Barden Tower - September 2016

SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAMME
Our final walk in our summer series takes us to the lovely Yorkshire Dales and the fells above the River Wharfe.

YORKSHIRE DALES
A: Simons Seat and Barden Fell - Barden to Burnsall 10.8 miles, 2079 ft ascent.
Starting at the historic Barden Tower we descend on a minor road to the River Wharfe. Crossing the bridge, we turn downstream and follow a good path, initially though a field and then through dense woodland, meandering high on the riverbank. Briefly joining a minor road at Posforth Bridge, we head upwards following the line of the Gill, across a field and then through woodland on good paths before crossing a footbridge over a waterfall and into the Valley of Desolation. There is then a narrow and twisty section of path continuing our ascent, before we join a broad track that gradually takes us up onto Barden Fell, and onwards to our summit of Simons Seat, a prominent outcrop of millstone grit where we hope to enjoy extensive views. The scramble to the Trig Point is optional. Our descent is steep, initially on large rocks and then through ferns and heather and requires care and concentration. It's hard work on the eyes and knees! Finally, we reach the lower slopes and fields at the village of Skyrehome . Crossing the beck just after Parceval Hall, famed for its lovely gardens, we follow its line up the lovely limestone gorge of Trollers Gill, then on to Middle Hill before heading down towards the River Wharfe just before our final destination of Burnsall.

WALK A Link to OS map

WALK B: Barden Reservoirs - Barden to Burnsall, 8.5 miles, 1144 ft ascent.
Starting at the historic Barden Tower, the route follows heather-clad moorland and farming tracks up onto Barden Moor. Our walk offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and incorporates two Victorian reservoirs and an interesting Gothic house. Remaining on good tracks and keeping to the east of Burnsall and Thorpe Fell, we head down the hillside and through pretty Thorpe Village, crossing the road and continuing our descent until we reach the River Wharfe. The final section of our walk follows the course of the river as it winds through the lovely, dramatic, limestone gorge of Loup Scar, and into the lovely village of Burnsall, our final destination.

WALK B Link to OS map

WALK C: A gentle paced 5 to 6 mile walk, along good paths and with minimal ascent. Details to be confirmed.

In the unlikely event of separation from the group or other emergency please take note of the following contact numbers:

Liz Moxham - 07876255849
Frank Jones - 07788736006