Micklethwaite RFM Blue Line Walking with Nev and Jane
RFM Blue Line
Walking with Nev and Jane
04/06/26
The walk started on Hall Bank Drive and set off up the hill over well defined paths between all the posh houses. Some of the vegetation was pretty wet so we were getting wetter and wetter as we brushed against it.
We have had a lot of hot dry weather lately and I must confess I really enjoyed getting wet legs and brushing into dripping bushes. We paused quite a few times to look at the gardens and the wonderful plants and trees in view particularly the Acers. Any one who gardens would love this part of the walk. I certainly did.
Passing through the woods just below Greenhill Farm was a joy. The air in this wet atmosphere feels so clean and refreshing, its makes me so happy. As ever we were chatting constantly but we were not passing any other walkers. I think the weather was a factor.
This was actually the highest point of this walk and we dropped down passed Greenhill Farm to the path to Micklethwaite. I wonder if this area is actually called Greenhill, it would make sense. The road was quiet but the path covered in bits off the trees, moss and grit was treacherously slippy. We slowly picked our way down and thankfully no one slipped.
Then we were on the overgrown path to Micklethwaite.
The views were washed out but still glorious. Some of the trees lining this route were old and impressively large. There were many areas where the path was so overgrown it was impossible not to wade through the weeds and nettles. I confessed that I quite like the tingle nettle stings leave behind after the initial pain. My fellow walkers thought I was a bit weird. I remember what Becky said about nettle stings curing hayfever. I did google it and there is no scientific proof but who cares I believe Becky and belief often gets better results than science.
The rabbits were out in force in the adjoining field and we were thrilled to watch them.
The view on the left is wonderfully framed like a picture. This tree really impressed me with its size and majesty. What a great path this is.
My walking companions were damp but happy, as was I, though my bare legs were probably damper.
We had seen the houses of Micklethwaite over to our left for a while but now we reached the centre and oldest part of the village but first the path passed through someone's manicured gardens.
Micklethwaite now is an obviously affluent village but it looks like in the past it was an industrial hamlet not a rural village. I find the old buildings fascinating and I am sure there is a history here that can be discovered in the buildings and there evolutions.
Coming out of Micklethwaite we headed up towards East Morton but first we had to go down and up the valley crossing Hebble Bridge in the trees. It was another wet path in places and the last stretch to the road was uncomfortably steep with wonderfully old iron railings next to the slippy huge stone steps giving some welcome hand holds.
On reaching the road we saw this hole in the wall opposite and speculated on its function. Was it a selling hatch for a roadside business, an access point for produce to be taken up to the property above, a niche for fancy flowers or a small drinking spring for the thirsty pack horses of the past now neglected and dry. Who knows? But it is always fun to speculate and you can bet Nev and Jane both had their strong opinions on its purpose. These are the little incidents which enrich the experience of our walks.
We passed the lower side of East Morton, reminiscing about old boyfriends (girlfriends) and this hall. The things we talk about.
We proceeded along Carr Lane with the golf course on our left and these 2 masked donkeys on our right. Nev and or Jane explained the masks were to keep off the mozzies from the donkeys eyes. You learn something every day. They did look a bit odd in blue, I wonder what the donkeys thought about the colour. In a tree on our left we saw loads of what looked like spiders webs but I googled it and it identified the image as Small Ermine Moth Caterpillar nests. There were loads of them and they were full of caterpillars. I am sure I have never come across them before.
It took ages to get the girls to cross the road onto Swine Lane as they were so deep in conversation. In the end I ushered them across the road like a teacher with the infant class. It was quite funny. Look Keighly in the distant murk. Why is there no 't' in Keighly, doesn't make sense.
Jane thought I was going the wrong way as we headed off the road to the west but I was only going down to the towpath to turn and follow the canal back under the bridge. This canal had loads of lily pads some in flower.
This is the very famous Leeds and Liverpool Canal vital in the development of so many industrial centres in Yorkshire and Lancashire. A true artery of the Industrial Revolution and an absolute pleasure to walk along side. Just look at those tiny canal side cottages.
We encountered a few more walkers and runners along the canal and everyone was happy to exchange greetings although some seemed a little hesitant in how to respond to a simple hello. Don't they know we walk on Wednesdays!
As we approached Morton Swing Bridge the cute fluffly cygnets were adorable.
The young Heron near the swing bridge was never going far, the fishing must be really good. The little flight did allow me to get this shot with the reflection which I love. Shame it wasn't flying towards me.
Ducklings and more canal, what a treat. We stroked a couple of dogs especially a young hairy blonde dog which was a night-mare for its owner as it bounced all over the place with joy. He was struggling with the lead so we moved on to let the dog calm down. I love other people's dogs.
As we approached the 5 rise locks the moorings were full of narrow boats.
We explored the top lock crossing and recrossing the walkway over the gates. It was quite an experience as it is really a long way down to the water and the view down the rise is spectacular.
We had a quick selfie at the end of the canal side part of the walk.
More than all that the conversation on the walk and the physical walk itself is so theraputic and interesting, its no wonder I look forward every week to our Wednesday walk. If you are reading this and didn't make the walk don't worry just come along next Wednesday.
os map
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/32311283/micklethwaite-rfm-blue-line?lat=53.85604&lon=-1.83694&zoom=15.0476&style=TopoAuto&type=2d
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