will be heading for the village of Grassington by means of the route 74 Dales Bus. 

This is a limited service operating 3 times a day on selected days from the town of Ilkley, the bus is scheduled to leave Ilkley at about 10:30 and only as a limited amount of seats available, 16 to be exact, so it is imperative that the lads get to Ilkley on time.  This was achieved by boarding the 9:33 train from Leeds for Colin, Brian, Dave, Glenn and Kevin, John was on a slightly different route.

By 10:15 the now group of 6 were assembled at the appropriate bus stop in Ilkley and by some good fortune were at the head of the queue, unlike some other ramblers etc, one in particular shooting his mouth off about the rule of only 16 passengers. 

Eventually the 74 left Ilkley and was soon hurtling along the narrow country roads heading in the direction of Grassington, this seat of your pants journey taking about 50 minutes or so to complete, thankfully we 

arrived shaken and stirred.

Once off the bus first stop was the loo, then gather our thoughts and begin our riverside adventure etc. there is a large car parking area here to facilitate the amount of visitors to this particular spot along with some small parkland suitable for picnics etc. In one of these areas we stopped to take a look at a tree sapling take from the (Sycamore Gap Tree) from here we soon found ourselves heading down the footpath leading to the river , at this point the lads took a left turn through a narrow gap in the wall and were soon in open meadows following the river down stream heading for the picturesque village of Burnsall some 3 and a half miles away. 

A couple of rest stops were taken has we slowly made our way to the Hebden suspension bridge that helps you cross the river at this point, slightly better than using the stepping stones, although it is only one way traffic by methods of the bridge. The lads waiting their turn to experience this crossing knowing full well when they get to the other side a little more urgency will be required to eventually reach the Red Lion pub in Burnsall. This is where the returning bus to Ilkley stops if you get there on time ( 1:26 ) We all managed to reach this bus stop with only a few minutes to spare, no problem with the amount of passengers on this 

return journey a great relief to us at this point.

Once back in the town of Ilkley the driver kindly dropped us off in close proximity to the Bar T’at pub where the lads now met up with 3 more of the gang, John Howarth, Derek and Mark to partake in a late lunchtime meal etc. It was a leisurely lunch interspersed with various conversations about this that and the other, our meals were most enjoyable in this very relaxed atmosphere here at this particular pub.

Some future outings were discussed and planned before it was time to leave Ilkley and make our respective journeys home, it was almost 3:30 as the lads reached both the Bus and Railway stations.

What the Lads achieved today was both exhilarating at some points but challenging at others. 

Cheers Everyone for taking part.

Photos to follow 

Another Plan “B”

 Wednesday 2nd September 2026                Another Plan “B”

Yes, yet again the Lads have had to alter their arrangements due to the weather forecast for their intended destination etc. It was literally plan B, that of tenpin bowling at the alley in the Merrion Centre Leeds.

Just 4 of the gang will be taking part, those being John and Brian representing Leeds whilst Derek and Dave are representing Wakefield.

It was roundabout 10:30 when the 4 met up at the Railway Station in Leeds, no rain on the scene at that time, so it was a rather slow pace has they made their way towards the Merrion Centre.

The 4 eventually got into action some 40 minutes later on lane 11, what was to follow was both rewarding and entertaining, full of thrills and spills so to speak. Dave and Derek going into an unassailable lead throughout the first six frames with John and Brian trying their best to catch up, but it was not to be.

Maybe the second game will be a more closely contested match, unfortunately for the Leeds Lads they seemed to fall apart literally with more gutter bowls than ever before, this giving the Wakey Lads an overwhelming victory. After the Awarding of the Marauder’s Cup the four went off for a lunchtime meal 

courtesy of the Trinity Kitchen here in Leeds.

Upon reflection today’s outcome was full of laughter from start to finish.

Cheers Everyone.

Lunch at the Dusty Miller

 Wednesday 26th  August 2026.          Lunch at the Dusty Miller 

As the title suggests today’s outing for some of the Lads will take them to the location of Mirfield, a town on the outskirts of Dewsbury. It will be a group of 6 that will participate, those being, Colin, John and Brian travelling to Dewsbury by train from Leeds, whilst Derek and Dave are travelling by bus from Ossett, Keith will be coming to Mirfield by car.

