Drypool Walkers

Drypool Walkers Inaugural Walk

A minute to nine and we were all waiting for our illustrious leader, Lorelli. 2 minutes past nine and she arrived. Having sorted out cars and where we were going all eleven of us set off. 10.15 we arrived at Fridaythorpe to do the Huggate circular.
We were a mixed group of walkers, some more experienced than others, but all on the walk to have exercise and an enjoyable day out. With the recent dry weather the ground was not the muddy experience the New Year’s Day walkers had experienced but we had the gale force wind to contend with. As we walked down Horsedale we soon discovered we had several knowledgeable folk among us and Jill told us how these dales were formed in the Ice Age. Having a breather after our first incline of the day we soon found we had a resident wildlife expert in Mark and throughout the day we were amazed as a small bird would fly by, and Mark would instantly tell us what it was.
Arriving at the outskirts of Huggate at 11 o’clock we sent a reccé party on ahead to book our table at the pub while the rest of us did a short detour to kill time before lunchtime.11.45 and as we strolled up we saw our advance party standing outside waving their arms. Our hearts momentarily sank and we did a quick mental check of what we had with us to feed us. Fortunately as we got closer we realised we wouldn’t need five loaves or two fishes, the pub didn’t open till twelve. The menu was very tempting and cries of, “ooh steak pie, fish & chips…” But bearing in mind the afternoon ahead we all went for the healthy option of jacket spuds or baguettes.1¼ hours later, suitably refreshed we sallied forth. Through out the day it was good to see how we all seemed to mix and talk with everyone and at times to be in front and others at the back.
The afternoon stages seemed to be particularly strenuous at times, having to walk against the wind and face a couple of inclines. Eventually, after a minor error we descended down into Millington Pastures and a stretch sheltered from the wind and on the level. Like children on a long journey we began to ask how much further it was to be told ‘Not much further now’. Eventually we returned to our start point and at 4.15 11 weary but happy walkers sat down in the comfort of our transport and returned to Hull, where the sun proceeded to come out!
Speaking to several on the walk and today (the day after) the consensus of opinion was, we did it, it was tiring at times but we enjoyed it and the next one will be an easy one. Everyone I spoke to said they felt exhausted last night and a little achy today but thoroughly enjoyed it. Our next walk is Easter Monday (9th April) and is a walk over the Humber Bridge to the Far Ings Nature Reserve, so bring your binoculars. And could I ask if you could let Lorelli or myself before so we know how many are going.