Plodding into Autumn and Winter

Thirlmere Way - Part 8, Caton to Hutton Roof, Monday Sept 2nd

On a day which was rearranged to a Monday, Plodders still on holiday, some injured, others forgot, it required the Plodder A Plus Team (six gentlemen and chief scout, Norman) to rise to the challenge of a walk/reccy. The 13 miles was completed in good time but most importantly it was a grand walk as Tim Cappelli says in his write up of this section. We also encountered the Aqueduct on frequent occasions.

Starting exactly on time from the Crook of Lune car park we headed along the Lune, passing through woodland to the Aqueduct Bridge. The bridge carries four pipes over the Lune and can now be crossed by the public. From here with advice from our Scout we avoided the loop in the river and made for Aughton up the steep lane leading up from the ancient barn.

Taking the Aughton road towards Grassingham, which is a straight two miles, we enjoyed the views which included Hornby Castle and the Yorkshire Dales.The road was very quiet and eventually at the T junction we turned left towards Sunny Bank Farm and the busy B6254. In retrospect we would have probably done better to go to Grassingham and up to Storrs Hall and on to Locka Lane. We walked along the B6254 to Storrs Hall and then left into Locka Lane, a very quiet lane with good views.

After 1.5 miles we reached a footpath leading towards Brown Edge Farm. We took a lunch break on the hillside. Crossing the railway we headed towards the Tower on the hillside, a Sighting Tower with the Manchester Corporation Logo prominent on its side. Passing further inspection hatches and gates we headed for the track in the direction of Henridding Farm. Work is in progress on one of the Inspection hatches site.

Turning right onto the road, we nearly lost our Guide who for some reason had turned left! After half a mile we reached the track to Crag House Farm. Taking the concessionary path around the farm we were spotted by two rottweillers and were pleased to avoid their barking in the farmyard. Passing through yet another Aqueduct gate we regained the main path through delightful fields to reach Hutton Roof and Bernard's car. Unfortunately only three cars were available at the time we met at Hutton Roof so Bernard kindly did a double run. Seven very happy walkers enjoyed beer and some excellent chips at the King's Head in Burton upon Kendal.

Reg

Thanks to Don and Reg for the pictures.

The Weighver's Way, Wednesday September 18th.

Eight plodders and Maude met at Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre at 10 am where they were then transported to Catley Lane Head by Don and Neil (Maureen was there with her car too if we needed more transport).

We set off on the linear walk from Catley Lane Head at 10.30 am and after 5 minutes or so we had to put on waterproofs as the rain came. But not for long as the sun then came out as we passed the ancient hamlet of Prickshaw on our way to The Square at Whitworth where there was information about the famous Taylor doctors who people visited from miles around in years gone by to cure anything from a common cold to cancer. The Red Lion pub looked inviting but it was too early in the day. Our next stop was St Bartholomews Church which has numerous gargoyles on the walls and the church tower. Quite an eerie experience to the first-time visitor.
After leaving the church yard we stopped at the 'Yogi Bear tables' just below Lobden Golf Club where we enjoyed our morning break. It was after this refreshment stop that Peter told me he had forgot to buy a pay and display ticket at Hollingworth Lake because he was in deep conservation and hadn't realised until then. The bad news was that for not buying a £2.20 pay and display ticket the fine would be sixty pounds. Oh dear!

We then hit the trail skirting Brown Wardle Hill on our way to Watergrove Reservoir where we had our lunch on some more 'Yogi Bear tables' in the pleasant sunshine. There was a lone wind-surfer on the reservoir for our entertainment.

After leaving Watergrove we walked through the memorial gardens on the Pennine Bridleway past Dobbins Hill on our way to Clough on the Calderbrook Road. After a short climb on the road we climbed a dodgy stile and made our way across fields on the edge of a small wood to descend to the main Littleborough to Todmorden Road at Gale where we crossed the busy road and made our way to the canal which took us to Ealees where we crossed the canal and walked the final mile to the Visitor Centre wondering whether Peter's car would be host to a parking ticket. Luckily he had got away with it, so that saved us having a whip round! We celebrated with tea and coffee and some with cream cakes. Don then asked the gang to sponsor him on his sponsored walk to Accrington on Saturday in support of Rochdale AFC football in the community for the kids of Rochdale.

We then said cheerio and went on our homeward journeys. A most enjoyable day with good company completing the 10 mile Weighver's Way.

