Author Archives: bowlandclimber

CHIPPING IS STILL BLOOMING.

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Bowland is a good place to be. I have friends around me today to isolate me from the worst of world affairs, did you listen to PM Netanyahu’s (a potential war criminal) vile speech to congress yesterday? We, five former colleagues all in our dotage, set off from near that iconic Bowland red phone box in the hills beyond Chipping. I don’t know the plan but I’m in the hands of the resident local ‘guide’, sometimes it’s just good to go with the flow, even for me having a somewhat ‘in control’ psyche. P1070401 P1070402

It is all familiar for most of us but none the worse for that as we tramp westwards across the base of the fells. A posse of cows watches us from the hilltop. This is curlew country par excellence and I’m pleased to report we saw and heard several. P1070400

You may remember this ford crossing from the other day, again no one fell in. P1070404

There are eggs for sale today at Saddle End, I have brought some loose change for half a dozen. We go through a gate helpfully signed Chipping, I don’t think I’ve used before, this is exciting. P1070406

Our ‘guide’ leads us down a vague path, over a footbridge and up again to suddenly find one of those favourite P&NFA signs in the middle of a field. All well off the beaten track.

We drop down to the imposing house above the mill dam, once the house of the millowner. Yes I have been this way before. P1070412

The party straggles out as we wander through the old chair works, due for some sort of redevelopment. I’ve often wondered what the steps were going down to the brook, Ian doesn’t know but says he will ask a friend living here the next time he sees her. Well the next time he sees her is a few minutes later when she walks up the lane. She remembers her family going to the brook to wash clothes. Another one of life’s problems solved. P1070413

We catch the others up and dive into the busy Cobbled Corner café for pots of tea, soup and sandwiches. Well recommended. P1070415

I repeat my tour of the grave yard to visit Lizzie Dean’s grave under the ancient yew. Have a look at my last post on Chipping for the video tale of the whole tragic episode.

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Casting aside the sadness we enjoy the blooms in the village, It has reached the finals of the competition. P1070417

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All is very familiar to many of you as we leave the village and enter the grounds of Leagram Hall with its lovely trees. That’s Pendle in the background. P1070428

We don’t continue to the sheep farm but cut across the park to pick up a footpath to Knot Hill. I often find this difficult to follow but today our local ‘guide’ leads the way unerringly.

All that remains is to follow the bridleway down to the ford and up the hill to our ‘guide’s’ house. A mooch around his garden and then coffee before we all disperse after yet another enjoyable Bowland walk, about 6.5 miles. P1070395 P1070398

Interestingly our one lady member is leading a walk tomorrow of friends, they call it the Chatterbox Walk. I’m thinking us men should form a group for more regular walks – the Silent Saunter.

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A FAMILY FUN DAY.

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My son and my youngest grandson have come up from Manchester for a spot of Bouldering at Craig Y Longridge, here in the village.

I am lucky living in Longridge on the edge of Bowland and The Ribble Valley. Many of my posts have been about this local area which I am passionate about. From a climbing point of view I have on my doorstep one of England’s premier bouldering venues. This unique gritstone crag overhangs for almost all of its 150m length creating an outdoor bouldering wall with many desperate, certainly for me, problems. Over the years I have used it as a training crag to keep me fit for the traditional climbs in the mountains and dales of Britain. I never became really good but I was always strong.

Climbing has changed as a sport over the years, big boot days in the Lakeland mountains have been replaced by gymnastic bouldering in indoor gyms, you may have seen this modern take in the last Olympics. Youngsters are taking to it for the pure physical challenges without the danger. All you need is a pair of rock shoes and a chalk bag to have lots of fun and build up an all round physical fitness at the same time. Friendly rivalry and a good social scene go hand in hand. No wonder climbing gyms have been springing up like mushrooms in all our towns and cities.

All three of my grandchildren have taken to bouldering and regularly attend climbing gyms in Manchester. Even my son, just turned 50, has gone back to the sport which I introduced him to as a child. I always preferred climbing outdoors and only resorted to the climbing walls when the weather defeated us or in the coldest winter months. We tended to visit the walls with higher roped climbing as that is what we did. For years this helped me keep up my fitness but various issues in the last few years have curtailed my activities. I still manage a few ‘proper’ routes each year but they are diminishing along with my climbing partners as aging creeps upon us. But I do have Craig Y on my doorstep as I said, so whenever possible I go up there and do some easy traversing to keep my muscle memory intact. It is far better, and cheaper, than going to a gym and I still get the social interaction from the youngsters and old hands who regularly turn up.

The weather is promising, there have been far too many bad days this year, so Sunday is arranged. His dad will bring him and he has invited one of his bouldering buddies to join us. Time to introduce Alex to the delights on hand and see how he performs away from the plastic. In the gym the holds are colour coded so you can see what you are going for, outside you have to ‘read’ the rock to pick your way.

The afternoon starts badly with the discovery of a burnt out pile of papers on the car park, The rain overnight has created a soggy mess, I may have to come back another time to clear it. What is in the minds of some people? I’m beginning to sound like Victor Meldew. P1070377

In we go through the gate, tortoise like with the bouldering mats on our backs. Convenience climbing 20m from the car. P1070378 P1070380

You may notice and wonder about the proximity of houses. This was once all the abandoned Greenbank Quarry, one of many in Longridge. Most closed down after World War II but I am led to believe stone was used from this one for the completion of the first motorway in the UK, AKA Preston Bypass, in the fifties. The quarry, partially infilled, laid dormant and became grassed over. We climbed in here from the early 80’s. I remember cows grazing in the field, with the pond lower down a favourite fishing spot for local children, almost a rural idyll. All changed when it was bought by a developer who wanted to turn it into a holiday chalet park. Planning permission was granted from the tourism affect it would have on the village. That was always a debatable point. 20 chalets became 30. and yes you guessed it about fifty houses were built. There was no attempt at the ‘tourism’ market – but we knew there wouldn’t be. Once again the planners duped or was it more sinister than that?

Anyhow the developer kicked us out of the field when building commenced, well some of us. A fund was started by local climbers contributing money towards purchasing the strip of land directly adjacent the crag, the BMC (British Mountaineering Club) matched the donations and the crag was bought from the developer. He should have really have given it us as he was absolved of all responsibility of a potential danger directly below a public road.

In August 2008 the ground below the crag was levelled, a great improvement. Fencing put in place and our own gate complete with official BMC signage installed. The ‘housing’ development has matured, there have been no serious conflicts between the residents and climbers – although this is always an issue when in close proximity to the general public but, and dare I say it, some of the younger generation don’t respect privacy and property. (Victor Meldew again) Lets hope we retain this facility for future generations.

The early days of BMC ownership. fencing 003 fencing 005

I’ve gone off subject a little, but good to fill you in with the background to this unique place.

There are already a few other climbers here but it never gets seriously busy. People come and go, enjoying their own activity without impinging on others. I direct our little team to some easy traversing to warm up. It becomes evident that the youngsters lack stamina for too much length of horizontal moves, being used to a limited number of vertical moves before jumping off at the gym. They do however soon dispatch the ‘up’ problems I show them next. P1070382

Below is Bomb Squad 6B being dispatched.

They both are then eager to try some of the harder problems along the crag, that’s when my son and I take off our rock shoes and continue in only in an advisory and encouraging capacity.

Alex and his friend had enjoyed the day. They found the grades tougher than in their gym which is understandable in the transition to real rock. Their confidence for going higher improved as the day went on. Enthusiasm fired I hope.

Meanwhile my son and I had a good catchup

Sit start to Porridge Gun 6B+ almost to the top.

CHIPPING IN BLOOM.

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It must be that time again, when our local villages vie for the best in bloom. Chipping was all aglow this morning with some stunning displays, helped by the bright sunshine. I think they often win as the community makes such a good joint effort.

But we hadn’t come to see the flowers, we had a short walk in mind in the hills above the village. Our more ambitious trip to Ilkley Moor was delayed to another time. I had strained my side in a difficult balancing act at the top of steps attacking my overgrown hedge a couple of days ago. JD suggested this as a gentler stroll, and it was forecast to become very hot, which did transpire.

