Wednesday, 20th June 2012

Walk: Footpath along Artle Beck, Caton School, Disused Mill, Littledale Road, Moorside Farm, Anna’s Ghyll ,Kirk Beck Bridge, Bull Beck Bridge, River Lune Valley and back along the railway line to The Ship Inn.
Start Point: Ship Inn at Caton Grid Reference: SD 529 646
Distance: 5.3 miles Ascent: 475 feet
Time: 3 hours    
Weather: A most beautiful sunny day with hardly a breath of wind, but not too hot, ideal for walking.
Comments: Twenty eight walkers joined Ann McKay and I on this circular walk around Caton. It has been done before, or variations of it, but usually the other way round. It worked out quite well as the ascents seemed to be less steep. The walk involved a little road walking but mainly on clearly marked paths, across high growing meadows before returning home along the old railway line, an easy end to the walk. We had splendid views of Ingleborough from a few points and generally the visibility was tremendous. We laughed at shorn sheep, saw rabbits jumping around and a pony with a foal. There was a huge variety of stiles, most quite manageable, but some caused great hilarity, especially the narrowest slit stile in the county!! and one, dropping down to the River Lune, was quite hazardous requiring somebody to stand by the edge of the beck to avoid people slipping into the water. A quick manoeuvre meant the group ‘missed’ Bull Beck car park so they couldn’t indulge in bacon butties as we had a lovely meal ordered at the Ship Inn. The food here was really good and generous portions, even for the light meals. People said it had been a most enjoyable walk and we had enjoyed planning it.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Ready for the off . . .

 

as Ann, the leader, gives her pep talk

 

The Venue

 

Crossing Artle Beck

 

A short incline . . .

 

and a bit of a pull up

 

First ladder stile

 

Ann's been chatting!

 

Mother and son

 

Pretty foxgloves

 

What a lovely view approaching Anna's Ghyll Farm

 

Nearing the highest point of the walk

 

No wind to turn the turbines today

 

Susan demonstrates her agility at a stile

 

Two meadow larks

 

A well-earned break

 

For the steam buffs

 

A miniscule gap in the wall delays the group . . .

 

as even the slimmest were challenged . . .

 

and Alan gives Judith a helping hand

 

Approaching Brookhouse

 

Reflections in the Lune

 

The River Lune at Caton with Ingleborough in the background

 

An artist's creation depicting the transformation of a former railway to a cycle track

Return to 2012 Diary                                                                Return to top