Autumn walks weekend 2024: Sunday 8th September — Crummack Dale Circular from Clapham

Leader: David Shepherd

Reporter: Liz Prentice

Yesterday's injured party didn't expect to be able to do the Sunday Walk, but he made a start, and turned out not to be the casualty! Unfortunately, not far out of Clapham, our leader Dave M felt dizzy and ill, and he and Vanessa had to drop out. The rest of us: Andrew, Chris (& dogs), Steve & dog Jim, Paul and me, were then guided by David S on a pleasant (if damp) low-level walk.

Along the track to Austwick and Feizor, we bumped into the caveman who had sold us tickets for the Ingleborough trail the day before and recognised our party. In Feizor we sheltered from the rain at the delightful Elaine's Tea Rooms. Refreshed, we headed north in light rain towards Crummackdale, stopping to eat our lunch by a stream with a picturesque stone clapper bridge. The return route to Clapham went over a few tricky high stiles with steps and little sprung gates, which seem to be a feature of the area. We passed through an odd rock field at Norber, and round the edge of a strange desolate reddish bog in the valley below, before going through the tunnels and back into Clapham.

The day ended with the usual van-side tea party at our campervan, to celebrate the birthday people (David, Steve & dog Jim, and me), sitting under the awning out of the rain eating cake.

This was a good lowland walk, nearly ten miles, suited to Sunday's weather. Thanks to Dave M for organising both walks — just a pity he wasn't able to come with us on the Sunday Walk.