The basic straight forward walk out of the village through the grounds of Leagram, up to Saddle Side farm lane and back via Wolfen, Tweedys and Kirk Mills has been done so many times, often described here for example. Ideal for the wounded. Parking up at the village hall, JD announces he won’t bother with his boots – everywhere will be dry underfoot. I suggest boots could be better if we decide to go ‘off piste’. I am already plotting a cross country variation if my injury wasn’t worsening. Old habits die hard.

We stroll through the village, as I said resplendent in bloom, past the old watermill and out on the Leagram road. P1070347 P1070348

Walking into the estate is always a joy with the beautiful aged trees, although I see one oak has succumbed. The southerly hill in the background is Longridge Fell. P1070351 P1070354

I have been reading ‘How to read a tree’ and can recognise on this tree the south side branches growing horizontally towards the sun whilst the northern side grow more vertically to try and catch the light. What do you think? P1070353

At the sheep farm JD knows the farmer and we have an extended chat with him on all things sporting, village related and political. He never mentions his sheep which produce some tasty cheese.

Soon we come to the sign Lickhurst and Stanley, one of those classy P&PFS, which would give us an option of visiting the hidden Burnslack valley, which neither of us has done for awhile. Decision made we set off on a good surfaced lane going to Park Gate, (this was all a deer park in the past) and heading for the fells. But we leave it on a non existent way to a forded crossing of the brook. I take a photo half expectant of a dipping, but JD is as sure footed as a goat. My poles help me across. P1070358 P1070356 P1070360 P1070362

I won’t describe our onward pathless progress across the next fellside, except to say we arrive on the Stanley track some time later. Cutting back I have another attempt to photo JD’s potential soaking. No luck. P1070365

Burnslack farm, now houses, must be one of the remotest inhabited properties on this side of Bowland. The path is sensibly diverted to give them privacy. Two owls keep an eye on us as we pass through. P1070367

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Looking back to Burnslack Farm.

An ancient way leads to the next farm, Saddle End, along the base of the fell. There are the remains of several barns along here, traces of cobbles, and fresh water springs. Sir Hugh will appreciate the in situ taps on one of the farmer’s baths collecting he water. P1070372

Up here we find a place to sit for the highlight of the day, JD’s hand crafted vegetarian pasties. One can’t call them Cornish, they are well and truly Lancastrian. My neighbour gifted me a jar of home pickled red cabbage this week so I have brought some along as a perfect accompaniment. We eat like kings with a view to match. P1070371 P1070369

Sheep shearing is progressing at Saddle End. P1070373

The afternoon is steaming hot so we take the easy option down to the lanes leading back to Chipping. I am hoping for some farm eggs at the lane end but I’m out of luck. Mills line the Chipping Brook telling of iron foundries, bobbin making, cotton and chair works. All gone. The ‘millowners’ house overlooking the pond is perfect for the situation in contrast to some of the new housing creeping up the valley. P1070375

In the churchyard I show JD the grave of LIzzie Dean, behind which there is quite a tale. To tell it I suggest you watch this video.

Needless to say we have a pint in the said Sun Inn to celebrate a lovely walk and a cautious return to summer weather.

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SOME LANES AROUND LONGRIDGE.

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You may have been down some of these lanes with me before, several times in fact. Hopefully there is always something new to be discovered. I’m staying local and taking it easy. My follow up with the eye surgeon was all good news but he advised me to avoid over exertion and keep using the drops. So a gentle walk around Longridge seemed more sensible than going climbing. I take a shortened, six and a half miles, version of my Around Longridge Walk trying to keep it rural.

Several lanes are encounted – Halfpenny, Green Nook, Shay, Pinfold, Happy Alley, Lower, Tan Yard, Forty Acre, Mile or Lords, Clay. A wonderful selection of names reflecting their historical origins.

There are no blocked paths or awkward stiles today. I am free to enjoy and photograph the flora lining these lanes. The one disturbing thought is that there are very few insects out and about. We have had a miserable early summer and today is cold and overcast, not conducive to fluttering butterflies or other insects for that matter. What is going on?

Halfpenny Lane, an old toll way towards Preston. Nobody remembers Halfpennies these days, nor Farthings, ‘fourth’. A house at the far end has called itself Farthings. 20240714_164643

Whittingham Road is a race track. Past the new housing developments I escape down Green Nook Lane with its more pleasing stone cottages.

Cutting across industrial Shay Lane I’m into the football fields, no matches today. Onwards over that dodgy wooden footbridge which won’t survive much longer and through infant maize plantings. The path created across the set aside wasteland takes me through uncut meadows which if left alone should provide a rich habitat in the future.

Down Pinfold Lane, don’t forget the ancient cross base in the field. Chiffchaffs, Goldfinch and Robins keep me company, but I don’t see the Little Owl that lived here. There is little to see across the disused reservoirs apart from Black Headed Gulls and Lapwings on the island. A new wire perimeter fence has appeared to keep the belligerent dog walkers out of the reserve. 1070296 1070302

Up towards the church on Happy Alley (Church Brow) and then across the fields bordering Alston Reservoirs. I take the easy option of walking up past the ecolodges onto Lower Lane, where I lived in the long and distant past. Soon I’m off the busy road and walking up Tan Yard leading to the quarries but the name suggests an ancient tanning operation. 1070309

A new diversional track utilises those modern galvanised gates with the obligatory yellow latch. It’s up here that one can look out over the Ribble Valley and the reservoirs supplying Preston. Pendle is just out of screen. 1070322

The first cows of the day soon disperse as I approach. Phew. And I’m into the caravan park. My path is choked with Himalayan Balsam, sweet smelling but so invasive. 1070329

I emerge onto the housing development originally passed by the indolent planners as a ‘tourist attraction’. The change of government is obviously welcome but I do fear for our green spaces. Time will tell. There is nobody bouldering at Craig Y so I move on around the Upper Dilworth Reservoir. The grebes unfortunately have not been successful this year, another worrying sign. 1070330

The view from new built Bowland View is obviously good.

Then on down Mile Lane, no more than half a mile, from Billingtons. 1070337

The Chipping Road is busy and I’m glad to escape onto Clay Lane, there was once a tile operation going on here making field drains. It was also the drove route into Longridge and then the halfpenny toll towards Preston. That’s where I stop today, content with an easy walk.

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Here are a few of the flowers I noticed today.

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ONE TWO THREE.

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As you can see, I’m rather incapacitated at present. I have had my first cataract operation, on the right eye, last week. Until it improves I have lost my stereoscopic binocular vision. I’m having trouble judging distances, my world is temporarily two dimensional for the most part. Simple little tasks like pouring a teapot need a lot of concentration to avoid missing the cup altogether. Even hitting the right keys on the keyboard is not straight forward. Driving is on hold for a few days. There will be no walks for awhile. Hence this more mundane post today.

The operation was a little complicated for reasons I won’t go into, taking twice as long as usual and needing all the skill of the surgeon of whom I’m in awe. Lying perfectly still for three quarters of an hour wasn’t easy. Anyhow I’m on the mend, the shield has now come off except for night time and the blurriness is receding One drawback, though essential, is having to use eyedrops every four hours. I set my alarm to remand me six times a day and to get me up for the 4am dose. The second operation, on my left eye, is due in August when I will go through it all again.

This week whilst resting up I have had a series of appliance failures, electrical rather than bodily this time. I knew my microwave was ‘on the blink’ ( no direct reference to my eye problems) so before surgery I payed a visit to our local friendly electric shop and came home with a new microwave. Amazingly I was able to purchase the simplest version with not a digital screen in sight, just two knobs – timer and power. Just like they used to be. P1070260

At the same time my expresso coffee machine, which has done good service over maybe 20 years, started to cut out. I suspect the thermostat is malfunctioning but in this throwaway society there is no chance of repair. My morning coffee is essential so I was starting to get withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately the shop doesn’t sell these machines so I have to revert to the internet, I normally always try to buy local. What a complex subject with some versions costing up to a thousand pounds for the barista touch. Lakeland Plastics have a reasonably priced version just coming out but in their sale was the old version at half price. It arrives promptly in the largest cardboard box possible. I’m getting the hang of it, time will tell how reliable it will be. P1070266

They say things come in threes and yesterday I noticed my freezer had stopped working, possibly without my knowledge for a few days. Everything was well and truly defrosted and beyond safely saving. My job today was to empty it. Bread, cakes and pizzas have gone to the birds – I have a hungry family of blackbirds. The vegetables and prepared soups etc were loaded into the barrow to boost the compost heap. What a shame. I haven’t thought about a replacement as yet. P1070234

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All this has me thinking – where does the expression ‘things come in threes’ – good as well as bad, come from?

