After the Walk March 2022


Sunday March 27th. Boots and Brews, A March Perambulation. 10.5 miles. Leader: Caz Tennant and Alf. 

 

Extra early on a lovely Sunday morning, thanks to the clocks going forward, 15 of us met up at Tockholes.  We were also accompanied by Alf, Luna and Lola.  With it being Mothers Day, Hilary bought her Daughter along and I helped fudge the numbers to make the walks look more successful by bringing my friend Margaret along.  

 

After the obligatory group photo, we set off down through the woods.  At the East Lancs PNFS sign we had another photo as it is a rule that you cannot pass by without taking one.  Over the A675 at Piccadilly we began our steady ascent of Great Hill.  The past couple of weeks of dry weather meant it was reasonably firm for a change.  Marvellous views back across to Darwen Tower as we climbed.  At the top we stopped for a short break to recover from the climb and admire the views.

 

We descended over the stone slabs along Spitlers Edge.  For once, no one fell in a bog, not even Alf.  Passing the source of the Yarrow, with its handy marker, we reached the car park at Horden Stoops.  A short section on the horrible twisty road to reach the footpath off to Belmont.  At the one point I needed to pay attention to the route I got my map out and promptly got talking and nearly went astray.  A quick scoot through the marsh grass to the track and we were soon back on track.  Battling on through further marsh grass we reached Ward's Cote and the road through Belmont.

 

On a handy wall along the edge of Belmont Reservoir we stopped for lunch.  Alf did his usual rounds, after assisting with my ham sandwich, finding his way to his Uncle Dave for pork pie and yogurt for dessert.

 

Round the reservoir before turning off up to the Witton Weavers Way.  Here discussions were held as to the construction of the perfect sandwich to avoid soggy bread situations. We went past Turkey Tree, but disappointingly it contained no turkeys today.  On reaching the Witton Weavers Way, the cows were out on the footpath, but thankfully were on the section going the other way.  Passing Big Dog House, we got a big woof from Big Dog himself.  Then along the track to pass the Crosses Checkpoint 3 at Track Junction and return through the woods at Tockholes, back to the cars. 

 

Brews and ice creams were had at the cafe.  Also, some cake.  

 

Whilst these walks are a little shorter than our usual, Alf was still tired out and enjoyed a very nice afternoon snoozing when we got home.

 

Thank you to everyone that attended, especially those making a guest appearance for the day, Kirsty, Margaret, Yvonne and David.

Caz

 

Pictures from Jane, Caz and Hilary.

 

 

Wednesday March 23rd. Village Link Part 1. 12 miles. Leader:Barbara Shelton.

Just a few days after the Spring equinox, it felt more like a summer’s day when 18 of us and four dogs set off from Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom to walk the first part of the Village Link. The walk was devised by Bury Rural Inequalities Forum and details of the route can be found at www.village-link.com

We were tackling 12 miles this time and had a good warm-up (not that we needed it!) at the start when we headed steeply up Jacob’s Ladder to reach the motorway footbridge then on up to the ruins of Grants Tower with its panoramic views of the valley and beyond. Nangreaves was the next objective – a small community with a now sadly defunct pub, though the locals are still trying to save it. On the way we were delighted to see a group of four-legged locals: a herd of around ten Red Deer, including stags with full antlers. It was all downhill then to Falshaw’s café off Walmersley Rd for a relax in the sun with drinks and ice creams.

Dropping down again to cross the East Lancs railway we made our way to Greenmount (resisting the temptation of another café), over the golf course and beyond to Hawkshaw. A lunchtime sunbathing session was enjoyed by a stream before we faced the inevitable uphill climb in the direction of Holcombe Hill via the Army range and the old Krypton Factor course. After a stiff climb into the woods we contoured around the hill, emerging near the top of the famous Redisher Woods steps, a project initiated and part funded by the club.

All that remained was to ascend the hill to Peel Tower (and sweets stop, thanks Hilary) and then follow the proverbial marble downhill back to Nuttall Park via Holcombe Village. A bit of local history was viewed in Morrison’s car park – a fine example of a preserved lamppost, with information board, which was made by Joseph Strang, engineer, in Ramsbottom, and placed here by Ramsbottom Heritage Society.

So that was part one of the Village Link, and I would say the harder of the two parts, with around 1,500 ft of ascent (or about 450 metres if you prefer).

Look forward to seeing you all for part two on Wednesday 20th April – see the future events list for details.

