In search of Slater's ice cream

To view Ken's pictures taken on the walk click 'HERE' then on the pictures to view in full screen.

Photo 1. Start of Walk; Foulridge Wharf. 5. On the Weets. 8. 'Hazel Nut'! 11. Looking down on Ogden Clough, Pendle Hill behind. 12. Looking up towards Newchurch. 13. Norman.

To view Julie Spencer's pictures click 'Here' then on the pictures to view in full screen.

Now the walk itself.

Under overcast skies, 10 walkers set off from Foulridge Wharf in search of Slater’s ice cream.

We set off beside the Leeds/Liverpool canal, before starting the ascent up Weets Hill, Soon those leaden clouds started to off load their wetness, so, having seen the forecast, we stopped to don waterproofs. However, the weather forecaster got it wrong, and no sooner had we got our waterproofs on, it stopped and the day got better and better.

We had a short break by the trig on Weets, and then we made our way down to Malkin Tower and Blacko, passing close to Stansfield Tower. Very soon afterwards, we were deep in witch country as we passed through Roughlee to our lunch break at Barley. Here, everyone got the chance to sample my home baking (if they dare!!). The hazel nut delicacies (and I use the term loosely) were devoured, particularly by Hazel Nut.

All too soon we were leaving Barley to walk uphill beside Lower and Upper Ogden Reservoirs before climbing over Driver Height to the Well Head Road. Then, after passing Bull Hole Farm, another ascent brought us to the Rigg of England. We could almost smell the icecream now, and with the sun shining we arrived where X marked the spot and we found our “treasure”.

After taking our fill, we started the last leg of the walk with the sun beating down from clear skies. It was downhill all the way to Barrowford, and then the Leeds/Liverpool canal back to Foulridge via Foulridge Lower Reservoir.

Ken Noble.

Thanks Ken for having led this 20 mile walk and for your walk report and pictures.