Date : 13th November 2005

Date : 09th October 2005

Six members of our group were joined by Phil's seven year old daughter and five other potentially new members, four of whom live in Huncoat Village. The weather was fine and the going underfoot for most of the walk was good. The group of 12 set off from the Signal Box in Huncoat Village at 0945 heading out to complete the lower section of the trail along the canal before winding its way up through the countryside to Hameldon Scouts.

From there it traverses the hill around Windy Harbour and then passes under the A56 and heads on up to the Coppice where we caught up with the Blackburn RA Group, they were also walking the Trail as were a group from Northern Link and other members of the village.

The sun came out after lunch and we wended are way through Spout House Clough and on to the Village Stocks and War Memorial. The group finished up back at the Signal Box in good time and managed to continue the extra 200 yards into the Railway Pub for a drink!

A very enjoyable days walking in a beautiful part of our Borough. The walk by the Hyndburn Group was one of four walks taking place on the Huncoat Trail to celebrate its first birthday since opening in October 2004. The path is well way marked and an excellent leaflet giving directions and local history is available from Accrington Town Hall and Library.

Date : 02nd October 2005

Littleborough Train Station was the start point of this walk and what a good walk it turned out to be.

Making our way towards the Rochdale Canal towpath it wasn't long before we crossed via a wooden footbridgeand following footpaths and a track we emerged next to a Golf Course. Taking the perimeter fence around the course we then followed a track to the hamlet of Lydgate. Here the hill started as we made our way up the Roman Road leading to Blackstone Edge (although there is some debate amongst academics as to its origin) and a well earned rest was taken at The Aiggin Stone, a waymarker from Medieval times some 600 years old.

From here we took the Pennine Way along Blackstone Edge itself with its limestone grit outcrops dominating the landscape around. Crossing the M62 at Rook Stones Hill by way of the footbridge, which I'm told sways in a strong wind, it wasn't long before we were having lunch behind a low wall on Windy Hill.

After lunch the path from Windy Hill was virtually all downhill as we made our way to next large feature of the walk - Hollingworth Lake. A decision was made to circumnavigate the water as time was aplenty and we wanted to work up a bit more of a thirst before getting to the pub. The yachts on the water were fascinating to watch and there were lots of people strolling about as we arrived at one pub only to be told that 'the big white one on t'other side' would be better by one of our party. He wasn't the favorite body around upon arrival at 'the big white one' - The Fisherman's Rest - as it was closed for refurbishment!!

However, it was just a short stroll from here back to our start point and we did manage to find somewhere to have a drink before we left.

Date : 24th Sept 2005

A bright and sunny morning, with just a little autumn chill, was the order of the day as we gathered at Accrington Rail Station. Return tickets to Lytham were purchased and we boarded the slightly delayed train. The aim of the day was a linear walk from Lytham back to Kirkham, new territory for the Group as far as I know.

Alighting at the station the first thing to note was the magnificent old Station House which is now a Licenced establishment. We didn't stop to partake here (too early really!) and before long we had reached the seafront and were making our way towards the Windmill and Lifeboat Station. Built around two-hundred years ago, Lytham Mill has seen a number of changes and was indeed derelict before being restored back to it's former glory in the 1980's. After a brief stop at the Lifeboat shop where donations and purchases were made we headed out along the Lancashire Coastal Way (LCW), this would be our route until it's end at Freckleton. It was also a little too early to have a rest on one of the wonderfully ornate benches.

Now because of the many inlets around this area, walking the LCW can be a little frustrating as you go up one side, cross the road bridge, then resume back down the other side of the inlet. This was never more so than the point where a gated section, marked private, prevented you from continuing in a straight line. It was all of 10 metres to the other side and a bit of common sense told you that it should be made a thoroughfare for walkers. This however was but a minor distraction from the wealth of wildlife we encountered, from a large group of swans down to an assemblage of snails on some flotsam. This was the point where we had lunch as handy branches, in the form of driftwood, became our benches.
Resuming the walk we continued around the perimeter of Warton Aerodrome and then headed away from the River Ribble and on towards Frecklton. Two things happened here. Firstly we left the LCW and secondly we entered the Ship Inn. It had warmed up quite nicely over the past hour and the refreshment was very welcome.

