'Walking Weekend' in Helmsley 18/5/25 - 20/5/25

21 Rotarians and partners (and 2 dogs) spent a very pleasant couple of days based at the Black Swan Hotel in Helmsley, North Yorkshire.

Enroute to Helmsley, 9 of the party met up at the National Arboretum at Castle Howard for a couple of hours. Some went to the Red Squirrel Enclosure, alas no red squirrels were spotted! After tea and cakes they continued on to the Black Swan.

After settling in and having a look round Helmesley - including for some a visit to the Helmsley Wallled Garden we all met up for an evening meal. We had a private room and a good time was had. The food was 'Pub Grub' but none the worse for that!

In the morning after substantial breakfasts to prepare us for the rigours ahead we divided into several groups. Stuart Brown had prepared two walks and 9 of us opted for a round trip of around 4 miles taking in the Duncombe Park Estate. This involved a longish uphill stretch to start, but we were rewarded with a corresponding downhill stretch back to Helmsley. The 'Fairy Staircase' was a steep walk down and then up again - hardly suitable for fairies we thought.

The other walk enjoyed by Stuart Brown and Stuart Falconer was around Rievaulx Abbey and was much enjoyed by them.

A few of us checked out the Helmsley Brewery and sampled some of their beers at lunchtime and then everyone did their own thing in the afternoon. We joined up in the early evening for a group photo and then another meal together. Ann Turner had brought her excellent paintings and sketches from previous walks, together with photos and there was a lot of reminiscing!

After breakfast on Tuesday morning we all said our farewells and made our ways back home.

Well done to Stuart Brown for making this such a well organised and enjoyable weekend!