Post 160: 20 July 2017, Ripon Rowel Circles 9
Once again, as a few days ago, the forecast had been promising but, driving out to Masham for the start of today’s walk, the reality was different; quite heavy rain. So we donned waterproof trousers and jackets from the start.
Masham is a medieval market town and is noted for Theakston ales and the Black Sheep brewery.
We left the central parking area to descend to the River Ure and followed it for a fairly short distance before leaving it to follow the River Burn.
After some confusing navigating we eventually reached The Jungle alongside Sole Beck, as described in the previous blog. This time we were walking it in the opposite direction towards Lobley Hall. The main difference was that contrary to when walking it the previous two days this time it was very wet with two days further growth.
We passed through a field of cows and calves, which were much more docile than some of our earlier encounters on the walk. This was a relief as in recent days I had discovered that, according to the HSE, there have been 74 people killed by cattle since 2000. 70% of these have been killed by cows with calfs or bulls. Apparently, this makes cattle the most dangerous large animal in the UK.
After reaching High Knowle farm we encountered a very unusual tractor.
We then arrived at the Druid’s Temple at about lunch time. We tried to find a suitable sacrifice for lunch but had to settle for my usual jam sandwiches and Mary Berry fruit cake.
This folly was completed in 1820. It was commissioned by William Danby who lived at nearby Swinton Park, which is now a hotel. It is said that it was an effort to alleviate unemployment among labourers in the area who were paid shilling a day to build the folly.
There is a ‘glamping’ holiday accommodation site nearby, Bivouac at Druid’s Temple.
We left the Temple to return to the Ripon Rowel route back to Masham. Leighton Reservoir could just be seen in the distance.
Arriving at Masham we passed the Theakston Brewery.
And a monument recording the Tour de France, which passed through here in 2014!
The rain had stopped by the time we got back to the car. St Mary’s Church dating from the mid 12th Century can be viewed from the market square.
Miles Walked 12.6
Calories Burnt 1,400
Steps 25,500
Average Pace 18.16 Minutes per Mile
Fastest Pace at 10-12 miles 17.43
secretwalkscom 