Good progress was made as we circumnavigated the Eastern end of Kirkham by means of fieldpaths, tracks and country lanes. We encountered just one stile that was overgrown with nettles but otherwise all was fine. As we approached the finish we passed The White Lodge, pictured above, which we assumed was probably part of the estate of the nearby Mowbreck Hall. The sun shining off this building made it seem whiter than white!
It was just a short distance after this that we entered the final couple of fields before arriving in Kirkham itself. Soon we were stood on the station platform reflecting on the day that had gone before and looking forward to returning in the future.

Date : 04th September 2005

It was a glorious sunny Sunday and Devil's Bridge was the meet point for the second joint walk of the year with Preston Group, whose Andy Manzie was our leader for the day. Leaving the car park by way of a small lane in the corner we immediately started uphill! It didn't last long though and it wasn't long before the hard lane turned and we continued along a path between two hedges - not much cop for a view but very pleasant shade. After briefly passing through High Casterton a good track was our way and this one was lined with blackberries - and very nice they were too. This feast in the hedgerow was soon left behind however and the track now changed into one with open views of the Lune valley, albeit hazy, as we gradually wended our way uphill.

It was soon after this point that we left the well worn track and started up to the summit of Brownthwaite and it's huge cairn. Now firmly embedded in Access Land this was just a stop off to the trig point half a km further which marked our high spot for the day. Here we had lunch as we tried to pick out the features before us in the haze.
After lunch the was was a little undulating to say the least as we crossed Nanslope Moss and made our way to the next target of Bindbeck Bridge at the Eastern end of Barbondale. Families were gathered here having picnics and their children played merrily in the shallow stream as we crossed by means of the plentiful rocks. The path Westwards through Barbondale was appreciated for the shade it supplied and before too long we were entering the village and making our way to it's focal point - The Barbon Inn. The Old Speckled Hen was extremely refreshing in the mid-afternoon sun. There was even time for a bit of banter with the locals. Nice fieldpaths and quiet lanes were the mainstay for the remainder of the walk as we meandered our way to Casterton itself. The hairy crossing of the main road was successfully negotiated not once, but twice, as we then found ourselves a little further up the hedge lined path we started out on. We arrived at the juncture with the lane and dropped down to the carpark.

All in all an excellent day's walking and one that could easily be followed at another time. Thanks were given to our leader for the day and the company Preston Group provided. Until next we meet.

Date : 07th August 2005

Every now and then there comes a time when all you want to do is walk and not feel under any pressure about going the right way. This was one of those walks. The route was well known for the majority of the way and what little map-reading was needed seemed straightforward enough. So off we went, nine of us in total and it was promising to be a wonderful, warm day. We set out from the Civic centre car park in Hurst Green and turned uphill towards the gates of Stoneyhurst College. This is a boarding school for boys and one of it's more well known teachers was J R R Tolkien of whom I suspect we've all heard a lot about. The drive-way up to the school is very impressive and it seems to take longer than it does to walk it. After passing the front of the school we turn right and follow the track round, past the observatory, and down to Hall Barn Farm.

After crossing the road to a track we soon entered a field where the path led us to a stile into a small wood. A good path through the trees took us downhill and over a recently refurbished bridge to join a track that would be our guide alongside the River Hodder for a good mile. We left this track at Lower Hodder bridge and if one takes a moment to walk onto the bridge you see the remains of the Old Hodder Bridge. Cromwell is said to have stood upon that bridge during the Civil War - when it was in better condition of course.
Re-tracing our steps off the bridge we walk up the road for a short distance to enter a field. Field paths then lead us to another lane which leads us down to the point where the Rivers Hodder and Ribble converge. The path along the Ribble is now straightforward for the next two and a bit miles. It was at this end point lunch was had, sat on a bank in a field.

After lunch we veered away from the river by way of fieldpaths to join the track that leads to Hey Hurst. Going uphill a sudden change of route was made by the leader mainly just to get us off the monotony of the tarmac. After climbing over a stile to drop down a wooded valley it was a short climb up to emerge into a field of nice soft grass - better on the feet. We emerged on a road right next to the Punch Bowl PH (not planned - honest!). From here it was a quick left - right to join a lane past Lower and up to Higher Hud Lee. Here it was just a short uphill stretch to join the good track that would take us back to Hurst green. The track goes past Greengore, a camping barn, before turning sharp right and heading straight into the village. We however went straight on down a narrow sunken bridleway and eventually emerged nearly directly opposite the Civic centre. It had stayed bright and sunny all day and everyone agreed it had been just the walk for the day.

