Path repairs at Hubberholme

Upper Wharfedale Ranger Rob Wilson and his hardy team of volunteers have just finished path repairs and resurfacing to a stretch of the Dales Way footpath at Hubberholme.

Rob Wilson and his volunteers resurfacing the path at Hubberholme

The path, which runs along a steep bank above the river, has suffered erosion through a combination of heavy rain and cattle grazing. Rob has had his work cut out, with some difficult revetment work on the path. Some preparatory work was undertaken in 2019.

The £600 cost of resurfacing materials for the section has been met by a generous donation from long-term DWA member Philippa Hudson, who lives nearby at Beckermonds.

The team expect to do further strengthening work to the path section in the near future.

Controversial Fencing proposal alongside the Dales Way at Hebden

The section of path between Burnsall and Grassington is one of the most popular sections of the Dales Way. The easy walking and generally open aspect make it one of the best loved sections for Dales Way walkers and is particularly popular with local and day walkers.

From the suspension bridge north is a 1km open stretch of riverside along an avenue of chestnut trees, giving a feeling of parkland to this section of the Dales Way. Shallow waters with gravel beds at the northern end are a magnet to dog walkers and families with young children.

It is this popular section that is subject of a riverside regeneration and fencing project proposed by the local Angling Club.

The Appletreewick, Barden & Burnsall Angling Club (ABBAC) are proposing a replanting/regeneration scheme along the left river bank (alongside the Dales Way path) to combat erosion and improve the wildlife habitat, which includes the planting of “locally sourced, native species, primarily hawthorn, blackthorn, alder, hazel and rowan”.

To protect the area from grazing, they also propose to fence off the entire 1 km stretch from the suspension bridge gate to the gate at Howgill Beck, the fencing to run alongside the path between the path and the riverside.

The fencing will include 4 small gates “to allow access for the anglers”.

The £18,000 project has the support of the landowner and has received a £4,000 grant towards the cost form a National Park administered award.

Unfortunately, the first we knew of the scheme was when we read about it in the Craven Herald on July 16th.

The National Park Authority has given the public until August 21st to comment. The Dales Way Association has prepared a report on the scheme, which can be found on our website.

The proposal is likely prove very unpopular with local walkers.

See the DWA report at:- http://www.dalesway.org/downloads/Hebden-fencing-report.pdf