Meet Report: 23-25 July 2021.

By Friday evening 18 members, PMs and guests had arrived at George and Vivienne Burfitt’s beautiful home at Hartlington Mill. Set in 5½ acres of wooded valley, the campsite was in a circular clearing just above the millpond and accessed by a footbridge across Barben Beck (fast flowing despite the lack of rain because Grimwith Reservoir upstream was being used to top up Bradford’s supplies). Wharfedale was very busy this weekend; having a peaceful and private campsite to ourselves really made this a special meet.

Roy Denney and Mike Godden, who were staying at The George in Hubberholme, called in to inspect the site whilst the final three, Mick Borroff, John Sutcliffe and Anne Lofthouse were not due to arrive until Saturday morning.

A few joined Roy and Mike for a meal at the Red Lion in Burnsall but most dined at the campsite whilst being dined upon by the midges. As always they bothered some more than others but they didn’t stop conversation continuing long after dark.

Roy and Mike’s activities, which inevitably were rather separated from the rest of the meet can be read HERE

Saturday dawned dry but overcast; without the heat of the previous week, it promised excellent conditions. Harvey walked alone, following the Dales Way north to Grassington and returning by devious ways.

Simon’s Seat was the objective for most. Parties ascended by various routes, including the enigmatically named but delightful Valley of Desolation. For the writer, it was his second visit to the valley after a gap of 60 years. The name derives from a devastating storm in 1826 which caused a landslide and the destruction of many trees. There is no sign now of the damage and the walk up is tranquil and beautiful.

Recalling Charles Scriven’s account of camping in Appletreewick in the 1902 Journal, Mick Borroff, Richard Taylor and John Sutcliffe headed up Kail Lane and paused to inspect Hell Hole, which the YRC explored in 1896. Traversing Trollers Gill, they passed the lead mine above and had a short diversion to view a large rock with a score of cup-marks, then passed the small building over the excavation shaft down to the Nidderdale Aqueduct tunnel, and proceeded to Simon’s Seat via the Little and Great Pock Stones. The return to camp was via Howgill and a welcome pint in the Craven Arms with PMs Rod and Yayoi Smith.

A party of eight including four PMs and two guests set out directly from Hartlington Mill for Simon’s Seat, via the attractive path by the Wharfe, including the Strid, and then up the Valley of Desolation. It was new ground for many and another had not been since “he were but a lad”. Taking in Lord’s Seat, they met the climbers and the other walking group, who had come up via Trollers Gill, for a sociable lunch at the trig on the summit. There were a couple of stylishly executed tumbles on the descent towards Howgill but no serious damage and most enjoyed a delicious brownie and coffee at the cafe,  with only two being more tempted by a trip to the Craven Arms, before the walk back along the river to the campsite. 

Six climbers made a full day of it by parking at Howgill, walking down the Wharfe, then up the Valley of Desolation to the rocky tor of Simon’s Seat.

The YRC, in the form of the Waterfall brothers were active here in the 1920’s and 30’s when they climbed most of the classic routes up to VS. The steep North side was initially chilly but two severes, Arete Wall and Y Front were climbed on excellent rough grit before a foray to the warmer South side was made. Several routes were done there including the Waterfall brothers’ fine Straight Crack. They gave this a grading of severe; nowadays it goes at VS 4c and looks a lot harder than it really is. A return to the now warmer North side resulted in two more routes before a descent to the brownie shop just minutes after it closed. A pint in the Craven Arms had to do instead.

By early evening barbecue smoke was drifting enticingly across the Burfitts’ front garden. With the welcome addition of David Handley and Derek Bush, who had driven over for a burger and a chat, everyone enjoyed a most convivial evening, gathering around a blazing firepit as the evening lengthened. We have been very lucky with the weather on our camping meets so far; a barbecue in the pouring rain might not have been so attractive!

Some left for home on Sunday morning but with good weather prevailing the majority made the most of it. Rod and Yayoai went to Bolton Abbey where they were in time to attend Holy Communion at the Priory Church, the first with live singing for 18 months. They very much welcomed this sign of a return to normality.

Richard Taylor circumnavigated Grimwith Reservoir, being entertained by yacht racing on the way.

George Burfitt, accompanied by his 8 year old grandson, Charles, conducted the rest on a 12km circular tour over the moor to Trollers Gill, returning along the Wharfe. Helen B and Trudi (who had already immersed herself several times in Barben Beck) could not resist a large swimming hole in the river and disported themselves there whilst the others wended their way back to Hartlington.

This was a most successful meet. Good weather, an excellent location and an attendance of 26 members, PMs and guests made it a weekend to remember. Thanks to George and Vivienne for accommodating us.

Attending: George Burfitt, Michael Smith, Mark Rowntree (PM), Robert Crowther, Mike Gregg (PM), Helen Smith, Roy Denney, Conrad Tetley (PM), Mick Borroff (Saturday), Trudi Warner (PM), Tim Josephy, Anne Lofthouse (PM, Saturday), Mike Godden, Alan Clare, John Lloyd, Rod Smith (PM), Yayoi Smith (G), David Brown (PM), Richard Taylor, Harvey Lomas, Richard Smith, Felicity Roberts (G), Helen Brewitt, John Sutcliffe (Saturday), David Handley and Derek Bush Saturday evening).