It’s a brand new year, but the same old weather that plagued last year: rain and plenty of it. I awoke to news of flooding in the northwest and looking out my back window, the fields were underwater. Ribchester has suffered again, so I won’t be heading that way, though it would have been good to see the Ribble in full flow at Sale Wheel. https://bowlandclimber.com/2020/02/17/sales-wheel-the-ribble-in-flood/
I decided instead to head over to the River Hodder at Higher Hodder Bridge. I suspected the Chaigley road might be flooded so I drove over the fell to drop down at Kemple End. Even on this higher road, there were one or two spots where I hesitated to drive through.
The road going down Birdy Brow was awash with flood debris and parts of the road itself were eroding.
I parked at the bottom and walked onto the bridge to view the river in full spate.
Taking the little cobbled path through the woods and over normally quiet streamlets, now dashing to meet the roaring river.
Places where I often go down to the riverside for views of the graceful bridge were underwater today, and I kept a healthy distance from the edge. The river was moving past at some pace. 
It’s difficult to give an impression of the water’s power in a photo so I tried a video for better effect.
Ambling on along the muddy footpath, I came upon quieter stretches of water before it sped up again, hurtling towards the Ribble, where the confluence would be quite a sight. 
Instead of returning the same way I picked up an unmarked track near one of the little footbridges; this took me up the hillside towards Rydding’s Farm, where walkers aren’t exactly welcomed with “dogs running loose” signs. 
I bypass them and take the farm track leading back to Birdy Brow. Looking back, a rather hazy Pendle Hill dominates as usual around these parts. 
I hadn’t walked far for my first walk of 2025. I’m pleased to see my car hadn’t been washed away and drove carefully back over the high road, stopping only to view the floods below in Chipping Vale.
Of course, while the mood takes you, it is worth listening to Johnny Cash.
***
That’s certainly a lot of water BC, I wouldn’t want to fall in there. Apart from a quick trip to Asda for some cat food I haven’t been out. How’s the camera?
I was very careful on the riverside paths – one slip…
The pictures were taken with the Fujifilm camera. I thought the results were a little dull, but the light wasn’t good. I need to get into the technicalities; I just used it on auto today.
Hodder translates as tranquil but it’s certainly not today!
Not at all. A good day to be out though.
I quite like being out when it’s like this to be honest, i was poking about the woods earlier with the dog looking at various lichen and funghi, Happy New Year by the way!
Yes, a good day for poking about, as you say.
Not the best weather to start 2025. Happy New Year! ps might be dry tomorrow.
Looks good tomorrow, off to the seaside!
Ooh lucky you. Enjoy. 🙂
Beautiful day here today, but the roads are like glass so not inclined to drive.
Heading to the coast rather than risk the icy hill roads. Should be a good day.
Gorgeous here but freezing.
Perfect on the prom at Fleetwood.
I enjoyed that bit of Johnny Cash. Was that from your memory bank, or did you search for something like “flood songs?” It has always been a fifty-fifty with me between Johnny and Don MccClean. From Don I always particularly liked Good Ole Boys Like Me.
I have a huge memory bank of Cash. Saw him live at The Albert Hall in the middle of the 60s along with The Carter Sisters.
Don Williams came later and was over sentimental sentimental for me.
Now Hank Williams, no relation, is worth listening to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqfisHUtWOA
As for Don Maclean he is remembered for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRpiBpDy7MQ, a tribute to Buddy Holly and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk about Vincent Van Gogh.
The Hodder certainly looks full there. The Yarrow had a fit, and burst its banks in Croston again, caught the new flood defences unawares. Not as bad as it could have been, though. Kept the fire brigade busy all yesterday, though.
I keep coming across flooded roads all around the area.
We had a walk along the Hodder about a fortnight ago, post to follow in about June I suppose! Our own flooding is substantial but not as bad as it can be. It’s always worth listening to Johnny Cash! Next time you could use ‘Big River’!
There will be more big rivers, next in line.
Oh boy here comes trouble