Don

Pictures by Don and Hilary

Thirlmere Way - Part 9. Wednesday October 2nd 2013

Hutton Roof to Summerlands. (Nine miles)

On a day that had forcast rain some nine Plodders gathered at the lay-by just north of Summerlands.The only regular who was missing was Phillip, but who should appear as we made our way up the narrow lane to Hutton Roof was Phillip coming the other way!

Walking through Hutton we past the old AA sign indicating London was some 252 1/4 miles away! Passing the church yard we stopped to pay our respects at the War Memorial to T.B.Hardy who was the vicar at St. John's Church. At the age of 51 and supposedly in poor health he volunteered to be a Chaplain in the 1914-18 war winning a Victoria Cross, DSO and Military Cross before losing his life at the front. His life's story can be read in 'The Chaplain VC'S of the Great War'. What a brave and Christian man.

Continuing down hill along the road with wonderful views of the Howgills, Dales and local hills we reached Badgers Gate, a large house with very well kept gardens. We spent a minute or two admiring the house and gardens. Crossing Lupton Beck we passed a pool and mill stream on our left and down the drive of the former Mill House saw Aqueduct pipes crossing the stream. A little further on there were inspection hatches in the field and further on gates on both sides of the lane. Recently there has been a leak from the Aqueduct which has damaged the road surface. Peter and Reg had the good fortune to meet one of the Engineers working on the site when they reccied the walk. The Engineers principal job was to observe the Aqueduct on the ground from it's source in Thirlmere to Lostock near to Bolton. He confirmed what the Engineer at Adlington had told us that the Aqueduct is still checked on foot.

Continuing down to the A65 we took the footpath/green lane opposite and very quickly came across gates, but with a difference, they had iron steps up to them from what was now a sunken green lane. Phillip and John tested out the steps and opened the gate. A little further on we spotted an inspection hatch site on the top of a hill to the left, which had been made secure.

Continuing on to High Lupton Farm we followed the path for two miles to the next minor road ,stopping for lunch in a secluded very small quarry. Turning left towards Kendal and just before crossing the M6 we saw another inspection hatch site with gates either side of the road.We could work out where the Aqueduct went beneath the M6.

Having a final drinks stop on the crash barriers above the motorway and enjoying a brief spell of sunshine we made our way to Summerlands, the last section via a small wood next to the lay-by where we had left our cars. Once again we enjoyed a pint at the King's Arms and a chat with Neil. They were preparing for the weekends Onion Festival and we entered the competition to guess the weight of a very large pumpkin.

Considering the dismal forcast we avoided any rain and enjoyed a relatively short but full of interest section. We hope to reach Burnside on our next outing on the 16th.

Reg

Thanks to Don and Reg for the pictures.

Thirlmere Way - Part 10. Summerlands to Burneside, Wednesday October 16th

Some 8 Plodders gathered on a day that forecast heavy rain. We realised that the rain would arrive at some time during the day and at a fast plod managed to walk 7 of the 10 miles before the rain arrived.

The route was to follow the Aqueduct closely unlike Tim Capelli's route that followed the Lancaster Canal into Kendal, well away from the Aqueduct. Along the way we encountered three Valve Houses, four Aqueduct crossings and numerous gates and on top of this a relatively high level route with reasonable views despite the weather. At the end the Plodders were well satisfied with the day.

Starting from the lay-by in Summerlands, with a cold wind on our backs, we took the path through the woods leading cross country to the delightful country lane to Halfpenny.(that place which use to appear on local weather forecasts) It is a very picturesque Hamlet from where we made for and then followed Saint Sundays Beck .Following this into a small wood we came across our first Valve House and several gates along the line of the Aqueduct. After a full inspection the team moved on to Lower Blease Hall, now tastefully converted and the surrounding buildings into apartments.Taking a green lane we reached upper Blease Hall and walking steeply up hill we reached Stockley Farm and then Bridge. From here we could see another Valve House and more gates along the line of the Aqueduct as it came from the direction of Kendal.Taking a bridleway from Stockley Bridge we climbed, crossing the Aqueduct to reach the road near Windy Hill and a further gate, the last we would see until the Aqueduct crossing at the River Mint. Reg was pleased that the Aqueduct followed exactly the pencil line he had drawn on his map to mark the route of the Aqueduct.

Continuing along this road which after half a mile became Paddys Lane, and with minimal traffic we gathered momentum to reach the end just as it started to rain. The lane gives on a better day good views over Kendal and into the Lakes towards Windermere. Sheltering under the railway bridge,which carries the main West Coast Line,we enjoyed a dry lunch and changed into our water proofs.