Date : 24th July 2005

The early start and poor weather forecast conspired to keep numbers down to just three people who went on this particular walk. Upon arriving at the car park a gentle mist obscured the top of the hills around us and gave a hint of dampness in the air that wasn't encouraging to say the least.
We left the cp by way of a series of steps up to the Iron Age Hillfort of Mam Tor. The only thing that is evident today are the ditches and other earthworks of the time although the modern path up to the summit cuts a dark grey swathe through these. The cloud was lifting a little and the views, particularly that of the Edale Valley was something to behold. We continued along the ridge path, past Back Tor, to Lose Hill and all the while the cloud was lifting and even a touch of sunlight was breaking through.

After exploring the ruins, we found a bench where we sat and ate our lunch whilst surveying the landscape before us. Mam Tor to our left and Lose Hill to the right, with Castleton in the valley immediately below. After checking the time we decided to visit yet another Castle - the public house kind. So there we sat on the bench outside the Castle Inn praising what a great day it had been so far.
We left Castleton by way of the Limestone Way which follows a path through an area known as Cave Dale. Originally a limestone cave many thousands of years ago, the roof had long since collapsed leaving this spectacular gorge. The rear of Peveril Castle was evident on our right and this highlighted its defenses. Continuing on over a few fields we eventually left the Limestone Way as we took a track westwards.

A little road walking had to be endured for a mile or so and as the walk progressed we could tell the weather was turning and indeed, as we started up Rushup Edge, it had started to rain a little. Before long we had to put our waterproofs on and this turned out to be a wise move as the heavens opened with about a mile to go. As we got closer to the end we could see Mam Tor before us, once again shrouded in a halo of mist as it was that morning. I wonder if it's meant to be like that?

Date : 26th June 2005

The Pendle Plod could be classed as a flagship walk in the Hyndburn Group Calendar although attendances in recent years have been a little on the small size - usually a total of three. Even the introduction of a 'mini' 14 mile version failed to pack 'em in a few years back. Imagine the surprise then when a total of eight people were present for this years annual marathon of 20miles. The route these days has evolved from it's original connotation which the Leader, Phil Bedson, inherited from a previous Member. Now it is a more circuitous route from which the beauty of Pendle can truly be adored.

Setting out from Spring Wood Car Park, nr Whalley the Group headed up a small lane to go over fields to Read Bridge, the site of a Civil War skirmish. From here it was on through Read Hall to the village of Read itself, then over yet more fields to Read Heights and through the woods to Padiham Heights. There was the view of Sabden below us and the long outstretched form of Pendle disappearing towards the Horizon in front. And the sun was starting to shine.
We dropped downhill from here to rejoin the original route at Dean Farm with it's beautiful mullioned windows. Following field boundary walls round Back o' th' Hill it wasn't long before we had joined onto the route of the Pendle Way Walk which we followed all the way to Newchurch in Pendle. Here we partook of a well earned drink, even though the benches which had been earmarked for this event had been taken away so the locals could park their cars! Continuing up the road, past the Witches Galore shop, (off the original route again!) we took a small lane from where Pendle's Big End could be seen in all it's glory. A perfect place for the Group photo. All we had to do from this point was to drop down through fields before emerging on the road to Barley, where lunch was declared by some and we chose picnic benches at which to sit. It was also here that we happened upon the only public house en route so we had, of course, to partake of it's wares.

Passing the reservoir of Lower Black Moss, lanes and gentle field paths took us out of Barley and round a low-level circuit of Pendle's Big End towards Twiston and Downham. All the while this beautiful Lancashire ediface was in view. At the point where the path turns right towards the village of Downham itself, we turned left. This is where we rejoined the original route again - albeit going the opposite way! This was the start of the ascent.
We had covered thirteen miles and here we were faced with a particular daunting slope up to the Big End itself. A rest to take on more liquid was taken and then it was best foot forward. The path up is not particularly steep, but it is a long uphill stretch which equates to roughly 250metres ascent over a kilometer and a quarter. The good thing is that once you reach the top, especially on a day like this was, you are rewarded with fabulous views of the Ribble Valley. It is also satisfying to know that you are at the high point and it's downhill all the way home and it's also time for drink.

