View Full Version : A day trip to Wharncliff Crags. Who fancies it?
Right, it seems that there are loads of us around the Leeds and Sheffield area, so I propose a day trip to Wharncliff Crags. If you're lucky, you may come away ten quid better off like Ratbag did a few weeks back! :D
So, lets see what we can do here, I propose that we have a day meet in maybe a fortnights time, but we can juggle it according to what people have regards free time and other engagements. I say we meet up in the morning, tramp around pushing mountain bikers off their bikes as they whizz by and generally check out the female fell runners in their spandex! We can bushwhack a bit if you like too! :D
There are areas that we could possibly go through putting up tarps and such like, but it is not gonna be possible to have a fire as it is public access around there. A stove shouldn't be a problem though.
So, anybody in the area who wants to pop along, say aye and we'll see if we can fix a date and sort out maybe a good meeting point so that we are all in one area. It is fairly windy up there most of the time, but the views are pretty fantastic and there are a few good little cave type things to explore at the lower level.
I reckon I could be up for a bit of that Spamel
Are you thinking midweek or weekend ???
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd291/Shewie01/wharn.jpg
If I get off the M1 at J36 where`s good spot to meet ??
Rich
Junction 36 is good, I propose meeting in Soughley Lane/Wortley Road, by Soughley Bridge. There is a good area there where Ratbag and myself parked up last time. I can take a large Panel Marker Hi Vis thingy so that you know you have the right people.
At Grid Ref SK 2925 9860 there is a good parking area. You can see it on the link below if you look at the satellite imagery. It is firm ground with that matting stuff that grass grows through or something like that. There should be no problems parking on there.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=53.483235,-1.560676&spn=0.001491,0.003616&t=h&z=18&om=0
Oh, I would suppose that the weekend would be best for most. The crags aren't massive but it is a nice area and across the road is a large reservoir that is quite nice to take a walk about. If we leave it a couple of weeks though as this weekend is a bit short notice and the weekend after is the Lime Bark cordage weekend fore Ratbag and myself, unless anyone wants to pop into Silver wood for that one? Not sure if it will have worked, but there are some interesting things to see there too.
Matt Weir
23-01-2008, 09:25
Sounds interesting Spam. Would this be Saturday or Sunday? Saturdays are a bit gash-ola for us as Nat works in the morning but if it's on the Sunday then I will see if we are good to go.
Edit: oops, should have checked how hardcore this is to be as regards dragging the wife and kids up mountains or gentle mooch with the kids wanting to go exploring the caves etc.
what time in the morning you got planned spam, i wouldn't mind tagging alone depending on confirmed date, it's about 1hr40 drive for me so will need to know what time to start off.
Well, I wasn't expecting folk from so far to be interested, but if you can make it it would be great! I have a gammy knee from a snowboarding accident a few years back but the walk was a pleasure for me. Ratbag took it easy and didn't thrash me all around the place! There is a walk along a disused railway line, but you can hop off the gravel onto a small path if you don't like walking on stones.
The initial scramble over some rocks to start getting up on to the crags is easily done even by the likes of an old duffer like me with shot knees and a pack on my back. It is usually quite windy up there, I had cracked lips the next day as I hadn't used any lip balm! Nearly lost my felt cowboy hat too! So, once you are over the initial scramble, it is a pleasant walk down a footpath with the odd stone to hop over or puddle to negotiate, and they are just that and not lakes and mountains! :D We then dropped down and did some investigating on the way back. The woodland below is full of birch and in places some of it has dropped so we took the bark from them. It was good thick stuff. There are small recesses in the rocks and some nice flowing water, we had a robin come and sit within a few feet of us when we were gathering the birch bark so there is plenty of bird watching to be done.
So far, Matt has said he would prefer a Sunday, and I see no problem with that. To be fair, I could probably get out for both days if others wish to go on a Saturday but for now we'll say it is going to be Sunday and then we can work off of that. Also, with a 2 hour drive for some, I'd suggest being at the meeting point at ten o'clock, unless the travellers wish to set off earlier?
As I said previously, we'll thrash it out here and work out what is best for all. I expect there will be more people showing an interest this evening when they get home and log on.
DoctorSpoon
23-01-2008, 14:33
Sorry, would have liked to have joined you, but we're off metal bashing for the weekend.
It won't be for a couple of weeks yet so you may be a able to make it yet! February 9th/10th I'm looking at. Just gonna go check the Middlewood dates though, don't want a conflict of interests!
Can we get away with bringing a hobo stove Spamel ??
Rich
I reckon so. There are plenty of rocks to set up on so it shouldn't be a problem. Most people tend to stay up on the top anyway. I will leave it up to your own judgement, but if your stove doesn't fire scar the ground then it should be OK.
Matt Weir
23-01-2008, 15:53
Cheers Spam. Yorkshire has some beautiful countryside and I've been wanting to explore a bit more that way for ages. I hope were good to go :)
There is some good countryside here, I hope you like Wharncliff. I'll be collecting "Entry to Yorkshire" fees for those from the wrong side of the border and the disinfecting shower will be put up so you don't contaminate our green and pleasant land!
:D
Neanderthal
23-01-2008, 17:37
Thanks for organising this Spam. :)
Wharncliffe is probably one of the largest bits of woodland within striking distance of Leeds and has been on my list of places to visit for ages. It will be good to wander around with a native guide.