The number three has historical as well as folklore relevance. The Holy Trinity and The Three Wise Men from the bible. The Trimurti triad in Hinduism. Literature and Fairy Tales have three bears, three wishes, and three challenges. In everyday life we suggest the best of three and count to three before a race. Three darts. Three Lions. Three Bells.

The origins remain unclear but we continue to use it. Psychologists suggest that by accepting a limit of three we subconsciously create an end point and hope our bad luck will cease. Obviously there is no evidence to support bad luck occurring in threes, randomness prevails. We forget the times when bad luck didn’t occur in threes and hence perpetuate the the theory.

So my three bad luck stories this week are purely coincidental and there may be another one around the corner. Or lets hope for some good luck stories, preferably in threes.

Whilst taking my defrozen food to the compost heap I am assailed by a deep sweet rose scent coming from rambling Bobbie James. I leave you with a picture of him, you will have to imagine the scent.

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I can’t help thinking that despite my troubled week I have come up smelling of roses.

ABOVE WADDINGTON.

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“A pleasant ramble through the pastures above Waddington and up onto the fell for breath-taking views over the Ribble Valley before returning via pretty wooded ghylls”.

Another in my present summer series based on pubs in the Ribble Walks with Taste – Visit Ribble Valley

This time we have a choice of three pubs in the picturesque village of Waddington and I combine two of the walks starting from here. I do have my favourite pub which will become clear towards the end. JD and I pick up KP from Chipping and manage to find a challenging potholed narrow lane through Bowland to Waddington. How come it’s raining after the last few days heat wave? The village is alive with early dog walkers.

We first take a well used lane from the back of The Lower Buck past glacial deposited Pinder Hill, the site of a Bronze Age burial mound, and then a farm where sheep shearing is in full progress.

Unusual wall – leaving Waddington.

Newly shorn.

Longridge Fell in the distance.

Then we dive into rural paths where few tread, although the waymarking is reassuringly good. A concessionary path takes us around Lower New House and into an overgrown tunnel of shrubs. Page Fold looks impressive with Porche and Ferrari parked in the court yard. We take to the fields and skirt Colhurst Hall which I was hoping to see.

Do you remember? They used to run together.

Emerging from the tunnel.

Down Rabbit Lane to the ancient Braddup House, dated 1669, where a bridleway heads north in rather wet plantations. Would be a nightmare in winter. Even when we come out of the trees the going is rough in reedy marshy fields. Height is gained onto the lower slopes of Waddington Fell. It would have been good to have carried on up to the summit but the footpaths run out before the open access begins and beside we didn’t have time. One of those iconic P&NFS signs appears, we take the path towards the fell road.

Braddup House 1669.

The boggy bit.

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Waddington Fell.

We are looking for a spot to have a break but the cold wind deters us. Around the isolated Daisy Hill which I see is a listed C17th farm house, should have had a closer look. The next few fields are a little overgrown with no obvious path, well we don’t find one, but do reach the road. This is the road going over the fell to Newton. We spot in the distance houses where the Moorcock Inn used to be in the past, do you remember it? We reminisce on meals there and friends departed.

What path?

Looking at the map the next section along Mill Lane and through properties looked complicated but in fact is well signed and the natives are a friendly lot. Not sure how the planning permission process works for all these upmarket houses. We drop down to Waddington Brook but don’t follow it directly down what looks an interesting ghyll but climb back out to above the woods. The cattle have churned up the ground and therefore the going is not easy, we are glad of our overdue break taken on a large log. It is from up here that there are views across the Ribble Valley over Clitheroe to the ever present Pendle. We are coming up to a General Election next week and there have been some boundary changes, Gerrymandering comes to mind as Clitheroe, at the heart of the Ribble Valley, has been transferred to Pendle, I don’t expect the residents were consulted.

Rough ground. Pendle and a murky Clitheroe

As we loose height towards the covered reservoir at Feazer Farm we have a grandstand view of four walkers trying to find a way out of the enclosure. Our instructions tell us to skirt round to the right and we emerge into the farmyard with no problem. The four flustered lady walkers, on holiday from York, are glad of our directions. The question often arises on these outings – why don’t the farmers make it easier for us, and hence them, by adequate waymarks?

Spot the ladies.

A hidden path goes over a high stone stile and then easily down the field towards tall sycamores and Waddington. We come into the village alongside the ‘Hospital’ Alms houses. Their history is worth a read. Ladies only may apply.

The right direction.

Alms houses’ gardens.

Waddington is always full of flowers. P1070201

As I said there are three pubs to choose from in the village, we choose the friendly Lower Buck for an after walk drink in the sunshine.

The Upper Buck.

Waddington Arms.

A good day out with friends though not the easiest of walks to follow from this series.

For a little more information on the area and pictures have a look at my post from July five years ago.

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A SABDEN CIRCUIT.

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I fully recommend this walk.

It is based on yet another Walks with Taste. leaflet. I don’t start it at the Higher Trapp Hotel for several reasons. I still, after several years, avoid some venues for complex emotional reasons, the Higher Trapp is one of them. Besides it is a restaurant venue, not suited to my sweaty after walk pint. I suspect its gardens and views over the surrounding parkland will be in superb condition today, see for yourself one day. I also like honest Sabden as a base. Screenshot 2024-06-22 173109

“Admire spectacular views of Pendle and the South Pennines as you pass through pastoral countryside. The trees along the route are also particularly interesting, with the route passing through beautiful old beech woods on the lowland, following the shapes of weathered trees on the high ground” Sounds good doesn’t it?

I park in the village centre, there is plenty of street parking as well, as a pay and display, take your choice. Sabden was originally a farming and quarrying community, but the water quality of the brook that runs through the village led to cotton-manufacture and calico printing. At one time there were seven mills in the village and workers must have travelled from much farther afield. I will be walking some of their ways today. As it happens I start my walk past the one remaining mill building, now used for diverse commercial premises. Union Mill. P1070068 P1070073

The route out of the village has at one time been cobbled and as I slowly gain height gives good views back to Sabden with the bulk of Pendle rising behind. P1070076 P1070078

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Up the hill are some of those trees mentioned in the blurb above. P1070085

There are god views across the Sabden valley and over to Whalley Nab. P1070092 P1070095

I come out onto one of the small delightful lanes that seem to wander through the hills up here. P1070094

At New Hall they have an unusual floral display of Petunias in ‘pots’. P1070099

Down through more beech woods… P1070101 …and then I recognise the country lane I meet, Whins Lane, the original medieval road between Whalley and Padiham before the turnpike road was built lower down in what is now Read. Along here are the posh houses of Read boasting large gardens and views south across the valley.

