Walking Weekend

Coniston Country Estate

Some 38 Rotarians enjoyed a short break of walking and socialising in the Yorkshire Dales.  The venue provided an excellent setting, the food and service was superb and even the weather was very kind to us. After gathering on Sunday afternoon we were free to stroll around the Hotel grounds or take advantage of the on-site swimming pool and spa facilities, followed by dinner in a private dining area.

The Estate

After a good night's sleep and a full Yorkshire breakfast, we were ready for a guided tour of the 1400 acre estate.  The two hour walk took us past the clay pigeon and archery shooting ranges, then over the hill to the equestrian centre and fishing lake.  John Clark gave us an informative overview of the landscape and how it was formed during the ice age.  We returned to the hotel for a lunch of sandwiches and fries.

Malham Cove

In the afternoon, President Chris organised a group to drive to Malham where we walked along the footpath to the base of Malham cove.  The walk being punctuated with stops to admire the picturesque views, to hear some more geological explanations from John and to observe the peregrine falcon nesting at the top of the cove.  We were also lucky enough to see it in flight.  After a tea break at Beck Hall, we returned to the hotel for another spendid, sociable meal.

Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar and the Cove again

Following another Yorkshire breakfast on Tuesday most of the group headed home except for 12 die hard mountaineers who wanted to take a peek from the top of the cove. John Clark lead us from Malham past the waterfall known as Janet's Foss and through Gordale to the Scar.  We then retraced our steps and headed uphill, past the site of an iron age village to the limestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove. After negotiating the clints and grykes we headed back to Malham down the 400 steps, stopping once again at Beck Hall for some late lunch.

Please click on the following link for more photos from the weekend (members will need to log in to see this)

http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/page.php?PgID=755642&ClubID=1306

Everyone agreed that it was a most pleasant weekend.  Our thanks go to President Chris for making the arrangements.