I like Shewies hobo stove idea for a brew.
I’ve an old climbing guide which covers Wharncliffe Crag, I can bring it along so we can point at some of the routes and go “No Way!” :D
Cheers
Stu
It'd be nice to see you again Stu, it seems to have been a while since I saw you last. Must be the last Delamere meet at least. As for a native guide, I wouldn't go that far, but hopefully this trip will be the start of a long chain of day trips that could be organised around our areas, maybe not quite the same as a couple of days meet but still time to maybe get out on our legs and try some of the more creative skillsby gathering materials and the like.
I'll certainly keep my thinking cap on for other likely areas round about. There is some fantastic land on the way into Silkstone if you come in from the other side of the country and through Penistone. The road over the Peak District is beautiful. If you're a passenger in the car, keep an eye out for hares running about. The Peaks would be a good place for a ramble one day as it is easily available to all with a car.
DoctorSpoon
23-01-2008, 18:19
The Peaks would be a good place for a ramble one day as it is easily available to all with a car.
Once the weather's a bit better we'll host something over here - we're in Edale. At the moment the ground is soooooo saturated with water, the mud is knee deep and it is truly 'orrible! My current exercise regime consists of a quick squodge to the field at the back of the house to throw a ball for the dog then a run on a treadmill in the garage :rolleyes:
It's squishy everywhere. It is a bit muddy up on the crags with some puddling. or it was a few weeks back so it is safe to assume that it will still be. Who knows what the next fortnight will bring though. I may do a recce the weekend before. I'd wear sturdy boots, gaiters if you have them.
It would be nice to come down and see the Wood family. I spent a week a few years back in Buxton which was incredibly nice. I hate the city, getting to more rural areas, I find, is just so relaxing.
the quarry area on the crag is usually really quite and well protected!! whish i could join you but we expecting the baby to pop out around then sorry.
Spamal have you had time to tram over the fitzwiliam estate yet and had a look at the red deer ? thats were i started my career as a game keeper working voluntary for them!! many years ago. As of the crags great places with the wee ponds up at the top if i remeber rightly they used to be alot of owl boxes up around the big lake (never did see a nightjar up there though) have a great time guys and girls but still not jealous will be in another six months though
I used to go through Wharncliff a number of years back and camp over in the woodland by the reservoir. Illegaly I later found out! Ooops! I've yet to come across the deer, I think Ratbag was saying they are up on the chase. Maybe we could plot that in on the walk.
I should be up for this, assuming it's 10th Feb at the moment :)
jamesHarrisonAkers
23-01-2008, 19:33
im up for it just tell me what date and day/time ill walk through grenoside over to wharncliffe and meet up
We're looking at the 10th so far as that is what people have expressed s being the easiest. Not a big church type us lot, are we! :D
Matt, have you checked it out on Google maps? You can go straight from Google without instralling that damned program and see what the area looks like. It isn't a brilliant view, but suffice it to say people run along the path and mountainbike along as well, so it is pretty easy going. The scramble up the northern side would be great fun for kids, the only bit I found a bit taxing was the way back below the crags as it is off the beaten track a bit. It's not too bad but I will take my walking staff this time to ease the pressure of my knee a bit.
Matt Weir
23-01-2008, 20:16
The woods and hills are my church :D
Anyway, I've just said 'Fancy a walk? There's caves', Nat said 'Ooh yes!'. Who's the kid here? :lmao:
whithout planning every little detail spam what sort of finish time you had in mind, just checked the rota and i'm nights on the 10th, what sort of finish time did you have in mind
Matt Weir
23-01-2008, 20:54
The woods and hills are my church :D
.. and you can have that for your bushcraft quotes :naughty: :D
Finish time, not sure. I can tailor it to peoples' needs, the walk itself doesn't take that log, but when ratbag and myself went up last we had a brew stop and peeled some birch bark which adds time on. I'm looking at doing a recce up there before the actual date to see what I can do, but the crags aren't that big anyhow so if needs be I can head on back with you and drop you off at the parking area.
If we were to start at ten, four o'clock would probably be about as late as I'd want to go to. I reckon if you have an early start to get there in the first place and then need to drive back and work nights, you may be a bit hooped by the end of it! I was talking to Ratbag a few minutes back and we were discussing our options. We could walk a ways and then come off the top of the crags and drop down, stick a couple of tarps up and brew up and maybe eat some sarnies or whatever, collect some materials for home projects or whatever and then head back, or there is the Red Deer to go and check out.
And the caves aren't proper caves in themselves Matt, i don't want you r missus getting too excited! They are more like recesses in the rock, although there is a cave marked on the map there somewhere, I'm sure of it.
Matt Weir
23-01-2008, 21:31
Finish time, not sure. I can tailor it to peoples' needs, the walk itself doesn't take that log, but when ratbag and myself went up last we had a brew stop and peeled some birch bark which adds time on. I'm looking at doing a recce up there before the actual date to see what I can do, but the crags aren't that big anyhow so if needs be I can head on back with you and drop you off at the parking area.
If we were to start at ten, four o'clock would probably be about as late as I'd want to go to. I reckon if you have an early start to get there in the first place and then need to drive back and work nights, you may be a bit hooped by the end of it! I was talking to Ratbag a few minutes back and we were discussing our options. We could walk a ways and then come off the top of the crags and drop down, stick a couple of tarps up and brew up and maybe eat some sarnies or whatever, collect some materials for home projects or whatever and then head back, or there is the Red Deer to go and check out.