The five lads meeting up in Dewsbury will take a short bus ride journey from the station here onto Mirfield. Their venue is the Dusty Miller Pub which is situated on one of the main roads in close proximity to a rather handy bus stop. It would be the 202 bus that ferried them to the nearest bus stop.This journey taking the lads along unfamiliar routes to them, they eventually got off the bus on Flash Lane the Dusty Miller was just over the road on Dunbottle Lane.

In less than 10 minutes all but Keith were inside the pub and eventually found themselves a suitable place on the second attempt, uncomfortable seats at table 30, so moved up one. Keith joined them a few minutes later, in what was surprisingly very pleasant surroundings to say the least.

Now with drinks ordered it was time to study their very extensive menu, various options to choose from, all six of us taking advantage of the two meals deal, good choice.

As per usual the conversation turned to future adventures and the next locations to visit etc, the weather playing a very significant part in our upcoming plans etc. the long term forecast for unsettled conditions not favourable.

With our meals relished in these pleasing surroundings here at the Dusty Miller it was some 2 hours before we bid farewell to the place and made our respective journeys home, Keith kindly taking Brian and Colin along in his car, John , Derek and Dave returning to Dewsbury by bus.

Upon reflection today’s outing proved very successful indeed, lovely venue and very pleasing meals.

Cheers Everyone.s

Yeadon Tarn

 Wednesday 19 August 2026

Visit to Yeadon Tarn & Murgatroyds. 

Today’s visit is a walk round the Tarn and a Pensioners meal at Murgatroyds. 

Today’s consist would be seven including John, Glenn, Malcolm, Brian, Colin, Keith and Kevin. 

Catching the A1 @ 10:45 on Boar Lane to LBA alighting directly outside Murgatroyds and picking Malcolm up on the way on Kirkstall Road. 

We then walked to the Tarn where thunder and lightning ensued so we stopped for a quick coffee at the Tarn Cafe and then we circumnavigated  the Tarn and onto Murgatroyds for a 13:15 start. 

The food was delightful all plumping for the Pensioners Special Deal now increased to £17.50 but still well worth it the food was delicious and the service was great!

We chewed the fat over a variety of topics not least our potential destinations over the next few weeks and finally agreed everything until October or thereabouts. 

We spent a good couple of hours in the restaurant including half an hour queuing to get in and the rest eating the lovely food prepared on our behalf. Around 15:00 we exited for our various buses 27 to the Bus station and 34 to the Railway Station. Unfortunately my choice went via Horsforth and West Park before travelling down Otley Road towards Leeds Bus Station. I’ll stick to the 34 next

 time. However a good day out and a very enjoyable meal was had by all!

Next week Wednesday 26 August is Grassington providing the rain stays away. Any changes to this schedule will be announced on WhatsApp!

Best regards Colin

Colin Hendrick Ward

Riverside Walk at York

 Wednesday 5th August 2026.             Riverside Walk York

It’s was a plan B for some of the lads today, previous arrangements was for them to do a riverside walk from Grassington to Burnsall, but inclement weather was expected in that particular location, hence the decision to travel to the city of York.

It would be just 4 of the group taking part in this suggested walk, those being Brian, Colin, John travelling from Leeds whilst Dave would make his journey from Wakefield, Derek would be joining them all later at a designated cafe close to the river at about 1:00pm.

After arriving at the station in York the four lads began their journey, it was just  after 11:00 am, some 15 minutes later and they had reached the riverside pathway, on this occasion they have decided to walk in a anti-clockwise direction to reach the Millennium Bridge, rest for a short time here, then cross over the bridge and return to towards the city from that side.

It was a pleasant morning here in York, a little breezy at times interspersed with warm sunshine, just perfect for walking etc. A close eye was kept on the time as we all ambled along beside the water’s edge making sure no one had a mishap or two, safely the lads reached a point just some distance away from their intended lunchtime stop that of the Oasis Cafe, another short rest before contact was made with Derek and we finally met up some 10 minutes later in the cafe.

The cafe has a pleasant atmosphere seating about 20 customers, it as a variety of meals to choose from and we were all delighted with our selections etc.  It was well over an hour that passed here in the Oasis cafe before the lads set off back towards the railway station and caught their respective trains heading homeward bound.

Yet again another great day out with the Lads.

Cheers Everyone.

