Jeffrey Hill. Tues 4th. April 17


The Pictures:-

To see who was on the walk, click on the following:-

To view all the pictures taken on the walk click 'Here' then on first picture to view in full screen and again on small arrow on right to continue.

The Walk:-

Walk leader - Jane Anthony

Distance - Almost 11 miles

Number on walk - 23

Weather - Dry with sunny spells later.

 With the weather proving chillier than it looked from the comfort of the car, the group of 23 assembled for the usual photo, only to be dispersed by a bin wagon turning round in our selected spot - so that the crew could enjoy the view while they had their coffee break! Photoshoot over, we headed up the fell before taking a path SE to pick up a major track giving views over the Ribble valley. After nearly a (mud-free) mile down the track we left it to weave our way down through the woods, crossing Brownslow Brook via a somewhat wonky bridge. After a very short stretch on the fellside road we followed the bridleway past Holly Hall and Crowshaw House, through the wettest section of the route and onto the track past Greengore (a 14th century shooting lodge thought to have been used by Henry VI for hunting deer) and followed the pretty Dean Brook valley to Hurst Green where we made use of the loo facilities.

 The route then passed through Stonyhurst before turning NW up the lane for about 500m and picking up a pleasant path, just past Stockbridge cottages, where lunch was taken on a grassy bank with lovely views (for those who could see over the hedge). We continued on to Kemple End and out onto (and up!) Birdy Brow to the main track into the forest. By then the sun had decided to put in an appearance and the long, warm climb up the forest track was rewarded with a glorious view of the Bowland fells from ‘Sam’s best view’ viewpoint. A further 2Km brought us finally to the top of the fell and the trig point from which it was a steady descent back to the car park.

 Thanks to all who came, especially my ‘mentors’, and I hope you enjoyed the walk.

Jane.

Thanks Jane for doing an excellent job whilst leading your first walk for our Group and for writing this report. Sorry I've spelt Stonyhurst wrong in the captions on the photos. Shirley's already rapped my Knuckles.

Stan.