Midge Walkers

Walk No.  161

Tockholes-Roddlesworth Reservoir 4-12-22

We have previously walked this route in the summer months as far back as 2016, so it will be interesting to see how it differs with the advance of time and the onset of winter. Our starting point was adjacent to the Hare and Hounds pub in Abbey Village, and our contingent of 7 assembled ready for the off at 1.45 on a damp day with a bitter winter chill blowing.

Taking the lane to the right of the pub, past the new properties of Abbeystead Gardens, we commenced a gentle downward slope to pass a training paddock on the right and Bensons Farm on the left. Here the road took an acute right turn and steepened further. After a short distance, we branched left to cross a wooden footbridge over a watercourse which was surprisingly very low due to the absence of recent rain. The opposite side of the bridge resulted in a climb up the banking via steps to arrive at the rear of a group of stone properties, Red Lee Farm.

Working our way around the side, passing some outbuildings under reconstruction brought us to the front of another stately stone property with a date plaque of 1674. Scaffolding at the side resulted in the young occupants busying themselves hacking out the old cement and repointing. It was noticeable that it was the wife who was wielding the hammer and chisel. One of our number Barry, an ex-builder, couldn’t help but give a bit of helpful advice.

At the side of the house we passed through an electric gate, (which may have been a first) to enter a field, and follow a path to the left where we crossed our first stile and subsequently upwards 2 further fields linked by stiles, exiting at the side of a property called Winnowing Barn, which was the first of a group at Lowerhill. Continuing up the lane we viewed a graveyard on the left with tragic histories of young graves being quite prolific.

Turning right, passing a stone compound labelled as the “Tockholes Pinfold”, formerly used for housing stray cattle, the steep path broadened out at the top at a group of properties called Higher Hill. The road continued to a peak and then started a gentle descent to merge with Tockholes Road where we turned right. Walking along the road soon brought us to a wooded area on the right with a gated entrance. Following the leaf strewn path downwards through the trees brought us to the bank of Higher Roddlesworth Reservoir and at a suitable scenic spot we stopped for our refreshment break.

Prior to resuming our walk, the now traditional photo was taken which resulted in a minor disaster, not here to be talked about. So, continuing along the bank of the reservoir we viewed what could only be described as pencils protruding from below the water and across a corner of the lake. This construction was designed to suitably protect the overflow from the ingress of debris which might otherwise cause blockage. Continuing through the trees brought us to an embankment across the end of Lower Roddlesworth Reservoir which we crossed and followed the path around the edge of Rake Brook Reservoir ultimately returning to our starting point.

This had taken us 2.25 Hours and the distance was around 4.5miles. It had been very scenic and everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Despite the threat of rain at the start and the few spots that accompanied us at varied points, this in no way dampened our enthusiasm. As ever our thanks are recorded to the organisers and to the participants who make it all worthwhile.