Barbara Shelton

 

The pictures below are from Jeanette.

The pictures below are from Barbara and Hilary.

 

Wednesday March 16th. Earby to Lothersdale. 9.5 miles. Leader: Mike Lee. 

 

Five walkers met in Earby on a gloomy, but dry, morning for the Earby to Lothersdale Plodder walk.

We started by walking through Earby to the outskirts where we paused for a group photo at the Youth Hostel bequested by Katherine Bruce Glasier. Then using old lanes and tracks we tackled the steep climb up to the ridge above Earby at Procter Height.

Crossing the road running along the top of the ridge, we descended the other side down to Lothersdale and started our walk down the valley to Lothersdale village. We took advantage of the picnic tables in the village’s remarkably well equipped recreation ground for our lunch stop.

After lunch we continued our walk through the village before turning off onto the Pennine Way heading for Pinhaw Beacon. The first stretch was a climb through green fields and it was at this point that the weather seemed to be at its gloomiest, with just a hint of rain.

The green fields changed to heather moors as we climbed higher towards Pinhaw and just before the top we made a short excursion from the main path to look at the commemorative stone at the site of Robert Wilson’s grave. Regardless of its name he is not buried there, but it is the place where his body was found after he perished in severe winter weather whilst attempting to take provisions to the men at the beacon. The inscription on the stone reads “Here was found dead the body of Robert Wilson, one of the Beacon Guards, who died Jan 29th 1805, aged 69 years”.

The beacon on Pinhaw was one of a chain of beacons built during the Napoleonic wars to relay the news of a French invasion. The Beacon Guards were local men recruited to man the beacons and on Pinhaw they sheltered in a small hut near the beacon. In January 1805 severe winter weather had cut them off from neighbouring villages and they were running short of food. Robert Wilson volunteered to brave the weather to replenish their supplies, but died in the attempt.

Continuing to the top of Pinhaw we admired the recently erected monument to victims of the Covid-19 pandemic, before starting our descent back to Earby. Rather than descending directly to Earby, we dropped into the bottom of the valley near Thornton-in-Craven where the old Skipton to Colne railway track has been converted into a footpath. A short walk along the railway track then took us back to our cars.

Thanks to everyone who came.

 

Mike Lee

 

Sunday March 13th. Gushing Stream. 20 miles. Leader:Suzanne Corlett.

 

16 walkers met at Gisburn with the weather looking good. It was nice to welcome some new faces from South Manchester and the West Yorkshire LDWA groups and nice to see some new walkers to LDWA braving another walk – we didn’t put them off too much on previous walks!

We headed for the Ribble way and made our way to Sawley. We had a sharp steep climb through Steep wood – the clue is in the name – I reassured the group that was the only real climb for today. We went through the setting where the beat-herder music festival is held and had a great picture in the middle to the stones, might have to try the festival! We were then treated to a beautiful setting at the remains of Sawley Abbey for our morning break, then crossed the River Ribble as we headed for Bolton by Bowland.

The fields were definitely looking less muddy than a few days ago, I was keeping my fingers crossed that this would continue. We spotted a family group ahead of us but we took a quick detour to avoid the “really muddy” field much to the relief of everyone. The family group ahead of us were heading straight for it – they were braver than us! A lovely sight came into view in Bolton by Bowland – toilets!! Huge cheer from the ladies. The family group were then ahead of us as we came out of Bolton by Bowland, it looked like the toddlers and tiny dachshunds were walking at a brisker pace than us!

We headed back towards the river and then onwards to the glamorous lunch stop at the side of the road – I couldn’t find a stop as nice as the morning break. We headed through Paythorne and the stiles I was beginning to think I had imagined started to appear. The second half of the walk was filled with stiles and more stiles. Caz did a great job of doing a bit of maintenance on the brambles with some very sharp secateurs as we tackled the awkward stiles. Her new nickname is Mary Poppins – she has all sorts in that rucksack!

We went though Horton and headed for Bracewell then entered the last leg back to Gisburn which was fields, more fields and the stiles just kept coming – even had some walkers tackling the stiles when they didn’t need to! We had a great day, met a very friendly miniature pony who I think wanted to come with us, we avoided the rain, didn’t have much mud and finished in good time – happy days!

Thank to Caz for being my back up today and for all the photos and thank you for everyone who came, lovely to see you all!

Suzanne

 

Photos from Caz.

