Hyndburn Group members who took part in the celebrations with Tom Franklin

With two walks on offer to celebrate The Ramblers 75th Anniversary, Hyndburn Group had a very good turn out with no less than a total of 32 people turning up. The weather was very warm and everyone was anticipating a great day.

The longer of the two walks, which was led by Group Chairman Trevor Whittaker, would be 9 miles in length and attracted 14 walkers, including a special guest by the name of Keith Carter. Keith is a freelance journalist for Lancashire Life magazine and had accepted an invite from the Hyndburn Group's Publicity Officer, Gail Bedson, to tag along for the day.
Starting out at the Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton the route went along the lane and then via Pendleton Hall and Great Mearley to the lane up to Little Mearley. This was the way taken up the side of Pendle and it was perhaps one of the steepest ways up!! Once at the top however there were great views to be had over the Ribble Valley and further over to the Yorkshire Dales. Taking the path around the edge past the Scout Cairn the group enjoyed a cooling breeze before ascending the ladder stile that would lead to the Trig Point. There were already several people there (including our other group) from the other member groups of the North East Lancashire Area.

The shorter walk was a 6 mile wander from Downham which was led by David Hill, a long time leader for Hyndburn. With no fewer than 16 people on his walk his route would take the walkers straight up the side to the Trig Point. Leaving Downham along a pleasant riverside path the group veered over fields to go past Clay House and on to Lane Head. From here on the climbing began up through Hookcliffe Plantation and on up Downham Moor to the top. With the heat the going was slow to say the least. Once the path levelled off it was straightforward to the ladder stile and on to the Trig Point where the Group arrived slightly before Trevor’s party

All the member groups of the North East Lancs Area had arranged a walk for the event and as such over 100 people were gathered at the summit. It was decided that everyone would have lunch before the formalities began. The Ramblers CEO Tom Franklin was present as a guest of honour (he’d walked with the Clitheroe Group) and quite obviously the obligatory photos for such an event would be taken, first with the leaders and then with all those present! After these pics had been taken the N E Lancs Area Chairman Mike Counter said a few words and then introduced Tom to everyone. The CEO in turn greeted those present and thanked everyone for all the hard work that is put in to running Groups, leading walks and maintaining the UK’s public footpaths. He also said he had attended a few events already and this was one of the best turn-outs he’d seen. After all the speeches were finished the various groups reorganised themselves to finish off the day’s walking. Hyndburn Group paused for a moment as both their parties had a joint group picture taken with the CEO before going their separate ways.

The Leaders from the various N E Lancs member groups with Tom Franklin
from left: David Hill, Trevor Whittaker, John Lofthouse, Michael Counter, James Jolly and Tom Franklin

N E Lancs Area celebrates the Ramblers 75th atop Pendle Hill

Area Secretary Sue Baxendale (left) and Area Chairman Michael Counter (centre)
listen to Tom Franklin's address

Trevors walk then continued along to Ogden Clough, over Black hill and Apronfull Hill to the Nick O’ Pendle. From here it was all downhill as the route went via Wymondhouses through the fields back into Pendleton.

Davids group descended Pendle via a sloping path to Pendle House and on past Pendle End to Barley Lane. At the bend in the lane the route struck out over the low moor, which was a little marshy in places, to reach the road. Fields paths past Hecklin and Hollin’s Farms took the group back into Downham.

Via the modern invention of the mobile phone both Trevor’s and David’s groups arranged to meet for a celebratory drink at The Royal in Great Harwood. All agreed it had been a fantastic turnout for both walks and the day as a whole had been a tremendous success.

The North East Lancs event even made the front page of The Ramblers website and was featured on Tom Franklins Blog too!!