Driving into Skipton. (Saturday 21st. March 09)
..its large car park in the centre, which was the starting point for the 3 walks.
...this is my photo record of the “C” walk -
The castle - 900 years old. Above the entrance the Latin motto of the Clifford family - Desormais - means Henceforth.
..It is said Mary Queen of Scots was a impisoned here - we head through the gate into the churchyard.
...which overlooks the main street..
...and head for the canal towpath nearby.
...which is just down the steps on to the street, and to the right.
We go down from the road by the canal bridge.
..to start the walk proper.
The path takes you under the walls of the castle - right - built high on a cliff, no wonder it withstood a 3 years Civil War siege.
Colours stand out brightly in the Spring sunshine..
..and the first flowers of Spring are everywhere..
Eunice and Joan have a photo taken.
..it was pleasant to walk through the woods with its streams and pools.
..this is the River Wharfe
Walk leader Margaret who was backed up by Eunice..
..the River Wharfe.
..Yes! all is right with the world on a spring day like this.
.. in May this bank which is covered in wild garlic - aka ransome - will be a mass of white flowers.
..and will be a sight to see, all the way along the path.
..now there are more flowers.
..among the wild garlic's green leaves.
.. now we are returning to the town centre, and its busy canal basin.
Colin has plenty to smile about - it was a great walk.
Old canal machinery.
On towards the centre.
This dog was just aching to get at the ducks on the canal. Sorry Rover, but you've no chance
We reach the centre.
..and it's time for a break..
..before setting off through the town..
..to Aireville Park.
In the park
“Who are you looking at then?.” This squirrel seems to be saying, as he watches us pass by.
We leave the park through a meadow, and reach the canal again, and walk back to the town centre.
On the way we meet Roger the ice cream vendor by a swing bridge..
..who claims top be a mate of old Wigan rugby winger Billy Boston.
Joan and Colin chat while waiting for the ice cream addicts. to be served
This is looking towards the town centre from the swing bridge - the old mill on the right is now apartments.
Left along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is Liverpool - via Wigan Pier..
... but we go right and walk to a bridge ..
...that looks down on the basin.-. on the right by the barge, is the famous Bizzy Betty's fish n' chips cafe.
we walk a little way through the town and get back onto the canal and then leave it at this bridge.
Is it the Bridge of Sighs - or The Bridge of Thighs? Sorry girls. Ha Ha
..the bridge is on the left by the famous pork pie shop - here you can buy pies of all sizes.
.. nearly at the end of the walk, we made our way back past the church...
..with its flower borders.
..and past the castle entrance back to the car park.
On the way I called in at the museum, and saw this yard long mantrap, once used by gamekeepers - how horrific is that - look at those spikes on the jaws.
..and a Hammer House of Horrors, hand propelled, coffin transporter, call me picky, but I think a dark wood coffin would have been a better choice for the exhibit ?
A photo on the wall shows Skipton's busy main street in 1903...
...and today on Market Day 2009 - it's still busy.
...at 5pm we boarded the coach, and headed for the Craven Heifer pub for a carvery meal..
...which was really good..
..and enjoyed by everyone.
...the carvery being set up - "Hurry up chef".
Yes! Says Eunice and Joan, "Bring on Ye old roast beef dinner".
And my pint of Theakston's bitter never tasted so good - Cheers! ladies.
..Yep! best part of the day - agrees my namesake Jen Farrell - Bye for now, hope you enjoyed it too. Jim Farrell.
