MALHAM is always a popular centre for walkers, so not surprisingly we had a full coach for our excursion there on Sunday. The Yorkshire Dale sparkled in the clear cold morning air and we were all eager to get our boots on and start walking.

First off the coach at Gargrave a dozen ramblers joined Reg Norris for the longest of three walks on offer. This route led north along the Pennine Way and then over Carlton Moor to Weets Top. Joining Mastiles Lane the group soon reached Street Gate. A descent of the rock scramble at Gordale Scar was abandoned due to the icy conditions, and an easier path down to the waterfall at Janet's Foss substituted. Malham village was soon reached from here.

The middle walk was also linear, starting from Kirby Malham. A steep initial climb through Hanlith led to Weets Top. By Mastiles Lane leader Jean Tarry led us to Malham Tarn for our lunch stop. The biting north wind was soon, thankfully, at our backs as we turned south to Malham Cove, pausing to peer down into the cove from the limestone pavement. Our walk also finished with a visit to Janet's Foss and then into Malham.

On the shortest walk the emphasis is slightly different. Time to stop and look at birds or flowers. Even perhaps time for a pub stop midway. On this occasion John Clements led a figure of eight walk centred on Malham village, greatly enjoyed by those participating. J.A.