Hotter Than ....


 

Ribble Roaming, July 27th

Twelve walkers and one dog left Marles Wood Car Park on a sunny morning. It was cooler than recent days with a few threatening clouds but apart from a few spits and spots, it stayed dry.
The walk is a mixture of paths through grassy meadows, woodland paths, farm tracks and quiet country lanes.
After a short descent, we walked uphill away from the Ribble through long wet grass to a track leading to the village of Copster Green.
Descend to Dinckley suspension bridge over the Ribble, and pick up the Ribble Way eventually passing the confluence of the River Calder and then, shortly after the point where the Hodder joins the Ribble, we leave the Ribble Way and stay with the Hodder.
Morning break was taken near one of the many fisherman huts, just in case we needed to take shelter, but the sun kept shining.
After eventually leaving the River Hodder, we started the climb to a ridge above Stoneyhurst College. We had good views over the top of the College to Pendle Hill in the distance and Whalley viaduct spanning the River Calder while we had lunch.
After lunch, and a few ups and downs we arrived at Hurst Green where toilets were available, so we had our afternoon break here before descending back to the Ribble which we followed to Ribchester Bridge.
We left the Ribble at Ribchester Bridge for the last climb of the day, then descended to the road and back to the car park.
Thanks to Neil who elected himself to be the “gate man”.

Ken Noble

Photos (link to picasa)

Further report on John Jocys' blog (link)

Photos


 

Red Rose Trail, Part 4 Slaidburn to Wray, July 23rd

Walkers 20, Mileage 14.3, Weather Warm and Sunny.

After meeting in Wray our coach driver took a truly spectacular route over the Bowland Fells to drop us all off in Slaidburn.
Our walk started at 10am.Our route took us past Slaidburns well kept war memorial to head north to Croasdale House with some excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
We eventually reached the Hornby Road, which is a 7 mile track across desolate and uninhabited moorland.
After seemingly climbing for ever the track levelled out to give goods views of the Yorkshire Peaks and Morecambe Bay.
On reaching the farm of High Salter the route entered the Valley of Roeburndale, and as one member of the executive remarked "you could roll a ping pong ball all the way back to the cars" (almost).
The last mile was alongside the River Roeburn, which runs through the village of Wray.
Continuing downhill we arrived back at the cars at 3.45.
Some of the group went in the café on the car park for a welcoming cool drink or ice cream, before continuing on to seek a stronger drink.
Chris   

Photos by Don Watson

 

Weekend at Hawes, July 11th to 14th

Ten members gathered on Friday afternoon & evening at the Cocketts Hotel, Hawes our accommodation for the next three nights.

The venue was well chosen by Viv as the rooms were comfortable & the evening meals superb. So much so that we ate there for all of our three nights.

The town of Hawes was resplendent in the warm summer sunshine, the bunting & the coloured bikes still in place from the recent Tour de France. The sunshine continued throughout our stay.

Walking DAY 1, The group well led by John & Hilary set off South East over fields to Widdale hopeful of sighting red squirrels at Snaizeholme. On rote we stopped for tea & biscuits at a farmhouse which had an abundance of statues & various birdlife in the grounds. Undeterred by the lack of squirrels at Snaizeholme we continued on along the valley to Grove Head where an exhausting climb took us up to the Cam High Road for our lunch stop. Another climb but not so steep & severe took us up to Dodd Fell & then back to Hawes via the Pennine Way. 14 miles 1800 ft of ascent.

Walking DAY 2, The group climbed south to Wether Fell. We then turned South east along the Cam High Road before turning North West via Marsett & Stalling Busk. Tea & cakes were taken at a delightful place that made chutney & jams (Raydale Preserves).Some of our rucksacks increased in weight after purchasing jars of this local produce. Moving on to Semer Water & Countersett we returned to Hawes crossing the Cam High Road to Burtersett & then via fields to the hotel. 16 miles 2200 ft of ascent.

