An article about Bottoms Up by Tim Glenn


Many thanks to Tim for this article about Bottoms Up (originally intended for "Strider" but now on our own website!)

Bottoms up – 11th October 2014

22 miles of a Lancashire landscape that offers nothing but good cheer and dry socks

In spite of my affection and respect for the LDWA West Lancashire local group I am ashamed to admit that it took me until 2014 to enter and then participate in their long standing challenge event, Bottoms Up. My loss!

Although the weather was sparkling numbers, apparently, were down on recent years but, again, the loss was against anyone seeking alternative entertainment, as the day in store was set to be rewarding and those in attendance were destined to leave with a nice, satisfied feeling and dry socks, which is not always the way on Lancashire based routes. Those dry, happy socks were indeed a hallmark of the kindly conditions that emanated throughout the event, in conjunction with all the famous or infamous Lancashire bottoms. Plenty of mud soaked victims, over the years, will testify to the fact that these locations can be dank, dark and dirty hollows when nature decides to be out of sorts and it surely doesn’t take much thought to conjure up such an image.

However, on 11th October 2014, all was well and these were fun places to visit for once, which included Samlesbury Bottoms and Hoghton Bottoms, to name but two. In between were scenic variety, well stacked checkpoints and an opportunity to switch routes at the Tockholes Roundabout. At this point 9.5 miles, no less, had been achieved, leaving either 3.5 or 12.5 miles via either the canal or Tockholes and Brinscal, taking in Hoghton Tower for a second time, to a cheery and well appointed finish. Here, a meat or cheese and onion pasty, sourced locally and made on the day, was a class act, amongst class acts, waiting to be devoured.

The Bottoms Up challenge event is underpinned by good, solid, old fashioned LDWA values, with no edge to the day whatsoever and where the relaxed atmosphere and good humour throughout offers a most pleasant few hours away from the cut and thrust of normal life, ensuring everyone leaves with a good taste in their mouth, which is not all down to the quality of the Lancashire pies. Bottoms up? Cheers!

Tim Glenn

29.12.14