Gt. Harwood, May 8th
Number On Walk - 19Weather - Sunny & Warm
Distance - 9.5 Miles
Setting off at 10am prompt the group made their way to the re-opened Martholme Viaduct via the new walkway along the railway line. Although the north end of the viaduct is not yet opened, we went on the viaduct to take in the views. We then made our way back to the A680 and down to the Read Garden Centre. Climbing up the bridleway to cross the A671 and into Read Park. Following the 'Witches Way' the group took in a lovely sight of swathes of bluebells in Coppy Plantation before crossing Read Old Bridge (where the remnants of the retreating Cavaliers were caught up by the Roundheads in the Civil War). On to Portfield and past the old Fort (where a gold hoard was found in the early 20th century) and up to Clerk Hill where stunning views of the Nab and Ribble Valley were seen.
Dropping down the hill a small detour allowed the group to take in the bluebells in Spring Wood. We followed paths to Whalley, where bags of chips were purchased and lunch was taken on the Nab looking north to Whalley. After lunch the group followed Whalley Nab and then through Bowley Scout camp. Finally crossing fields (again lovely views) to drop through Memorial Park and back to the cars for 14.15pm.
The weather took a turn and it began to rain just after we had got into our cars to return home, so we counted ourselves lucky..... Thanks everyone for joining us and also thank you to Doreen for the photo's and to Frank for the snippets of history.....
To see the other photos please press Here
