NOW, drone pictures are great, they have allowed us to see the beautiful countryside, landmarks and our towns in villages in ways we’ve never seen before.

Not even aerial photos taken from helicopters or small planes can compare. But, really, Malham Cove, on a busy Easter Bank Holiday weekend when peregrine falcons are nesting?

There I was, half way through a long walk. I’d scaled Fountains Fell, skirted round Malham Tarn and was looking forward to a flask of coffee on the limestone pavement at the top of the cove, and perhaps catch sight of the peregrines that nest there every year.

What I wasn’t expecting was the sight of a drone whizzing around the cove, sounding like a demented mosquito. Round and round it went, every so often hovering over groups of annoyed people.

I discussed with the equally irritated couple sitting next to me how we’d like to throw a rock at the pesky machine and whether it would count as criminal damage, and crucially, whether it was indeed disturbing the falcons - a criminal offence.

It put my teeth so much on edge, I stomped off, back down the cove steps at a much faster speed than usual.

Frankly, nothing would’ve pleased me more to have seen a peregrine, the fastest animal on the planet, close in on said drone and pull it apart in mid air before dropping it on the head of its daft owner. I’m guessing the crowds who had been enjoying the peace at the top of the cove on a glorious bank holiday weekend would have broken out into rapturous applause.

On its website, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, on the use of drones in the national park, reminds people they need to first register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before they fly a drone, and also to check with the landowner.

Specifically, it asks people not to fly drones at Malham Cove and reminds them that disturbing a nesting peregrine could be an offence.

It says: “The Peregrine Falcons that nest at Malham Cove each year are protected under Schedule one of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Please be aware that if the use of a drone disturbs these birds at or near their nest, or when they have dependent young, it could constitute a criminal offence.”

It also points out that The National Trust owns considerable amounts of land around Malham Tarn and in upper Wharfedale, and does not allow recreational drone flying on its land.

So, there you have it - drones should not be flown at Malham Cove.

SEEING as we are approaching peak Yorkshire Three Peaks season, I will mention an appeal by the Sue Ryder charity, which operates Manorlands Hospice, for people to take part in its fundraiser on Saturday June 11.

In addition to the 24 mile challenge, which has to be completed in under 12 hours, and takes in Whernside, Penyghent and Ingleborough, there is also a shorter, six mile hike on the same day, including just Penyghent.

Registration costs £30 with a minimum fundraising target of £200. To sign up and find out more, visit: sueryder.org/yorkshire3peaks

ON the subject of walking, for anyone who is interested, I am well on target for my 2,000 miles walked in 2022. At time of writing, I had completed 648 miles, leaving me with 18 miles to do in 11 days before the end of the month.

Most challenging walk to date, the 20- mile hike from the foot of Penyghent, up and over Fountains Fell, Malham Tarn, Malham Cove - pausing to be irritated by the man flying a drone - and along the Pennine Way to Bell Busk and home to West Craven. Along the route, as I puffed my way up Fountains Fell, I was passed by a man, who I swear was wearing jeans and a teeshirt, and carrying his jacket in one hand. Tis always the way, however speedy I think I am. A bit further along and out of nowhere, a couple of older men appeared from a hole in the ground, old style cavers they told me.

I am raising money - once I get my fundraising page sorted out - for the Alzheimer’s Society, the Cave Rescue Organisation and Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association.

A CROWD of 600 enthusiastic rugby fans descended on Wharfedale RUFC’s ground in Threshfield, 50 years ago, in May, 1972 to see the local team take on a side mainly made up of rugby internationals.

Grassington’s John Spencer, who played 14 times for England, was president of Wharfedale RUFC, and was later to become president of the RFU. In December 2019 he was named as president of the Barbarians, and was the tour manager for the British and Irish Lions on their 2017 tour to New Zealand.

But, way back in 1972, he brought his ‘Invitation XV’ to play in Threshfield.

The ‘star studded rugger team’ included five British Lions, one ‘ordinary’ International, and six county players; playing were Gordon Brown (Scotland and Lions), Mike Roberts (London Welsh, Wales and Lions), Fran Cotton (Loughborough Colleges) and John Taylor (London Welsh, Wales and Lions). The home side, Wharfedale, fielded their usual club side, declining the temptation to include guests, said the Craven Herald.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, the Invitation XV beat Wharfedale by 33 points to 16.

The Herald reported how the Wharfedale pack took on their formidable opponents with considerable vigour and more distinction than ‘anyone had dared anticipate’.

Thanks, it said, were in order for Mr Spencer for organising the event.