Askrigg, Sunday, June 14, 2009 - Addle(d)..brough

Sunday - our last day - the sun was still shining, John K. suggested a stroll up the most obvious local hill - Addlebrough at 480 m. There was a full turnout as we set off up the permissive path out of Thornton Rust. Having read the rules allowing a 'permissive path' .....Curls claimed that they included a ban on 'silliness'!!
The walk proved a relatively gentle - apart from the last 200 metres - stroll across some fairly featureless countryside - with the only real sound coming from the curlews. It gave a good opportunity to chat and finally enjoy a really good view of Wensleydale and Semer Water. On the way back down, we continued to follow the signposted path through the fields until unaccountably we came across an area which looked as though it had been specially planted as a nature reserve - so despite the obstacles of climbing over the fences both in and out, we trampled our way through this - only to spot the path which went round the outside as we emerged!
Finally, we walked back along the road into Thornton Rust. Here Paul and Martin had to set off for the long drive back down south, but the rest of us were able to sample one more Dales pub, the Fox and Hounds at West Witton. Again we struck lucky and enjoyed a beer and a sandwich in the sunshine, reflecting that it would be good to spend the afternoon there, but all good things have to come to an end, so we eventually set off back home.

A really good weekend - perhaps without a single 'ball-breaker' but with 3 day's walking with the whole group - thanks Chris.