From the trigpoint on Pendle's Big End we made our way towards the flag path that leads down towards Ogden Clough. This in turn is followed for about a kilometer before taking the good path westwards, past Black Hill and on to eventually meet the road at the Nick o' Pendle where the original route was re-joined. After another drink stop, for the sun was in it's summer glory, a decision was made to take the straight-forward original route instead of the more recent alternative. Although the distance is the same the original offers a more steady style of walking with little hold-ups thus making it a little quicker - and time was marching on. Down the track we went and with about 1 kilometer to go came the statement that's behind the headline. After a few people had commented on the day's walk one of our members said something along the lines of "I know I've enjoyed it 'cos me boots are full of feet". It was just fifteen minutes later when we arrived from whence we started. Everyone received their certificate and said "Phew!!"

Date : 19th June 2005

Just occasionally there is a walk upon the programme that covers an area you are unfamiliar with - this was such a walk. So it was that seven of us embarked on the road to Saltaire nr Bradford in West Yorkshire under a beautiful blue sky, five of whom were unaware of the treasures to come.
Leaving the car park at Hirst Wood we started out westwards along the canal bank. Good time is always made on towpaths and it wasn't long before we arrived at the first 'treasure' - The Five-Rise Locks. Designed by John Longbotham of Halifax they were built in 1774 by local stonemasons. The locks raise boats 59ft 2ins over a distance of 320ft. They were quite a sight as you approached and one can't help but marvel at achievements from this era. It was here too that refreshments were had - after we'd climbed the locks that is!

After lunch we headed south down the Dales Way Link to join the Glen Road which traverses along the top of Shipley Glen. This area seemed to be a popular local touristy spot for fine summer days as there were people and their cars everywhere! After a quick visit to an Information Centre, in a building formerly called 'The Soldiers Trench', we were soon upon our third 'treasure'. Just beyond a small Victorian Funfair we came upon it - a Funicular Railway no less! The railway was originally used to transport people from the mills in the valley below 300yds uphill to the Funfair. Of course we had to give it a try and at 50p it was wrth every penny. At the bottom was the town of Saltaire and Pauline our leader had put together a little town tour. Treasure number 4.

First port of call was the statue of Titus Salt himself, the founder of Saltaire and benefactor to all those who worked for him. At least in a fashion. Titus Salt realised that you would get more out of a man or woman if they were happy at their work and set about educating, feeding and caring for his workers. Houses, schools and even an Hospital were built for them. All these would be seen during our trail around the town and as we walked we were given the history by Pauline. After a brief sojourn at a local hostelry we said our goodbyes to Saltaire, and our thanks to Pauline, and made our way back along the canal to the car park. All agreed it had been a wonderful day and at least we were ensconced in the vehicles on our way home when the downpour started.

Date : 28th/29th/30th May 2005

The Spring Bank Holiday weekend is the time when Hyndburn Group their annual 3 day walk. Past weekends have been spent doing the Bronte Way, Pendle Way and Rossendale Way, to name a few, which are well established Long Distance Paths. This year however Phil Bedson thought it would be different to do our own thing and thus 'Blackpool or Bust' was born. A 42 mile route from Church to Blackpool via Ribchester, Grimsargh and Kirkham.

Day one started bright and breezy and for the first couple of miles it was straight forward familiar territory as the seven of us (above) made our way along the Leeds-Liverpool canal towards Rishton. After passing through this town we left the canal and started to ascend the fields to what would turn out to be the highest point of the three days at Black Low. It was just a mile or two later that someone spotted Blackpool Tower on the distant horizon but it would be well into the final day before we would see it again. From here we swung around the reservoir and proceeded through Wilpshire to Copster Green where we sat on the village green and had lunch. It was noted that there was no public house here so after the food had gone a good pace was made to the White Bull at Ribchester.

The village of Ribchester is an interesting little place full of history, indeed it was the site of a Roman Fort, but as the day was wearing on we had to leave it all behind us as we made our way along the River Ribble to Hothersall where we turned Northwards towards our days end at Grimsargh. It was here that we encountered a major obstacle just half a mile from the pub - a whopping great housing estate built over the line of the path with no visible means by which to enter. We decided to follow a lane we had just crossed up to the main road where there was a notice saying 'No public access - this is not a footpath'. Oops!?!?

