The Story Begins.


Away we go, to where? Glorious views The Start by the Ribble Where did the path go?
Wednesday 22nd April Leader Reg Kingston, Norman Thomas, Chris Langabeer.15 miles, moderate. Start 10.00am Whalley, Finish 3.45pm.

19 walkers boarded the coach at Gisburn and started the walk from the centre of Whalley on a warm sunny April day. Norman guided us along the river, up to Spring Wood and up the steep climb to Clerk Hill via the golf course. From here we followed the farm road to reach the Nick of Pendle.

We then followed a grass track off the main track to Apronfull Hill which slowly climbed to Spence Moor, passing alongside a stone wall and above the Deerstones. It really was a grand morning, one to savour the views and enjoy the sunshine. From Spence Moor we descended towards the Ogden Reservoirs and in a moment of indecision by the four walks leaders (all going in different directions!) we found ourselves looking down on the upper reservoir but no path. Order was quickly retored after labouring back up the hill by Chris who guided us down to Barley and lunch in the car park next to the cabin cafe.

Norman and Reg reassured us that no such further problems would arise as they had reccied the next section to Gisburn. We set off at a brisk pace to pass the Black Moss Reservoirs and reach the derelict Firber farm house where we paused for a rest and a drink. The path over Rimington Moor gave us a magnificent panoramic view of the Yorkshire Dales and hills in the Trough of Bowland. I said to June as we walked this section "this takes a bit of beating". It truly was magical.

Onward the gallant band walked at a fast pace to reach Beck Side farm and its collection of rare breeds of pig. The spotted Tamworths were admired and photographed and I am sure the face of one reminded me of someone..... the name escapes me!

Following another drinks stop we crossed to very large fields of grass, headed for the woods and wireless mast and then descended into Gisburn for 3.45pm. An excellent day out was completed by refreshments at the White Bull.

I could not complete this report without mention of an extremely commendable effort by Gemma who walked the whole way with a pack which was as heavy as she was. Gemma, you earned the respect of us all for a truly remarkable effort.

The Two Roses Way. An alternative view.

A 100 mile trek by "Dad's Army" around the old county Palatine.

Walk Leaders - Captain Mannering (Norman), Sergeant Wilson (Reg) and Chris Langabeer (thank goodness!)

A 9.15am start from Gisburn and Chris had managed to give the "Dad's Army" theme the perfect kick off by booking a genuine World War II bus to transport us to Whalley. Captain Mannering rallied his troops in the car park and insisted on a military style send off with everyone marching to attention in single file. This disintegrated somewhat after just two hundred yards as he had got us lost! Langabeer swiftly got us back on the proper path,as he was to do many times during the day as Mannering and Wilson disagreed over the route. When questioned on why he was unsure of which way to go just a week after doing the recce, Mannering explained that "the route has had to be changed to fool the Germans." Well it certainly fooled us! Corporal Jones was unable to make the first stage but he sent along his wife Vi and daughter Gemma in his stead. The day was illuminated with regular cries of "Don't Panic" and "We're all doomed", the latter several times seeming quite justified. On the plus side Mannering's ploy of standing at the bottom of uphill gradients brandishing what looked suspiciously like a bayonet under his fleece and saying "they don't like it up 'em you know" did encourage people to move pretty sharpish up those hills.

A memorable day and a great walk but one big mystery remained :- "What was in Gemma's pack?"

Signed

Stupid Boy.
Magnificent Pendle Mannering, er Norman with Four footed friends Reminds me of ??? What was in Gemma's pack?