The Forty-Eighth of our “Hubberton Hikers Hikes” is now scheduled for Saturday February 24th 2007. The hike is planned to start at 11am from the Village Green Airton. The hike is approximately 7.5 miles long and will take about 4 to 4.5 hours at a gentle pace. It is planned to have a meal/drink @ either Henri’s bistro Skipton or the Tempest Arms when the hike is completed.
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Directions: Airton is on the road to Malham. Do Keighley - Skipton - Gargrave, take the
turn for Malham and proceed approximately 6 miles to reach Airton.
While Airton Bridge is the traditional start point for the upstream path, a nicer option crosses the car park of the converted Airton Mill. A path runs on between the old mill-cut and the river, a colourful wetland area devoted to conservation. After emerging, the path runs on to cross a footbridge over the Aire. Turning up dale the clearer path of the Pennine Way is soon joined, and the Aire plays host to the heron and dipper on this delectable walk through serene parkland to Hanlith Bridge. At Hanlith Bridge the ramble becomes a real walk, as the road climbs very steeply out of the hamlet. Zigzagging above the houses it presents a cosy picture of Kirby Malham in its enviable setting across the river. The tarmac expires at a surprise higher-level house, and with the hard work done; a rough lane takes over to rise more leisurely. This proves and unrivalled grandstand for appraising the topography of the Malham scene, with the village, the cove and Gordale pre-eminent amid a fine pattern of limestone walls and outcrops. The dramatic change from limestone to grit stone is highlighted across the dale on Kirkby Fell and Pikedaw. Ultimately the track becomes grassier to finally empty onto the open moor. By this stage the sentinels of Watlowes, the dry valley, are very prominent above Malham cove. A splendid green path slants to Hanlith Moor, with a succession of superfluous marker posts confirming the route. At the top corner the upper acres of identical Calton Moor are entered. A guidepost indicates a path crossroads to which the walk will return. The final minutes to Weets Top see the path continuing its rise, with the ordnance survey column appearing well before it’s reached. The rest of the Walk can be obtained from Leader if desired before the date, otherwise follow “YOUR LEADER” on the day. |
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ANY FRIENDS OR FAMILY CAN JOIN THIS BRILLIANT BAND OF PEOPLE ON THE DAY AT THE SAID TIME. PLEASE INFORM LEADER OF ANY INTAKES!
The route is of moorland, walking largely on good paths, though with moist moments; approached by a lovely riverbank and cart track. Weets Top’s stature is emphasised by a number of township boundaries meeting here, and a restored cross serves to mark this point. The start will be taken at a leisurely pace so as to make sure that ALL those who wish to complete the hike will do so. PLEASE take note of "ANDYS AMBLING ADVICE" and ensure that warm and waterproof clothing is/are taken in case of any change in the weather.
A MAP of the walk is available HERE.
A Microsoft Word version of this page is available for download here (272K)
This page last updated on 12th November 2006