Druid's Altar

This morning the day had started so well and my daughter rang asking if I knew of any walks they could do this afternoon.  After racking my brains I came up with the Druids Altar and Marley Loop.

By the time they arrived the low clouds had arrived and the mist was descending.  We set off anyway and when we got to Bingley the weather was a lot better. Parked up – got geared up and set off.   Walked over to Ireland Bridge and headed up the steps to pop out on Altar lane.

  George was enthusiastic – not – he thought this part was boring.  It’s also a pretty steep uphill slog to the top and with children, one of them only 4 years old it took quite a while to get to the top.

We eventually turned off the road and headed on the pathway to the gritstone outcrops known as Druids Altar – George was not quite so bored now. 

  We continued along the top through the heather and bilberry bushes following the muddy track.  Good thing I’d warned it could be muddy and wellies were footwear of the day.

I have to admit this walk was turning out a lot muddier than I thought it would be.  After some serious walking we eventually came to the downward path.  I have to admit walking along the top seemed to be a lot further than I remembered. We were now on our way back down the steep tracks to Marley Hamlet. 

At the bottom we took the small stile into the fields where in the past I have seen deer.  No chance today with all the family although we did see several deerprints in the mud.  Eventually we passed through the Ravenroyd farmyard with the small stream running through it and walked along the access road alongside the river. 

You could tell there had been a  lot of rain as it was full and fast flowing. 

  It took us another half an hour to get back to the car.  A pretty good 4.5 mile walk – and Mabel did really well to walk the whole way with no complaints.  It had tested Aggie’s wellies and they were ready for the bin as the walk had been too challenging for them – they leaked.  Even George had enjoyed all the muddy bits.  It was time for home and a fish and chip tea. 

Albert was ready for his tea after helping Mum keep warm all the way round, and Jo and Bernard needed to refuel ready for their evening run.