Summer is Sizzling on.


Group Smile Looking towards Holcombe Over the wall to top of Knowle Hill Photo call at old mill Those Turbines again Top of Knowle Hill
Wednesday July 1st. Owd Bett in Reverse. 13 miles, start 10.00am, finish 3.10pm

13 walkers gathered on what must be a contender for hottest day of the year. Mike led this walk two years ago but reversed it today to give a different outlook on a classic walk.

Leaving Owd Betts with Mike under threat of death if the pub proved to be shut on our return; we dropped into the valley for a quick photo call and then turned right over Harden Moor which gave views of Holcolmbe Tower and Manchester shimmering in the heat haze. Bleakholt animal sanctuary was passed, then it was a welcome break in the Plunge with tree cover and a cooling stream.

There was no shade for the rest of the day as we ascended the moor and joined the Rossendale Way to pass through disused quarries. A trek along Rooley Moor Road followed with a lunch stop near Top O Pike. We had lovely views across the valley and were enjoying them until the realisation dawned that we had to go down and then up to reach Knowle Hill which beckoned from afar. After singing Happy Birthday to Mike, down it was and over the newly reconstructed dam at Greenbooth reservoir. After passing through the gate Mike decided to take a path which appeared to lead upwards but petered out after a few yards to leave us scrambling up a slope where ropes and crampons would have been very useful!

The crest was gained and we strode on to the summit of Knowle Hill without further ado. From here it was downhill all the way to the cars and the open pub for a very welcome drink.The wind turbines on the moor were in view most of the day, whether they add or subtract from the environment caused some debate.

Thanks to Mike for a good day, the mileage was less than anticipated for which we were grateful on such a hot day.

Ferry Cross the Wyre. Sunday July 5th. 16 miles. Easy. Start 9.00am finish 3.30pm.

22 "Sailors" and one dog.

This was the first of our experimental shorter walks for a Sunday. It has been pointed out that the 20 mile plus distance for our weekend walks can be a big jump up for some who have come along and enjoyed our club events on a Tuesday evening. Certainly the evening strolls this year have been well supported but only three "new faces" came along on our Knott End to Fleetwood jaunt.

As ever Hilary led the walk superbly, never a foot wrong (Norman take note!) and full of interesting facts and details to illuminate our trek. Again the sultry weather and temperature had every brow covered in perspiration. Even Sasha the dog slowed down a bit towards the end.

Starting at Wyre Country Park, worth a visit in its own right; we headed through to Skippool, past the local pony club gymkhana and through marshy ground to Shard Bridge, once a wooden toll bridge. The east bank of the Wyre saw us pass through Hambleton, Wardleys and Barnaby's Sands (a twitchers paradise) before crossing the impressive and on the day, very busy, golf course into Knott End.

One or two who had never experienced the "Ferry" before expected a massive ship with duty free and restaurants so the real thing was an eye opener. The seven minute crossing was a delight and all credit to the ferryman who disregarded his timetable to go straight back and pick up members of our party who had been left behind due to full capacity.

After an ice cream in Fleetwood we headed off round Rossall Point bathed in beautiful sunshine, an ebbing tide to our right, and views of Blackpool Tower in the distance.

We went from the sublime to the unsightly with the trek alongside the ICI Chemical works at Thornton. However spirits were lifted with a chat and a drink in the delightful Tourist Information Centre back in Wyre Country Park.

PLEASE NOTE. We welcome anyone's views on these experimental shorter distance weekend walks. Please speak to Peter Haslam, John Bullen or Hilary Scott.
All in a Row, Anyone for a lift? Dinner waiting for the ferry Outside Hackensall Hall Passing through Skippool Reading the Sits Vac! Start of Walk The Wanderers Return Towards Blackpool on the Prom Welcome Home at Fleetwood