Sue & Steve's walk Tuesday 22nd August


Walk Leaders: Sue & Steve

Distance: 10 miles

Number on walk: 21

Weather: Overcast but warm

On an overcast but warm day 21 walkers and a dog gathered by Dolphinholme school to set off on a Wyre Wander. Following a very slippy path down into Lower Dolphinhome we passed the old mill by the Wyre now converted into housing. Dolphinholme played an important part in the Industrial revolution and the mill produced worsted developed by slave trader Thomas Hinde. Following a path, brambles started to be noticed by some members of the group; concentration then adjusted to deal with boggy fields to Tinkers Lane. The state of the ground gave little indication that this was an August walk!

Down Waste Lane we passed ‘The Gathering Fields Retreat – Swainshead Hall Farm’ an eco venue where a range of activities are available including booking for camping, yoga and drumming.  No-one tried to escape the mud by enrolling. We descended to woodland joining the Wyre way and pausing to admire the weir which was spectacular due to recent rain. Through more soggy paths we made our way to Stoops Bridge and on to admire Abbeystead House. Lunch was enjoyed on slightly higher and drier ground with views, as the day had brightened considerably.

The afternoon was warm as we walked through Hawthornwaite, Cam Clough, through Little Catshaw to Catshaw Hall Farm (a grade II listed building) with a lintel inscribed WHM 1678. In the past this area had supported a bigger community with a cotton mill. Briefly the outgoing route was joined back to Lower Swainshead where a much needed water stop was taken. The path above the Wyre went through Brigbank wood and by Dolphinhome House back into Lower Dolphinholme. The well organised allotment by the mill was once more admired before the now slightly less slippery slope was climbed back to our cars.

Ken’s grandson Ben won the most muddy trousers award and he and Jane had both gained a good bags of blackberries.

Many thanks Ian for taking the photos, which can be seen by clicking 'here', and to everyone for enjoying a warm walk in unseasonally muddy conditions.