 

 

Wednesday March 9th. Haigh Hall Return, 12 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott.

A dry morning saw 19 walkers and 2 dogs meet at Borsdane Wood for a stroll. Through the wood where the wild garlic was growing nicely plus daffodils nearly out and the promise of Bluebells. The wood sheltered us from a brisk wind which was also drying the mud of the recce up nicely. On through Hindley Golf Club and past Kirkless tip (I take you to the very best places) Into the old site of the largest Iron and Steel works in the area. This is now part of the Greenheart Initiative to reclaim old industrial sites for recreation and wildlife. Past Kirkless Hall covered in scaffolding to morning coffee by the canal.

We walked some way on the canal with Haigh Hall and the Plantations on our right to turn up the road and back round to Haigh. Lunch was in the Walled Garden and a tree much loved by Norman had a hug from Alma and Jane. Down to the bottom of Haigh and then along the side to come out near the Balcarres Arms. A short road walk and the views opened out with Blackpool Tower visible on the horizon. There were also views of Bolton football stadium with Winter Hill in the background. Along some fields to reach Scot Lane via a very sturdy stile. Following the Rotary Way back to the car park with a sweetie stop to spur us on this last couple of miles.  A few of us went to the Gerrard Arms for a drink.

Thanks to all who came especially those who are new to the group. I hope you were made very welcome,

Hilary

Pictures from Jane, Jeanette and Hilary.

 

Saturday March 5th, 8 miles, Sunday March 6th, 17 miles. The Two Crosses Marshalls walks. Leaders: Caroline and Nick, plus Alf.

 

A beautiful Saturday Morning saw 7 of us, plus Alf and Lola meet at Bartidge Car Park.  We set off up towards Turton Heights and then along the track towards the A666.  Always an interestingly wonky path, a shoe was nearly lost in the mud, but thankfully recovered!  Over the A666 to battle the gorse at Owshaw Clough and then onto the Witton Weavers Way aka The Endless Path.  Past Big Dog House and then to the track junction where we stopped for a break.  We then turned to ascend towards Darwen Moor.  We used the *new footbridge* to cross the gully to go over the moor.  On this section I fell in a bog, nicely past my knees.  Many thanks to everyone that helped extract me and didn’t just laugh at my wet knee predicament!  We then continued to cross the A666 again and drop through the woods to reach Entwistle reservoir.  Around the reservoir to return to the cars.

Pictures from Caroline and Jane for both days.

Sunday morning saw 14 of us, plus Alf set off from Bartridge car park.  After the obligatory group photo we set off over the dam towards Entwistle.  Over the railway line by the Strawbury Duck and into the woods.  Up the big muddy hill to Moorside Road and Orrel Cote farm.  On the road to Crowthorn and up towards Wet Moss.  Alf found a friend, a young farm dog, who wanted to come with us.  Luckily a local runner passing us took him with him, with the promise to return him home afterwards.  Up on to the soggy delight that is Wet Moss and then round Bull Hill where we had morning break.  On to the Pilgrim’s Cross for another photo opportunity and then over to Peel tower and down through Redisher Woods.  Some bramble clipping as we made our way to Greenmount for our lunch stop, opposite the tea rooms.  We then continued through to Tottington and over the farm land to Affetside, with a little more bramble clipping along the way.  A final drop down towards Jumbles reservoir for a quick afternoon break, then up to Turton Tower and the final section on the Witton Weavers Way back to the cars.

Thank you to everyone that came along over the weekend.  And Alf says thank you for all the delicious nibbles and cuddles he received over the weekend too!

Caroline and Alf x

 

 

Keswick Week. Fri 25th Feb - Fri 4th Mar.

A group from East Lancs have just spent a week in Keswick, walking and enjoying the area. The pictures below are from a walk from Walla Crag to Grange and round the Lake returning via Portinscale.  12 walkers and a dog, led by Paul. All pictures are from Jeanette.

The pictures below are from a 20 mile walk in the Keswick area, led by Roger. Some glorious views and it looks like the drinks afterwards were well earned. 

The pictures below are from a 15 mile walk led by Dave and Alma. It was an ascent of Skiddaw and Skiddaw Old man via Latrigg Fell.

The pictures below are from a 12 mile walk that Roger Halliwell led.   After going up Latrigg Fell, we decended to Threlkeld where we enjoyed coffee and cakes before returning on the Thelkeld to Keswick Railway Path.