We quickly reached the old stone bridge over the River Mint and followed across fields to where the Aqueduct crosses the River near the Caravan Site. Crossing the very well kept site and noting four inspection hatches we continued across the A6 to find a futher Valve House with the Aqueduct pipes crossing a stream before entering the Valve House. In heavy rain we joined the Dales Way and made our way to the final Aqueduct crossing of the day over the River Sprint and more gates and Inspection Hatches. Intoxicated with this wealth of Aqueduct the Plodders made short work of reaching Burneside and the comfort of their cars by 3.15 pm.

The next section and the last before Ghyll Head will take us to Ambleside.The reccy will take place on Tuesday 5th November and Don and Neil will join Peter and myself as Don will be on holiday on November 13th the planned walk date. If others wish to join us we may convert this into the actual walk date and make it a reccy/walk.

Reg

Pictures by Don and Reg

The Roaches Revisited, Monday October 14th.

Please click on the link below for Martins report.

http://phreerunner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/monday-14-october-2013-roaches-revisited

The Plodders Fish and Chip Walk. Adlington to Abbey Village. 9 miles. Wednesday October 30th

Setting out in good heart,with clear skies,and the smell of fish and chips in their nostrils 12 Plodders and two dogs made off down the footpaths opposite Reg's house. Passing several Aqueduct gates, and a farm with dog alert notices, we walked down Rawlinson's lane, an ancient green lane, to reach Back Lane. Briefly walking down the lane we turned off over the motorway and reached the small estate of expensive houses formerly the site of Heath Charnock Isolation Hospital.

Reg was able to show some pictures of the Hospital from local historian MD Smith's book. The Isolation Hospital was a complete hospital with Nurses Home, Pathology Lab, Mortuary facilities and a very thriving community of medical, nursing and other staff. Worth a few moments to reflect on what had been.

Crossing the River Yarrow we headed up the bridle path to another back lane along side Anglezarke Reservoir. Turning right off the lane we walked parallel to the Reservoir, passing the Nab Memorial Wood and enjoying some very clear views of the West Pennine Moors and Great Hill. Heading down the road to Heapey Reg pointed out the site of the old Bleach Works and the track bed and half bridge of the branch railway line that served it. Turning down the drive way to Phillipson's Farm we took the foot path on the left leading along a slippery path to reach the bridge over the former Lancashire Union Railway (Blackburn to Chorley Section) and mid morning break. Feeding on amongst other things the Plodders enjoyed Bowen's Pork pie (small portions) and for the first time in months Martins chocolate cake.

Whilst sitting and enjoying their break Reg told the Plodders about the railway which opened in 1869 to passenger traffic and in less than one hundred years had closed in 1960. The railway took goods from the Blackburn area to Garston Docks in Liverpool and took coal from the Wigan area to the mills around Blackburn. The track bed is now used locally as farm tracks.

Pressing on with increased vigour the Plodders reached Heapey and the previous Station House, now as judged by the impressive extensions to the Station House a most lucrative business, a cattery! Also near by is the previous Railway Arms, now a private dwelling.

Heading now for the mystery part of the walk we reached the site of what was formerly an ordnance depot for the Royal Ordnance Department. This had been part of the rail network with extensive sidings both inside the site and along side the main line to Blackburn. It was rumoured that after the end of steam around 1968 that local people had seen steam engines in the sidings and thought they were there for the purpose of preserving them. In the 1990's a group of steam enthusiasts from the south paid several visits to the site to explore the possibility of there being steam engines inside the storage area for munitions in the well hidden hill side. Without trespassing they photographed tunnel entrances and were checked on by police patrol vehicles, all adding to the mystery. Locals told them of lorries entering the site during the early hours of the morning. They even went to the trouble of photographing the site from the air! Several years on the site has been publically sold and we could see work going on inside the fenced off still secured site. Peter Smith thinks the previous security probably related to a possible IRA threat when munitions were still stored there. Well worth reading the account entitled "Heapey,there are trains in them thar hills".

Continuing on through Garstang House Farm we crossed over the track bed again and made for the section of track bed leading to Brinscall. Reg,after a few missed calls, alerted the Fish shop of our imminent arrival and that 11 fish and chips were required. Enjoying a very hot lunch the Plodders felt ready to face the afternoon. The forecast had confidently forecast rain by 1.0pm but it remained dry. Heading down the section of track bed which is now converted into a cycle/footpath we passed some fishing pools and came to the section of track which is now a nature reserve. Brinscall was the highest point on the line and it was all down hill to Withnell Station. The Station House and platforms are still there and privately owned.

