Sunday November 27th. Ken's Pearler. 19 miles. Leader: Ken Noble.

I devised this walk to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of my membership of the LDWA. As a Yorkshire man now living in Lancashire (Greater Manchester actually), I felt the walk should reflect this, so it started in Lancashire and went vaguely north, before crossing the border into Yorkshire at Portsmouth and turning vaguely south back to Summit.

The Lancashire section took us to such reprehensible places such as Grimes, Crook Moor and Hades!

Fortunately we made it safely into Yorkshire where no such horrors were awaiting us.

Luckily the weather was kind as usual, which helped us keep a good pace and a finish without the need of torches.

Lunch was taken below Eagle Crag where the story of Lady Sybil was told to the 13 other walkers.

A few more ascents and descents brought us to the Rochdale Canal and an easy walk back to our cars.

Ken.

Click here for Ken's pictures.

Click here for Peter's pictures.

Wednesday November 23rd. A Haunting Observation. 11.5 miles. Leaders: Paul and Alison Wadsworth.

An early start was required to allow a tour of the magnificent Samlesbury Hall to be completed after the walk and before it closed at 4pm; so at 9am 26 walkers, three dogs and a few ghostly apparitions
gathered in glorious sunshine for the usual photograph. Whilst the warm sun and blue skies above were enjoyed throughout the day, the aftermath of Storm Angus meant that the conditions underfoot
were not so good with many boggy fields to be tramped and numerous slippery stiles and footbridges to be crossed.

After passing to the East of Mellor Brook we climbed and passed to the North of Mellor before arriving at the toposcope and the now redundant Royal Observer Corp underground nuclear monitoring post. The 360º of glorious panoramic views clearly showed why this site had been used since the Romans in AD80 as an observation point. We then dropped into the valley and proceeded via Birley Fold to Hawkshaw Fold, the home of Mrs Dowson's ice cream, where morning break was enjoyed aboard a tractor ride carriage accompanied by a chorus of 'The wheels on the bus go round and round'.

We continued to Salesbury where in effect we did a U-turn before climbing again to pass Ramsgreave Hall and onwards to the outskirts of Blackburn. Passing Blackburn rugby club we continued to Middle Reaps Farm. The now derelict farm buildings would have afforded some shelter if it had been raining as expected in November, but the sun continued to shine and lunch was enjoyed alfresco.

As we had been delayed by the boggy underfoot, the slippery stiles, a barbed wire injury needing first aid - this now seems to be routine since completing the first aid course, and the very friendly rams, a unanimous decision was taken to opt for the pre-prepared Plan B – a direct return to Samlesbury Hall to ensure that sufficient time was available for a tour of the Hall. This meant that a 3 mile route via Billinge Hill, the Wainwright Memorial and the Witton Weavers Way was bypassed. Keen fans of Wainwright will be pleased to know that Barbara's walk on 4th January 2017 will pass this way and hopefully the glorious views that were missed today will be seen then.

So back at Samlesbury Hall, the Lords and Ladies all took their seats at the dining table in the Great Hall and enjoyed a selection of cakes with a choice of warm drinks or cool beers. There is too much in the Hall for me to explain here, but a free self guided tour was taken by those that wanted to, and it is to be recommended for those that have not visited before. 

Paul.

Pictures below from Paul.

Click here for Peter's pictures.

Pictures below from Hilary.

Sunday November 13th. Another Chunk of the Pendle Way. 20 miles. Leader: Ken Noble.

Because Michael was unable to lead the walk, he asked me if I would lead it for him.

18 of us left the car park on a cold but dry morning, which stayed dry throughout the day until a few spots of rain as we finished.

After a short coffee break on Weets Hill, we began the descent to Barnoldswick, stopping part way down for a 2 minute Remembrance Day silence at 11:00hrs.

My ears were burning as we carried on walking past the mobile cafe at Greenberfield Locks on the Leeds/ Liverpool canal, but we hadn't done half of the route so it was too early for lunch. Lunch was taken at St. Mary le Ghyll church a little further along.

Soon after lunch I was informed that three walkers had left the group. I think we got too close to their homes!

We'd experienced a few waterlogged fields before lunch and unfortunately there were more to come, but nothing too serious.

After leaving the Pendle Way at Heads Lane, we walked into Kelbrook and made our way to the Leeds/Liverpool canal again, this time walking the opposite way back to Barrowford.

Ken.

Click here to see Ken's pictures.

Click here for Howard's pictures.

Wednesday November 9th. Cuerden Wander. 15.25 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott.

9.30 am and 16 walkers and 4 dogs stood waiting at the Wigan Road car park at the top of the Cuerden Valley Country Park. A few minutes before Barbara had received a phone call from two members who said that they were just a mile away. I had sent out very detailed instructions on how to get to this car park but it seemed that all the Jungle Training in the world was not enough to help these two navigate the wilds of Bamber Bridge. Nick and Caroline very kindly agreed to stay to meet them and then catch the rest of the group up. We set off into the Cuerden Valley following it all the way to Whittle Le Woods. 30 minutes later I received a call from Nick to say that the intrepid duo had still not turned up. A missed call revealed the message that they had given up and had gone to spend the day near Rivington! Poor Nick and Caroline had to drive (and pay a second car park fee) and walk/run to catch the group up but this they achieved and we all reunited at Whittle Le Woods.

Moving on, we climbed up to see the still misty views over to Winter Hill and then braved the two tunnels to cross under a disused railway line and Motorway. Bernard was disappointed in the tunnels, he felt I had oversold them because I asked people to bring a torch and emphasized the low roof on the first one. So, if anyone knows of any long low tunnels to impress Bernard, please let him know! A short climb up the road and it was time for morning coffee at Top Lock on the canal.

We then followed the canal to Riley Green. It was a good day for spotting wildlife as a kingfisher flew in front of us for several hundred yards. A kestrel was spotted as well as some unusual Hebridian sheep. See Martin's blog below for a full list of birds spotted today. Turning off at Riley Green we made our way over to and through Hoghton Bottoms. Overnight rain saw the Darwen in spate over the weir and much muddier paths than of late. Nick carefully sheperded us over the railway line and after a glance at Hoghton Tower we made our way to the nearby Churchyard where handy benches proved a good spot for lunch. Martin came round with fudge cake again, it is always so delicious, thanks Martin.

Moving on past a Thirlmere Gate we followed a mix of country lanes and fields to return near the M65. The threat of some fierce dogs meant we diverted along the road to turn into Smithy lane, we also avoided a very muddy field doing this. Along the lane and then a turn into a farmyard and a track/path very close to the M61 with the resultant noise. A quick stop for sweets and then through another tunnel to walk into and through Clayton Brook.

Back across the main road and into Cuerden Valley again. It was a pleasant walk past the lake, up through the wood and back to the cars. Most of the group coped with further instructions on how to get to the pub and we enjoyed a drink at the Walton Fox. A good day out, no rain and lots of wildlife to see. Thank you to all those who came and a special thanks to Nick and Caroline who helped me with the recce and tried to help two of the group who may or may not have enjoyed as nice a day.

Hilary

Click here for Martin's report of the day.

Click here for Peter's Pictures.