And the caves aren't proper caves in themselves Matt, i don't want you r missus getting too excited! They are more like recesses in the rock, although there is a cave marked on the map there somewhere, I'm sure of it.
No bother bud - the seed is planted ;) It'll be a great day whatever :D
Sorry to mislead you about the deer there is roe up there but i was meaning wentworth woodhouse just over the hill from you spamel there is how ever a red deer farm in between the motorway and the crags and when i lived up there their was a few escapees so they could plausible be up on the tops. sorry for the wee mistake
On the map, thee is mention of a Deer Park, although that may be from days gone by and the name has stuck. I'll take a look.
Could be up for this Spam..:D
jamesHarrisonAkers
25-01-2008, 12:56
just thought i metion this there is deer in wharncliffe woods and sometimes they go across to greno woods ive seen a few when walking in there at night they are few and far beetween though ive camped in there a lot and ive definetly seen them but like i said not many times in the 4 odd years ive been going in there ive only seen them twice
Just got back from another trip up Wharncliff Crags, I reckon between Ratbag and myself we have got a very good route to take. We have cut out the initial crag hopping to take another route through some pretty fantastic open woodland. This allows us to take a walk through some heathland and then arrive on top of the crags. Along the way, there is scope for gathering good straight staves for staffs and the like, and also the opportunity for some really first rate birch bark, for the UK anyway! There are plenty of downed birches and I aim to only take from downed trees. As for staves, there is a lot of birch in the area that was cropped a while back but it has grown through again.
Along the way, we will cut off of the main path and visit an old elm which is quite nice, take a look at some funghi and then get up onto the crags for the photo opportunities! The heathland is nice too, full of heather. I took my camera to take some pictures but it is bust somehow! Not too happy about that!
There are some nice areas on the way back down, for those who may suffer with bad knees or whatever, I strongly suggest a stout walking staff. I reckon I would have been crippled today without mine. We have one area that is a must to visit, hopefully it will be the jewel in the crown. Kids will love it, and I reckon that most others will too. We are looking at using the jewel as a stopping point for a brew, or maybe drop down onto a path and use another area that is a little away from the crags but quite covered from view and has plenty of large flat rocks to stop the fire hazard.
We were out for four hours today. Saying that, we were doing a lot of exploring so that we can hopefully take you straight to the good areas. I had a look at going to the old Deer Park, but there was a load of shooting going on and there really isn't much to see unless you like looking at open moorland. It is on the way so we can certainly pop through the gate and take a look at the view, which apart from the pylons would be bleak but interesting.
I'm quite looking forward to it, today was sunny but very windy. Kit wise, I had a windproof smock, a Swanni and a thin woolen shirt underneath. At the end, was down to the thin woolen shirt alone! Pleasantkly warm, but very windy. I wore gaiters with my boots, although it seems to be drying out reasonably well up there. My boots were in good state afterwards, not too muddy. My Tilley hat went for a burton at one stage so I had to employ both straps to keep it in place! I swapped to the Lowe Alpine after a while. I had gloves and shemagh in my pocket.
Cutting tools were a pocket axe, a folding pruning saw and my F1. I took my Nova Plus stove, and nearly incinerated Matt when it flared up something rotten! :D We stopped for coffee and sarnies, oat cakes and some very bitter dark chocolate that was OK the first bite, but afterwards got steadily more bitter! It was nice, but couldn't eat too much of it.
I had a poncho and blanket in mt bag too, lip balm and FAK in my possibles and a monocular for the distance. All basic equipment for a day trip, that should do anyone, I of course had navigation equipment as well to check where things are for the route in a few weeks time!
I was going to try and join you for your reccy this morning Spam but one too many beers last night at a wedding meant I didn`t even hear my alarm.
Good to here you`ve got some routes sorted out for us.
Looking forward to it.
Rich
Seriously, i defy anyone to go "Yeah, it's alright!" when they see the jewel in the crown! Both ratbag and myself were like big kids! I don't want to spoil it though and want it to be a complete surprise so that everybodys' reaction is spontaneous and I see who the big kids are! :D
Seriously, i defy anyone to go "Yeah, it's alright!" when they see the jewel in the crown! Both ratbag and myself were like big kids! I don't want to spoil it though and want it to be a complete surprise so that everybodys' reaction is spontaneous and I see who the big kids are! :D
I know what it is, I know what it is!
It's a.........
....Nah, turn up on the day to find out. See you there!
Rat
really gutted reading that now, i've got to pull out this time, somethings come up, but am sure it will be a great day and huge success and hopefully there will be more days i can tag along, was looking forward to it seeing some old faces too :( , have a good day and don't forget the pics, that way with i can al least see what the big surprise is :)
roll on the next meet :)
I think I know what it is :p
Rich
I know what it is, I know what it is!
It's a.........
....Nah, turn up on the day to find out. See you there!
Rat
hi, i'd be up for this, have a provisional pass, depending on how the misses arm is at the time. not far from me, though i expect i'll have to do a bit of driving as i seem to recall that the 6102 is still shut.
steve
jamesHarrisonAkers
28-01-2008, 11:20
how long will we be out just wonderd as what food to bring just some snaks or something like dinner and tea lol CANT WAIT gonna be awsome ill bring a hexi burner for me cuppa and soup maybe
I`m thinking I might just take a flask and some sarnies now, not sure yet though. I `ll probably end up taking the hobo and not use it.