After inspecting the former station we crossed the road and continued along the track bed to the first footpath on the right. Unfortunately the path was extremely muddy and lead us into a large field which was not a public right of way. After circling this very muddy field we found a way out via the local cricket pitch. Quickly reaching the main street of Abbey Village we headed for the bus stop opposite the Hare and Hounds pub which we frequented on the Lancashire Trail. The bus arrived just a few minutes late and arrived at the Chorley Interchange in time for us to board the waiting 125 to Adlington. We reached home and cars by 3.45pm when the first drops of rain were felt! Apart from the mud, which Reg apologised for as he had not reccied this last section,the walk ticked all the boxes and may not have lost Reg too many bonus points

Reg

Please click on the link below for Matin's blog from the day.

http://phreerunner.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/wednesday-30-october-2013-plod-from.html

Thirlmere Way - Part 11. Burneside to Ambleside, 15 miles, Nov 11th

Eight Plodders set out from a cold and wet Burneside after traffic problems had caused a delay in starting. However things soon brightened as the rain stopped and we made our way towards Braham Farm. Reg had forgotten his map and was using Don's laminated version which had one section of the walk cut off. Consequentlly we took the farm road to Barnsdale Farm, noting on the way a Valve House and several gates. Passing through the farm the farmers wife pointed out the error of our ways but could not have been nicer and Bernard felt sure she would have made us a pot of tea!

Fortunately we soon found the correct path and after by passing Braham House we headed up hill to the building which houses the linking of the Thirlmere Aqueduct with the Haweswater Aqueduct. Bernard also noted on the way up Aqueduct stiles with characteristic concrete sides and movable iron steps. We also took in the impressive view which was now crystal clear with some blue sky over head.

Taking the road towards Staveley Reg took an early right turn, fearing he had missed an earlier one to lead the party up to the Aqueduct and some most interesting features. Bernard was able to show us from his collection of gate pictures a farm gate of which only two are known! Continuing along the line of the Aqueduct, not on public right of way path, we crossed a section of Aqueduct bridging over a stream and thanks to Phil found a bridge over another very large and fast flowing stream to find a path that eventually brought us out Hundehowe and the road to Staveley.

After two miles as the road enters Staveley we saw further gates as the Aqueduct crosses beneath the River Kent. After enjoying a break in Staveley we headed out for the A591 in the direction of Windermere. Taking this main road,with a good path along side the road we turned off Mill Farm to head for Moorhowe Lane.The road steadily climbs and we enjoyed again some very clear views, with the Langdales dramatically appearing as we reached the top.

Crossing the Aqueduct just prior to joining the A592 we headed down the path to Town End, crossing two foot bridges before climbing steeply to Town End and then onto Robin Lane .Several voices enquired as to how much further knowing we had already past the 12 mile mark. After a drinks stop and rest after the climb to Robin Lane Reg decided that it would be best to continue down Robin Lane to Ambleside and miss out the Skelghyll Lane section which has many Aqueduct features on view. Rain returned and for a time was heavy as we descended rapidly down some slippy and rocky paths to reach Ambleside at 15.50. A magnificent effort by the Plodders.

Whilst cooling down at the bus stop Allan rang a local Taxi firm and 10 minutes later a mini coach for eight tired Plodders conveyed us back to our cars at Burneside for £5 per head.This enabled us to be home at a very reasonable time considering the distances travelled and the exhausting day. Phil summed it up when he said to me on getting out of the mini coach that he feared that we would be too seized up to get out of the mini coach. Fortunately this was not the case and we all warmed up as our cars sped towards home.

Considering this was a reccy, I think, despite all the difficulties, we did justice to the walk and it cetainly will be helpful for future planning of this section.

Reg.

Pictures by Reg and Don.

Ripponden Round – 9 miles, Wednesday Nov 13th. Leader Neil Woodcock

Eight plodders met next to Baitings Reservoir for the first walk led by Neil W. One steadfast plodder, Reg, was missing, as he had to pull out en route to the start due to ill health. But it was a welcome return for Ann who had been absent since falling on the Morcambe Bay walk.

The walk set off along a permissive footpath over Yorkshire Water land, the drawback being they tend to have land which catches the rain and holds it, hence bogs. The walkers had been warned that gaiters were recommended.