Day Two began a little overcast but the going out of Grimsargh was easy and no problems were encountered. Our number was also up to eight. It wasn't long before the sun was breaking through and everybody was in good spirit as we made our way over the M6 and towards Broughton, just north of Preston. Woodplumpton, a couple of miles to the west, was our designated lunch stop for the day and we were soon munching away sat on the benches in the grounds of the village church. We were even told it was nice to see us and we were always welcome to lunch there - by the vicar! Just up the road was the local hostelry where refreshments were had before we put our best feet forward and headed towards the easy going that would be the Lancaster Canal.

Canal walking can be monotonous to say the least so it was probably no surprise that Phil switched off on the map-reading front and encountered a little difficulty at the first major turning after leaving the waters edge. A waymarker would have been helpful under the circumstances but this was a minor distraction and we were soon on our way towards the end of day two at Kirkham. After the M55 had been crossed it was supposedly a straight forward approach. The ploughed and furrowed field as we approached however was determined in some small part to make our going a bit slower as we had to stride over these things in an ungainly manner.

Day three once again promised to be a lovely sunny day and it was also the shortest mileage. Our number had also swelled by another one and now stood at nine, the original seven were all still in place. Leaving Kirkham however proved a little more difficult than getting in the prevoius day! If you follow the map then the path is obvious but on the ground it was nightmarish and again a lack of waymarks was clearly evident. It was David who eventually found a line around the far side of the large pond and before long we were once again crossing the M55 to continue our relentless march towards Blackpool. The sun was blazing, the going was straight forward and we could now see the Tower without too much effort. We had lunch in Staining, sat outside a pub, with a pint, in the glorious sunshine. Bliss.

We left our lunch spot with a spring in our step as we made our way into the suburbs of Blackpool via the golf course. Our path however was diverted around the hospital grounds but we were soon back on track making our way through Stanley Park. We could smell the sea air getting stronger and stronger and our finish point on Central Pier was getting closer and closer. After 42 miles we reached the pier and walked the final quarter mile through the throngs of day-trippers who were completely unaware of what we had just achieved. Congratulations were meted out and certificates handed round before the whole weekend was brought to a close with a Fish and Chips meal.

Who knows where we'll get too next year?

Date : 17th April 2005

This was the third meeting of the Hyndburn Group and the Preston Group and a total of twelve people braved the forecast to take part. Meeting up at Raven's Lodge, in the shadow of Whitbarrow Scar, the leader made the concious decision to do the route the 'wrong way round', thus getting the exposed part over and done before the rains came.
Steadily we climbed up through the trees along a narrow path and before long we emerged above the tree line. The spectacular view over Morecambe Bay was worth the effort. After taking in this view we reluctantly turned our backs to it and continued along the top of the outcrop. The River Winster wound it's way up the valley to our left and we had a clear view ahead of a snow capped High Street, thankfully too distant for today. At the cairn which marks the high spot we stopped for a quick refreshment break before then making our way over the high rough moors, or allotments, to descend through a hillside wood onto the bridleway round the northern edge.

Lunch was had sat on a gentle slope overlooking the Lakeland Fells, or at least the bit we could see through the trees! We continued along the bridleway and before long our leader issued a choice of routes - left to the pub or right to continue. Before the latter part had been said at least four members were heading down the path that emerged across the road from the Lyth Valley Public House. All agreed that this was a most pleasant diversion.
Back on route the track soon led us into the small hamlet of Row. A little bit of hesitation in finding the correct route was witnessed here but it hardly detracted from the walk and soon we were on the last leg through the woods. Just as the finish came into view a few spots signalled the start of the rain which had held off to ensure a wonderful walk was enjoyed by all with the Leader being duly thanked. Goodbyes were said by those who were there - at least until the return joint walk in September.

