Geographical Field Course
(Easter 1960)

The first School Geographical Field Course was held at Newfield Hall, Malhamdale, Yorkshire, under the leadership of Mr. P. Newton and Mr. P. R. Banton. The object of the course was to make a detailed study of the physical and cultural landscape of North Craven. Throughout the week transport of a typical "Dales' nature" was provided by Pennine Motors. The Cove at Malham (a 365 feet cliff of limestone), the collapsed cavern at Goredale, and the stalagmite and stalactite formations in the caves at Ingleton were some of the main physical features which we examined.

Both agriculture and soil surveys proved instructive, and provided at times, light relief, as on the occasion when a young bullock displayed a hostile interest in one of the sixteen boys on the course.

One day was spent studying features of glacial origin including a large terminal moraine in Wharfedale, another in the ascent of Ingleborough - from the summit of which peak could be seen the Lake District, West Lancashire and Morecambe Bay.

The Wednesday was devoted to group work and the study of the settlements in the area (Settle, Gargrave and Hellifield). Thursday morning, with its visit to a typical Dales' farm, will long be remembered - particularly for the graphic explanations given by the farm manager.

On the last morning. Mr. Newton, with the help of Mr. Jefford, led a conducted tour of Skipton (the Gateway of Craven) from ancient grammar school and castle to cattle mart and cafes. In conclusion I should like to thank Mr. Newton, on behalf of the party, for organising this course—which so clearly showed us the truth of the words -
"One traverse of a Yorkshire Dale
Will teach us more of man,
Of man in his terrestrial home
Than all the textbooks can."
(After Professor Wooldridge. with apologies to Willian Wordsworth.)

B. Evans, L.VI.