After the Walk June 2025
Sunday June 22nd. Journey through the Centre of the Kingdom. 5/5. 17.5 miles. Leaders: Paul and Jeanette Banks.
13 walkers and one dog completed the last of the 5 circular walks making up the Journey Through the Centre of the Kingdom' long distance path. Despite the dismal weather forecast of heavy showers, we only had to endure one 20 minute rain shower.
The 17.5 mile walk starting from Edisford Bridge, Clitheroe took us back to where the Journey's path was left on the walk 2 weeks ago near Chipping. We climbed Longridge Fell, enjoying the fabulous views over the Forrest of Bowland, and the joined the long distance path at the River Hodder.
Many overgrown and infrequently used footpaths took us through the area of Bashall Eaves before returning the Clitheroe Castle, the start of the Journey Through the Centre of the Kingdom which we started walking in May.
Jeanette
Sunday June 15th. Ramsbottom Round. 20 miles. Leader: Dave Walsh.
Fifteen of us & one dog set off from Nuttall Park. It was a hard uphill slog to Grants Tower for a photo stop. We were joined by two more walkers & another dog who had caught us up having thought it was a 9am start.
We crossed Harden Moor & climbed Knowl Hill & then had our morning break just off one of the Wind turbine service roads. We then made our way to Irwell Vale train station for lunch. A steam train was just leaving the station as we arrived.
We arrived at the busy Peel Tower in good time for our cake & drink. After a good break, we completed the final five miles back to the cars.
Thanks to those who attended & for supporting a worthy charity.
Dave Walsh
Wednesday June 11th. Lots of Ways. 12 miles. Leader: Gerald Dentith.
Nine walkers and two dogs met at Ball Grove park for a warm and sunny day throughout. Actually Harry and Otis had transport difficulties but came striding across the fields at high speed to join us a couple of miles in. Morning break was held at the Lidgett triangle, where we met the landowner, who explained how he was re-wilding his fields into a nature reserve, and welcomed suggestions, and walkers. Sure enough we soon passed two curlews working hard to show us their nest was somewhere it wasn’t.
Lunch was at Wycoller, with its ruins and ancient bridges, very peaceful in the sunshine. We went on to join the Pendle Way for a while on the edge of Dove Stones moor before returning again via Wycoller and along Colne water to base. Somehow I managed to miss a lot, green woodpeckers and owl’s nests, but all had a great day on a well-planned walk. Many thanks to our leader Gerald, in his wellies as usual!
Nick
Sunday June 8th. Journey Through the Centre of the Kingdom. 4/5. 18 miles. Leaders: Paul and Jeanette Banks.
17 walkers braved the weather to arrive at Chipping to complete the 18 mile walk which was the fourth walk to undertake the Journey Through The Centre of the Kingdom long distance path in circular walks.
It was a wet morning with some heavy rain and flooding to streams and paths. Fortunately the weather improved in the afternoon so that folk could enjoy the lovely views of the Bowland Valley.
Jeanette.
Wednesday June 4th. Haigh Ho. 14.5 miles. Leader: Peter Ault.
Meeting at St Johns church Lostock, we set of across regents park golf course. After many fields and stiles we reached the footbridge crossing the M61 . With the Tough Sheet Stadium behind us we crossed the motorway and in to the woods for our morning break. From here we carried on to Aspull and a brief stop to purchase pies. Lunch was enjoyed in the sunshine at Haigh Hall
We headed back via Borsdane woods to come out at Wingates. At this point for various reasons the 15 that started the walk had been reduced to 10, a loss of 33% is probably a club record. From here we went back under the M61 and safely back to Lostock.
On return all were accounted for!
All in all a very enjoyable and eventful 14.5 miles
Peter Ault
