After the Walk September 2022
Sunday September 25th. Inchfield Moor and Bridestone. 16 miles. Leader: Ian Wardle. Joint walk with West Lancs.
It was such a delight to see cars arriving with East Lancs and West Yorkshire members who made for a fine bunch of cheerful walkers. We set off by joining the Rochdale Canal which we followed South to lock gate 33 where we joined the Pennine Bridleway. It was then a steep climb up out of the valley to Moorhey Flat where we joined the Todmorden Centenary Way (TCW) which we followed to White Slack where we stopped for our morning break. We continued on the TCW dropping down to Ragby Bridge before climbing up to Foul Clough Road. Here we left the TCW taking the steeper more direct route over Burnt Hill up to the Inchfield trig point. After a group photo we then headed off to join the Rossendale Way which we followed for a short distance before dropping down to join a gravel track leading out to the A681. By now it had become quite cold and windy, so we stopped here for lunch getting some shelter by sitting behind a large pile of rubble. There were clear views from here across Gorpley Reservoir to Todmorden and of course Stoodley Pike Monument which was in view for most of the day.
As we dropped down from the track over a patch of land, newly planted with trees, to join the A681 we were suddenly surrounded by a drift of pigs which was quite amazing to see as they scampered all around us.
We crossed the A681 passing the Astronomy Centre as we skirted Todmorden Moor before joining Tower Causway. We then dropped down to Portsmouth crossing the A646 before climbing up to Pudsey. It was then a steep climb up a path passing through some interesting old property before coming out onto Pudding Lane. We continued on passed Hartley Royd farm, an interesting C17 listed stone building before crossing Hudson Moor. It was here where we left the TCW to climb up to Great Bride Stones. It was then downhill all the way back to our cars.
Ian
Wednesday September 21st. Lostock & Yarrow. 15 miles. Leaders: Dave and Alma Walsh. 16 walkers and 2 dogs.
On the eve of the Autumn Equinox we set off along the main street of Bretherton. At the end of the village we turned up a lane which led us over fields. We had to wait for a train to pass before crossing the railway line & then over more fields near to Wymott prison. Where has all the cows gone, on the recce there were hundreds.
More fields ensued before we turned down Holker Lane & had a short break next to some hay bales. Continuing on for a while along this quiet lane we then turned North along a track which eventually led us to the B5253 road.
We continued for a short while passing two new housing estates before turning up a lane which led us to our lunch stop of Worden Hall/Park. Plenty of benches here & even a free toilet, we had a leisurely lunch.
Leaving the park over a little bridge over a stream we then continued over farmland past the giant Altcar farm. Heading back now more fields & tracks led us to the River Yarrow which we followed to Eccleston Bridge.
Past the new river flood basin a narrow path led us further along the Yarrow & through a giant field of growing corn. The pretty village of Croston was our next stop where we had a break sat on benches next to the church. We walked through the village & then picked up a quiet lane which led us back to the cars at Bretherton.
Thanks to all who attended, some old faces & some new ones, not forgetting our two canine companions, Poppy & Scrappy.
Dave & Alma.
Wednesday September 14th. A Titanic Trip Around Colne. 10 mile Plodder Walk. Leader: Barbara Shelton.
Fourteen of us set off from Ball Grove Country Park near Colne, heading north initially along lanes and fields before heading west to take in both Foulridge reservoirs, where we had a coffee break whilst commenting on how low the reservoir was.
Passing Slipper Hill reservoir, we were soon onto the easy gradient of the Leeds Liverpool canal towpath, passing the entrance to the mile-long Foulridge tunnel before pressing on towards Colne. Next was Barrowford reservoir which was almost empty due to ongoing work to lower the height of the dam, and work was being done on the nearby locks too. Then it was under the M65 and on to Greenfield Rd to view the birthplace of Wallace Hartley, bandmaster of the Titanic who tragically lost his life with the sinking in April 1912 at just 33 years old.
In Colne town centre a blue plaque marks the family home where Wallace Hartley lived as a boy for 5 years, and he is further honoured with a bust and a model of the Titanic which are to be found next to the war memorial on the main street; it was also a handy spot for lunch. The Wetherspoons is also named after him (ironic as he was from a Methodist family and was teetotal!).
Dropping steeply down the terraced streets we joined Colne Water, where we admired a group of Mandarin ducks, before stopping on the outskirts of town to visit Wallace Hartley’s grave, before the final stretch back to the cars with 9.5 miles completed, and a welcome brew and excellent cake at the café for some.
Barbara Shelton
Wednesday September 7th. A Breath of Fresh Air. 12 miles. Leader: Norman Thomas.
Norman led the annual trip up to Conder Green and the first 12 miles of the Breath of Fresh Air walk. It was a smaller attendance than usual but what a good day we had.
Along to Cockerham Abbey (or the remains of it anyway) passing Plover Scar lighthouse. On to the airfield where we had lunch and a brew with entertainment provided by the many parachutists - rather them than me!
A slight deviation led by Nick meant we joined the canal at a different place than normal but avoided some frisky cattle. Along the canal turning onto the Glasson spur. Leaving the canal by the Mill it was a short road walk back to Conder Green to the cars.
Thanks to Norman to leading and never stopping talking once!!
Hilary
