Harrogate & District Walks

Hollybank Woods

Date: 20th January 2013
Distance: 2.8 miles
Ascent: 309 ft
Time: 1 hours 30 mins
With: Lisa and Rhiannon
Start Grid Ref: SE284603

Walk Summary:
A short outing with my family to visit the snow covered woods outside of Ripley.

Route Summary: Ripley - Hollybank Lane - Park Lodge - Sadler Carr - Ripley

Pictures:

1. Ripley Church

2. Ripley Beck

3. The frozen lake by Ripley Castle

4. Pulling Rhiannon along on her sledge

5. Hollybank Lane

6. Deer in Ripley Park

Walk Detail: This walk, or a variation on it, is one that I often do in April / May time as Hollybank Woods is one of the best places near to Harrogate to see bluebells. On this occasion I thought it would make a change to see the woods in winter, especially after the recent snowfall.

I convinced Rhiannon, who had already done a number of short walks this year, to come along by promising her that I would pull her round on her sledge most of the way. The sledge proved to be both a blessing and a curse. She really enjoyed being pulled along, especially when I could pick up her speed and I don't think I'll forget her happily eating her lunch as I hauled her along Hollybank Lane.

On the other hand she got quite emotional when I made her get out and walk on the few sections (mostly uphill) that I couldn't drag her up. I also found out, much to my discomfort later, that pulling her in the sledge over this distance was really not very good for my back! All this aside Hollybank Lane looked very pretty in the snow and, as ever, it was good to get out for some fresh air.

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