Eventually, 16 people and 4 dogs set of on this Tuesday walk from Mellor Brook. The start was a steep climb to the trig point on Mellor Moor which, despite it’s relatively low height of 223m, has extensive panoramic views all round. Descending now through fields we crossed the A59 opposite Tiggis Italian restaurant , passing Mire Fold farm and turning left to go through Showley Hall complete with its ever-growing collection of ancient farm equipment, old tyres and god knows what else.

We emerged from some pleasant woodland  into the grounds of Oxendale Hall a lovely 17^th century manor house built by the Osbaldeston family and currently owned by a Jersey property company who convinced the local authorities to re-route the footpaths through its grounds. The grounds are kept in pristine condition but there are a lot of CCTV cameras to keep an eye on walkers passing through. Leaving there we turned right along the lane which led to the river, passing en-route the modern riding centre which is also a major competition centre for all levels ad all disciplines of horse riding. Osbaldeston Hall, on our right, is another Grade II listed building and has been associated with the Catholic martyr, Edward Osbaldeston.

Another very pleasant section along the River Ribble came next with a stop on the banks for our lunch. The weather was far better than had been forecasted and we could have stopped longer if time had allowed. Making our way back after lunch we had to go through some really overgrown stuff – it’s a wonder Tommy and Maisie didn’t get lost in it all. We arrived back at our cars at 2.25pm after a walk just short of 10miles. Thanks to Dave Taylor for leading it and Andrew Whittaker for taking the photos.