| An Evening Stroll |
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Date : 28th May 2009
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Leader : Sue Baxendale |
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Report by : Phil Bedson |
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Photos © : Phil Bedson |
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| The halfway marker of the Leeds-Liverpool canal |
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The first evening walk of the year was attended by eight members of Hyndburn Ramblers. It was a warm spring evening and everyone was looking forward to the six miles ahead. Leaving Rishton library the group headed for the Leeds-Liverpool canal and were to follow the towpath for the next kilometre or so crossing over the M65 aqueduct in the process. A path off to the left was taken which took us across fields, past some cows and a huge bull, towards Church Kirk and it’s church of St. James’. Upon reaching the bridge we followed the track round to the left, passing the half-way point of the canal, and on down past Plowtalgh Farm to go under the M65.
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left:
Over the aqueduct |
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right: One big bull!! |
The track after this point was extremely muddy despite the recent dry spell and was attributed to the large herd of cows we came across as we neared the A678. Crossing over the road we followed the field path around to Oakenshaw before wending our way down through the houses to cross the River Hyndburn. Taking the track uphill we turned off at the brow into a field and followed the field edge past the pylons. Having been over the route our leader declared that the way ahead was really very muddy due to horses within the fields so we took an alternative path round to the end of a track. This track then took us straight into the small hamlet of Tottleworth. Probably one of the oldest hamlets in the area Tottleworth used to lie on the road between Rishton and Great Harwood but over time this has become a cul-de-sac.
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left:
Through fields to Tottleworth |
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right: Good job it's a dis-used railtrack!! |
Shortly after Tottleworth we took some steps up to join the disused railway line, now a cycleway, and this was to be our way for the next couple of kilometres. The sense of steam trains running along their tracks was a prevalent topic. As we walked with dusk approaching the nocturnal wonders of nature were stirring. Bats were flitting about amongst the trees catching their supper (or possibly breakfast!). Another highlight was spotting a barn owl as it flew low over the fields looking for voles and mice before it dropped from view onto an unsuspecting victim. We left the disused railway just below Lower Cunliffe and took a track down to rejoin the canal. The light was beginning to fade fast as we took the towpath back round towards Rishton where we had started some three hours previous. It had been a lovely evenings walk and thanks went to the leader.
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| A view along the canal | |
