Here you can see the report from our latest walk and also some of the pictures that were taken.

Unless otherwise stated, report by Paul Coates and pictures by Keith Bilton.

Thursday 29th. January 2009

Linton Whins, Rayslack House, Black Plantation, Shardale, Lane, Pits Plantation, Grange Garth, Willow Hill, Wintringham, Wintringham Beck, Lane, Firs Plantation, A64, Lane, Scampston, High Gate House, Railway Crossing, Field Path, Rillington (Coach & Horses), Beech Tree Farm, Thorpe Bassett, Lane, Rowgate, Beacon Wold, Settrington Beacon, High Street, Linton Whins (11 miles).

Foggy morning, misty afternoon with occasional sun. Cold light wind.

Chris, Paul, Paul Craggs, Keith, Paul 'Sherlock' Holmes, Stu, Ray, Jack, Bob.

Chris, Bob, Keith.

Linton Whins is a small plantation of trees on the long narrow lane between West Lutton and Settrington. We were not sure if there would be anywhere to park but in the event we managed to find a spot on the grass verge at the edge of the plantation. It was a bit damp and soggy among the trees as we got ready to start the walk with droplets of water dripping off the trees as the fog swirled around us.

So off we set with Paul keeping with tradition and consulting the map while Keith struck a blow for technology with his GPS cum phone cum camera cum teasmade thingy. That was once he'd managed to get it going, having to refer to the old fashioned map to sort out just exactly where we were. However once it was up and running he was off, and almost running.

A foggy start to the walk

It was quite a murky winter’s day with poor visibility due to the fog. We did see our first snowdrops of the year at Shardale and at the back of Wintringham village, at Willow Hill, we spotted some punk chickens.

It turned out they were White Crested Black Polish hens, that was according to their owner. The owner invited our two photographers, Keith & Sherlock, to get up close and personal with the hens by climbing into the compound.

We took our morning break in Wintringham although we soon discovered that Keith and Sherlock were missing. Chris went out to look for them but drew a blank. We did wonder if they'd been fed to the chickens but they eventually re-appeared, having been rescued from death by pecking by a passing villager.

Our grub stops are frequently enlivened by Jack sounding off on some subject or other and once again he didn't let us down. Today's topic was decorating and the skilful art of getting out of it. He reckons that the best way to avoid any contact with paint or wallpaper paste is to make a complete mess of the job at the first attempt thus ensuring you are never again asked to paint doors or hang wallpaper. It appears that Jack has to vacate the premises whenever Pam is in decorating mode, although we reckon he's asking to be coated in Ronseal quick drying varnish after he's had the audacity to then criticise the workmanship once he's allowed back indoors!

As we walked along the field paths and farm lanes beyond Wintringham we realised that we'd be at the pub before opening time if we weren't careful, or slower. So we added a bit of mileage on by crossing the busy A64 and making for Scampston. We passed through Fir Plantation which was alive with the sound of tree felling and the smell of wood smoke.

Glad we didn't park here!

It's been a lot of years since the FAC last visited the Coach & Horses at Rillington. It's a friendly pub with a lived in ambience.

Somehow or other Ray ended up with the job of kitty meister. He can have the job again though as we all ended up with a £3.50 payout.

As usual Stu tried out an item from the sweet menu. In fact it was suggested that he might become the FAC food correspondent with his specialist subject being puddin'. He did volunteer to give his expert views on all the food on offer providing the treasurer got his hand in his pocket. At this point Craggsy changed the subject and mentioned the weather. So it looks like a no then!

Chris had a cup of tea in the pub but we suspect there may have been something stronger in it, as just after Thorpe Bassett village Chris remarked on a field full of sheep. Strangest sheep we'd ever seen though as they looked more like pigs to everyone else. Now we know why he thinks lamb goes best with eggs, mushrooms and fried bread.

Paul led us astray on the way up to the farm at Rowgate. No one seems to have seen the footpath sign clearly pointing left and that is how we ended up in the middle of Peacock Farm. Paul's claim that earlier he'd overheard Bob saying that he'd never been to Peacock Farm were laughingly dismissed. It has to be noted that Keith's GPS was no help either as it was turned off at the time. It's possibly the same make as Bob's mobile phone.

Our afternoon grub stop was taken at the northern edge of Beacon Wold looking out across the rolling Wolds countryside towards Wintringham and beyond. A finer place you would be hard pressed to find, even on a winter's afternoon. The last couple of miles or so were along the lane known as High Street. There was quite a chill in the air as we enjoyed a misty red sunset. A good end to a good day out.

Todays walkers minus Keith (taking snap) and Jack (3 miles ahead).