Swaledale May 2013 Walk Report

Swaledale Thursday Walk May 2013

By Steve Hutchinson

Structure for drying peat for the furnaces

After a winter of unimaginable cold weather we experienced the best day of the year so far. Wall to wall sunshine and light winds. The magnificence seven included - Mick Garratt, Bob Howe, Glyn West, Ian Macpherson, Len Small, Steve Hutchinson and Barney the dog. According to Len's Garmin we walked 14 miles with 2,400 ft of ascent, some over rough moorland with deep heather.

'Posh' Shooting House
 

Mick led the walk and had obviously done his research since the walk gave an insight into the history of Swaledale. We visited a unique Iron Age architecture (Maiden Castle), the poshest shooting house I have ever seen, ruins of the first independent church in Swaledale , enormous shake holes and the lead mine workings below Level House and Surrender Bridge.

Break Time

Old Gang Lead Smelting Works

We are not sure of the date for the next walk as some have other commitments but will endeavour to let people know as soon as possible.

Steve