I stop to take a photo of an amusing cluster of ‘snakes’ painted on old ivy roots when the lady of the house appears to offer me anti-venom if needed. She says the children love them – I have to agree. P1070104

I cross Trapp Lane (where I should have started)… P1070108 …and march on along past the sawmill thinking to myself that it would nave been better to have taken to the fields and woods above the lane. After a quarter of a mile I realise I should have done and backtrack to find the rather hidden stile. P1070115

Nobody seems to have walked this way across the fields but the stiles are obvious. What’s that building up to the left? I’m soon entering some impressive beech woods. Another world.
P1070117 P1070121 P1070122 P1070123 P1070124 I emerge at Priddy Bank and weave through the private properties. P1070128

Another hidden gate gives access to a rather boggy hillside, I notice the nearby property has planted large leaved Gunnera to take advantage of the moisture. P1070129

Onwards and upwards in the rough field with no obvious path but I keep coming across stiles until I’m faced with a field of hefty bullocks. P1070132 P1070136

They crowd around me as soon as I enter the field, I back off and take a diversion on my side of the fence as they follow me closely on their side. P1070137

Eventually out of their range I am able to climb the fence and proceed in the field up to the road at Black Hill unhindered. P1070138

From up here there are wide views south over Padiham to the Rossendale hills, the photo doesn’t do it justice. P1070139 It’s all down hill from here but beware, don’t take the stile directly ahead but keep to the right side of the fence to avoid very boggy ground. A wooden stile brings you out of the field into rough ground for the descent to Sabden, which is seen in perspective to the road dropping down from the Nick of Pendle. Silver birch trees dominate this last slope. P1070147

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Old terraces of mill workers’ cottages make up a lot of the village. P1070153

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I find myself in the beer garden of the Pendle Witch inn for a pint of Moorhouse’s Brewery’s White Witch. My table companions had been up Pendle, we share stories in the sunshine. Perfect. There is no mention of the Sabden Treacle Mines! P1070064

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THE LONGEST DAY.

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For the Summer Solstice I choose another leaflet from Walks with Taste – Visit Ribble Valley. – this time from the Three Millstones in the village of West Bradford. It promises an “Amble along the well-trodden banks of the Ribble admiring this remarkably quiet section by a hidden industrial quarry”.

I drive through West Bradford often but don’t think I’ve ever stopped off to explore. This morning I park at the Three Millstone Inn, after seeking permission. The village derives its name from its situation at a historic ‘broad ford’ at the nearby Ribble. Over the centuries the descriptive name of Broadford became Bradford. The West was added in the late 19th century to differentiate the village from its much larger Yorkshire neighbour. Somewhere there has been a cotton mill on the site of an older corn mill but as I walk out of the village this morning I don’t identify it, even though I spy a Mill Street sign. The stone cottages would have housed the workers. P1060975 P1060978

The Mill stream runs down the centre of the village helping to create some interesting gardens. P1070049

I’m soon out of the village and onto the northern bank of the River Ribble for the meat of the walk. I’ll be close to the river for the next three or four miles, the path is well worn and favoured by dog walkers. If you look closely at the pictures you will see a couple of Labradors swimming towards the weir to enjoy a ride down it. I bet they do that every day. P1060981

P1060984 P1060985 The river is flat calm for a stretch and then along come small rapids. I would think that at the moment the water is medium height, the whole aspect changes in flood conditions. Pendle looks on from afar.
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Coming back on the opposite bank is equally pleasant and there are woods giving some shade on what turns out to be a hot day. In the distance Kemple End on Longridge Fell keeps popping into view. All along this stretch to my left are abandoned limestone quarries which have grassed over and become part of the rural landscape, their extent can be seen on the map. I’m soon back at Bradford bridge. P1070005 P1070007 P1070014 P1070011 P1070019

But instead of following the suggested route straight up to the village I take another loop of the Ribble around the cement works in order to visit Crosshill Nature Reserve and part of the sculpture trail which I have previously described in detail here. P1070025

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Once back at the Three Millstones I sit outside (it’s more of a ‘gastro pub’ inside, their lunch menu looks good and reasonably priced) enjoying a decent pint of Blonde Ale from Reedley Hallows brewery in Burnley, I’d never heard of them before.
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***

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Later watching England play football on TV it certainly does feel like the longest day.

TRAIL HUNTING SUBTERFUGE?

5 Replies

Whilst there will be more important and urgent matters for a new government to deal with the different parties attitude to banning trail hunting and closing the loopholes is interesting. The latest post from NWHSA is worth a read.

FOX HUNTING – WHERE DO THEY STAND?

FATHER’S DAY.

7 Replies

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A gentle aside.

I don’t ever remember celebrating my Father on any special day way back when I was a child, though I did make lots of fuss of him as he crept into old age before it was too late. He died in 2005 and I paid homage to him more recently here, where you will hear some good music.

The idea of a special day to honor fathers was probably introduced from the United States where it has been celebrated for a century or so.

Mothering Sunday on the other hand was an existing Christian celebration dating from medieval traditions. Commercialisation has taken over and both days are now largely a shopping excuse.

Putting that aside I am pleased when my two sons plan to visit me, along with some of their progeny and partners. They do offer to bring food but I am happy to prepare a feast and get in the drinks to celebrate the day. They normally eat me out of house and home but today grandson J is mountain biking in the Peak and A is bouldering out in Fontainebleau. So we are down to six and two dogs, Gizmo always wants to be centre of attraction, as can be seen from my header photo.

My cat Seth senses the arrival of their two dogs and disappears upstairs for the day. After tea and cakes we take the opportunity to get up the fell whilst the sun is shining and develop an appetite for the curries to follow. The dogs love the freedom of the planation and charge off through the bracken after some unknown scents. We walk sedately around. Gizmo the larger dog can’t wait to get into the water of the little becks which have been swelled by all the recent rain, the more refined Phoebe is not so sure. The gap over one side stream seems to have widened and the party use different techniques crossing it with only the odd wet foot or paw. P1060953

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On the way home we call in at Craig Y bouldering venue so S can show L the hidden pleasures. What a good photo opportunity of us all on the rock.

Three generation ‘bowlandclimbers’

The meal is a success and they all depart in time for me to watch the first England game of the European Cup whilst I wash up. P1060957

Thanks lads.

KENDAL CALLING.

10 Replies

I had this to say back in March. “After my recent soaking on Longridge Fell I decided on some indoor culture for Tuesday. There were some interesting exhibitions at Abbot Hall Gallery in Kendal. I drove up in horrendous wet conditions on the motorway, found somewhere to park, £3.50, and walked to the hall only to find it only opens Thursday to Saturday at this time of year! Why didn’t I check? I phoned Sir Hugh in Arnside hoping for some sympathy and coffee, but ironically he was in Preston shopping. Drove back down the motorway in more horrendous wet conditions. Hope I didn’t get a speeding fine.”

So Kendal has been calling me back ever since. The exhibitions I wanted to see are still on, but not for much longer. Time to enlist my cultural friend Clare, of ‘slate poem’ fame. I kept my camera in my pocket for most of the day, you will have to visit yourself.

After parking we get distracted by the adjacent imposing Holy Trinity Church. P1060939 Screenshot 2024-06-08 184354

On entering the church you are immediately struck by its size, a central nave with two aisles on either side. One of the widest churches in England.

Photo from kendalparishchurch.co.uk

We wandered around admiring the stained glass windows and various chapels. A shaft of an Anglian cross dated approximately AD 850 took my attention, I’m fascinated by ancient crosses, their history and importance. Clare was drawn to a tapestry depicting John Speed’s 1612 map of Kendal. Threads Through Time, a community effort, commissioned by the Environment Agency and the church to celebrate the history and heritage of Kendal and its related Flood Risk Management Scheme.. This early map is significant because it highlights the important links between the town and river, and references the town’s woollen trade.

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Unveiling of the tapestry June 2023. Facebook.

Abbot Hall is just across the park. It isn’t very welcoming from this side, somehow we go in via a side door and end up in the café from where complicated stairs lead us back to reception. I have an Art Fund Pass which gives me free or reduced price to most galleries. My card shows an expiry date of May 2024, I suspect I have kept this one and thrown the new one away! I pay up the £12 fee which does at least give you access to Abbot Hall for a year.

The back side of Abbot Hall, or is it the front?

There are four themed exhibitions on display at present. Art Herbarium, Lakeland Art collection of Portraits, Claude Cahun prints and Gilbert Spencer. We just follow our noses around the charming intimate rooms. As a distraction there are are views of the grounds towards the river from the windows. P1060919

But first there is a room dedicated to The Great Picture which depicts family history of Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676) and her fight for her rights. Painted during the English Civil War by a Jan van Belcamp (1610-1653), a Dutch artist. “it is a rare celebration of the life of a woman from that period”. Not easy to photograph. P1060917

Art Herbarium.

