Our latest walk

Thursday 4th. April 2024

Kirkham & The River Derwent

Kirkham, River Derwent Footpath, Sandlands, Howsham Gates, Riders Lane, Oakcliffe Farm, Oak Cliff Wood, Kirkham (5m).

Members; Chris, Paul, Keith, Col, & Stu.

We departed Hull under rainy skies but soon left the wet weather behind us. We were heading for Kirkham, which straddles the River Derwent just south of Malton. We parked up in Kirkham Priory car park and got ourselves ready for the off. We could see some road closure signs on the approach to Kirkham Bridge, so we went to check if we could still walk across it. If not, it would have meant a complete change of route, but the guys mending the bridge confirmed we were OK to cross on foot.

The first part of the walk was along the footpath that follows the west bank of the River Derwent. We’ve trod this route many times, so we were expecting some muddy sections, but the state of the footpath took it to a different level. It was extremely muddy and very slippery in places, so progress was very slow. Keith went down in the mire at one point, while Chris tripped over a stray branch, which nearly sent him headlong into the nearby fast-rushing river.

Once clear of the wooded river bank, we got some respite as we crossed grassy meadows. It was still muddy in places, but nowhere near as bad as earlier in the walk. En route, Stu had some hiking pole issues as he first lost the end piece, probably somewhere in the sticky mud, then the next section came loose. If he’d carried on this way, he’d likely only been left with the handle by the time we’d finished.

Eventually we left the river path at Sandlands and headed over firmer ground. Or so we thought, as within a few yards we were confronted by a scene reminiscent of the Florida Everglades. Waterlogged would be an apt description, ranging from a few inches deep to above ankle depth. We had no choice but to plough through it, as stopping meant that sinking ever deeper into the water was the most likely outcome. It wasn’t a particularly wide stretch of water, but by the time we’d waded across it, there wasn’t a dry sock between us.

We came upon a narrow wooden bridge straddling a small beck, so it was decided to have our break here. Not the most comfortable grub stop we’ve ever chosen, but it was certainly dry, which after all the slop we’d already encountered was a definate plus. Once fed and watered, we set off, heading for Riders Lane. Due to the time taken to struggle through the mud earlier, we decided to miss out on the route via the village of Crambe and instead walk down Riders Lane, over the railway crossing, and onward to Oak Cliff Wood.

The only significant climb of the day was past Oakcliffe Farm, but once at the top, it was a pleasant walk through Oak Cliffe Wood, with the signs of spring bursting forth all around us. The final part of the walk was a downhill trek through the woods, and yet again, muck and mire were waiting to trip, slip, or snag us at every turn. It’s a wonder no one ended up going A over T on this sometimes slippery downward path. We were certainly glad to get back to the cars after a tough walk. It might have only been 5 miles, but our leg muscles ached as if we’d done 20.

All that remained was to get out of our muddy gear and head off to the Stone Trough pub just down the road. It’s a prerequisite that you bring a spare pair of shoes to change into after a muddy morning’s walk. But somehow or another, Keith had managed to leave his at home. All he had to put on his feet were a pair of boot coverings, which are designed to go over a walking boot. Wearing them over a pair of socks just makes them look like a pair of oversized, ill-fitting slippers.

Consequentially, when we got to the pub, Chris parked almost as far away as he could, meaning Keith had to walk over sharp stones and flints to reach the pub. Needless to say, he grumbled a bit, but it gave everyone else a laugh. After all, this is what friends are for. The Stone Trough was its usual welcoming place, and we relaxed in a back room enjoying the drinks and the company. After a tough day, it was the least we deserved.