The Pictures:-

To see who was on the walk, click on the following picture:-

To view Stan's pictures taken on the walk 'CLICK HERE' then click on the first picture to view in full screen then on arrow on right to continue.

To view Mark's pictures 'CLICK HERE' then continue as above.

The Walk:-

Walk leader - Barry Wilson

Walk distance - 11.8 miles

 23 of us including two guests met at Slaidburn Car Park leaving at 10.am. The weather forecast to be fine and dry, in the event was warm and sunny. 

We headed through the village onto the Bentham Road at the impressive war memorial.  Shortly after taking to the fields at Croasdale Brook Bridge we joined the path alongside the River Hodder at Holmehead Bridge. We continued passing the Elizabethan, Hammerton Hall, then after ascending through fields and skirting a plantation, we enjoyed good views west across the reservoir to a backdrop of hills on the skyline. Descending through Black House Farm, we emerged onto Hole House Lane at St James Church built to replace the original at Dalehead when the reservoir was constructed.

 Leaving the road, we followed a parallel path through woodland to a causeway with extensive views down the length of the reservoir to the Bowland fells beyond. This path brought us to Gisburn Forrest Car Park, where the remains of the original St James Church were explored. 

 A coffee break duly taken, we continued through broadleaved plantations emerging into green pastures at an arched bridge over Hasgill Beck. The path continued to pass a ruined building curiously named ‘New House’ with views of Bowland Knotts directly in front of us. After ascending to Parks Clough, the path dropped down left to cross the River Hodder at Lock Bridge and out onto the Bentham Road.  Then, after a short distance, turning off to follow the bed of an old railway line built for use when constructing the reservoir, but long since removed, allowing good progress to be made. 

 Continuing after lunch we left the old railway track turning west, to take an indistinct footpath ascending a rough piece of ground, before crossing the wet and boggy moorland of Wain Hill to re-join the Bentham road. We left the road at Shay Farm with its antiquated farm machinery, to cross several fields back to the car park where the boot washing facility was used to good effect. 

 Thanks to all who joined and supported me on the walk I hope you enjoyed it. 

 Kind regards,

 Barry

Thanks Barry for leading an excellent walk on a perfect November day and for sending me this report. Commiserations to new members Jean and Brian who who got caught up in roadworks and unfortunately missed the start of the walk. Fortunately they had a map with them, so were able to enjoy a walk on their own.

Stan.