Date : 10th April 2005

Arriving at Sutton-in-Craven on this particular Sunday morning were six members of Hyndburn Ramblers. Although the sky was cloudy it had been forecast as a dry day so expectations were high for a pleasant walk. The walk started on the track up to Sutton Hall, however, only the Victorian gateway remains with it's cottages on either side, the Hall having been destroyed by fire some years back. On and up through the woods, alongside a babbling stream, until we eventually ascended up to open fields.
The fields were a marked contrast to the woods and the stiff breeze was more readily felt on the cheeks. By the time the party reached America Farm the sun was breaking through the clouds and jackets were being removed. It was a short mile further on when we stopped for a brew overlooking Newsholme Dean. Lunch was to be had, we were informed, at a shooting hut on the edge of Keighley Moor. This was but an hour away and steady progress was made as we continued on our way.
The Shooting hut was being bathed in sunshine by the time we arrived although the breeze had stiffened a bit more thus reducing the Suns effects. All but one chose to eat inside the hut.

After eating the next destination was announced as the Hitching Stone. Following a boundary wall was the best way there but walking through the short heather was a bit difficult as no real path could be picked out but we did arrive eventually. Now this big piece of rock is an erratic left from the Glacial Age but local legend tells a different story. This is that two Giants were throwing stones at each other and this is one that fell short, thus spelling defeat for the Giant that 'hitched' this particular stone.
It was but a short stretch over the moor to reach Earl Crag with the Wainman's Pinnacle at one end and the folly of Lund's Tower at the other. As we stood at the Pinnacle end, casting our eye over the outstanding view of Craven before us, the wind was noticably gusting. We carefully made our way along the edge to Lund's Tower and half the Group declined the option to ascend the inner spiral staiircase and brave the top.
Dropping down from the Crag was wonderful as the wind dropped and the warmth of the spring sun could finally be felt. Heading through green fields and along country tracks one couldn't help but feel that the walk had been a good one for all it's variation. It wasn't long before we arrived back from whence we started and thanked the leader for such a wonderful days walking.

Date : 3rd April 2005

This was a first for the Hyndburn Group and although the drive was a longer one than normal the end result was a great day for the four people who went along. Starting out from a Park and Ride some distance from the city of York it was quite easy to gain access, by way of a cyleway/footpath then a field path, to the bank of the River Ouse.
Walking atop the large bank created for the flood defences we made our way towards the city, the sun trying to break through the cloud. A couple of rowing boats passed us, both two and four man crews, and it just epitomized the serenity of the walk at that point. It was but a short one and a quarter hours before arriving at Lendal Bridge and the strat of Phase Two.
Phase Two turned out to be a guided tour of the city by Phil Bedson. Starting in the Museum Gardens with St.Leonards Hospital, information was aplenty about this and also about St.Mary's Abbey, the history of the Multangular Tower and the Anglian Tower before passing the Kings Manor and ascending the City Wall at Bootham Bar. Half way along this stretch of wall, and with a backdrop of York Minster, Phil stopped and proceeded to give a quite detailed account of the city's history during the past 2000 years. Alighting the walls at Monk Bar, The Treasurer's House, York Minster, Constantine's Statue and the Church of St.Michael-le-Belfrey (where Guy Fawkes was christened) were taken in before lunch was decided upon. The sun was now shining.

Just because it was lunch did not mean the history stopped as lunch was a pub meal in the Roman Bath Inn, so-named as it is built over the site of the Roman Bath-house of course! After the meal the tour continued up past St.Sampson's Church to Kings Square, then down The Shambles to Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, York's shortest street and the past site of a pillory.
From here it was through Coppergate, past the renowned Jorvik Centre, and on to the Castle complex. This is dominated by Clifford's Tower built on the site of one of William the Conqueror's two original castles. Much alteration has gone on in this part and the courtyard buildings are all under 400 years old. The tour was nearly complete by the time St.Martin-le-Grand, the Mansion House and the Guildhall were taken in and before long there were the gates of the Museum Gardens, beyond which were the final two destinations before the walk back, St.Mary's Hospitium and the Yorkshire Philosophical Society Observatory dating from 1831.
Rejoining the riverbank, the journey back was along the cycleway/footpath straight back to the car park. The sun was shining down on the small group and upon arrival at the car all exclaimed what a great day it had been. More of the same would be appreciated.

