Harewood (North Leeds) to Thorner (North East Leeds) (7 miles) - Saturday 27th January 2018

  

My second walk took me to Lofthouse Gates by the A61 Leeds to Harrogate Road (36 bus from Leeds Bus Station) and continued walking towards Wike through countryside and fields.  I reached the outskirts of Wike and walked up the main lane.  I had to take care as I had to walk on the road and there were no paths.  I reached the footpath sign which took me through the fields towards Bardsey Cum Rigton.  

  

 

Stunning Leeds Countryside near Wike and Bardsey

I stopped for lunch after crossing the fields and after a break I walked through the village passing the Bingley Arms and All Hallows Church. On leaving the village I ascended up the hill and I should have continued on instead of turning right at the footpath signs in which I got lost.  I was walking round in circles after reaching a lane that would either take me back to Bardsey or further away from the A58 Wetherby Road.  I decided to retrace my steps and asked a friendly farmer to put me in the right direction.  I eventually reached the A58 Wetherby Road and gradually ascended via the muddy fields towards Scarcroft Hill.  

I was conscious it would get dark soon and picked up the pace for the final mile or so towards Thorner.  The final half a mile or so very muddy and slippery so much that I slipped and fell.  Shaken not stirred I got back to Thorner as it was getting dark.  It wasn't long before the 70 bus came and took me back to Seacroft.