Rich
We were out for about four hours, and that seemed just about right. It wasn't all tramping around the crags though, we stopped for Birch bark, a brew and sarnies, a bit of exploring and going back to get my kuksa after I realised I had dropped it! :rolleyes:
Of course, on the day it may depend on the weather, it was sunny yet windy yesterday. If it is tipping it down, people may not be up for running through large patches of soaking wet bracken or heathland! Unless it is really bad, it will go ahead, but if anybody gets up in the morning and decides the weather is just too much, leave a post in this thread and then we'll know who to expect!
Well its sounding good. Thank you Spam and Ratty for doing all the 'leg work' :rolleyes:
Sorry I couldn't make it along but I was forced into slaved labour for the weekend.
I'm gonna try and keep that date free and get myself over.
It'll be great to have you along. Is there anything in particular that the folk coming would like to try and do? We've got good areas for pictures, bewing up, collection of bark and staves (on the sly!) and areas to be kids again. Anything else?
I`m not really bothered what we get up to personally, it`s just a good excuse to put some faces to the names at last. Anything involving trees, bimbling and some good banter will do me.
Rich
Ratbag may be cutting away early, he takes his nipper swimming on a Sunday. So, if anybody wanted to go early he could get you back down off of the Crags. We'll make a decision closer to the time when we can make a better guess at what the weather will be like.
I`m not really bothered what we get up to personally, it`s just a good excuse to put some faces to the names at last. Anything involving trees, bimbling and some good banter will do me.
Rich
What he said.. :)
jamesHarrisonAkers
29-01-2008, 19:55
woooo hoooooooo
Matt Weir
29-01-2008, 20:09
Just got back from another trip up Wharncliff Crags, I reckon between Ratbag and myself we have got a very good route to take. We have cut out the initial crag hopping to take another route through some pretty fantastic open woodland. This allows us to take a walk through some heathland and then arrive on top of the crags. Along the way, there is scope for gathering good straight staves for staffs and the like, and also the opportunity for some really first rate birch bark, for the UK anyway! There are plenty of downed birches and I aim to only take from downed trees. As for staves, there is a lot of birch in the area that was cropped a while back but it has grown through again.
Along the way, we will cut off of the main path and visit an old elm which is quite nice, take a look at some funghi and then get up onto the crags for the photo opportunities! The heathland is nice too, full of heather. I took my camera to take some pictures but it is bust somehow! Not too happy about that!
There are some nice areas on the way back down, for those who may suffer with bad knees or whatever, I strongly suggest a stout walking staff. I reckon I would have been crippled today without mine. We have one area that is a must to visit, hopefully it will be the jewel in the crown. Kids will love it, and I reckon that most others will too. We are looking at using the jewel as a stopping point for a brew, or maybe drop down onto a path and use another area that is a little away from the crags but quite covered from view and has plenty of large flat rocks to stop the fire hazard.
We were out for four hours today. Saying that, we were doing a lot of exploring so that we can hopefully take you straight to the good areas. I had a look at going to the old Deer Park, but there was a load of shooting going on and there really isn't much to see unless you like looking at open moorland. It is on the way so we can certainly pop through the gate and take a look at the view, which apart from the pylons would be bleak but interesting.
I'm quite looking forward to it, today was sunny but very windy. Kit wise, I had a windproof smock, a Swanni and a thin woolen shirt underneath. At the end, was down to the thin woolen shirt alone! Pleasantkly warm, but very windy. I wore gaiters with my boots, although it seems to be drying out reasonably well up there. My boots were in good state afterwards, not too muddy. My Tilley hat went for a burton at one stage so I had to employ both straps to keep it in place! I swapped to the Lowe Alpine after a while. I had gloves and shemagh in my pocket.
Cutting tools were a pocket axe, a folding pruning saw and my F1. I took my Nova Plus stove, and nearly incinerated Matt when it flared up something rotten! :D We stopped for coffee and sarnies, oat cakes and some very bitter dark chocolate that was OK the first bite, but afterwards got steadily more bitter! It was nice, but couldn't eat too much of it.
I had a poncho and blanket in mt bag too, lip balm and FAK in my possibles and a monocular for the distance. All basic equipment for a day trip, that should do anyone, I of course had navigation equipment as well to check where things are for the route in a few weeks time!
Cheers Spam, sounds great :D
Id like to come. Just turned round to the mrs and asked as nicely as possible as were living at her mother in laws untill I finish doing up an old house we are moving into.
Got to get out of here as soon as poss, so every day grafting on it counts but I need a day off and she said YES. So looking forward to it.
Just getting this back on the front page as this trip is happening this weekend. Not exactly sure who is definitely coming though, so if we can have a confirmation by way of one of those lovely lists, then I can see how many are coming and make sure I don't set off from the meeting point without anyone.
Matt Weir
04-02-2008, 23:07
Is this still on the Sunday Spam?
I`m a definite yes for Sunday, looking forward to it
Rich
big_daddy_merc
04-02-2008, 23:21
ooo, just seen this in time, just up from my mom an dads so I'll be popping up me thinks
Neanderthal
05-02-2008, 14:11
Just getting this back on the front page as this trip is happening this weekend. Not exactly sure who is definitely coming though, so if we can have a confirmation by way of one of those lovely lists, then I can see how many are coming and make sure I don't set off from the meeting point without anyone.