A selection from their collection focusing on nature. John Ruskin was represented as was an ‘unidentified Sea Captain’. Beautiful flower paintings by Winifred Nicholson and the even more exquisitely illuminated letters from the Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly. P1060920

Portrait Galleries

Contemporary artists, such as Kendal-based artist Lela Harris have been invited to exhibit alongside the Abbot Hall collection. Highlights from the collection include works by George Romney, Joan Eardley, Lucian Freud, Hilde Goldschmidt, Victor Pasmore, Celia Paul, Kurt Schwitters, Stanley Spencer and Charmaine Watkiss. P1060921 P1060923

Claude Cahun.

An exhibition of giclee prints blurring and distorting her age, identity, and gender. Born Lucy Schwob, she adopted the pseudonym Claude Cahun in 1917 to free herself from the narrow confines of gender. All a little unnerving to my delicate palate. P1060925 P1060926

Gilbert Spencer.

A selection of this English painter’s major works. “Painter, muralist, illustrator, teacher and writer, Spencer’s career spanned more than six decades. During his lifetime he was recognised as one of the leading artists of his generation and one of the most successful art professors; teaching at the Royal College of Art, Camberwell College and Glasgow School of Art” His brother Stanley Spencer is possibly better known. Of particular interest here is the time the artist and his students were evacuated from London to Ambleside in the Second World War. There was a series of cartoon like sketches from his time in the home guard. P1060928 P1060933 Screenshot 2024-06-09 185440 P1060930

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And one I particularly liked in memory of the ardent Wolves fan Dave. P1060932 P1060931

On the way out we spotted a statue in the church grounds. A quick park up revealed this to be a beautiful wooden carved piece by James Mitchell, unveiled only last week based on Speed’s map of Kendal we had been looking at in the church. The Kendal Parish Riverside Sculpture. This was another commission by the Environment and Kendal Parish Church as part of the flood relief scheme. “It is made from an Oak tree that came down during storm Arwen which was kindly donated by Bill and Ali Lloyd and came from their farm in the Upper Kent Valley. This 170yr old tree was a vital part of the ecosystem and helped slow the flow and nourish our landscape. The map shows Kendal as it was then and is populated with parts of that history and wildlife. It shows the valley and is headed with the hills of the Kentmere horseshoe. The other side of the tree is an abstract form that represents the flow of the river, the contours and texture of the landscape and the stunning beauty of the wood itself.”

Why had neither of us taken a photo of the tapestry?

James Mitchell carving. Facebook.

On the way home was an opportune time to call in on Sir Hugh for cha and chatter.

This afternoon whilst writing this post I can’t get a certain song out of my head – Kendal no, but it’s London Calling, a post punk hit from the 80’s. Joe Strummer at his pomp. Not to everyone’s taste but it will liven up a dull Sunday.

REVISITING THE FOOTHILLS OF PENDLE.

9 Replies

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Another leaflet from Walks with Taste – Visit Ribble Valley, this time setting off from the Assheton Arms in Downham.

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“This adventurous three-hour hike explores the foothills of Pendle, offering extensive views of the Ribble Valley, before diving into the wooded valleys beneath its flanks”

It promised to be a good one. In fact when I think back I did an almost identical walk in reverse a couple of years ago, but that was then.

I’m joined by JD today. I arrived at his house and then realised I hadn’t brought the said leaflet so a bit of backtracking before we get going. We are still parked up in Downham before 11am. Soon enough for a short 5 mile walk. P1060910

All of the tracks today seemed well used by ramblers with good signage in the main. A popular area, and deservedly so. The scenery is classic Ribble Valley farmland with the limestone bed rock giving excellent walking and varied flora, all under the gaze of Pendle Hill.

The first part was gently uphill passing idyllic farms on the undulating northern flanks of Pendle. P1060850

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On our way down towards Twiston we stopped for a bite in a sheltered limestone quarry below Hill Foot. We had time to observe the unique flora in these limestone undisturbed meadows. Identification of the individual species was not all that easy. P1060888

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And we had time to take in the fine view of Pendle from our perch. P1060886

Passing the silted up mill pond of Twiston and then the old mill itself. then alongside the beck to a footbridge and up to yet another farm, Springs. Here we met up with a sunken track over Wooly Hill, which I’d never visited. There is a Roman road marked on the map – were we on the course of it back to Downham. The OS are not always accurate with marking Roman Roads.

Throughout the walk we experienced a variety of stiles in the stone walls, some now neglected and bypassed by the functional wooden gate. At least none of those newfangled metal gates have arrived yet. Have a read of what outdoor writer John Bainbridge has to say.

This or that?

I have just remembered somewhere on the way we rescued, with difficulty, a sheep who had its head stuck through a wire fence. No harm was done to her or the fence, but JD suffered knee bruising when the released sheep ran straight into him and I ended up with stinking trousers where I had been kneeling in her shit.

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The afternoon ended well with a pint of Bowland beer outside The Asheton Arms as befits this series of summer walks. This has been a quick visit to our route but one worth you trying someday. P1060911

Oh, and one more picture of Pendle from the porch of St. Margaret’s Church.. P1060915

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CICERONE’S LANCASHIRE – GREAT HILL FROM ANGLESARKE.

14 Replies

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Walk number 30 from Mark Sutcliffe’s walking guide. 9 miles.

I’m sat in the shelter at the top of Great Hill having a lunch time snack. There is a cheeky cool wind from the north. I’m chatting to a bloke who has come up from Rivington the opposite way round to me. My hard work is over and I’m confident about the next couple of miles on the flagged path across Redmond’s Edge which I walked a month ago. Once again there are no distant views, Longridge Fell can just about be made out in the distance, but no hope of photographing it.

The day started badly with half an hour looking for my camera back at base. It was hidden in a shopping bag in the car yesterday whilst I visited Sainsburys. I know I shouldn’t hide things these days as I never remember where. I end up like a demented squirrel searching for his nuts.

Calm restored and another coffee drunk before I venture out onto the motorways. I’m soon through Chorley, past The Black Horse, the Bay Horse and The Yew Tree. Funny how you remember an area, all pubs we used to drink in after climbing in Anglesarke Quarry. I park on the road just above the quarry but there is no sign of anybody climbing there today. How the trees have grown and obscured the buttresses. P1060733

Dropping back down the road I take the obvious way alongside Anglesarke Reservoir and onto High Bullough Reservoir. I don’t seem to recognise the way at all despite countless traverses before. P1060735 P1060738

A random photo appears at Bullough Reservoir with no explanation. Here is what I found later. “John Frederick La Trobe Bateman FRSE FRS MICE FRGS FGS FSA (30 May 1810 – 10 June 1889) was an English civil engineer whose work formed the basis of the modern United Kingdom water supply industry. For more than 50 years from 1835 he designed and constructed reservoirs and waterworks.” There is a lot more about him on Wikipedia, he had an amazing career. P1060736

A chance encounter with a walker in a group, extolling the virtues of ‘Trekking Poles’. I concur with him, having used them for forty or more years, ignoring the comments back then – “where is the snow”. But this chap is serious, having attached heavy weights to his poles to give him a full body workout. I’d never heard of that before. Impressed or perplexed I continue with my feather light poles.

There are some lovely trees along this stretch, I like the way those three have gown as one – Entangled Life. P1060742 P1060743 P1060739

I recognise the road near Waterman’s Cottage nestled between the trees at the end of the reservoir. I popped out here once to see Bradley Wiggins flying past on a training run, remember him?

I hesitate my way forwards, but a lady points me across fields in the right direction to White Coppice. We fall into step, she explains that she is six weeks after a new knee operation. You would hardly know as she keeps up a good pace whilst waiting for her husband, freshly retired, to catch up. I relate to her my friend Sir Hugh’s first knee operation and the thousands of miles he covered and even after his second new knee he was still averaging 10 miles a day. I hope I have given her encouragement to eventually go beyond what her specialist has mentioned. We part company at White Coppice as they head for lunch in Brinscall. I don’t get to take a photo of the iconic cricket pitch as I keep to the right hand fell side of the Goit. P1060745

This is then the steep bit. Up from the sign, which at first looked like one of those erected by Peak and Northern Footpath Association, but no, this is a Ramblers copy. A surprising number of people are climbing up this way. Can you see the white Mormon tower in the top centre? P1060747 P1060746 P1060751

At the end of the steep bit are the scattered ruins of Coppice Farm with an excellent information board including a map of the abandoned farms to the north of Great Hill. Can you imagine farming only 5 acres up here? They presumably would have been largely self-sufficient with the occasional trip down to market to sell and to buy.

