Leader:- Sue Fagg

No on walk:- 21

Distance:-  11.2 miles

Weather:- Fine with a light breeze & sunny spells followed by heavy showers, thunder and lightning then overcast.

Twenty one walkers set off from Littledale car park on an easy route via Carr Wood and Crossgill Farm to a track leading to an unmarked church previously believed to belong to Littledale Hall. We progressed through Gill Plantation encountering some rather high bracken en route. Then up to near Deep Clough and Middle Barn and onto Winder where the views of The Three Peaks added to the already stunning Lancashire scenery.

From there down to Warm Beck Gill with young bullocks who were more wary of us than the majority of the group were of them. Then down to Thornbush where some of the group met a farmer sharing news of a May Bluebell walk. Lunch was taken at Barkin Bridge many sitting by the River Roeburn which has a great pool for a quick dip – sadly no time today when thunder and lightning forecast! Rain over the weekend had already made the streams and rivers gurgle and splash.

After lunch we passed the tiny Methodist Church of Lower Salter and then off the quiet road to Haylott Farm where we joined some of The Pendle Witches Way. Along this route we passed some lovely wild flowers. Then down to Closegill Beck and back up to pass Middle Barn and Deep Clough again. At this stage the thunder and lightning got a little exciting!

We took the low path to Littledale Hall with the leader attempting to keep the group within a reasonable range as some led the way to limit rain and exposure, others keeping dryer with hoods up etc. After regrouping in an open garage (very lucky) at Littledale Hall we walked through the garden and woodland with some spectacular trees including a large variegated holly. Up through the wood to Field Head where the weather improved and we were lucky with grey sky for our return via Wispford Wood to the cars.

We saw no walkers on this unspoilt route much of which from the paths appears rarely walked. I for one will return to explore further and swim of course!

Thanks to all for the positive approach to long bracken and sun hats turning to rain gear!

Photos can be seen 'here'

Sue

PS Alongside this walk Stan lead 4 others over Clougha Pike etc. as part of a development for some slower walks.