Wandering to the Finish
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| Two Roses Way. 21st October 2009. Fell Foot to Whalley. 20 walkers, 15 miles. Start 10.00am finish 3.30pm. Today’s last section of the Two Roses Way started at Fell Foot car park below the 432m summit of “Parlick”. We followed the minor road to Chipping, passing the chair making factory of J, H. Berry, founded in 1804. Once through Chipping we walked by Dairy Barn Farm. (Its presence indicating that Lancashire farming is more milk than arable). We walked onwards, crossing the river Loud near its confluence with the river Hodder. Passing Bradley Hall, we climbed up Spire Hill to reach the summit of Longridge Fell at 350m. After a short break we carried on through a plantation of conifers. It was here that the leader lost points, (if he had any at this stage), because of the mud! The path improved as we descended to the old Clitheroe Road, coming to the village of Hurst Green, with its famous College and Boer War memorial. After lunch we descended down a good path to cross the River Ribble at the Dinkley suspension Bridge,( or should it be sway Bridge). Continuing on we passed near to Brockhall Village, now a modern development, but once the site of the largest Mental Health Hospital in the country, (housing over 2000 patients). It was easy walking the last few miles to reach the magnificent 48 arch brick viaduct carrying the Blackburn-Clitheroe railway. Then came a fitting end to the walk. We passed under the entrance arches of the 12th century Cistercian Abbey at Whalley, before retiring to a local hostelry to celebrate the completion of our 100mile walk that started in Whalley back in April. Chris. Dad's Army Version. Sargeant Wilson was confined to barracks on household duties and Stupid Boy was on an Antipodean adventure. This meant Captain Mannering was leading and he was threatening to use Eeeny Meeny Miny Mo all day. Thank goodness we had Chris and Ian to save the day and point us all in the right direction. Roy Davies joined us again sans denim shorts, we missed them Roy! There was only one big climb in the day but we couldn't have morning coffee until we were at the top of Longridge fell. Mutiny was avoided by a quick drinks stop before the ascent. What happened to the promised seats at the top though? There were fabulous views behind and in front but it was quite a muddy descent through the forest. Lunch was taken by the memorials to the fallen in Hurst Green followed by pleasant walking back to Whalley. A disappointment was at the Whalley Arms; although he opened early to serve us, the promised celebratory chips were unavailable. Crisps all round instead! So ends the adventures of Dad's Army, we have had lots of laughs along the way and some great and unusual experiences. We will miss the assortment of rickety buses but I hear a whisper that they may be back for the walk next year. Thanks to all our leaders, without your time and effort this enterprise would not have happened. |
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