Date : 27th March 2005

'Twas a dull Easter Day morning and six members of the Group set out for this walk from the Holden Arms near Haslingden. The route began by taking us over the dam of Holden Wood reservoir then turned onto the track along it's southern edge. Around 100 metres before Tenements Farm a field stile on the left was our cue to leave the track and head up the field, two further stiles joined us to a well trodden path that would eventually lead us to join The Rossendale Way. The RW took us around both Ogden and Calf Hey reservoirs, the end of the latter having a bench where we undertook a refreshing brew stop.
The going was easy as we followed the RW through a small plantation, pausing to look at the sculptures, of what looked like toadstools, carved into the bases of felled trees. Their crudity was the reason one could only assume the artist was a bored woodsman! The next item that caused the Group to stop was an information board, cunningly placed on the path in the middle of nowhere, that explained the cautionary tale of Whisky Spinners. This conjured up a few images of poor labourers and hidden stills and raids by the local Peelers. We were still following the RW as we crossed the A6177 to ascend a field where, upon reaching the top, lunch was announced.

The weather hadn't really improved as we set off again after the food. The going underfoot was surprisingly good though and with us still following the RW navigation was also easy thus leading us to the eastern edge of Jamestone Quarry in pretty quick time.
Turning off the RW we followed the track down, through a gate that led onto a short stretch of metalled road and on to another gate. A stile next to the gate took us onto a wallside path that was to take us through fields towards Holden Hall. The start point was just around the corner from here and, although the dull weather was still with us and the walk had done us no harm what-so-ever there was still time for the small matter of eating those eggs when we got home....

Date : 25th March 2005

Good Friday afternoon and the wonderful total of 22 people embarked upon this short 6 mile walk along the Irwell Valley. The Leader explained her intention of walking just a 3 mile stretch down the Trail Path before retracing our route back because the view is different and this walk highlighted the message.
So off we set from the local Groundwork Trust Countryside Centre located at New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall (SD806223). The area from here looks and, to some extent, feels like an industrial environment and evidence was in abundance. Also of note was the fact the Irwell Valley way, for the most part, follows both the River Irwell and the East Lancashire Steam Railway and it wasn't long before we heard the whistle of the train as it went past. Although there were patches of mud here and there the path was quite good until, that is, we reached a section of steps that were just awash with mud, much to the disdain of some and the enjoyment of others.
Our next destination was the village of Irwell Vale, a small hamlet that originally comprised of around three rows of terracing for the local mill but now enlarged by more recent builds from a couple decades ago. The going was leisurely paced and the sun was shining as we continued on our way and another train 'whistled' past.

After crossing the tracks by means of an underpass (SD790197) we soon experienced our first taste of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. Three large cogs from an old machine, relating to local industry, enhanced by wooden carvings adorn the hillside above the path.
The riverside path then wound it's way through a pleasant green pasture and the next piece of sculpture appeared before us - a very large picture frame! Some people went around and some went through the middle but all agreed it was an extremely different piece. Not long after this we reached our turnaround point and began the trek back whence we came.
The main thing about doing a walk this way is that it takes considerably less time on the return journey so before we knew it we arrived back in Irwell Vale as another steam train was leaving the station. It was not long after this I had to excuse myself from the Groups company due to prior arrangements but I thanked Judith for the walk as I had certainly not been so far down the Irwell before. Rest assured though that I will return.

Date : 20th March 2005

Six members turned up on an overcast morning for this jaunt.The destination and starting point was Greenberfield Locks near Barnoldswick, in either Lancashire or Yorkshire depending upon your personal preference.
Upon leaving the car park we turned left down a country lane for a short distance before turning right to go through a particularly mucky farmyard. Passing a barn we continued along a track before veering over a field towards a footbridge and the ruined building of Gilbeber Laithe. Halfway across the next field we made an abrupt right down the field to cross a footbridge leading to Stock. Swinging round to the left we headed towards Bracewell and its fine church.

Taking the path at the western end of the churchyard we headed through fields of green grass and newborn lambs - one of which took a bit of persuading that Cath wasn't it's mum! It wasn't long before we emerged onto Brogden Lane and then took a left past Jack House and Hollins. Just after Cow Pasture it was decided lunchtime was upon us and it would be better here than in the suburbs of Barnoldswick.
After lunch the sun came out as we made our way through the aforementioned suburbs via an intricate network of ginnels and snicketways that did an amazing job of keeping us away from walking along roads. It was during this period we passed the Bancroft Mill Engine (open Saturdays) and peered in through grubby windows to have a look but to no avail. Over a playing field and we soon joined the Leeds-Liverpool canal, with a myriad of craft moored next to the boatyard.
It was just a matter then of following the canal back through Barnoldswick to Greenberfield. Cath led a very nice walk that was just the tonic.

