The Pictures:-

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

To view all the pictures taken on the walk click 'HERE' then on the first picture to view in full screen. To continue click on small arrow on the right of your screen.

The Walk:-

Walk Leaders - Glyn and Julie Watson.

Distance - 10.5 miles

Number on walk - 18

Weather - Damp, drizzly and wet underfoot.

The morning began with a 20 minute delay to the start of the walk. A problem on the M6 had caused congestion & gridlock on the roads around Preston, which in turn caused problems for some walkers reaching the start point on time. However despite the problems, 18 walkers & 2 dogs set off from Hurst Green on a fine but overcast morning.

We made our way past the almshouses, following Dean Brook & passing Hill Farm. The group continued along the track until we joined Longridge Road for about 200 metres. Turning on to forestry paths we ascended Longridge Fell where the weather changed to rain. Despite the rain, it was still possible take in the views of the Hodder Valley. Continuing along Longridge Fell we eventually stopped for lunch at Kemble end of the Fell, with views of Pendle in the distance.

Setting off after lunch, we descended Longridge Fell following along a track for about 300 metres to Chaigley. Continuing through the field & passing Ryddings Farm we descended through the Hodder Woods to the River Hodder. On the escarpment overlooking the river we passed an old stone cross, which is believed to have originated from an old church. The story of the cross ending up on the escarpment involved a disgruntled farmer; who pushed the cross down the bank after losing one of his cows in the river. The cross was moved to its current location by the rector of Stonyhurst in 1833 & later reconsicrated in 1910 by Fryer Sykes.

Our group carried on to Lower Hodder Bridge which is adjacent to Devils Bridge; built in 1562 it replaced the wooden bridge thought to have been used by Cromwell. We then crossed fields to Stonyhurst College, walking by the observatory (which has the longest, continuous, daily temperature readings in the world). Continuing on following the Tolkien Trail, we made our way back in the rain to Hurst Green for 3pm.

Thank you to all who joined us & to Stan for taking the photos

Thanks to Glyn and Julie for leading the walk and for sending me this report.

Stan.