July Sunshine


Wednesday July 31st. Chapeltown to Peel Tower Trudge. 12 miles. Leader: Kim Shaw. 

 

18 people and 3 dogs kindly set out on a walk from Chapeltown to the Wayoh, Crowthorne, Wet Moss, Peel Tower, Hawkshaw and then onto Edgworth and back to Chapeltown.

Its a lovely panoramic route which was mainly dry during the morning and we were able to have a pleasant lunch at Peel Tower. Henceforth from that point it was mainly a "wet do". But then it was all sunshine with sausage rolls and scones at the end: what more can you want?

Thanks to all those who ventured out on the well worn trudge route; but I'm pleased to say that there were one or two new paths for the experienced walkers amongst the group.

Cheers,

Kim  

 

 

Wednesday July 24th. Looking for Pete. Plodder Walk 11 miles. Leader: Christine Cocks.


Thirteen walkers, consisting of eleven East Lancashire members and two non members from Leigh Rambling Club took part in the walk. There was also one very well behaved cockapoo called Ruby who completed part of the route with her owner Fiona.

The walk commenced at 10.00 am from Bents Garden Centre car park and initially followed the route of the Glazebrook Timberland Trail for approximately one mile. This is a designated walk which starts at Pennington Flash in Leigh and ends in Cadishead near the Manchester Ship Canal. A large part of it's route runs parallel with Glaze Brook.

After leaving this trail our walk took us across several mossland areas including Little Woolden Moss, Cadishead Moss and Astley Moss and over the M62 motorway near Irlam. We had a very pleasant lunch stop next to one of the fishing lakes at Moss Farm Fisheries where group members could purchase drinks/snacks from the cafe.

The walk was just under twelve miles and we arrived back at 3.30pm. Some members of the group called in the Comfortable Gill Pub opposite the Garden Centre for a drink prior to travelling home.
The weather was a little draining at times as it remained very hot all day. A big thank you to everyone who came along.

Christine

 

Click here to see Peter's pictures of the day.

 

Thanks to Isobel for the pictures below.

 

 

Sunday July 21st. Coniston Lake Circular. 19 miles. Leader: Pauline Melia.

 

Arranging a group walk from Coniston was a bit of a risk. How many would turn up ? Would people think it was too far to travel ? Or would the prospect of a day in the Lakes encourage people to take part ?   Well, it seemed that the risk paid off, as 17 people turned up bright and early, ready for a walk around the lake.

We gathered in the car park by the Boating Centre and contemplated the day ahead. The fells looked stunning but there were some dark clouds lurking. The forecast was for good weather until late afternoon – so we set off to make the most of the day.

We walked up Lake Road where we had a photo stop and through fields initially, where the Coniston Country Show was just starting. Following the Cumbria Way, we passed Coniston Hall (beautiful building) and then entered a busy campsite. The smell of bacon from numerous tents was a bit of a distraction!

Past Heathwaite Landing and then through Torver Common Wood and Torver Bank Common with stunning views across the lake, we eventually crossed a road and came across a couple of people who were pond (actually stream) dipping for "micro creatures" that they were going to take to the Coniston Show for the kids. Us LDWA big kids asked if we could see their catch and found it really interesting ! At this point the route bends away from the shoreline and heads towards Blawith Fells. After some steep ascents, we stopped for refreshments at the beacon and surveyed the spectacular views.

Following a well defined path for a while, we then had a choice. At Beacon Tarn we could either take the high path that skirts the tarn, which in parts is exposed (safe footing required, or you are taking the plunge into the waters below!) or the safer main path. The more adventurous took the high path ..... 'er, no they didn't ! As the main path group waited at the end of the tarn, we could see the group over at the far side of the water.....completely off course! Ah well, at least we didn't have to drag anyone out of the murky depths!

Reaching the bottom of the lake, we left the Cumbria Way and arrived at Water Yeat and then High Nibthwaite. The next section is across Bethecar Moor after a short section through High Wood. This section involved some steep climbing through what seemed like endless thick bracken. Hot and thirsty, we crossed a stream and finally got into open land again. A couple of the group then decided to take the lower path down to the lake, so we said our goodbyes and continued on our way. Via Talbot Moss and Penny Bank, we entered the forest at Furness Fells and after a short while stopped for lunch.

The route then followed forest tracks, skirting Grizedale, through Lawson and reaching Brantwood. This stage gave us some beautiful views down to the lake, busy with school holiday revellers. Part of the route is at the very edge of a conifer forest where there were some quite dramatic looking fallen trees. Via Bank Ground we descended down a rocky path and reached the top of the lake at High Water Head. We said goodbye to two more of our group here, who were following the road back into Coniston. We took a longer path back, taking a short refreshment break en route, to climb and then descend back into Coniston via the Cumbria Way.

Back at the car park, we all agreed that it had been a fantastic day (no rain!) and that it was definitely worth the extra miles to visit what is after all, one of the finest parts of the country. Gorgeous lake, stunning fells, dramatic moors, views of the sea and picture perfect cottages. Ticks every box ! Very definitely a successful "East Lancs on tour" day ! 

Pauline

 

 

The pictures below are from Jane.

The pictures below are from Hilary. The group picture is from Pauline.

 

Wednesday July 17th. Barlick-Barley Circuit. 13.5 miles. Leader: Iain Connell.

 

A slightly cloudy but warm July day found fifteen of us at Letcliffe Country Park on the edge of Barnoldswick, from where the Pennine Bridleway points to Blacko Tower. But we didn't stay with the bridleway or climb the tower, instead threshing through unusually long grass towards Barley.

We didn't climb Pendle Hill either, returning via the reservoirs and a bunch of bullocks to a hilltop with unexpectedly large sculptures and great views of Yorkshire.

Iain.

 

Click here to see Peter's Pictures.

 

 

Wednesday July 3rd. Clitheroe 60k, Part 2. 14 miles. Leader: Roger Jackson.

 

On a bright and sunny morning 23 walkers and one brave dog set off from Downham car park. 

Initially taking a familiar route through the fields to Sawley, where this leader was definitely framed (see pictures), then following a long climb again through a series of fields to reach the beautifully situated Till House. Continuing generally upwards through Scriddles Farm now following a minor road before turning left to our morning coffee stop and highest point of the day Beacon Hill with a fine view all round. 

We then headed towards a small forest initially skirting it a then cutting through to follow a descending path passing Swan Barn and eventually reaching the picturesque hamlet of Harrop Fold. Next over a stile for the first of another series of fields in the second of which we encountered a group of rather inquisitive bullocks. Fortunately we had Viv Lee with us whose renowned 'cow whispering' powers kept them occupied as the rest of us sneaked past (again see picture). Navigated the next field with no incident but in the following one encountered a sheep struggling to stand up so a small group endeavoured to help whilst the rest of us thought we may as well have a slightly early lunch. Anyway the sheep was saved; apparently a good burping did the trick.

Following lunch we continued on through Lane Ends, our original planned stop, down a minor road then following several tracks passing Higher Heights and Rodhill Gate before arriving back at Sawley. We then turned right to join the Ribble Way, having our afternoon coffee stop and sweeties as we joined the actual river. Staying on the Ribble Way crossing the river at Grindleton, on to Chatburn then a short road walk back to Downham, where we were faced with the difficult decision of a beer at the Assheton Arms or Ice Cream / Coffee at the excellent little café.

 

I guess we can all be judged by our choice.

 

Distance 14.5 miles, Ascent approx 1,700 ft. 

 

Roger

 

Click here for Peter's pictures.