Octogenarian Ramble. Tuesday 19 April 2016.

The Pictures:-

Click on pictures to view slideshow.

The Walk:-

Walk leader - Frank Watson.

The 'Octogenarian Amble' set off promptly at 10.00am. with Frank as leader and Mack as sweeper (combined ages 160 years) together in charge of 12 other walkers.

With beautifully sunny weather and 13 miles to cover over varied terrain, the group ambled along enjoying the scenery and snippets of historical information, as the walk progressed. The mobile telephone mast disguised as a Sots Pine Tree created interesting comments, after which we passed Gallows Cottage, the site of the Accrington Forest (or Chase). The group then ambled around Hameldon Quarry then passed Mary Hoyles Well (site of Accrington fairs late 1700s) before stopping for lunch at the top of Hameldon, overlooking stunning views of Rossendale Valley.

After a steep descent we walked through Love Clough, Goodshaw and Crawshawbooth passing a variety of places of worship eg. Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Quaker and Church of England.

Before tackling the climb up to Cribden End, we had a short fluid refreshment stop. After passing Cribden Farm we dropped down to inspect the 'Halo' overlooking Haslingden. Using a wide variety of paths eg. Watery Lane (very well named) pack horse routes and former railway lines, we finally arrived back at the start.

One of the best aspects of the walk were the many varied conversations that took place as the group ambled along.

Frank and Mack.

PS. The distance turned out to be 13.02 miles. How's that for estimating 13 miles before we set off??

Thanks Frank and Mack for leading the walk and Frank for sending this report. Thanks also to Shirley for the photos. - Stan.