Date : 27th February 2005

Blue skies and snow covered ground were the order of the day on this late February morning. Leaving the village of Barley to go up past the reservoirs we got our first real glimpse of our destination for later in the day - Pendle Hill, at 557m (1827ft) not far from being classified a mountain.

Our route continued over a ploughed field into a small wood, where the densely packed trees conspired to force us off the path. A quick compass check put us right to the stile leading onto the wide expanse of Twiston Moor, tussocks and boggy bits were the norm for the next mile or so.
Still Pendle was watching over us.

After the moor was defeated it was field paths, strangely minus the snow, around Twiston village and on towards Downham, the route into which was along a concessionary path that followed the line of the Roman Road. From Ribchester in the West to Elslack in the East, the agger is clearly visible.
And so was Pendle.

Lunch was enjoyed in the village of Downham, one of the gems of this part of Lancashire. More recently used as the location for the BBC TV series 'Born & Bred', it was also featured in the film 'Whistle Down the Wind' starring Hayley Mills and Alan Bates. Indeed our route out of the village after lunch passed a barn purported to have been used in that movie.

And so it was that we finally started our ascent of Pendle, once again surrounded by the snowfall of recent days. 'Tis a long and winding path up the hill from this side and the snow slowed us up a bit but we were soon looking out over the Ribble Valley towards the Yorkshire Dales from the top. Ingleborough and Pen-Y-Ghent were clearly visible whilst Whernside was discernable just behind. After reaching the Trig Point it was just a short stretch before we hit the downward path and before long we had returned to Barley appeased.

Date : 06th February 2005

An overcast Sunday morning, with just a hint of the sun breaking through, was awaiting the Group on this particular walk.

Nine people left Ryal Fold (although arriving at the car park to be greeted by thirty-odd people was an eye-opener, it was a found they belonged to another Group from Parbold) and headed for the first destination of the day, Darwen Tower. The tower is one of those concepts that can be seen for miles around and stands atop its hill like a rocket on a launchpad. The walk through the fields towards Sunnyhurst was slippy and muddy and set the tone for terrain underfoot for most of the day. Before long, however, we soon reached the track that would take us uphill to a well earned rest at the tower.

The walk now was on well-defined paths over the moor, well churned by a combination of feet, water and mountain bike wheels. Before long we were having another quick coffee break at the ruins of Hollinshead Hall. Here we were informed that lunch would be atop the next hill - lovingly called Great Hill.

After lunch was eaten and the packs significantly lighter a track took us down past Drinkwaters, a ruined farm of old, and around the western edge of Wheelton Moor. This was an easy, level track and a good pace was set by the leader. As we got closer to Tockholes Plantations and the reservoirs we could feel the odd drop of rain. The walk through the plantations was a revelation by the sheer amount of people and dogs that were there, obviously a very popular spot. A slight drizzle was starting but within a few minutes we were back at our starting point. Quickly changing our footwear we made a bee-line for the local public house and a well earned pint of beer.

Date : 09th January 2005

Undeterred by the previous week's weather, members and guests of the Hyndburn Group of the NE Lancs RA left Accrington for a walk in the Yorkshire Dales.

The village of Long Preston, near the market town of Settle,was the starting point of their 10 mile walk. Weak, wintery sunshine set them off in high hopes of a fine day ahead with a chance to blow away a few cobwebs (and perhaps a few calories too) garnered over the Christmas holidays.

The group of 11 started by taking the minor roads and tracks out of the village and up onto the fell side. The views back down the valley showed the extent of the flooding, caused by the effects of the recent downpours on the River Ribble and whose ouitline was still visible in the waterlogged fields on either side. Happy to be on drier ground the walkers continued in the direction of Settle before taking a well earned coffee break overlooking the town.

Turning away from the town, the walk continued along yet more minor roads and tracks (and through a swimming pool sized 'puddle') to eventually arrive at Scaleber Force. Here the camera's came out in force to photograph the waterfall, well fuelled by the recent rains. Lunch was enjoyed overlooking this magnificent sight.

The return to Long Preston was again along a good track and the field path near the end was a welcome, though wet, relief. All acknowledged David for a wonderfully led walk and we all returned home dry, warm and cobweb free.