Great Harwood - Tues 20th. Jan. 15


Walk from Harwood Bar - Tuesday 20th January 2015

 

 
On a cold frosty morning 13 of us set out on an 11 mile walk led by Tom Lyons and his good friend 'Tat'. They had kindly stepped in when unfortunately Brian S had to step through injury. Our numbers were slightly down due to several of our regular members heading for warmer climes and others suffering various ailments.
 
Our walk began along the road and lane to view the impressive Martholme Viaduct. Encouragingly there are future plans to open the footpath over this viaduct as far as Padiham.  Continuing on our way we turned and walked along the section of disused railway line already in use as a public footpath, and then across to Brownsills Farm before heading to the Burnley Road. After passing through Altham Business Park, we headed for the Leeds /Liverpool Canal and our lunch stop. The canal was iced over and, with the scattering of snow, it definitely had the 'wow' factor.
 
After lunch we continued along the canal for a short distance before turning off to Shuttleworth Hall. On a cold winters day it looked very dark and gloomy. We carried on to Altham Bridge where we joined the River Calder and onwards to Read Hall and its ancient ice house, then through Read Park to the road. On crossing the road we went through the Garden Centre and the back of the Gamecock Inn, past Squires Farm and then across some rather 'damp' fields back to the cars.
 
An enjoyable walk, especially 'scrunching' in the smattering of snow and the views across to the distant snow covered fells.
 

Click on pictures to view.


Thanks Tom and Tat for stepping in at such short notice and also welcome to the two newcomers. We hope you enjoyed the walk and we will see more of you in the future.