Wonders of Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales (May 2026)
- webmasteribex
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Fifteen Ibexers descended on Grassington in Wharfedale, Yorkshire, by train and bus on driving from various parts of the UK on Friday 1st May. Our beautiful bunkhouse was situated a short distance from the village, within walking distance for our Friday visit to The Devonshire pub, famous as The Drovers Arms of “All Creatures Great and Small” fame. Good food in a pleasant atmosphere with cheery company.
Saturday offered walks from David Wa direct from the bunkhouse and Dave Wi a circuit from Arncliffe, a drive away. Both walks were well attended and enjoyed. David Wa set off at a leisurely pace in dry weather on a 15.5 mile from the bunkhouse heading around the outskirts of Grassington then followed the Dales Way to the pretty village of Kettlewell, Knife Scar, through the village of Hawkswick, Kilnsey and Conistone and then going along the northern edge of Bastow wood and along the Dales Way back to the bunkhouse. Along the way we saw many curlews and Spring flowers. The group were treated to golden sunshine in the afternoon. After the 15.5 miles with 650m of ascent weary feet were glad to take the weight off over a cup of tea back at the bunkhouse.
Dave Wi’s walk was, of course, a bit pacier. Starting in Arncliffe, a drive away, Dave’s group walked up Littondale to Litton Hall going on to Cow Close to climb Darnbrook Fell at 624m. From there they went to Fountain Fell where they picked up the Pennine Way to the shore of Malham Tarn which whetted appetites for the Sunday walk. From there they followed Monks Road to Dew Bottoms and along the top of Yew Cogar Scar and from there descending back down to Arncliffe. It was a challenging walk enjoyed by everyone.
Saturday night’s fabulous meal, cooked my members, was a fitting end to an epic day of walks.
Everyone had anticipated Sunday would be a wash out and no one had signed up for Catriona’s circular 11.5 mile walk from the bunkhouse by breakfast, expecting they’d need to take refuge in museums and cafes in Grassington. However, the weather in reality differed from the dismal forecast and Catriona got sign-ups and another walk to Malham Cove and Malham Tarn emerged.
Catriona’s walk took her group on an 11.5 mile circuit going through Threshfield after Grassington village and onto Skirethorne, Height Lathe, Mastiles Gate and back via Conistone and the Dales Way to the bunkhouse again. We saw and heard curlews again. We stayed dry the entire day and arriving back into Grassington at 3.30pm a call was made to return to The Devonshire where one round too many was had by a couple of the participants…
Meanwhile over in Malham David M’s band enjoyed the limestone pavements and interesting rock formations and climbing walls near Malham Tarn and Malham Cove. The walk took in Dean Moor Hill, Malham Cove, Malham, Janet's Foss and Goredale Scar. The group ascended up the scar and returned to the car park.
Gina and Kylie went on a scenic drive to a lovely tarn where Kylie did a long, cold wild swim, while Gina relaxed and stayed warm. Everyone enjoyed another fantastic 3 course Ibex meal on Sunday evening.
Monday it was time for people to head home but not before Dave M led a 10.5 mile hike up Great Whernside, where a tawny owl, lapwings and a hare were their nature spots. Kylie and Karen did a 9.5 miles walk from the bunkhouse walking along the river from Grassington towards Hebden to Bowness and back partway and then ascending all the way back to the bunkhouse via high moorland. Nature spots were a hare, curlews and lapwings. Kylie then headed off to Nottingham for lunch with old friends and Karen went to her B&B. Yvonne stopped off for an explore in Saltaire, Word Heritage Site, before getting back to Skipton for the London train (via Leeds).
Elizabeth, Lucy and Claire did a rufty tufty walk at pace. Janette and Annie visited an RHS garden in the area before heading home and, last but not least, David and Gina, headed off to Buxton to fully enjoy their posh hotel with swimming pool and spa to celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary in style. Congratulations on your 24th Wedding Anniversary to Gina and David from everyone on the weekend and in Ibex!!
Thanks to our weekend organiser, Yvonne, who did an amazing job, to the cook and catering teams for feeding us so well and to the walk leaders who provided a variety of enjoyable walks to cater for us each day. An outstanding weekend.
Author: Karen W
Comments