Walk Leader: Frank Watson

Distance: 10 miles

Seven hardy souls in waterproofs were ready for anything mother nature had to offer having all seen the not so good forecast for the weather that day. 

Setting off heading down into Accrington the group stopped off at RoughLee Maternity house where we were told of its history and ownership by Alice Nutter (One of the accused Pendle Witches)... it was proposed that the accusation was more to do with a land dispute than Witchcraft... Crossing the old Toll Road we headed to Calagen Foam ( where Teralyne was invented.... the first man made fibre just after the Second World War in 1941). 

We walked up to High Riley where we had a short explanation from our leader Frank of the movement of the tower and the invasion of the Scotts under Bonny Prince Charlie when the boarder with Scotland was the North Bank of the River Ribble. Onwards to the Kings Highway we dropped into Huncoat / Hapton and then made our way to the Burnley Boundary Route and lunch in a sheltered outcrop. The promised deluge of rain still had not arrived and a few hardy members stripped off the waterproofs as the sun made an appearance. 

Making our way round the back of Hambledon there were a few hasty detours for them who sprinted off and a steady climb. On the lower summit we studied old coal workings and the old Mary's Well before dropping to the Accrington Easterly Bypass for a quick dash across the road. Passing by Baxendon Golf Club Ken spotted a tenner from fifty paces and moved like a nifty Rabbit to claim ownership. You have never seen such a happy (or light footed) soul. 

We now dropped into upper Accrington and up through Howarth Art Gallery where we looked at the stables and garage... and one of our group asking if the headstones in the water trough were for sale (a quick profit on the tenner perhaps).... dropping down to Hollins Lane our start point we were all dry and all happier for the walk with commentary. A really nice walk in good weather and lots of interesting information on local history.... A big thank you to our leader Frank from all the group.

To see photo's taken please click here