Lovely List.
spamel
Ratbag
Shewie
big_daddy_merc
Neanderthal
Thanks Stuart. Nice list!
OK, so yup, this is still on for Sunday 10th Feb 2008, this Sunday! Meeting point is SK292986 where I will be parked up in the big blue bus (Zafira) with a large Hi vis panel on the back to make you all aware that you are in the correct place. From there, we'll head on out once everybody has arrived and we'll go and have some fun. Matt may have to push off early, so if anybody needs to go back with him I'm sure they'll be able to tag along.
I think we have decided on 10 o'clock as meeting up, is that right? I'll probably turn up a bit earlier, so if you want to arrive earlier on and have a chat, I'll be there for about half nine. Remember your chap stick as it gets a tad windy up there! If you wear a wide brimmed hat, ensure you can secure it to your noggin well, or we will all be delighted to see you running after it across the Crags! :D It seems to have been OK rain wise latelt, until last night when we had some rain. To be fair, it may be a little muddy in places but there aren't any river crossings so don't be too concerned!
I can't wait now!
jamesHarrisonAkers
05-02-2008, 14:50
should be very good my car will be ok where we are parking will it?
thx for arranging all this
The parking area is that geogrid stuff where the grass supposedly grows through. It is firm enough for normal cars but if you're coming in a truck I'd reconsider! Hopefully, there will be plenty of space too. It is quite a large area.
Lovelier List (i.e. with my name on it too ;)).
spamel
Ratbag
Shewie
big_daddy_merc
Neanderthal
jamesHarrisonAkers
UKHaiku
OK, so yup, this is still on for Sunday 10th Feb 2008, this Sunday! Meeting point is SK292986 where I will be parked up in the big blue bus (Zafira) with a large Hi vis panel on the back to make you all aware that you are in the correct place.
I`ll see you under the big FC symbol then
Rich
jamesHarrisonAkers
06-02-2008, 19:04
a few poeple might come with me but dont know for defnite yet but ill defo be there whent to see the car park today looks easy big enough im only in a fiat punto lol
jamesHarrisonAkers
06-02-2008, 19:05
a few poeple might come with me but dont know for defnite yet but ill defo be there whent to see the car park today looks easy big enough im only in a fiat punto lol
just a qiuck note in about a month or so time i might try organizing a walk on mam tor and along the ridge will put a thread on here if any of you guys/women might be up for it
I cant make the walk on sun cause car being fixed and train times are pants. plus I rearly need to finish building a kitchen. Up for a walk on Mam tor though if it happens in the future.
Have a good one folks.:)
Might have to take a rain check on Sunday Spam due to work. We`ve got a big project starting next Monday and we`ve been asked to come in for some prep work Sunday afternoon. I`ll let you know for def later.
Rich
I'm afraid I'm gonna be going to a gig on saturday evening, so I'm gonna have to duck out too mein heir.
big_daddy_merc
08-02-2008, 23:21
I should still be coming, depending on how much alcoholic apple juice i consume:o :D
Matt Weir
09-02-2008, 13:11
We're planning to come over still Spam. Still 10am meetup?
Still 10 am. If you have any dramas with finding the meeting point, I can give you my mobile number if you wish. Open to anyone coming along, PM me if you need it and I'll send it to you.
Sorry Spam, i'll have to bow out of this one.
I've pulled something in my back earlier this week, I was hoping it would clear up but I don't think I'll be up for bouncing about on rough terrain.
I'm gutted cos I was looking forward to it...:(
It's not that bad, to be honest, but the drive would probably ruin you. Hopefully I will do another in a few months, maybe vary the route if people come for a second time, ie go backwards around the route!
Hope you get better soon Gary!
have a great day tommorow all that go and don't forget the phot'ies for those of us who can't :)
Just got back in, the last great thing I saw was a female kestrel just outside of Silkstone Common. I parked up for five at the side of the road for that one!
Unfortunately, only a few could make it and Dave and Stuart were detained by the frost so much so that we thought we had everybody that was coming and had set off by the time they arrived. :( It was wierd bumping into them as we all got back to the car park at the same time and stopped and had a chin wag. From what they said, they had a good time. This means I will be running this trip again in a month or so's time, so look out for that one.
There aren't any pics as my camera is in the morgue ready to be buried in a weeks time. Yup, it is totally knacked. Shame that, but any photos would probably spoil it for those that couldn't make it so the secret is still in place and will stay that way. If you want to know what it is, come along to the next one!
We found a few birches that had some sap dripping out. Not long till the sap starts to rise in a big way. The few drops that were coming out of the blazed bark was incredibly sweet.
So anyway, we had a nice walk. A full report would only spoil it for the others that wanted to come but couldn't make it so I'll ask those that did go to also keep it under your hat so that it will be the exciting experience I hoped it would be. Keep an eye out for next months' trip, not sure when but somewhere near the start of the month again. Matt, I hope your kid is feeling a bit better, wish you could have made it and hope you can for the next one, and Gary, we could have done with your camera and photographic skills. next time maybe.
