From Redmire Station car park  to Castle Bolton, Dents House, Cobscar Mill, Preston Scar. Returing via Preston under Scar and  Gillfield Wood- 10.5 miles

Fourteen members and one guest departed from Redmire station car park.  We called at Nelly Force waterfall on our way to Castle Bolton then climbed up over the moor to Black Hill where there were still large patches of snow to negotiate. We made use of Dents house shooting lodge for the morning break (thank you Bolton estate for your hospitality) and enjoyed superb views of snow clad hills on the approach towards Cobscar chimney. After descending from the moor via Redmire quarry and a tricky, steep and muddy path towards Preston village we made a detour through Gillfield wood to the perfectly situated wooden seat (or ‘Bev’s happy place’). Thank you Preston under scar villagers for providing this. After meandering through the village  we crossed the railway line and carried onto Redmire Station via the Jonas Centre. No-one wanted to play giant Connect Four with Allan but in true grit spirit  he didn’t take it personally!!

There was plenty of water and mud encountered on our travels but this band of troopers motored on regardless. Blue sky to the west brought welcomed brightness and patches of sunshine along with sights of a circling barn owl, pussy willow trees, an abundance of snowdrops and spring flowers pushing through - which made all the effort feel worthwhile. Another lovely walk with very good company.

Welcome to Grant on his first walk with the group and many thanks to Allan and Judith for providing excellent parking facilities for the pub stop afterwards.