Plodders January 2016


 Wednesday January 20th. The Affettside Amble. 11.5 miles from Affetside. Leader: Chris Langabeer.

21 walkers started the walk from the Pack Horse Affetside shortly after 10 am on what turned out to be a warm Spring like day.

The group made its way downhill towards Jumbles reservoir and around the Dam and water outlet. After walking North with views of the reservoir we turn onto an extremely muddy track (not the muddiest of the day) to reach and walk alongside the Blackburn to Bolton railway line.

Next came a climb through Turton Golf Course to reach the 17th century Torra Barn. After a short break we picked up the Witton Weavers Way to reach Turton and Entwistle Reservoir.

Passing Entwistle Station and the Strawbury Duck Hotel, we made our way towards the lower slopes of Holcombe Moor. After our lunch stop we came to what really was the muddiest footpath of the walk (it was nearly knee deep in places as leader can verify!)

With just 3 miles to go we walked down Hawkshaw Lane. From here it was uphill all the way back. We passed Two Brooks Farm and Hawkshaw Fisheries to arrive back at the start just before 3pm.

After a change of footwear 12 members of the group spent a pleasant hour in the Pack Horse Hotel.

Chris

 

Click here for Martin's version of events!

 

The pictures below are by Paul Woodcock:

 

Wednesday January 6th. Norman's Little Cracker. 12 miles from Rivington. Leader: Norman Thomas.

 

 

This walk was based on the Christmas Cracker walk in December. We had 14 people and 1 Dog. The Weather was very good, no rain; Sun all day to greet us.

We walked up through the Japanese Gardens and made our way to Rivington Pike. From here we descended through Wilderswood, past the ruins of Liverpool Castle, following the Reservoirs to reach the Bay Horse Hotel for light lunch and a beer. Hilary joined us here with her Grandaughter, Poppy.

The afternoon was low level, some of the paths we walked were new to some members of the group.

We had 1 person (no names) on the walk trying to convince us that Yorkshire was better than Lancashire! (rubbish). Please note that this person has come from Yorkshire to Lancashire to live. Need I say more!

We arrived back at Rivington at 3.30 having walked just short of 12 miles.

A great day, happy walking.

Norman.

A responsible Leader!!

 Thank you to Ken for the photos.

Please note that after many years of trying to persuade Norman he has finally written his own report! Thank you Norman.

Little Cracker photos