Matt Weir
10-02-2008, 19:21
Thanks Spamel,
Yes he's fine now but at 1am he was shouting for Dad whilst calling Huey into the big white megaphone. I got him in bed with us and he was dithering for ages. My thoughts were on Geoffs lad having meningitis so I was a bit careful in watching him. His temp was 37.3 (thanks Firebreather for those temp strips ;)) and there was no rash or light sensitvity so I just kept an eye on him. Hence a massive lack of sleep and therefore missing the 10am meet
Anyway, apologies for the off topic ramble suffice to say that we were all gutted to miss this trip so if as you say there will be another then I'll be raring for that one.
On a lighter note we managed to get a couple of hours at Formby Point in the afternoon which was very nice :)
The great thing is that Matt had found this really great trail that joined up to the bit we stumbled upon last time, so now there is a fantastic walk and it feels mostly downhill! Not sure how that is as you have to go up to come down, but there you go!
Definitely gonna do another.
Glad you are doing another walk soon spamel, lookin forward to it.
Toadflax
10-02-2008, 20:55
Yes he's fine now but at 1am he was shouting for Dad whilst calling Huey into the big white megaphone. I got him in bed with us and he was dithering for ages. My thoughts were on Geoffs lad having meningitis so I was a bit careful in watching him. His temp was 37.3 (thanks Firebreather for those temp strips ;)) and there was no rash or light sensitvity so I just kept an eye on him.
:eek: Hope I haven't panicked everyone who has children! My boy should be coming home tomorrow. His recovery from meningitis seems to have been almost as rapid as his decline.
Geoff :rolleyes:
Neanderthal
10-02-2008, 21:02
Spamel
Shame we just missed you guys this morning but what were the chances of us all arriving back at the car park at exactly the same time?
Dave and myself had a good wander around while I filled my pockets with birch bark, saw my first few Coltsfoot flowers of the year down at the Oughtibridge end too
BTW The pub in Wortley served a nice pint and the food looked good as well. :)
See you at the next one.
Stu
Definitely Stuart, I'll send you my mobile number for next time. The drive home was pleasant too, right up until I got to outside my house and could hear the ruckus of a storming child and raving wife in full tilt! Females can be so aggressive!
Matt Weir
10-02-2008, 21:27
:eek: Hope I haven't panicked everyone who has children! My boy should be coming home tomorrow. His recovery from meningitis seems to have been almost as rapid as his decline.
Geoff :rolleyes:
No worries Geoff, I just think there may be some weird bug doing the rounds as a few people that went to the 40th party we went to have said they experienced similar symptoms throughout the night and I suspect some kind of food poisoning via the buffet which thankfully and ironically I missed because I went home early in order to get up early for Spamels walk :rolleyes: :)
Cant believe I missed this thread, been meaning to stop off at Wharcliffe, I'll be keeping an eye open.
firebreather
10-02-2008, 23:22
His temp was 37.3 (thanks Firebreather for those temp strips ;))
Glad they have come in useful. I will see if I can dig out a few more :D . happy he is feeling better. There is something going around I felt terrible last week and had a really bad case of man flu :rolleyes: and we all know how bad that gets :p
Sounds like everybody had a great day. I will try and get over for the next one.
Greg
jamesHarrisonAkers
11-02-2008, 20:52
cheers spam/matt for the a nice easy walk and very pleasent the woodland was spot on never really been down the bottom end much thinkin of a night out in the bush this weekend if your up for it pm me or give us a ring EVERYONE WELCOME im thinkin the nice woodland we walked through looks great for the hammock anyways thxs again and see you next time
p.s really buetifull weather and ive nearly finished my staff
jamesHarrisonAkers
11-02-2008, 20:55
[QUOTE=jamesHarrisonAkers;37453 0]cheers spam/matt for the a nice easy walk and very pleasent the woodland was spot on never really been down the bottom end much thinkin of a night out in the bush this weekend if your up for it pm me or give us a ring EVERYONE WELCOME im thinkin the nice woodland we walked through looks great for the hammock anyways thxs again and see you next time
p.s really buetifull weather and ive nearly finished my staff and thx for the confidence in my knife making abilitys lol to be honest i thought my knife was pants but im growing to like it now
OK, it's been a while so I intend to do the Wharncliffe Walk again. I'm looking at doing the walk either on the last day of May or the first day of June, a saturday and sunday respectively, depending on what people want. I haven't been up there in a while, but I can imagine that the whole place will have come alive by now and there should be some wild treats for us to taste and no doubt the odd off trail area to flash up a stove or hobo stove.
So, get your names down, all details will be the same as before that I will post once the numbers of people start coming in, but if you can't wait then trawl through this thread and you'll find the relevant info.
Wharncliffe ofers some fantastic views with a number of varying routes which are mostly navigable by people even with pushchairs and young children. The route we will take is probably not completely possible with a buggy though, so if you are planning on bringing small children, prepare them for a bit of a walk! The pace will be leisurely with opportunities for photography, brews and snacks and a bit of rock hopping for the adventurous!
Tony (Tonedef) +mrs(poss)
soggy boots
15-05-2008, 14:01
Sorry to miss this one Spamel.
I'll be in Swaledale at that time.
Have a great time!!:You_Rock_
Its my bday on the mon so as long as I do one day with the familly over the weekend I should be able to come.
Tony (Tonedef) +mrs(poss)
Addo
IntrepidStu
16-05-2008, 15:51
I can probably make this one ( as soon as I figure out where it is.
Since ive never done the meetup thing before im not sure how to officialy put my name down for this. Do I simply cut and paste the names from the previous posts and then add my own??
