I had no idea that Richmond had a racecourse until arriving for today’s walk.  It’s historic, having been built in the 1760s at an elevated location above the town, with a stone grandstand, and it was last used for racing in 1891.  The views back across the valley and the nearby town were impressive.

Ten of us met on a bright but windy morning for the start of the walk.  Our facilitator Peter gave us some background to our location, and we set off downhill through lanes and fields to the banks of the river Swale.  We now followed a pleasant grassy path along the riverbank, with wooded cliffs towering above.  Eventually we doubled back along a slightly higher level, along part of the long-distance coast-to-coast footpath, climbing to reach the top of the scar where the views became more extensive.

We paused for our lunchtime sandwiches next to Willance’s Leap.  Here a monument marked the spot where, according to the local legend, in 1606 Robert Willance plunged off the cliff edge while lost in fog and survived with the help of his dead horse.

Suitably refreshed, we climbed a little further away from the river, and crossing a ridge we descended into the quieter valley of the Aske Beck.  Here we noticed some traces of long-abandoned industry and dwellings, as is commonplace in many parts of the region.

Back at the racecourse we had the chance briefly to inspect the remains of the historic grandstand, and Peter kindly invited us back to his home nearby for tea and cake.  We thanked him for an enjoyable well-planned and varied walk and dispersed, and thanks also to all our participants who as always were good company for the day!