Following in footsteps of miners

WALK LEADER HELEN RICHARDSON

THE picturesque market town of Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales has a history dating back to at least the bronze age.

From the eighteenth century, the town had a thriving lead mining industry and was home to hundreds of miners. Now it is known for its bustling cobbled market square, quaint narrow streets, stone cottages, cafes serving quality food, artisan shops and attractive limestone countryside.

There is an interesting folk museum in the town square and a national park visitor centre close by, from which a short stroll leads to Linton Falls on the River Wharfe.

Grassington was the destination for more than 50 East Cheshire Ramblers on a recent coach trip. With a choice of three walks: six, nine or 11-and-a-half miles, 21 ramblers joined the mid-length walk led by Helen Richardson.

Starting from the visitor centre, they made their way through the market square and followed lanes, paths and ancient field systems northwards on a steady ascent up Kimpergill Hill, to reach the highest point on their walk at Bare House – a disused farm approximately 1,275ft above sea level.

As early rain showers gave way to sunny spells, a gradual descent across rough pastureland took them to an attractive dry valley, known locally as Conistone Dib.

Here they rose to the challenge of scrambling through a narrow limestone cleft.

Soon they arrived in Conistone village, where they enjoyed lunch by the river, before crossing fields to Kilnsey Crag, to watch rock climbers scaling its walls in their attempt to conquer the overhang.

Their route continued through meadowland with an abundance and diversity of wild flowers, leading into tranquil Grass Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with its rich ground of flora, hazel, ash and birch.

Exiting the woodland, the walkers crossed a field and were soon on Cove Lane, which led them back into Grassington, for well-earned refreshments and the return coach journey in the late afternoon sun.

For more information about East Cheshire Ramblers’ current walking programme, visit www. ramblerseastcheshire. co.uk.