Dowley Gap RFM Blue Line Walking with Nev, Jane and Theo

 

Dowley Gap 

RFM Blue Line 

Walking with Nev, Jane and Theo

This was a weather dominated walk. We expected to get wet as the showers splattered all around us,  during the walk. Spectacular clouds and rain clearly visible all around us was worrying.but apart from catching the edge of 2 showers we didn't get wet at all. Miraculously we did not even need our rain gear. We slightly altered the route by starting at Jane's rather than Salts Mill.

From Jane's we quickly set off up the hill towards Gilstead. This is the area where Nev grew up so she had loads of anecdotes to keep us interested whilst we climbed the steep hill. The house on the left was built in her childhood garden after the family left the house. The shower on the right had already passed so was not a threat.

This hill just got steeper and steeper so we were happy to reach the top.

We quickly walked through Gilstead.

Last week Jane had indicated this narrow, stone walled path was a good way down the hill so this week we took it. 

The views from this ancient way were green and wonderful. The way was easy to follow but the underfoot was in places treacherous. We met a man looking through binoculars towards a tree. He explained there was a Tawny Owl and its young in the tree. I looked and could see what looked like the rear end of the owl but although I took a photo I missed it. Anyway it was good to know it was there.

The steps on the path were a challenge in themselves to get up and tough on the knees. Bluebells have dominated the flora for the last few weeks and this wood was no different. They are so lovely to see. The recent rains had given the woods a strong earthy smell. You have to be there to experience it.

This section was an unusual construct being narrow stone walled and with a strange drain like construction in the middle. I asked a passing man if he knew anything about it. He didn't but he told a story about an old lady who had driven down the lane to the gates lower down and had got stuck. It was a good story and it just shows when you talk to people they usually talk back.

We headed down the lane where last week we had walked up towards Milner Fields.

We crossed Loadpit Beck which we had encountered upstream last week. 

As we headed through the housing estate a chap indicated that we could go down the path and get to the river. A slight detour which made sense so we took it. He told us about a few other walk options next to the river. He was really friendly and wanting to help.

We followed the path near the River Aire until we reached the cricket pitch and then we turned left into Roberts park. There were plenty of friendly dog walkers and as usual we said hello to everyone we came across.

 
Going through this park is always a joy especially as my 3 companions have so many fond memories of this park and happily share some of them. Theo and I posed on the kid-shined bronze Llamas, a new memory which is what these walks are all about

Salts Mill has quickly become a favourite place for me. We lost Theo here as he went for the bus home. Hopefully next walk he will be better prepared. It was really good to have him on the walk and would be even better if Loki could make it too, when available.

I was looking forward to walk through Salts model village and I must admit the architecture delivered and it was really interesting to see. Mary St reminded me I haven't walked with Mary, my sister, for ages.

We walked through Nab Wood, a marvellous mature woodland with large old trees and loads of squirrels and small birds.

Our way was next to this big wall. 

This cemetery is impressive with its large Victorian grave markers. It should be a peaceful place of contemplation but the gardeners and their mowers put an end to that.

Back to the River Aire and we head up the valley towards Cottingley.

This path was weird with 2 high stone walls on either side. In places it was a bit of a clamber to proceed.

It was a really pleasant and gentle path after the stone walls. We followed the river going under the impressive Cottingly Viaduct. There were loads of birds and I saw a kingfisher twice.

 

It is a little damp underfoot but the riverside is a very pretty place to be.

As we passed the rugby fields and enjoyed the lovely atmosphere the showers were gathering and we feared the worse. A man next to the river was telling us that they had just had hailstones and was surprised we had not had them.

The Panda garden was a joy but this bridge was a mystery as it didn;t seem to have a purpose. On our bank you could not access it. What is going on?

We nearly got wet on the lane through Round Hill but the edge of the shower just refreshed us rather than wet us.

Shipley Golf club stretched up the hill on our left.

The ford at Beck Foot and the small bridge were quaint and interesting.

This is such a lovely little area. There are moments on a walk that you have to be there to get it. What do they say ...be in the moment.

The buttercup field was a joy. 

   
This was a stiff hill towards Myrtle Park and a difficult path after the long walk we had already done. The woods were again squirrel and bird rich. The highlight though was a friendly dog called Milo who was loving being fussed. Great name for a dog.

Then we were over the Aire for the last time today and into the bottom of Myrtle Park.

The carved tree stumps were a nice feature.

We left Jane at the Lidl for Pete to pick up. 

This property as we entered Bingley should be familar to Kyle. Roadworks meant we had a convoluted route to cross the A650.

We walked along the tow path to the bottom of Dowley Gap where we met some walkers and had a chat and exchanged stories.

Then it was up the path to the estate and back to Jane's. I had unintentionally pushed it a bit up this final hill but Nev kept up. Her fitness for walking is getting really good.

At over 81/2 miles and with an ascent of nearly 1000 feet this was a serious walk. How we didn't get wet is a miracle.

I love the Aire Valley. I know there is deprivation and areas of blight but the walks so far have shown nothing but rural charm, parkland, river and canal-side paths, woodland, nature, architecture and history. The people we have met have all been friendly and often chatty. Love it.

OS Map

https://explore.osmaps.com/route/31978693/dowley-gap-rfm-blue-line?lat=53.84404&lon=-1.81965&zoom=14.8532&overlays=os-obstacles-layer&style=TopoAuto&type=2d