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Onwards. I’m envious of the runners who effortlessly pass me and disappear into the distance. Distant memories in deed for me.

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At a cross roads of paths another Ramblers sign appears. What is the Thomas Lockerby Footpath Fund? “It uses the income from the assets of the Fund to preserve, maintain or improve public footpaths and bridleways located not more than 50 miles from Manchester Town Hall.” Do we need this proliferation of signs on the already well used paths? Would the funds not be better spent on gaining more access to the countryside within 50 miles of Manchester? P1060766

Onwards I pass another abandoned farmstead, Drinkwaters. I should nave looked for their spring water supply. P1060771

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Onwards the summit comes into sight but it still feels a long way off. P1060786

I’m passed by a youth running bare chested with no spare clothing. He does however have his head phones on so has missed the sound of the wind and the skylarks. Of course he stops at the summit for a selfie and then disappears back down. Make of that what you want. Off road cyclists are looking more and more like trail motor cyclists, which is in fact what many of them realistically are. Old age grumpiness over. P1060793 P1060794

The way across the ridge is indeed easy with all those flagstones. Everywhere around me is bleak moorland enriched in parts by the nodding white cotton grass. All I have to do is find the path going west downhill 300m before the Belmont Road. Did I pass it just then, I backtrack but am not convinced. I come back and there within 5m it is. Obvious. P1060802 P1060803 P1060804

Pleasantly downhill towards more abandoned farms, Higher and Lower Hempshaw’s. Not much left standing. P1060808 P1060812 P1060815

I cross a stream onto a track and then take the wrong “grassy track by a tumbledown wall” There are tumbledown walls everywhere. All is not lost as I do a longer loop on a land rover track above the Yarrow Valley. Another ruin is passed, Simms. The scenery is changing from the bleak uplands to green fields and wooded cloughs with Rivington reservoirs in the background. One forgets how close to Bolton and Manchester we are. P1060817 P1060818

Not concentrating I miss a faint path going right into trees and find myself at junction of paths in Lead Mines Clough which I recognise. I need to be farther north so I head up the stepped track leading to the Wellington Bomber Memorial, remembering a 1943 aircraft crash nearby. For a detailed description and more information I recommend reading – Bomber Zulu – Anglezarke.net

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By now I’m well lost, there are paths everywhere and I end up getting my phone out to plot a way back Jepson’s Gate. A final stroll down the road and I’m back at the viewpoint carpark. P1060729

Todays walk felt like stepping back in time with the ancient tracks, mine workings and abandoned farms. I have a book which paints an intimate picture of those lives only a hundred years ago. Lost Farms of Brinscall Moors – Carnegie Publishing What will the scenery look like in another hundred years?

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A RAMBLE AROUND CLITHEROE.

21 Replies

P1060609 Another from a leaflet in the series of Walks with Taste in Ribble Valley, this time setting off from the centre of Clitheroe. I’m becoming lazy with route planning and relying on someone else’s choice, Ribble Valley BC this time. It promised “starting from Holmes Mill, wandering through the grounds of Clitheroe’s Norman Castle to the River Ribble for an easy riverside ramble”

I park in a side street in Clitheroe near Holmes Mill which has its own small pay and display carpark. The place is just opening up and I will sample its delights later in the morning.

My first objective is Clitheroe Castle and I navigate a series of steep and sinuous paths to reach its ramparts. Arriving at a terrace there is an ornate stone turret, strangely from the Houses of Parliament, presented to the borough by its MP (Sir William Brass) in 1937, in commemoration of the coronation of King George VI. Also known as the Pinnacle, it dates back to the mid-1800s when there was rebuilding work at the Palace of Westminster after a fire. P1060604 P1060594 P1060600

On the next tier is the oft photographed war memorial, a sculpture of a soldier standing in a mourning pose with head bowed. The main inscription reads “Erected by the inhabitants of Clitheroe in grateful remembrance of their fellow townsmen who gave their lives in defence of their king and country in the Great War 1914 – 1918”. The sculptor was Louis Frederick Roslyn, (incidentally you will see the same figure at a memorial in Slaidburn) P1060608

On its rocky limestone outcrop the remains of the castle keep rise above me , up yet more steps. Built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy, the Norman keep, reputed to be the second smallest in England, was in an important strategic location. After the death of Henry de Lacy in 1311, the castle passed to the Earldom of Lancaster, and then became the property of the Duchy of Lancaster. The castle was used during the Wars of the Roses, but was soon in a state of disrepair and it was damaged further by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War. The castle was privately owned until 1920 when it was sold to the local council to establish a memorial to the First World War.

The medieval buildings associated with the castle have all disappeared. In the eighteenth-century Castle House in the castle grounds is a museum which of course is not open a this time of day. P1060605

I climb to the top for views over the Ribble Valley, into Yorkshire, the cement works and the nearby Pendle Hill. All a little hazy. I do spot the white Waddow Hall, at the base of the Grindleton hills, I’ll soon be walking close by it. But first I have to find my way down.

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Leaving the grounds I notice one of the Tercets installed at intervals on The Lancashire Witches Walk enjoyed with Sir Hugh back in 2016. P1060626

I made a special effort to come and see Dandy, the Black Dog last week and here I am again walking past him near Booths Supermarket. The Platform Gallery at the railway station is open so I have a look around at the art and crafts on display resisting any attempt to purchase. P1060631 P1060634 P1060635 P1060636

Time for some proper rambling. I make my way through familiar streets down to Brungerley Bridge and my reunion with the River Ribble for the third time in thee outings. A gentle stroll downstream and I see the imposing C17th Waddow Hall on the opposite bank. It has been used by girl guides for decades but now the Association in their wisdom has decided to sell it. P1060644 P1060650 P1060655

The river has been placid until now where it flows over a weir and cataracts down the valley. This is where water would have been taken off into a leat for the mill downstream. Out of the woods and past all the horsey fields and tidy allotments. Down here was once a mill village, Lowmoor. In 1928 when the mill closed, there were 200 houses (many back to back), nine shops, a National school, church and two Methodist chapels. The mill was demolished but many of the houses remained now being swallowed up by a modern estate on the site of the mill. P1060657

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I pop out onto the road between the Swimming Pool and gym and head back to the river at Edisford Bridge. I walked this section less than a week ago. The riverbank being popular with young families. Still no Kingfisher. P1060667 P1060668

Across the road, the one leading to the tip, and at last onto new ground – a field path alongside Pendleton Brook. A hazy Pendle Hill in the background. New housing is spreading out here and soon after the railway bridge I’m hemmed in. P1060671 P1060675

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Did an architect actually design this.

I recognise the buildings of Primrose Mill, an early cotton mill, which have been tastefully converted into office spaces. At Scott Bridge the culverted Mearley Brook heads through the complex before joining the for aforementioned Pendleton Brook. A fish ladder has been built along this stretch to give fish access to higher water beyond the dam of Primrose Lodge, Having spent thousands I wonder has anybody told the fish. P1060681 P1060682

Looking down onto the fish ladder.

Fish ladder in construction. ribbletrust.org.uk

Rather than walk along the road I take to the Primrose Nature Reserve which follows the valley of Mearley Brook beyond the lodge. At the end I escape up a cobbled street towards the church. P1060683 P1060692 P1060696

It’s noon when I find my way into the Holmes Mill complex. A former C19th Textile Mill, it was the last working cotton mill in Clitheroe, steam-driven until 1973. Historic England tells you all about it. In the last ten years redevelopment has resulted in a cornucopia of beer, food, ice cream, cinema, bowling alley and hotel. I head for the Beer Hall, said to have the longest bar in England, and home to Bowland Brewery. I choose their new season pale ale – Happy Hedgehog and find a quiet corner to enjoy. There are more waiters than customers. As well as the Bowland Beers the bar holds at least 40 other drafts. Next door is the engine room with a steam engine in situ. The bistro and foodhall are packed with customers. P1060698 P1060712

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Four and a half miles and I was home for lunch. More of a verbal ramble than actual walking.

