Thursday 16 October 2014

How Much?’ or A Day at Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey

The Liverpool Ramblers left Liverpool on a grey day to travel by coach to the beautiful Bolton Abbey in Wharfdale, North Yorks.  43 of us set out and, on arrival at the car park we were charged £43 car parking.  (£1 per person for 12 or more in one vehicle!) 
Several walks had been subject to a recce, but the first choice was abandoned - because?  Yes, you guessed, a Grouse shoot was reputedly taking place that day.  No access to Simon’s Seat and various other fells and moorland. 

Regardless of such a bad start we all enjoyed a pleasant day, some of us starting off with cake and ‘free’ tea in the Pavilion Cafe. 

River wharfe & Bolton abbey


We walked along the Strid Path of the glorious River Wharfe and eventually came upon the Lady Anne Clifford’s legacy. Beamsley Hospital is an almhouse founded in 1593 by Lady Margaret Russell, the Countess of Cumberland. Her daughter, Lady Anne Clifford added the front range which provided accommodation for local widows of little means. It includes an amazing round Chapel boasting 4 chimneys.
Almhouse
  



Cows and sheep dotted the landscape, a truly rural scene, even down to a farmer training his sheep dog.  Few birds were seen, Buzzard, Kestrel, various gulls, and a field full of Lapwing.  A Robin sang to us as we returned to the coach after a dry day in our glorious English Countryside. 


Rhodie the rambler



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