I can probably make this one ( as soon as I figure out where it is.
Since ive never done the meetup thing before im not sure how to officialy put my name down for this. Do I simply cut and paste the names from the previous posts and then add my own??
Yes just add your name to the list,
Dont know the exact location but its around SK300950 / Stocksbridge bypass.
IntrepidStu
19-05-2008, 12:03
Yep, im In.
Tony (Tonedef) +mrs(poss)
Addo
IntrepidStu
Bumpy!
Anyone else interested?
Matt Weir
25-05-2008, 19:30
Sorry Spam,
Were at SimonM's Windermere meet up next weekend. Hopefully it'll be 3rd time lucky if you set up another jaunt :)
Do we know which day at the weekend its likley to be yet?
IntrepidStu
27-05-2008, 11:22
Once the weather's a bit better we'll host something over here - we're in Edale. At the moment the ground is soooooo saturated with water, the mud is knee deep and it is truly 'orrible! My current exercise regime consists of a quick squodge to the field at the back of the house to throw a ball for the dog then a run on a treadmill in the garage :rolleyes:
The weather is fine...Honest.....
Edale is my most favorite place in England. I have been walking there since I was a kid. It would be absolutely brill to have a meet there (and alot closer to me).
Stu.
Do we know which day at the weekend its likley to be yet?
That is down to you guys. What is the general consensus? Hopefully it won't be the pea souper it has been for me on the way home through Huddersfield, I could see about twenty metres and that was it!:eek:
if look north's lovely lisa is to be believed then sunday has the better weather.
sc
IntrepidStu
28-05-2008, 09:04
if look north's lovely lisa is to be believed then sunday has the better weather.
sc
Are we talking the Sunday after next. I cant make the 1st June.
Would prefer this Sat but if Sun is the better day then can do that.
IntrepidStu
28-05-2008, 14:00
Can I get some confirmation on the actual DATES that we are considering folks.
Cheers.
Stu.
Dates are this weekend, up to you guys to decide as I can make either day. I'd like to run this walk throughout the year, hitting each season at least once, so that people can see the changes or opt for the season they like best to experience the crags. So if you can't make this one, then hopefully you'll be able to come another time.
Just checked weather Light showers Sat, Sunny on Sun. Sun Then?
Phew! I've been trying to get on here for a day or so now to see what the verdict was! I'd say a yay to Sunday then. So, the plan is to meet up at the RV point previously discussed in the thread, I have no idea of distances folk are travelling so I'll say a half eight to nine meet up unless that is too early?
Ive had trouble getting onto the site as well, see u chaps in the morning.
See you in the morning then, you're looking for a big chap and a skinny bloke with a horrendous beard. I'm the one with the beard! I'm staying out tonight so will be offline from now on, so if nobody shows by about ten past 9, I'll set off. Hopefully the weather will be good for photos and a pleasant walk.
Well, that was a nice walk in light rain! I had a cheeky kip when I got home for half an hour or so, getting up early and then rambling around Wharncliffe can take it out of an old chap like myself! I was lucky enough to share the walk with The Ratbag and Addo, we had quite some fun lookinhg at different flowers, strange effects of limb dropping on trees and an indescribable amount of scat! Looking through my books, it seems we may have come across badger and fox scat, with a possible roe deer print too. So all in all, a pretty good walk.
As I said before, I'd like to do one of these walks in each season so that I can see the change it has on the land. So the next one will probably be at the tail end of summer, but if Matt Weir wants to contact me on a free weekend when he wants to go for a look about, I'll try to make time to take you and your family aropund Matt as I realise you wanted to go but had alreasdy committed yourself to the Lakes. hope you enjoyed it!
:D
No pics I'm afraid as it rained the whole day and I didn't really want to get my camera wet as I'm not sure if it is weatherproofed or not.
Bernie Garland
01-06-2008, 17:56
No pics Spam fancied a look at the new worzel gummidge beard :eek:
Bernie
A bit too wet I'm afraid bernie, but you may get to see the brillo pad soon, I may be able to get down your way in a few weeks. If not, there's always the Summer Jam.
Had a great walk spam/ratbag look forward to the next one. was ready for a kip myself, when I got in, but walked into a torent of DO DIY NOW. As I was off out again the next day I did as I was told like a good boy.
Gonna look at doing another one in a month or so. Over the next four weeks I'll be rather busy what with our eldests' confirmation and some little meet up in a wood down in south wales or some such! :D So I'll say four weeks time will hopefully see me free to get one more of these done. I may push it back to the autumn, but if the weather stays as it was today then I really would like to see Wharncliff in the sun for once this year! :D
Same as before, chuck your name down, start a list, and don't forget your preference for a saturday or sunday. Confirmation of date nearer the time.
I'll be up for it. Im busy working at the Linacre woodland festival 16-17 August nr Chesterfield, after that im not sure when Im free untill I get my op date, but should be ok.:)
Addo - poss - Sat best.
Be nice to see you again Addo! I've been working around Chesterfield lately, you should send me your address, I may drop in for a cup of tea! :D
Welcome anytime mate, I'll pm addy.
