I hear the sound of Curlews in the air as soon as I leave the car. That haunting call across the rough fields.
It had been a toss up this morning, Belmont or Bleasdale. I have unfinished business on Great Hill and Spitlers Edge, but how boggy was it going to be up there. Let’s play safe and use the lanes of Bleasdale Estate for a drier round.
Spring is in the air, but only just after the last couple of days’ hailstorms. Blossom adorns the little lodge. A cheery row of daffodils line the road leading into the estate. Immediately the expanse of Bleasdale opens up with the familiar Bowland Hills as a backdrop. I don’t spot the Curlews but I do witness a few Lapwings performing their aerial display. And what is going on with those sheep and seagulls, with pheasants and jackdaw in attendance? 
The wood to the right which was disappearing under foreign Rhododendrons has been grubbed up and the replacement mixed planting is only white tree casings at present, all looking very barren. But around the corner is a similar plantation now a few years old and the bird song emanating from it is orchestral this morning. They are all busy bonding and nest prospecting no doubt. Robin, Chiffchaff, Siskin, Song Thrush, Willow Warbler, Wren, Chaffinch, Tree Creeper. Goes to show how trees are so important as a habitat.
It doesn’t look much but what bird life thrives in there.
No body is about at the buildings, once a reformatory school, as I turn right towards the more open moor. Everywhere are sheep and their lovely lambs, it is difficult to take a photo without including them. 
The two remote farms are still operating as such, whereas other properties have been converted to residential use.
It’s awhile since I’ve been to the Bronze Age Circle. Last time was after one of our winter storms and the place was a mess with fallen trees. Time for another look although I know the fields to get to it will be muddy. All is clean and tidy the debris has been cleared away, the inner circle, indicated only by posts, and ditch are obvious again and there is a welcome planting of trees around the periphery of the site. Does it all line up with that nick in the fell’s skyline? Once the Preston Harris Museum is open again I must visit to look at the artifacts from this site. Persons unknown have been attaching ‘clooties’ to one of the remaining trees.
St Eadmer’s Church is always worth a look, standing as it does in isolation below the fells. 
The school is no more but the buildings have taken on a new residential life. 
I do eventually get caught in an April shower which looks far more severe on Fairsnape. 
Then on past one of the estate’s landmark beech hedges. 
There’s a bee on the gorse and a pheasant strutting his stuff, it must be spring. 
As there is nobody staying I have a look around the camping chalets in the field as I pass. Pretty basic tent sides with an inner living space and log fire. The one I scout around, forgive my nosiness, is called Curlew. They go under the Glamping Hideaway’s banner of Lanterns and Larks. A holiday away from it all? 
Sometime I must have a closer look at that little packhorse bridge near the farm. 
That has been a whistle stop tour of Bleasdale, get you boots on and do it for yourself sometime.
By the way it is more like winter again today. ‘Cast not a clout till may is out’.
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I’m afraid I would have to cut all that rubbish down that’s tied to the tree, it looks so unsightly and I really don’t see the point of it. This looks like a nice walk, I like the little lambs and the view with the daffodils along the roadside.
I think you did well to avoid Belmont, there’s been so much rain around here you would be up to your neck in mud and bog.
Yes I agree, I spend half my time clearing rubbish from the countryside.
Saving Belmont for drier weather.
A beautiful sound—my favourite harbinger of spring.
It’s always good to see them back.
Yes, I think the spring is finally getting here too.
Let’s hope so.
I spent all day yesterday head first down into the most awful wind and rain from Tarbert to Carradale. Today I’ve woken to glorious skies so hopefully spring has finally arrived!
I wouldn’t bet on it.
This looks like a nice spring walk.
It was but not sure whether we are into good weather yet.
It’s been very cold the last few days
Lovely sound – haunting. Great hill via Spitler’s – the royal way. Paved now, but still prone to flood in a few places last time I was up – some signage warning of deep bog, but mostly okay. I’ve still not visited Bleasedale circle. It’s on my list.
Giving Great Hill and Spitler’s another week to dry up.
Beautiful walk and lovely to see the lambs and hear the curlews and watch lapwings almost tumble from the sky. Nice cobbles!
One of my favourite short all weather walks.
Yes, I liked those cobbles in the farmyard. Everywhere is concrete nowadays.
Great Hill would definitely have been muddy and wet – there is the paved path up from the Belmont Road but there were still some serious muddy stretches when I was up on the Edges a couple of weeks ago and we’ve had plenty of rain since then
Thanks for that. Am keen to get back to those Bolton hills but maybe give it a little longer. Today’s sunshine will help.
Made it to the circle at last, parked at the church. Had a wander up Fairsnape while I was there. Cracking day, and bought eggs!
Brilliant, look forward to your write up.
I was caught out by that private road sign, but asked a guy who was sweeping up at the community centre, and he said no one would bother, otherwise I’m guessing random visitors are discouraged?
I don’t think they want too many people using that private road, but there is parking at the Community Centre and the Church. It would be a disater if the instagram/youtube brigade posted it. I often just park on the public road.
Thank you for including the curlews’ song – wonderful. I missed them when I was last up in the Ribble Valley (mid March), but hope to hear them next time. When do they tend to stop for the year – June, July?
I think they tend to leave the upland breeding sites in July. They winter on the coast here in the NW.
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