~Simon's Seat~
5th December 2009
Friend and fellow OFC member David Dimmock invited me on a walk in his local territory. We parked up at Barden Bridge and set off for the summit of Simon's Seat....
Local Bird
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk
The River Wharfe
This section of the walk is also part of a suggested walk from the Bolton Abbey Estate. You can walk on either side of the river and cross over here at the aqueduct or a little further up at Barden Bridge.
The Strid
Rain and Sunshine
We left the river path and headed up towards the Valley of Desolation, passing one or two puddles on the way, something to do with November rain.
The Valley of Desolation
Leaving the Valley of Desolation
Trollers Gill
We left the valley and took to the moors, which were typically quiet. The skies were grey, with the odd glimpse of sunshine in the Aire Valley. Trollers Gill is in the photo along with Parcevall Hall, a retreat for those in need of retreating.
Simon's Seat Summit
A Little Sunshine
Path Menders
The Hunted
The Hunter
Flooding Wharfe
The river level is still high, but a week or so ago the river was up to the fence on the right and into the field.
Back to the Start
A fine walk in all new territory, for me. This is DD's home patch and I probably wouldn't have ventured here without his guidance, so thanks to him for the company. Shame about the distressed views, we'll have to come back another day.
Walkers: David Dimmock , click for his photos of the walk & Me.
Time taken: 4hr over a distance of about 6 miles.
Route: Parking at Barden Bridge, River Wharfe, Valley of Desolation, Simon's Seat, down to the Wharfe and back along the river to Barden Bridge
Weather and conditions: Variable! Rather cool and cloudy on top, brighter lower down.
Greetings Count: Low, not many on this route.
Richard's Refreshment Review: There was no post-walk pint or brew this time.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2009 ©
Take me back to the start ....