Stokesley University of the Third Age-Walking Group

Stokesley and District U3A - the University of the Third Age

About Us

Meetings

General Meetings

Groups

Walking Group

walkers at Castleton

We organize both Long Walks and Short Walks.

Short walks (up to 4 miles) take place on the second and fourth Fridays of each month, and are usually led by Bryn and Jackie. If you plan to go, it is advisable to phone Bryn or Jackie (or whoever is leading) between 9 - 9.30 a.m. on the day of the walk, to confirm that there are no changes of venue and to make sure that the group waits for you, if you get delayed. Shared transport can usually be arranged between group members.

Short walks start at 10.30 a.m. promptly, are usually 'circular', and often finish up near a pub or café where lunch can be taken if you wish to join us. Please phone the leader between 9 a.m. and 9.30 a.m. on the day of the walk, to make sure it has not been cancelled because of bad weather, and so that we wait for you if you are delayed.

August 13th	Meet at Winston (just off A67 between Darlington & Barnard Castle) for a walk along the Teesdale Way to Whorlton and return. This is an “all day” 6 mile leisurely walk. Pub or picnic lunch at Whorlton.

August 27th	Meet at Byland Abbey (car park behind Abbey Inn) for a 3 mile circular walk. Note - option of pub lunch must be pre-booked from menu before 20th August and is a firm commitment whether we walk or not!

September 10th	Meet at Hob Hole ( “The Splash” on the road to Westerdale), for a 3½ mile circular walk in Baysdale and over the moors. The heather may still be good.

September 24th	Meet at the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge for a 3mile walk down through Rosedale and back around the old railway line. Option of Pub lunch.

October 8th	Meet at Fangdale Beck for a 3mile circular walk in Bilsdale. Fangdale Beck is a hamlet half-way down Bilsdale just to the west of the B1257.

October 22nd	Volunteer needed please

Long walks (usually 7-10 miles) take place on the first Friday of each month, although if a volunteer can be found to lead, we might also go on the third Friday. Generally the final decision of where we'll go is made a day or two before (to take account of weather conditions) so please telephone one of the walk leaders to get details. We usually take a packed lunch and hot/cold drinks so that we can stop at a convenient point for a break. And if you are one of our walkers and would be willing to lead a walk, we are always on the lookout for volunteers!

The next long walk on August 6th will be in Westerdale. This is a circular route around the beautiful and unspoilt valley of Westerdale. Meeting by the church (NZ6649 0587)at 10am, we will start by taking a quiet country lane which will lead us to good tracks and footpaths to High House Farm. From there we shall start our ascent(including a short but steep section) onto open moorland. After 1 mile we reach the old railway track which we follow for a short section (giving great views on a clear day back down into Westerdale and also into Farndale) before descending back into Westerdale. We then follow a well-defined track (stony in places), passing below Esklets Crag, gradually ascending over Westerdale Moor and back into Westerdale village. Options are available to modify the route if conditions necessitate. Distance 8 miles with ascents and descents. Parking is available along the main street in Westerdale. Let Helen know if you plan to come, and if possible we will share cars.

Here are some of the long walkers in Scugdale in December 2009.

Lunch stop!

Stokesley and District U3A

Registered Charity Number 1117650