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RAMBLING ON THE RIVERBANK.

12 Replies

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My enthusiasm in last weekend’s sunshine for getting an early start has waned. Today I’m still faffing about late into the morning, procrastinating over the weather and a suitable walking route. But the weather is improving so I shouldn’t miss the day. Whilst I was in Clitheroe I picked up half a dozen leaflets describing walks based on local pubs. Walks with Taste in Ribble Valley. published by Ribble Valley Borough Council and sponsored by Whalley Warm & Dry, a trusted outdoor shop.

I find on their website there are more, 16 in total and all downloadable. P1060494

For convenience I choose the one starting in Hurst Green, 15 minutes away.

“This riverside ramble starts from the Shireburn Arms and descends through farmland to the River Ribble, crossing the impressive footbridge at Dinkley, then following the river downstream towards Ribchester, returning through the woods and pasture to Hurst Green.”

I have walked this way many times but never tire of it, a route for all seasons. So lets go.

Parked in Hurst Green by 12 am. I take the familiar Lambing Clough Lane down to the dilapidated farm, Trough House. I can never tell if anybody actually lives here, a few years ago there was an invalided lady struggling on. There must be life as there are cars about and pullet eggs for sale. (Pullet eggs are small, extra-rich eggs laid by young chickens. Loved by chefs, they are not usually found in Supermarkets. and often go to egg powder factories) £1.50 for a dozen Michael! I buy six and use my waterproofs to hopefully transport them safely. A good start to the day.

Trough House.

Pullet eggs.

Shopkeepers.

I cross the heavily engineered new Dinkley Bridge, which has replaced an earlier, damaged, suspension bridge and an even earlier ferry. One of my old posts from 2015 illustrates that earlier bridge. Today the Ribble is in playful mood down the rapids, I have seen it in full spate here – a sight to behold. P1060543 P1060546 P1060551

I wander down to the sandy beach which was probably thronged last weekend. You can find a wide variety of geological pebbles down here. Strangely I find a decent garden trowel which goes into my backpack.

Then the sheep cropped turf is a delight to walk along. A meeting with a Blackburn Muslim couple gets me talking about early days vegetable shopping in Whalley Range, Blackburn and the Chapati and Dahl cafes back in the 70’s. P1060553 P1060556

Into Marles Wood, a tangle of tree roots. Trees seem to be having a tough time recently with lots blown down in the area. P1060562

The river is fast flowing through the gap into Sales Wheel where it all calms down again, I’ve seen it much worse. P1060569 P1060570 P1060566 P1060568

I escape from the trees onto the road for the unavoidable mile long trudge to Ribchester Bridge. The river will be flowing faster than I am walking. Along the way…

Salesbury Hall.

Manor Court Offices.

Elderflower wine?

Ribchester Bridge.

The lane past the timber store, signed The Ribble Way, has been resurfaced and I’m soon back on the riverbank for awhile. This section can be difficult, flood debris, tree roots and the river itself encroaching on the path. All good fun. I push my way through Himalayan Balsam which will be more troublesome later in the year. P1060497 P1060509 P1060510 P1060511

A metal gate, despite being bypassed. is probably safer than a dilapidated wooden stile.

I never quite know where to go after leaving the woods away from the river. Vaguely up the field, down to a stile and up the next field to an oak tree and gate. It’s up here you get those views down to the Ribble and Dinkley Bridge with Mother Pendle in the background, Onto a lane above Heyhurst, down again to a footbridge and then alongside fences. My leaflet gave decent directions. Shame that the Ribble Way is denied access to the Ribble for long stretches. A failed project. P1060527 P1060525

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I walk through a sea of buttercups. The cows are back in the fields, time for me to start heading to the fells. At least this lot are lying down – said to be a sign of rain in country folklore. (Cows are more likely to lay down when they’re chewing their cud rather than when expecting a storm.) P1060532 P1060529

I’m back where I started almost, why didn’t I wait till back here to collect the eggs? It did come onto rain along the road to Ribchester Bridge but as you know my waterproof was being used as safety wrapping for the half dozen eggs.

By the time I reach the top of the lane I’m ready for a pint in the Shireburn Arms. Bowland Brewery beer and a packet of crisps equate to the calories my phone says I have used on the walk. C’est la vie. P1060585

Another point, regarding the Trade Descriptions Act, less than two miles of this nearly six mile riverbank walk were on the riverbank. Blame that on the anglers and landowners denying us access to our rivers.

I’ve enjoyed it none the less – a classic Ribble walk.

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ALL HALLOWS CHURCH, MITTON, AND A BLACK DOG.

11 Replies

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Following my morning’s walk to Clitheroe and back by the River Ribble I had time to look around the church in Mitton, which was fortunately open. It features in Simon Jenkins England’s Thousand Best Churches.

The church dates from the late C13th.

Inside, the chancel screen includes some medieval woodwork, which possibly came from Sawley Abbey, after the dissolution of the monasteries.. There are ornate carvings on it.

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In the C16th a chapel was built on the north side of the church to house memorials of the staunchly Catholic Shireburn family from Stonyhurst. The alabaster tombs, dating from the 16th to the18th centuries. are said to be some of the finest in England. This is where it gets complicated, all of the men commemorated by the effigies in the chapel were named Richard Shireburn.

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The first Sir Richard died in 1594 shortly after the chapel was built. and is buried with his wife Maud, with voluminous petticoats. The detail on the carving is exquisite. It was created in the Royley family workshop in Burton-upon-Trent. P1060432 P1060434

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Sir Richard’s son died in 1629 and he is remembered by a large plaque on the north wall, depicting Sir Richard junior and his wife Catherine, kneeling in prayer, plus smaller images of their children. Two of the children are pictured in a bed, suggesting that they died in infancy. P1060425 P1060423

Three more altar tombs along the north wall are to the next succeeding generations: Richard (d.1668), Richard (d.1689) with his wife Isabel ( d.1693) and their son Richard (d. 1690). it was Isabel who commissioned the four marble effigies in the chapel before her own death in 1693. These were I think sculptured by William Stanton of Holborn, London.

Richard Shireburn, d.1668.

Sir Richard d.1689 and wife Isabel.

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Richard Shireburn d. 1690.

A monument on the west wall, is to Richard Francis Shireburn, (grandson of Richard and Isabel), who died in 1707, aged nine. The centre piece is thought to be his mourning mother. Screenshot 2024-05-28 222428 P1060415

On the floor is a badly eroded figure of a knight in armour, the notice tells the story. P1060435 P1060436 .

What a unique chapel telling the story of the Shireburn family whose legacy lives on in Stonyhurst School. Here it is seen from outside with the date stone and Shireburn family coat of arms above the door. P1060481 P1060476 P1060478

Whilst I’m outside in the graveyard I search for two Grade II listed historical relics – a sundial and an ancient cross.

The sundial is a tall inscripted, sandstone shaft dated from 1683. P1060460

The medieval cross has a C14th round head on a more modern shaft. The head depicts scenes from the crucifixion. It possibly came from one of the monasteries after dissolution. P1060462

Not far away up the lane is the base of another medieval cross. Whalley is close by and there would have been trade with Sawley Abbey.

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And now for something completely different. I drive a few miles into Clitheroe to seek out a new statue that Sharon of Sunshine and Celandines pointed out. A black dog prowling the streets, it’s just outside Booths supermarket.

We are at the heart of Pendle Witch country and several of my posts have reflected on their troubled history. Only recently I was exploring the The Pendle Sculpture Trail and in the past followed the Lancashire Witches Walk. A black dog was often associated with so called witches, and this one relates to James Device. He was one of the ten accused back in 1612 and was found guilty of witchcraft and hung at Lancaster. He had named his spiritual black dog Dandy.

