Here’s what Graham had to say about Chris’ walk starting from Hardwick Ponds.
Given the heavy rain forecast for the afternoon, it was no surprise that only five hardy souls turned up for this walk. However the forecast proved not to be too accurate and the first two hours were completed without any rain at all.
We started out from the Hardwick Park Ponds car park and steadily made our way up the fields to Hardstoft where we turned right and headed for Astwith. In days gone by this area was known for growing Damsons, but not particularly for the fruit, more for the skins which were used to make a purple dye for cotton thread and woven materials. From here we headed for the Five Pits Trail, up a couple of quiet lanes and crossing the B6039 Tibshelf Road and over three fields where we had our coffee stop on reaching the trail.
After our stop we turned right and followed the trail back over the B6039 and it was around here that a light drizzle started to fall. We continued on the trail towards Holmewood before turning right through a nice area of woodland which has been reclaimed from mining spoil. It was then over Baxters Field and onto Hawking Lane and through Stainsby Village. Walking through here we spotted a Victorian postbox that is still in use before descending the hill towards Stainsby Mill.
We passed under the M1 motorway bridge and past the mill as the drizzle turned heavy but we were now only a mile or so from the car park. We entered Hardwick Park and made our way up the one way approach road towards Hardwick Hall before turning right at the cattle grid. It was then down through an area of woodland and around the bottom main pond to the car park and visitor’s centre where we all had a well earned cuppa.
Yes, we did get wet but nothing like the forecast predicted and it was a pity that more members didn’t brave the elements and come along to give this lovely and interesting walk a try.
Many thanks to those who ignored the weather forecast and to Chris for leading the walk. Perhaps one to be repeated on the summer programme?
