I camped out a Keld on Friday night and it appeared that Upper Swaledale had a micro-climate of its own.  After a dry journey as far as Buttertubs, the valley ahead was very grey and the rain became progressively heavier as I approached Keld.  So I put the tent up in the rain surrounded by hungry midges and by 6am Saturday morning it was still raining.  No early morning walk then. I packed up a wet tent, the rain having ceased by then and went for a drive over to Arkengarthdale, back to Thwaite for breakfast in the Kearton Hotel.

So, back to Muker and by 11am we had a collection of keen meadow-walkers.  After cups of tea etc. we headed off for the meadows.  Cameras buzzed at this colourful delight of field after field of wild flowers - too many species to name here.  We proceeded to Kisdon gorge and the forces, might have stopped for lunch, but the midges got there first.

The group split as different routes were chosen to leave the gorge.  Search parties went to look for the missing three.  Three hours later and helicopters returning to base, we regrouped and had our lunch at East Gill waterfall.

On to Crackpot Hall (no that's not Jo).  It's an old wreck from years ago.  Next up was Swinnergill and the Kirk, a limestone cave - the fearless donned headlights and went into the hole - photos from the group will tell a better story.

We took a high level route back to Ramps Holme bridge and on to Muker and the Farmer's Arms for tea.

The weather was excellent throughout - although it got a bit dark in the cave! We started in civilised fashion with refreshments in the open air at the tea shop in Muker and finished off with a meal at the Farmer's Arms.  I hope  everyone had the same experience as I did of a wonderful drive back over the moors in superb evening light which ended with a great sunset soon after I arrived home.   John Paterson

How time passes when you are having fun, a day of good humour, splendid views and varied and interesting conversations. A small comic moment in the woods as search parties failed to locate Josie and I, probably because we were not on a path! I could hear the Benny Hill chase music in my head at one point!!
A wonderful day was made all the more special for us with a sighting and reasonably successful photograph of a cuckoo.


A cracking meal at The Farmer's Arms topped off a memorable day, thanks to everybody who attended, special thanks to Richard for having the idea in the first place, and for organising what I hope will be the first of many OFC trips to a wonderful valley.   Dave & Josie Dimmock

The walk in Swaledale was something of a nostalgia trip for me.  It's a walk I've done many times over the years but one I have never tired of... and never will.  It was a wonderful day out: glorious scenery, lovely weather, and great company... and in my home county of Yorkshire!  Who could ask for more?!   Jo Hall

It was really good to join you all, albeit briefly! Jeff & Rachel Bastow

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