At 10am, despite the wet forecast, 10 people (incl 2 new to the group) joined walk leader Howard for the longer of the days walks. Setting off from the civic centre in Hurst Green the first part of the walk took the group down past Trough House towards the River Ribble. This was crossed by way of the Dinckley suspension bridge which ‘bounces’ as you cross and those new to the group who hadn’t been here before quite enjoyed the effect.

On the other side the route continued along the riverbank to Marles Wood, resplendent with bluebells, before climbing up to the car park. Crossing the road to enter a field by way of a stile the field paths were followed uphill before a sharp right took us back downhill to the former De Tabley Arms, currently being renovated into dwellings. We crossed Ribchester Bridge with care before turning right along a track where, just before Dewhurst House, we stopped at a log pile for lunch.

At this point the route was following the Ribble Way and it would be for the next mile as the path followed the riverbank through Haigh Wood before veering over fields to Hey Hurst. Leaving the Ribble Way the lane was followed uphill to a stile in the fence that took the group through a small wooded area before further field paths led us to Bailey Hall. The path then dived down in the woods to go over a footbridge before a flight of steps took everyone up the other side towards Merricks Hall farm. As we neared the church of St Johns the rain started to be a little heavier.

Despite our close proximity to Hurst Green (and a warm, dry public house) Howard led the way up a nettle infested path and then a lane before ascending to Doe Hill. Ten days earlier the 360° panorama at this point was quite unexpected and spectacular but today it wasn’t even worth acknowledging as the driving rain was making everyone wish they’d taken the public house. More field paths and lanes led to Lower and Higher Hud Lee Farms before a little shelter for a break was taken in Hudd Lee Wood (with the extra d). After drinks were taken the group passed Greengore and then followed the lanes through the woods all the way back into Hurst Green. Even though everyone was thoroughly drenched it had been a good walk and at least one of the newcomers would definitely be returning.

St John the Evangelist, Hurst Green

Walk Two - Family Stroller, Accrington
	Date : 15th May 2011		Leader : Gail Bedson
	Report by : Gail Bedson		Photos © : Gail Bedson

With a 1.00pm start time the heavier rain was well under way when walk leader Gail was joined by an astounding 15 brave souls for the shorter walk. With the youngest being aged just 4 years old it was great to see a total of eight school aged children on the day and each received an activity pack (click picture to enlarge). The walk started at Plantation Street car park and followed the side streets up past the college and a local primary school to join a small lane. The younger ones in their wellies seemed to enjoy emptying the potholes of their water content and this made for a slower pace than expected. Upon reaching High Riley, one of the oldest buildings in Accrington, the track was followed to the right to go under the busy A56.