A Dales High Way

Open Day for Malham Chapel Dig

An Open day was held today to mark the closing stages of a two-week archaeological dig at the site of St Helen’s Chapel in Malham.

The site is in a field adjacent to the National Park Centre and car park.

The dig has been led by Dr David Johnson of the Ingleborough Archaeology Group with the help of a group of volunteers and follows on from two similar digs at the site in 2015 and 2016.

The excavations in 2015 and 2016 confirmed the location of an ancient chapel in Malham, dedicated to St Helen. The digs corroborated documentary evidence as to how the chapel was destroyed by the Edwardian chantry commissioners in 1549.

During the twelfth century major landholdings were given to the two monastic houses of Fountains Abbey and Bolton Priory in Malhamdale. After the upheaval of the dissolution of the monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII all monastic land in Malham was surrendered to the Crown, then sold and resold.

The site of the lost chapel was finally re-established in 2014 when geophysical and topographical surveys appeared to reveal a two-cell building which resembled known profiles of early churches.

See the Malham Chapel Dig website here

13 July 2017

Dales High Way Talk & Walk

A Dales High Way plays a key role in Baildon Walkers are Welcome (WaW) events later this month.

The Baildon group hold their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening, 11 July. After the formal business of the AGM Chris Grogan will give an illustrated talk about the long-distance trail which passes Baildon Moor on its way to Ilkley. The public are welcome to attend the AGM and the talk, where refreshments will be available.

Then on the following day Chris will lead an 8-mile walk covering the first stage of A Dales High Way from Saltaire to Ilkley. All are welcome to join the free walk, which meets outside Victoria Hall in Saltaire at 10 a.m.

The route leaves Saltaire along the canal towpath and climbs steadily through Trench Wood to Shipley Glen before heading onto the open moors, passing the Twelve Apostles stone circle. The moorland is exposed and can be wet underfoot and the descent into Ilkley is steep and rocky so care must be taken. There is a short section along a busy road. Bring refreshments and a packed lunch, there are cafes and pubs at the end in Ilkley. The walk is expected to finish in Ilkley by 3 p.m., returning to Saltaire by train.

The led walk is part of Baildon WaW Summer Guided Walks Programme.

Baildon town was awarded Walkers Are Welcome status in 2013 after a two year campaign. The group organise a series of guided walks throughout the year, as well as publishing DIY local walk guides and a downloadable Baildon Village Walk. They also helped develop the Welcome Way, a 28-mile circular trail linking the Welcome Way towns of Baildon, Otley, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Bingley.

• The AGM and talk will be held at Wesleys Hall, Baildon Methodist Church on Tuesday evening, July 11th, starting at 7.30 p.m.
• The led walk - A Taste of A Dales High Way - leaves Victoria Hall, Saltaire on Wednesday July 12th at 10 a.m.

See the Baildon Walkers Are Welcome website here, and the Welcome Way website here.

1 July 2017

Appleby Horse Fair success despite wet weather

This year's Appleby Horse Fair drew to an end last weekend, with the general consensus of a successful week's festivities.

A Community Advisory Group has met throughout the Fair and provided feedback from both residents and Gypsies and Travellers. In general, they considered that the 2017 Horse Fair had gone really well, with very few incidents of concern.

Gypsy and Traveller representative Billy Welch said: “This year’s Fair has enjoyed a really positive atmosphere, even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits! All has been peaceful and quiet on Fair Hill, the traditional stopping place for Gypsies and Travellers at the Fair."

The total number of caravans was down by 112 on last year, with 815 motorised caravans (trailers) and 176 bowtops - traditional horse drawn carriages. The number of traditional bowtops was up by 23 compared to 2016.

Dr Robin Hooper, Chair of the Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) and the Chief Executive of Eden District Council said: “All the public agencies, charities such as the RSPCA and their dedicated volunteers, plus Gypsy and Traveller representatives have been working extremely hard not just during the Fair, but during the past year to ensure that Appleby Horse Fair is as safe and enjoyable as possible. The operational plan has been implemented successfully and the vast majority of people attending the Fair have enjoyed the good atmosphere, despite some very wet weather. Cumbria Police have again worked impeccably well and have taken a community led approach to public safety."

RSPCA Chief Inspector, Rob Melloy, said: “The main concern for the RSPCA this year was the high water level of the River Eden where horse washing takes place. The sheer volume of rainfall in the lead up to and during the Fair meant on some occasions we had to close the River Ramp and Jubilee Ford on a precautionary basis to protect the safety of animals and the public."

See our previous posting here, see the Official Appleby Horse Fair website here.

18 June 2017

New Ride2Stride video

A new short film celebrating the 2017 Ride2Stride Walking Festival is now available.

The video has been produced by David Halsall and Bridget Izod. The duo, both committee members of the Friends of A Dales High Way, have produced a number of walking films over the years, including a great account of walking A Dales High Way in 2012.

The video was filmed over the week of the festival and gives a flavour of all aspects of Ride2Stride - walks, talks and music!

This year's festival proved another great success, despite the kind of variable weather we have become accustomed to.

The programme on Friday April 28th was threatened by disruption when a rail strike was called for that day, especially as most of the walks and the music were focussed around Garsdale. However, walkers turned out in good numbers, arranging lifts to and from the area as needed. No-one was left stranded.

Chris Grogan, secretary of the Ride2stride organising committee, said "If you don't know what to expect at Ride2Stride, take a look at this film, then join us next year. You'll have a great time."

See Bridget and David's film of their Dales High Way walk here, and the Ride2stride website here.

5 June 2017