On Saturday 20th October, Society member Nicky Busby and her Jack Russell, ‘Bella’, led a small group from the Society on a wonderful walk in The Washburn Valley, with an informative stop at the Washburn Heritage Centre on the way.
The Washburn Valley forms the southern third of the Nidderdale ‘Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty’, to the west of Harrogate.
It is most well-known for its four reservoirs which span the length of the valley from remote Moorland on the high hills of Thruscross Reservoir (the newest of the four), to the rich and gentle rolling hills that surround Lindley Wood Reservoir.
This beautiful area is tucked away between Harrogate and Otley and offers some stunning scenery, especially at this time of year when the trees are decked out in their autumn finery. Apart from the scenery, the highlight of the walk was our stop at The Washburn Heritage Centre which is attached to the Church in the village of Fewston. Here, Clive, one of the volunteers, gave us a brief history of the Centre and the Village whilst we tucked in to tea and home-made cakes; a special mention must go to 96 year old Cyril who had baked the most delicious Parkin.
A big thank you to Nicky Busby who led the walk and gave us the benefit of her extensive knowledge of the area.
A sunny day, great scenery, good company and tea and cakes, what’s not to like about that? Watch out for the next in Nicky’s series of “hidden gem” walks and do yourself a favour and come and join us.