Walking Day 3, John & Hilary volunteered to lead another walk from Settle on our journey home.Six of us followed an excellent route around the beautiful countryside that surrounds the town.Three of us cut the walk slightly short but still managed 13 miles & 2000 foot of ascent. Hilary John & Neil continued to do the full route of 17 miles.

Many thanks to John Howarth & Hilary Bell for leading the walks & Viv Lee for arranging the weekend.
Photos :


Dave Walsh

 

The Burnley Way – Part 2, July 11th

See June Page for Part 1

One of the selling points of the Burnley Way (as if “Burnley” in the name isn’t enough!) is its variety.  How many walks have moors, woodland, rivers, vistas across Lancashire and Yorkshire, two historic halls (Towneley and Gawthorpe), a golf course, and a canal towpath through a town centre?...  Throw in a history lesson on the cotton industry at the Weavers’ Triangle Visitors Centre and a Premiership football ground and you must be getting close to ‘varied’. 

But just to make absolutely sure that no-one could get bored on this walk we also had a three-barge sail-past during lunch on the Leeds–Liverpool canal at Hapton, alpacas, pigs and a helicopter overhead (unnoticed by the person who said he wanted to see one – no names, eh, Ralph? - when he spotted a chopper warning sign on Hambledon Hill).  Thumbs up, too, from the female contingent for proper loos en route.  Some may argue a lack of waterfalls, perhaps, but at least there were no territorial cows or overgrown paths like we encountered on the first leg.

A group of 19 completed this 22-mile loop on another perfect day weather-wise.  Anyone would think the sun always shines on Burnley!  And what better way to round off the achievement than a pint in the Crooked Billet.

Photos :


 

Monastic Way Part 7, Ribchester to Whalley, 15 miles, July 9th

Leaders: Hilary Scott and June Reeder

A glorious Wednesday morning and 25 walkers with two canine supporters met in Ribchester. We strolled to the church for those who were not on part 6 to see the unusual clock face. A service in progress prevented us looking inside.

Moving along the river, up to the main road and then on to Stydd to see the RC Barn Church, beautiful almshouses which are being restored, and the chapel which was unfortunately closed. Crossing fields and Gallows Lane we rejoined the Ribble Way and followed this to Dinckley Bridge.Over the bridge and a lovely morning coffee break by the river in the sunshine. Some sat on the riverbank beach, anyone for sandcastles?

Moving along we climbed the hill, crossed fields, walked alongside a new park home site and reached the road at Old Langho. Making our way towards Whalley we skirted the outskirts of Billington to reach the Whalley Viaduct and the entrance to the Abbey. There were no takers for a visit to the Abbey Gardens (maybe the entrance fee put everyone off) so lunch was taken in a beautiful nearby Churchyard.

Leaving Whalley by the Viaduct again we crossed the busy A59 and made our way by fields and road to reach Hacking Hall on the confluence of the Ribble and Calder. After hearing about the old ferry there we walked along the riverbank, up through the woods, past Brockhall Village and Blackburn Rovers training ground. There were some very nice houses here!

Returning to Dinckley Bridge we had a quick drinks stop as it was such a hot afternoon. We walked on the opposite side of the river to the outward journey, firstly on the footpaths then on the road passing Salesbury Hall and the old Royal Lancashire showground. Norman was very relieved to reach here. (An in joke!)

After crossing Ribchester bridge and admiring a canoe on the river, Norman and Barbara kindly showed us a way back to the village by fields rather than the long road stetch. Thank you to both of them.

Most people stayed for a refreshing drink at the Ribchester Arms, very welcome on this hot day. There is just one more stage to complete the Monastic Way. Please note the earlier start time and distance.

Thanks to all who came especially Alma and Dave's nephew and niece who reduced the average age of the group by about 20 years! It was also nice to see Gerald back to fitness after an absence of approx 7 years - where has that time gone?

Hilary Scott