Last Thursday walked the fifth section of my exploration of the River Hull from mouth to source. This time walked the west bank starting at Arram Beck east of Leconfield. The owner of the farm near the confluence of Arram Beck and the River Hull allowed me to park near his farm and was very interested in the project. Having crossed his farm bridge over Arram Beck I soon came across the brick culvert whereby the Beverley and Barmston Drain, dug in the late 1790s to drain the northern carr-lands of the Hull valley west of the River Hull, under-passed Arram Beck just before its mouth into the River Hull. Very interesting.
Walking north, for some way following the large meander with Pulfin Bog nature reserve on the far bank (s.p.n.),I continued to Wilfholme farm before turning back (linear walking). On the way passed Environment Agency work-people felling willow trees on the flood terrace between the River and the clay bank (?) and saw on the far bank a fine surviving Victorian farm building range (although now converted to modern residences) and farmhouse. Nearing Wilfholme Landing the clay bank footpath is blocked and, seemingly, used for private access by the owners of boats moored there. I then scaled a field gate and crossed a pasture field to Barmston Drain alongside which is a public right of way. However this right of way through Wilfholme farmyard is blocked and, I understand, has been the subject of much official dispute in the past. However the road leading to Wilfholme off the Beverley to Driffield road was visible across the farm premises and, as this is to be the start of my next section, I voiced no argument and turned back.
Another interesting section and again in very reasonable weather for the time of year.
Have read again, for the umpteenth time, June Sheppard’s The Draining of the Hull Valley which with the aid of the Explorer map and my walk coming to life.