Riddlesden RFM Blue Line Walking with Jane and Nev
Riddlesden
RFM Blue Line
Walking with Jane and Nev
17/06/26
On a cloudy, dry, warm morning we set off on this walk along the canal at Riddlesden. Keighly dominated the view to the south.
We parked outside Paddies and met Jane on the other side of the road when Pete dropped her off. Timing was perfect. Then it was through the cemetery and up to the canal.
The first task was to climb a steep hill called Swine Lane and it is a bit of a swine. Last walk we had descended this hill so it was quite familar, just harder. Then we took the overgrown path along the north side of this newish estate. It was quite a lot of nettles and grass to walk through but it was better than walking through the streets.
The hill to our right was quite steep and had interesting lumps and bumps which may or may not have been evidence of past human endeavours. Luckily the path cleared and we lost the nettles.
The rabbit with the youngster behind it was happy to watch us pass.
Along this path we had encountered nobody.
We left the fields and headed through the streets of Riddlesden past St Mary's with its garish white cross. Everyone we passed happily responded to our greetings. I quite liked the place quiet,calm and friendly.
Just before we descended down to the canal we paused to look at the view of Keighly. Venka and Jane discussed the various sights we could see. I loved the detail they gave but they had some differences of opinion over the issues Keighly suffers from. They definitely had mixed emotions. I was thinking when I look at Barnsley from a similar view I see home and a town forging into the 21st century but when I look at Keighly it looks, even from this distance, a town tired and stuck in the past. I am looking forward to walking through the middle it to get a better impression. I have been to Keighly in the past with Babs but it didn't leave a great impression apart from the train station which I loved.
We headed down an uneven series of dark steps down to the canal. Pass with care was the order of the day. In places the stones were very slippy.
We reached the canal at the swing bridge at Leach Crescent where Jane took the precaution of changing her new boots for trainers to avoid new boot blisters. I love the way the conversation continually flows on these walks. Its just nice.
Shortly after entering the woods along an unmade road we came across this odd gate with its key pad lock looking so out of place in this context. It made us chuckle.
We came across a local in his garden in Low Wood and had a brief discussion about the birds he had seen locally. Green Woodpeckers and Nuthatchers were the stand out bird species he was seeing. It was a lovely chat and he advised where to walk in the wood and that Autumn was the best time. We'll have to come back.
As we reached the end of the road we came across the Low Wood Scout Centre and then dropped down the track towards the canal.
Crossing the bridge over the canal we set off on the long flat walk along the tow path back to the cemetery and our start, about 3 miles.
The Leeds Liverpool canal is a joy to walk along.
The views were good. One drawback with all towpaths is the cyclists. I have no issue with them per se but on the narrow tow paths they need you to get out of the way because they need to go faster. I think we tolerate each other but fundamentally walkers and cyclists use the tow path differently and can clash.
This mummy duck and single chick followed us for ages on the bank and on the canal. Maybe she wanted bread. We were passing loads of fluffy dogs and happy walkers so we stopped quite often for a chat and a stroke of the dog. An elderly couple sat next to their narrowboat, with 2 dogs who fussed us happily, told us a worrying story of an old man on an electric bike who had just attacked their dogs with his boots and bike. Obviously the dogs had caused him a problem but they were small soft curly haired old dogs who appeared harmless to us. I'm on the dogs side.
We thought the ducklings were playing with a dead mole but it was a dead rat. I think they were trying to eat it.
More dogs, more chats... loved it. One little dog came up to us to say hello and its owner seemed to be a long way away so we kept it busy fussing until she caught up. Turned out it was an old 16 year old deaf dog who had set off for home on its own as it had got confused. She was grateful we had detained it. She had another dog of a similar age also deaf. They were lovely little dogs and obviously much loved.
I prefer hills to tow paths. The flat walking hurts my thighs at the front. Venka said that it affects her the same. Must be like a repetitive strain effect.
I like cemeteries quiet and calm. Maybe not at night.
I love this final photo taken in the cemetery at the end of aour walk. We look so happy and relaxed. by the way thanks to the occupant of the grave whose head stone I used to balance my camera on.
6 miles and 444 feet is another good walk. I think Jane is starting to get some miles in her legs and the distance is getting easier. The Wednesday walk is here to stay so if you read this and want to come along you are welcome.
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