Wednesday, June 2nd 5miles. Slaidburn.
This is a repeat of a walk I did on a lovely summer’s day last year and today was another perfect warm and sunny day. We drove over with the roof down for Covid safety and for the exhilaration of the Lancashire hill country. As we parked up a red kite was being mobbed by crows above our heads. A new notice board has been erected on the river bank highlighting the very walk I had planned for today. https://ribblelifetogether.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Slaidburn-route-guide.pdf We virtually met no one apart from in Slaidburn.
The flatness of the riverside meadows was in contrast to the steep wooded limestone escarpment to our left. Dunnow Hall was looking resplendent. Instead of using the road, we followed a concessionary alongside the Hodder all the way to Slaidburn. As usual, the café and car park were busy with tourists and motorcyclists. We sat by the bridge for a welcome drink before that steep pull up the road and into fields going over small hills to Easington. From up here the enclosing bare Bowland Hills were a contrast to the green wooded valleys. Swifts few overhead.
The little Easington Beck was followed to Easington Manor and hamlet. Mike was pointing out properties on the northern flanks of Easington Fell that he developed for a businessman who had just sold TVR (the then Blackpool built sports car). Money was no object. Now back beside the Hodder we followed an old cobbled track, known locally as the ’causer’, to the bridge at Newton. Sand martins, dippers and wagtails all made an appearance on queue.
Dunnow Hall.
Whiteholme.
Mike not impressed by the village hall.
Ex-Methodist Chapel.
Slaidburn bridge shading sheep.
Bowland at its best.
Easington Beck.
Manor House
Back on the Hodder.
The Causer.
The pub in the village was closed, so we drove home for tea. A classic little circuit made all the more enjoyable by the weather, and of course the company.
*****
For a more detailed description of the villages, have a look at …
*****
The lambs in your photo look so adorable. 🙂
Thought you would like the lambs, I don’t know which breed they are.
Looks like a good low level walk.
I’m probably going to be in Bowland tomorrow for a not too strenuous ramble. I have in mind a route starting at Dunspop bridge following the Hodder to Whitewell and then doubling back.
I never get tired of the Hodder, one of Northern England’s great rivers.
The river is fairly low at present, so you should be able to use the stepping stones at Whitewell providing you have not overindulged at the Inn.
Will have to remember to take my walking poles. I’m not so stable these days and don’t fancy a swim 😁
The stones are large and mainly flat. You shouldn’t fall in.
Sadly I’m not allowed alcohol 🙁 but that doesn’t stop me being wobbly 😉