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Out and about: Spring leaves in Harrogate
 On Sunday 19th April 2009, 10.30am, the Out and About group and their guests will be taking a 4-mile spring leaves walk in Harrogate, encompassing Birk Crag, Oak Beck, Valley Gardens and Pinewood. Adults and children are welcome. This is one of a number of options on the third Sunday.
In order to get a walk in before lunch, and avoid too much hanging around, we'd like everyone to meet at Harlow Carr gift shop at 10:30am, which probably means leaving Leeds by 10:05am. Leave a comment below if you'd like to share lifts.
Bring a picnic lunch to carry. Wear strong walking shoes or boots and bring waterproofs etc depending on the weather. There is no charge for the car park, so the only money required would be if you end up in Betty's tearooms or Harlow Carr Gardens afterwards.
To get from Leeds to the starting point at Harlow Carr, there is a back-roads route, but for simplicity drive into Harrogate on the A61 and at the second roundabout turn left onto the B6162. In 1.3 miles, turn Right into Crag Lane, signposted Harlow Carr. There are now car parks on both sides of the road. We will meet outside the entrance to the gift shop.
 The main "Harrogate Festival Ramble" walk is 4 miles long and takes its name from the annual July Harrogate Festival. First stop is Birk Crag, with a panoramic view of Nidderdale and the Hambleton Hills. The route is part of the Harrogate Ringway and takes us along the valley of Oak Beck. After a short walk through some suburban streets we'll hit Valley Gardens and walk to the playground which, weather permitting, will make a good spot for a picnic lunch (and there are some public toilets). Afterwards it is a very straightforward walk through Pinewood back to the cars.
For those with very short legs, there are a couple of shortcuts through the streets (though you'll miss good bits). Another possibility is to send a driver to retrieve the car after lunch, while continuing to play in the playground. This route isn't completely buggy-friendly - if anyone fancies working out a variation on the route that would work with wheels, let us know.
It should be a great day out!
Response
I'm planning to come to Harrogate on Sunday 19th April. Please let me know if plans change at the last minute due to weather.
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David and Sally Wallace, 14/04/2009 |
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