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Start: |
Timble village centre |
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Start (OS ref): |
SE180529 |
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Map (1:25,000):
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297 Lower Wharfedale & Washburn Valley |
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Parking: |
Roadside parking in the village |
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Distance: |
4.7 miles (7.6 km) |
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Time: |
2 hours |
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Difficulty: |
Easy |
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Climbing: |
193 metres |
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Hazards: |
Not ideal after a spell of rain as it can be very boggy |
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Refreshments: |
None |
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Route Map: |
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Summary:
I first discovered Timble, a beautiful rural village during my days of being a water company inspector in 1986. It was more a privilege than a job as I got to meet the local characters and work in the scenic area. The area is popular with ramblers as it lies less than 10 miles from either Harrogate, Leeds and Bradford. Close to home it is perfect to go there for a short impromptu walk if the weather suits. Just as it did when I persuaded my wife Lil it was about time she came for a leisurely walk with me. Enjoy the walk with us. |
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The Story of the Walk:
Timble is a popular spot for walkers as there are numerous footpaths reaching out in all directions from the village. It is the allure of the village and the welcoming sight of the unpretentious Timble Inn that draws walkers here. What better way is there to spend a Sunday lunchtime than walking a few miles in great countryside and finishing off at a cosy local inn with a drink? As always it attracted walkers. We were to meet many on our walk round the area. It was a Sunday so after a leisurely breakfast and read of the Sunday newspapers we went for our walk. We arrived in Timble at a fairly tardy 1.00pm (Lil had a lie in this morning - plus 1 hour clock's back - totalling 12 hours in bed!) so wasted no time in getting prepared and setting off from the village centre in a easterly direction down a lane to High Field Farm. At the farm we followed a bridleway southwards then cut off it due south down fields to a wooden bridge that led us around a distinct round shaped hill. Redding Hill in a different place is the type of hill you would expect to see a Castle atop. It is the perfect oval. We skirted the hill to Low Snowden then up to Washburn Farm. I said "I'm getting a stick to carry through the farm". Lil saw him first. "He's lying low waiting to pounce" she said. I was relieved to see he was tethered and true to form he jumped up and leapt for us snarling, teeth dripping with saliva, cursing that the chain was short. What a relief. We turned left in the farmyard and headed east over fields down to a dale.
Walking down to the dale was a wonderful moment. The trees are losing their leaves now, winter is around the corner but they are providing fantastic almost luminous golden brown colours before they close down until spring. Halfway down the bank we stopped for a while to look at Folly Hall wood. The colours were just fantastic and every tree in the densely packed wood slightly different in shade. Truly a great scene to take in and enjoy. After taking it all in we moved on down into the dale to a small beck which we crossed by means of a marvellous stone bridge. On the bridge (see picture above) a plaque read 'THE ARTHUR ADAMSON MEMORIAL BRIDGE a lifelong rambler erected 1967 by his friends in the Ramblers Association'. Arthur Adamson was a Leeds Alderman and must have been a popular man to have such a magnificent tribute built in his memory. The bridge is sturdy, built of Yorkshire gritstone and narrow letting only one walker across at a time. It is quite obvious the walker will appreciate such fine craftsmanship. It is a delight. After the bridge the walk continues northwards along the beck to Swinsty Reservoir Dam Embankment. This is another nice section of this short but highly enjoyable walk. We walked along the beck track on a carpet of fallen leaves meeting a few fellow walkers. We passed words and all remarked on the lovely scenery we were walking amidst. This late October day was dry, a little cool but the sun quite often broke though to share its warmth.
When the sun did break through, as it did on our walk down to Folly Hall wood it really lit up the trees and fortunately it did so again as we crossed the dam for we were now entering the woodland of Swinsty Moor Plantation. After following the bridle road that surrounds Swinsty Reservoir we cut off just after Swinsty Hall into the heart of the woods. This was another special time as the sun could now pierce the tree canopy a little easier as the trees had shed an abundance of their leaves. Every breath of wind blew off a few more and as we walked through the wood it was like walking through a colourful rain. It was a shame when the woodland section ended and we emerged into open fields again. One more highlight was to come though, quite unexpectedly.
The last few fields on our return to Timble were filled with sheep. Usually the sheep will steer clear of walkers but eerily this time they came towards us, in their droves. Why, we wondered but then we surmised it must have been Lil's fleece they were attracted to. True enough, as I stepped away they came up to her, really close and just stood with her, looking directly at her. It was a really uncanny moment and one we will not forget in a hurry. After my wife's meeting with the sheep we walked on into Timble regaining the track we had originally left the village by. Lil was ready for a drink now and so we walked to the pub and enjoyed a drink and a snack in the fantastic small village pub that had ignored technology. And it was much the better for it. |
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