Every year members of the Probus walk groups ‘volunteer’ to lead a walk, and this year, in a moment of bravado, I decided to choose June for both my walks, the regular and the extended walk.
Brave! Possibly foolish!
I’ve gone on lots of walks over the years with Probus – so many that I can’t remember them all and often come across places during walks that I now recall from previous different walks I’ve done!
You’d think that such intersections would build up a picture for me of the whole of the Yorkshire countryside over time, but I think that’s rather optimistic!

I do like finding new routes, especially if I’m leading, but it’s getting difficult. They have to be circular, either about four miles (or six to seven for the extended ones), not too strenuous and most important of all based on a great pub with good food for lunch!
I generally browse the Web and look at pocket-sized books entitled something like ‘ strolls in the Dales’ or ‘walks and pubs in Yorkshire’ for inspiration. Then I do a reconnoitre walk to test the walks out – sometimes by myself but often more enjoyably with Probus friends or with family.

I’ve found a couple of great walks for June, using a revised selection strategy. I’ve decided that it’s all about the food, and there have got to be great views. What could go wrong?

The extended walk on June 12th is a six miler from Buckden in Upper Wharfedale, including the most fantastic panorama of the whole valley and of the entire triangular route.
The regular walk on June 26th is a three and a half miler from Embsay, with truly amazing views from Embsay Crags.

Both of these walks are shorter than our typical walks, but it’s the food and the views that matter, I thought. However, I now appreciate the implications of my new strategy!

To get good views you do need to walk uphill (and then downhill!) before you get that lovely lunch!  That somewhat threatens the ‘not too strenuous’ criteria.

There’s no gain without some pain – but the views will make it all worth it (hopefully)!