Leader:- Sue Fagg

No on walk:- 16

Distance:-  10miles

Weather:- Dry but mainly cloudy

The walk started directly opposite Sandham’s Cheese founded in 1929. This site is unusual in producing smoked cheese and also smoking cheese for others. Continuing over farmland crossing the M6 and further fields to Carron Lodge where the water buffalo were admired, their milk used to produce mozzarella. Carron Lodge while producing cheese also distributes nationally for many. 

Continuing into the village of Inglewhite Clifton Farm was passed where organic unpasteurised milk is produced  among other diary and farm produce.

The walk continued to Higher Barker passing near Mrs Kirkhams cheese and then onto Lower Barker over several stiles which became a feature of the central part of the walk! The historical refurbished Cross Keys Pub was seen; a far grander version of the original hostelry.  This section of the walk included views over Beacon Fell and beyond onto Parlick.

Land associated with Butlers cheese was crossed and tracks taken to reach the River Brock. Stiles now nearly over the group enjoyed an easy route down the side of the river enhanced by snowdrops.

Crossing the A6 in Bilsborrow the canal path was taken crossing over the bridge to take the route by the gravel pits now home to many birds and back to Station Lane and the car park.

Despite recent rain the route was only very muddy in short stretches and the threatening rain clouds kept away. The terrain allowed plenty of time to chat even if some of it was while waiting to go over a stile!