It was a steep climb up to Manshead Hill before a ridge walk along to the Calderdale Way. On meeting the “Way” we stopped to be informed about structures we had seen in the distance en route such as Stoodley Pike and Wainhouse Tower as well as an explanation about what looked like a pill box in the middle of nowhere.

From here it was downhill along the Calderdale Way, with quite a bit of metalled road walking, down to Mill Bank where we stopped for a drink next to a babbling brook. Having replenished our liquid intake, we set off uphill to Soyland and down to Ripponden over the packhorse bridge. Here we stopped for lunch in the park next to the river.

A riverside walk followed with the disused Sowerby Bridge to Rishworth railway line above. It was originally intended to take the line all the way to Littleborough but the final stretch from Rishworth to Littleborough was never started. We did, however, carry on in the direction of Littleborough passing Ryburn and Baitings Reservoirs with the beautiful autumnal tree display helping us forget the uphill pull.

We returned to the cars after about 5 hours and a few set off for The Wine Press at Hollingworth Lake for liquid refreshment before returning home.

This walk was originally planned for 27th November but was brought forward to fill a hole in the Plodders diary. Neil W intends leading a further walk on 27th, this time in Lancashire : more info to follow about this.

Pictures by Paul Woodcock

Thirlmere Way - Part 12, Grasmere to Thirlmere

Some 13 Plodders made the final walk of the Thirlmere Way on a cloudy but dry December day. Walking from the lay-by on the A591, just beyond Dove Cottage, we headed for Michael's Fold, a picturesque Ghyll just above Grasmere. Progressing beyond the tarmac lane we made for the aqueduct as it emerges from the hillside and crosses the Ghyll to enter the opposite hillside.

It was possible to walk on top of the aqueduct, which remains as a concrete tunnel. From here we had good views over Grasmere and the hills beyond.

Retracing our steps we made for Tongue Gill further along the A591 and headed uphill in the direction of Hellvelyn. Passing workmen constructing a new hydroelectric scheme we reached the so-called last (or first) gate. Below the gate in the ghyll the aqueduct is seen for the final time leaving and entering the hillsides. Once more retracing our steps, we returned to the cars for lunch.

Taking our cars we headed along the A591, up Dunmail Raise and pulled into the lay-by adjacent to the Straining Well, a most impressive castellated building. The well is where the aqueduct leaves Thirlmere and 'strains' off debris from the water. Opposite the Well, alongside the A591 is a gate, which has to be the first or last gate! In his excitement to see the gate, Reg nearly was run over by a speeding motorist.

There are some excellent pictures taken inside the Straining Well at the time of a visit in 2007 by some volunteers. (Google Straining Well Lake Thirlmere.) Included is a historic list of those serving on the body, which built the reservoir. Also listed are details of Thirlmere, distance to Manchester, aqueduct diameters and many other details.

Driving on we left cars at High Park Wood and Little How, walking from High Wood along the lakeside to the Dam. On the last mile through woods the path deteriated to a slippy rocky and narrow path. Reaching the dam we walked along the road alongside the road, viewing the Valve House and further on the plaques commemorating the opening of the aqueduct. As dusk approached, leaving a silent and dark Thirlmere we walked back to the cars at Little How and quickly reached the pub before dark. Much to our delight the barman produced baskets of chips....what a way to finish!

Starting from Heaton Park, Manchester in March, we have completed the 15 sections over nine months. Staying very close to the aqueduct, but always on public rights of way, we have discovered paths we missed previously, a lot more of the aqueduct and enjoyed some wonderful scenery. Even the very urban first three sections were full of local history and interest. Most of us will remember the gentleman in Walkden who had painted the gate near to his house and has the key to the padlock! We also enjoyed talking to the various engineers along the way who made our journey that bit more interesting. Tat the aqueduct is still patrolled on foot is one of the bits of information we learned. And that day at Hutton Roof when Peter and Reg spotted in the church yard the memorial to the Rev Holmes. winner of the Victoria Cross, Distinguished Servive Medal and other awards. (A chaplain during the1914-18 war)

Finally due to navigation problems, most plodders did not complete the Ambleside to Grasmere section. This has been rescheduled for Tuesday 7th January. Further Reg is updating certain sections and also wishes to find further aqueduct crossings relating to the rivers Calder, Wyre, Ribble and Beck. The latter may all fit into one car journey going from one river to the next.

Photos