Gonna look at doing another one in a month or so. Over the next four weeks I'll be rather busy what with our eldests' confirmation and some little meet up in a wood down in south wales or some such! :D So I'll say four weeks time will hopefully see me free to get one more of these done. I may push it back to the autumn, but if the weather stays as it was today then I really would like to see Wharncliff in the sun for once this year! :D
Same as before, chuck your name down, start a list, and don't forget your preference for a saturday or sunday. Confirmation of date nearer the time.
Count me in for the next one Spamel
I`m looking forward to getting out for a bimble soon.
Might have to get a sneaky night or two out again soon.
Rich
Bloomin' 'eck, where have you been? Missed you about the place, hope all is well. Still not set a date on this one yet, this weekend is gonna be a night out methinks. The Midlands Meet is not for another month, so the next few weeks are gonna be OK to do another one. I let the folks here decide when to go unless work stops me, and they haven't asked me to work at weekends. When do you want to go?
Can`t do anything this weekend as I`m on call both days
Should be able to get out for a days walk any weekend, and a night out shouldn`t be a problem either.
I`ll have a look at some dates and get back to you soonest
Rich
Womble_Lancs
18-08-2008, 18:44
I quite fancy coming along, if that's OK. I'd like to go and do some photography, and it's always nicer with company :)
I can't manage bank holiday weekend, but should be OK after that.
This weekend is full for me also, so after that is fine.
Are we having a bimble soon Spamel ?
I'll have to check when is free. This weekend I need off as I've been on call since Friday and I'm getting seriously knackered by now, and slightly grumpy to boot! I also need to sort out an impromptu get together for a few folks, would you be interested in a cheeky night out in the next few weeks?
I'll have to check when is free. This weekend I need off as I've been on call since Friday and I'm getting seriously knackered by now, and slightly grumpy to boot! I also need to sort out an impromptu get together for a few folks, would you be interested in a cheeky night out in the next few weeks?
I`ve just been on call for the last 9 days, all was going smoothly until a scheduled generator test on Saturday morning took a whole site down for 14 hours. The backup power only lasted an hour then we lost the whole network. Double time for 10 hours though so I`ll be thankful come payday.
I should be able to get a pass out for a night although I`m away in Scotland back end of next week. She needs a break from teaching so I`m dragging her up some big hills for a few days. I`ll be okay after that though I reckon.
Anywhere in mind ?
PM if you do
It's local to me, a bit of a tramp in but it's not too far away. I'm on call for when gas meters go down, I went to Nottingham three times yesterday! Each time i got home, I got a call to turn around and head on back for the next one!
sounds interesting depending on dates.
Do you still want that car moving?
sounds interesting depending on dates.
Do you still want that car moving?
I haven't seen the Warden since. To be fair, I keep out of those woods now, too much dog poo! :rant:
Went up Wharnecliffe today for a quick tramp about with my good buddy, El Ratbaggio! It was just a wander through the local area as we so often do with no real plan of what we are gonna do apart from visiting the burly tree. Earlier in the year La Ratatoiule-bag found a birch packed full of burls and it looked like it was gonna make it even though it was having a bit of a lie down. Seems we were wrong, so now we need to harvest the burls before they rot away. A Mighty Zubat would make life a bit easier!
After some gurning, sweating and a brew (very important!) I had a good sized burl off and in my pack, The Ratbag got another for himself so he will be busy carving for the next few weeks. Then, off we went on our jolly way. I took the camera this time and we visited the picture frame tree, a tree with a natural hole where two branches have grown together leaving a natural port hole in the tree. Photo opportunity for El Rattio and myself!
(The Ratbag is the good looking chap, I'm the orang utang!)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/wharncliffe/0810260001.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/wharncliffe/0810260003.jpg
After a bit more of a tramp about and a quick go with Rattys' fire box and another brew, we head on back to home. I set to with a bit of Iron Maiden and a spoon knife and a Little Whittler from bernie Garland, with a small amount of Carvin' Jack and I've now got this:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/wharncliffe/0810260010.jpg
Looks a bit like a whale! :D
Some more shots for you:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/wharncliffe/0810260013.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/wharncliffe/0810260014.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/Spamel/wharncliffe/0810260015.jpg
The bowl needs thinning a bit more and a final finish and oil, I don't want to rush it and the bowl cracks so I'll leave it for a while with some of the old chips and a splash of water to keep it moist and hopefully it will dry slowly and won't crack. There is a small hole in the top edge of the bowl itself about a half centimetre down from the edge, my options are use it as an overflow (!) or bung it with some epoxy/superglue. It is that small that a needle would fit snugly in it. I'll probably bung it.
Nice job Spam. But can I just add
"Get a shave that man!"
Good effort lads, lovely bit of timber you`ve got there spamel.
How about a smile though ?
A smile? I'm a moody, serious woodsman!
:D
On the burl side of life, there are loads of burls, if anybody is after one then I could jack up a Wharncliffe walk again in a few weeks and you can harvest one for yourself. I'm not getting any more, too much bloody effort involved! :lmao:
Looks like a nice day was had, cracking burl, should look great oiled up.
Im on a look out for burlage as my kuska I picked up from Norway is quite thin and wiskey leaks out even though its full of resin, not good!
Looks like a nice day was had, cracking burl, should look great oiled up.
Im on a look out for burlage as my kuska I picked up from Norway is quite thin and wiskey leaks out even though its full of resin, not good!
Keep an eye on the post ;)
Neanderthal
27-10-2008, 19:14
Looks like the beard is thickening up nicely for the winter Spamel. :)
Stu