Nidderdale Greenway

 Wednesday 29th July 2026              Nidderdale  Greenway

It would be off to pastures new for the Lads today, their intention is to locate an old disused railway line that as been turned into both a walking and cycling pathway that runs between Harrogate and Ripley. Getting there would involve taking a train journey from Leeds and heading for Harrogate, from the railway station they will travel the short distance to the bus station in order to take the No2 bus from stand 5. This bus would ferry the Lads , which consisted of Colin, Brian, Dave, Glenn and John through the streets of Harrogate and into the suburbs of a location known as Bilton. Once in this area a suitable bus stop was chosen  being in close proximity to Nidderdale Greenway.

They intend to take the 10:36 train leaving Leeds for Harrogate arriving there at about 11:10 the No2 is scheduled to leave at about 11:30. It was only a short bus journey so before not too long the group were making headway along the so-called Greenway.

It would be a distance of almost 4 miles that the lads would walk along ,it is now a well maintained track with a suitable tarmac surface giving both cyclists and walkers a pleasant experience etc. Plenty of shaded areas along with countryside vistas and forested regions, the weather conditions today were in the lads favour, not too much hot sunshine to contend with.

 

Part way along the trackway a not too suitable location was found to have our picnic, more reasonable seating is needed at some stages along this route. Great views were also appreciated from on top of the old stone constructed viaduct that spans the river Nidd  flowing a fair distance below us.

The lads ventured on and some 60 minutes later they found themselves alongside the rather busy A61 Harrogate to Ripon road at a rather dangerous bus stop location awaiting the arrival of a No36 bus. This would take them back to the town of Harrogate, giving the lads the opportunity to visit a suitable cafe on Market Street to treat themselves to coffee and cake etc. By now the time was just a few minutes after 2:30pm. So the lads left the cafe and headed for the railway station, it would be the 14:40 they caught taking them all back to the city of Leeds, from there they will take their respective journeys home.

Upon Reflection today’s adventure was a great experience, something new, even though we had to share it with fellow cyclists and walkers etc.

Cheers Everyone.

Skipton Canal Boat Trip

Wednesday 22nd July 2026          Skipton Canal Boat Trip 

 A long awaited desired experience was achieved today, that of hiring a canal boat for the day and navigating it for  a short stretch on the Leeds / Liverpool canal. Our starting point would be at the boatyard in the market town of Skipton. Do we travel in the direction of Liverpool or alternatively back towards Leeds. The latter was chosen, Dave took care of booking the whole experience and was accompanied by several other crew members , namely Derek, Brian, Keith, John Hey, John Howarth, Colin, Mark, Glenn and his guest Kevin. The lads had to be at the boatyard no later than 10:30, this was in order to receive a short guide in how to operate one of these crafts. At this point Mark and Dave were all ears trying to take in what the instructor was relaying to them, the rest of the group making themselves acquainted with their 

new surroundings,

It was a pleasant morning as their journey began , casting off and hopefully guiding their craft safely away from its moorings, within just a few yards it became apparent that this would be no easy task to say the least. Eventually a steady hand on the tiller and also on the throttle their craft moved slowly along, a couple of incidents were experienced on their way to the first swing bridge structure, there would be a few more of these structures to contend with on this journey towards their intended destination, that of the Canal Side Cafe about 4 miles downstream from Skipton.

The craft was moving along at a slower pace than anticipated giving the crew doubts that they would ever reach the Cafe before it was time to about turn etc. Two and a half hours had passed when a conscious decision was taken to abandon a visit to the cafe and manoeuvre our craft so that it was now heading back in the direction of Skipton. This task was completed much to our surprise.

We had instructions to return the boat by 4:30 or face some penalty charges etc.

Our journey back was fraught with a few incidents, but none to cause any serious problems so to speak. You just have to have your wits about you when these incidents happen.

Navigating the swing bridges was an eventful process,  requiring some of the crew to steady the boat while some of the others stepped off and took care of operating the bridge mechanism etc, eventually we seemed to accomplish this manoeuvre much to our surprise and relief.

Our canal boat experience finally came to an end when our craft was successfully returned to her moorings at the boat yard  with only few minutes to spare before the deadline came.

Once off the boat the lads now headed for a nearby fish and chip establishment to enjoy some of their delights before finally heading home courtesy of Northern Rail.

Upon reflection our desire to experience such an adventure was fulfilled in all its glory. One to be never forgotten but not necessarily repeated .

Cheers Everyone.