Climbing in Yorkshire and no fly fishing

Expecting the heat of summer to break once the school kids started their summer break, we decided to take a trip to Yorkshire before school finished. Not to fly fish - but to do some walking.
Unfortunately schools finished on the Wednesday not Friday and the weather (of course) broke. We thus found ourselves wandering around Malham Cove in the rain! It was, at this point still reasonably warm, unlike the following two days!
The scenery was still fabulous. We walked from Malham Cove up to Malham Tarn and back via a limestone gorge that was so long I couldn't even get it into a panorama picture.
Continuing along the top edge to the further end, we then found ourselves descending steeply on damp rocks. The rain had lifted but left our descent a little slippy. Part way down we met a young lad and his father coming up. "Were we aware it becomes a bit of a climb down the waterfall further down?" said the dad. Oh, said husband Mike. "Are there plenty of hand holds?" "Yesss, plenty" came the reply. Well his son couldn't have been more than 10 so I thought it should be within my ability and physical stretch. I do not enjoy climbing, but we had already come quite a distance!
Going further down to a plateau formed behind one of the waterfalls we came upon a group of Germans who had just climbed the waterfall. "Oooh, it is DANGEROUS" said a very tall guy. Huh, think I, we have followed German guide books abroad that warned us of precipitous and dangerous drops on walks before - only to find no problem at all. Just exaggerating thinks me.
So on we went, trying to keep to the dryer bits - which soon ran out.... as we were in pools of water picking our way round.
Then we arrived at a sudden view down. Children splashing in the water, people looking up at us. Too late to turn back. I had already had a small scream as I wobbled across one rock. Mike then advised me to face the rock, rather than come down backwards. Amazingly I had realised the same thing at that very point.
Suffice it to say that the very steep bouldery climb down - with almost enough hand and foot holds - made me feel very hot and nervous. Our descent seemed slow - but perhaps terror made time stand still? I found comfort in the fact that the smoothness of the top of the hand holds meant we were choosing the correct route down - which swung this way and that as we traversed and descended.

This painting (actually preliminary sketch) by James Ward in 1811 gives a picture of our descent. I was pleased I had not turned back - but I would not do it again!
My reward came later as our walk continued past a much smaller waterfall. In the pool of which, were many, many trout.

As we watched, there must have been a short hatch - as suddenly four or five trout rose to take something from the surface - then, just as quickly, stopped.
Very pleasant. Even the sun shone strongly for those few minutes we stood there.
And, as the sun has now come out now we are home, I think it is time to head to the river to see if the fish are rising in Derbyshire.
Tight lines

Wonderful Wolfscote Dale and fly fishing on the river Dove

Ladies of the Stream
Well, we had four women fishing at Wolfscote on the Dove.

Hilary took some very good shots of the river and fish. The landscape and surroundings in this popular walking area are stunning.
The morning gave us some heavy rain - which did not dampen the spirits for fishing in this beautiful spot. The wind then set up which also did not stop us casting a fly - frequently at the trees!
Derbyshire County AC had given us this day fly fishing - for which we all say thank you very much.

The river held some large grayling (and trout). The grayling being a good indicator of clean water. Clearly a river in good heart.
There are three different groups that currently own the stretches past Charles Cottons Temple, Wolfscote and down Beresford Dale. All to be sold - as far as I have been told - to one owner. Let us hope that the fishing remains accessible to those of who appreciate fishing such water without it breaking the bank.

Ladies of the stream fly fishing at Wolfscote July 2015

The Ladies of the Stream fly fishing group meet again to fish the delightful Dove at Wolfscote Dale. Courtesy of Derbyshire County Angling Club.

More detail on "Womens fishing days" page
If you wish to join our group of fly fishers please contact through the blog.

1 woman fly fishing? No - 5 go fishing!

Ladies of the stream fly fishers met at a beautiful spot on Cressbrook & Litton stretch of the Derbyshire Wye and had a wonderful day fly fishing for the wild browns and rainbows.

The event began with bacon (or egg) butties, cooked by the erstwhile head keeper - David Percival. You may note we have a man in the picture - not chef David but Don Stazicker, GAIA qualified instructor and our man to do the kick sampling plus quite a bit of other support and guiding.

Kick sampling and an expert to advise on what is in the box - is always interesting and informative. I can now tell a leech from a midge larvae. Thank you Don.
We had a bullhead in the box - which concerned Hilary as she thought it may eat everything. Craftily a mayfly(?) nymph attached itself to the back of the bullhead - quite out of danger. It was a bit like watching films of sharks with much smaller fish hitching a ride in their slipstream.

Time to get to the river and fish!

Don was a fount of knowledge and support - showing Ange how to catch that trout!

Thank you from Ladies of the Stream

Ladies of the Stream would like to say a grand thank you to Cressbrook & Litton for giving us the opportunity to fish this lovely stretch of river. Thanks also to Hilary for organising the event.
The Cressbrook & Litton is a wonderfully organised and run club, revering both the river environment and the fly fishers. Its river stretches running through stunning Derbyshire scenery. Not only that - but they also do day tickets! Follow this link to book.

Future events

Now I must do the update of future "Womens fishing days" for Ladies of the stream, with our next event July 7th at Wolfscote, courtesy of Derbyshire County Angling Club.

Ladies of the stream

"Ladies of the stream" is a get together of women to enjoy fly fishing. If you are interested in joining please make contact. Our aim is to get more women and girls fly fishing. Whether you have no knowledge of what fly fishing is, are a novice or able fly fisher please contact to join the group.
Fly fishing is a superb pastime. I can think of no other more pleasureable activity than walking along a river - fly rod, landing net - constantly observing the river and surrounding flora and fauna. Delightful fly fishing therapy.
Tight lines