The group at Doeford Bridge                                                                                 The Trough of Bowland

Walk Leader: Glyn & Julie

Number on walk: 11

Weather: Sunshine

11 Walkers set off in a light shower from Dunsop Bridge car park hoping for better weather in the afternoon. Following the Hodder on good paths we crossed the river and arrived at New Laund Farm in good time. Climbing a hill after walking though slurry we were treated to a wonderful view of the Hodder winding through Laund Wood. Onward we strode reaching Knot End Farmhouse where we saw a lovely display of flowers in hanging baskets. Tracking the Hodder to the east the group crossed Greystonely Brook and down to our first break at Knot Barn where a few took a peep at the well preserved limestone kiln.

Onward on the same heading we joined a quiet country lane at Leagram Mill Barn and the joined the ‘Cheese Trail’ around Dairy Barn Farm. It was at this point that we came across flocks of young phesants / grouse…. too many to count, then on a firm track rejoined a country lane. Due to the Hodder stepping stones being out of action the group headed for the Doeford Bridge where there was a lovely view of the Hodder to the west. Following the recent Kanter route we tracked the Hodder to the West and had lunch perched on a rocky outcrop looking across at Swaney Holme Wood. We then headed on and were treated to lovely views of the Trough of Bowland to the north. Expecting the large herd of cattle (the reason for no dogs) it was found the farmer had moved them, we had an alternative as it was a very large herd so good news…

 No injuries so far, well apart from one of the group proving that electric did flow through an electric fence, we headed up the hill away from Whitewell towards Crimpton Woods. Either way which way we had to get dirty, just the unexpected cow pats congealed into a reservior of muck was unexpected…. getting to the woods after an awful half mile of mud and muck we got to the woods. The woods themselves had a spookiness about them, it was as if they had been forgotten about and left to fall and rot. Exiting the woods we came across a young lad on a small mover taking on a rather large field and then following the concessionary path and the road to Newton, we headed NW down through moorland and over the old roman road. Passing through Higher Birkett farm and some lively dogs we rested just after as it was quite warm by now.  We then made our way down to Knowlemere Manor and back to Dunsop Bridge in lovely afternoon sunshine.