Earski two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Earski here.

I walked this from Earby on a dry day but after a fair bit of rain, partly because I like exploring transport heritage, and partly because I was hoping it would be drier underfoot than all the field crossings of EarSki One. It was indeed interesting as well as picturesque, however it wasn’t dry!
Some of the track, especially at the Earby end, was quite well used. Its challenges included a few short but steep paths where the elevated line crossed roads but the bridges have been removed. Also, there was a tall gated barrier fence right across the route, but the gate was not locked, and I have the impression this is its normal state.
The biggest challenge was the amount of water on some sections, particularly where the line goes through a cutting in the middle of the Elslack to Carleton section. There is a section which is fully flooded by a permanent little stream at Railway Plantation. There were worn footpaths around this, slightly up the embankment through the woods.
I discovered the reason for this as I encountered two big Land Rovers pushing their way through the floods. I had a short chat with the someone from Land Rover Experience in one of the cars, he was very friendly. They do a certain amount of maintenance here, in order to enhance the driving experience. They are very aware that people walk here sometimes, and try to keep it pleasant for walkers too.
Most of the rest of the route ran along embankments, with good views of the countryside. There was one section along a concrete road, and another section where it was necessary to cross a couple of fields, but mostly the route is extremely easy to navigate.
Unfortunately, the viaduct over the River Aire has been removed, so it was necessary to walk a bit of road to Carleton, then cross some fields to a subway under the busy A629. The final field was extremely muddy, as caused by cows.
There were some nice “living” railway views along the last section to Skipton Bus Station.
I really enjoyed this route – it was a fun challenge, but I suppose some of the challenges mean I should downgrade its star rating.
There are lots of facilities at either end of the route, and pubs at Elslack and at Carleton, but nothing in the middle section.
And another warning – any route going close to the River Aire in this flood plain area, will risk being flooded after significant rainfall. This also applies to EarSki One.

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