An evocative statue made from stainless steel by Darwen based Marjan Wouda. It was certainly getting plenty of attention from the Saturday shoppers. A Devilish looking black dog.

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BOTH SIDES OF THE RIBBLE – A MITTON ROUND.

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Its four years since I last did this walk. https://bowlandclimber.com/2020/07/07/the-ribble-between-mitton-and-clitheroe/

I’m up early. Seth, my cat, demands his breakfast at 6am.. Out of the kitchen window the Weigela shrub is looking splendid in the morning sunshine, a good start to the day.

P1060325 P1060326 Too good to go back to bed. I’m motivated to get out there and do a walk. This one springs to mind.

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I’m parked in Mitton by 9am, a record for me. This time I walk the route clockwise. Leaving the road down a tree tunnel and I’m into open meadows. The grass is still damp from the overnight dew. Vast open blue skies surround me and entice me onwards, it’s that sort of morning. The way is not clear but I follow my nose between the occasional stile. Glimpses of Kemple End vie with the view of Waddington and Easington Fells ahead of me. Territorial fishing interests keep me away from the Ribble at this stage.

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The public footpath comes to an end on a little lane, ahead is a busy road but fortunately a concessionary path has been established to meet up with the Ribble and follow it into Clitheroe. (shown only as a black dotted line on the OS map) The signage says head for the yellow circle which unfortunately I can’t see. Heading in the right direction it becomes apparent at a gate next to the ‘bear chair’, which is looking worse for wear. P1060342 P1060343 P1060346

The path drops steeply down through the woods to run alongside a loop of the Ribble. I haven’t met anybody so far but spot dogwalkers on the opposite bank which I’ll be following shortly. P1060348 P1060350 P1060354

Out through the damp woods to the road at Edisford, Pub and Bridge. The signage is rather strict and restrictive but at least the concessionary path exists – too many of our river banks are no go areas. P1060355 P1060356 P1060359

This stretch of river, on the outskirts of Clitheroe, is a popular picnic spot due to nearby parking and also an adjacent camp site. Even early today there are people in the water, which incidentally has just received DEFRA designated bathing water status – whatever that means. There are more dogs in the water than humans however. P1060363 P1060369 P1060366 The path now continues back along the true left bank of the river. I’ve seen Kingfishers here, but not today. One is soon away from the razzmatazz of the picnic area only to find oneself on the busy little road to Clitheroe’s Waste Recycling centre. Past this there are only a few houses before the road ends and one is back into fields close to the river. I notice a reminder of the Covid restrictions and on the water Canada Geese are protecting their young whilst fishermen discus the best spot.

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The river is very calm along this stretch with only one weir for measuring the flow. P1060386

The cows are back in the fields but seem very docile, too intent on chewing the new grass. Pendle Hill doesn’t look far away, synonymous with the Ribble Valley. P1060385

I’m approaching the end of the walk and the path climbs up onto a promontory above the river. This sandy cliff is home to hundreds of Sand Martins at this time of year and they fill the sky, too fast to photograph. There are lots in the photograph below. P1060394

Across the river are the Church and Hall of Great Mitton and then I arrive at the road next to the Aspinall Arms, before they open for the day and too soon for a pint. Once a coaching inn known as the Mitton Boat. A ferry boat operated across the River Ribble before the present road bridge was built in the C19th. This was the border between Lancashire and Yorkshire before the reorganisation. P1060395 P1060396

I re-cross the river on another fine stone bridge and this is where you get that long view of the River Ribble winding its way under the gaze of Pendle. A view I never tire of. P1060400

Once safely over, it is a busy road, I climb up the hill to admire the old Hall. P1060403

The Three Fishes across the road has reopened as a fine dining venue, out of my price range I fear. P1060405

And there, next to where I parked my car, is All Hallows Church, dating from the C16th. P1060470

It has an interesting interior which I had been denied before, but the church was open today so I got to explore – but I think I will leave that to another post on a rainy day, along with Dandy, the black dog of Clitheroe!

This has been an easy four and a half mile walk in perfect weather with lots of variety, which I’m sure most of you would enjoy.

RETURN TO THE FELL.

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Bowland fells and Chipping Vale.

I haven’t been up here for two months. I was rather depressed after my last visit when I discovered one of my favourite trees had been uprooted by recent drainage operations. The lovely leaning Scots Pine which I had Christened ‘Grim up North’. I have a selection of trees that I admire in the area but this one I probably had visited most.

Today after some drier weather I set foot once more on Longridge Fell from the Jeffrey Hill car park. Please note the obvious signage on the gates. P1060290 P1060313

Between March and July on open fells the ground nesting birds are in residence, Lapwings, Curlews, Skylarks and Pipits that I know of. There is an obligation on dogwalkers to keep their dogs on the lead to avoid disturbance to the nesting birds. Hence the obvious signage. The first two people I meet coming off the fell have their dogs running loose. I pass the time of day with them and politely mention about dogs being on a lead. Both reply that they hadn’t seen any signs to indicate this, that advertising line ‘you should have gone to Specsavers’ crosses my mind. Perhaps next time they will think again.

All the boggy areas from Spring have at last dried out and it is a joy to walk on the springy turf to the summit trig point. P1060291

White patches of Cotton Grass stand out. In the past it has indeed been used to stuff pillow cases and as a wound dressing.

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I pause at the summit to chat with a cyclist who has come up from Clitheroe via Kemple End. A steep ascent mad easier by the electric motor on his bike. I head into the plantations for an alternative way back. A small area that was replanted a few years ago has greened up nicely. The tree blocking the way is still down and a devious route around and under it has been established. This is in fact a Public Right of Way but Tilhill Forestry whom, I think, manage the land are slow to clear fallen trees. On I go down that tree tunnel. P1060297

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Now I am walking down alongside the wall towards my fallen tree. I’m pleased to see it still looks alive despite loosing more than half its roots. A sad sight but let’s hope it survives and in the coming decades puts on growth towards the sky. P1060304 P1060305 P1060310

Coming off the fell I meet up with a friend just finished exercising his well behaved dogs, I can’t resist a photo. P1060311

A NATURE TRAIL IN THE MAKING?

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When I was up in Bleasdale the other week I noticed signs to a ‘Nature Trail’ with an attached map.

Time to investigate.

A sunny Saturday afternoon was perfect for a gentle stroll. I park at the church as usual and there is the first finger post directing me alongside Church Wood, recently replanted. The woods are alive with birdsong – a good start. Chiffchaff, Robin, Bullfinch, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Wren, Redpoll and Song Thrush. I only see half of them.

What a backdrop of Fairsnape and Parlick.

Not many people have come this way as yet, there is no path through the reedy fields. Occasional wooden posts sign the way and new gates have been installed at important junctions. I take a wrong turning or two, not always sure which side of a fence I should be on.

The occasional Pheasant struts across, the call of the Curlews is in the background and Lapwings put on a display above me. The floral display is only average – Lady’s Smock here and there, a confusion of sedge, reeds and grasses. Buttercups, Speedwells, Stitchwort and Mouse Ear.

At the seat I aimed across rough ground to reach the edge of Bluebell Wood with Beacon Fell straight ahead. The Bluebells were past their best.

There are some owl boxes on the estate but then along the edge of the wood, spanning the ditch is one of those awful small mammal traps aimed at killing stoats or weasels, possible threats to breeding pheasants. In my book you can’t have a nature trail if you are killing the nature on it, totally incongruous. And what will the owls feed on if the small mammals are trapped? I don’t like it when shooting estates pay lip service to conservation.The trail map even features a stoat as one of the animals to be seen.
Moving on. I cross the access road to Lower Fairsnape Farm and take a short diversion to visit a bird hide marked on the map. It is a shed with a few observation slots looking out onto the fields. Information is provided about the area. The farm is working alonside the RSPB to improve the environment for wading and ground nesting birds.

View from the hide.

I backtrack to regain the trail which follows close by a branch of the infant river Brock. A heron flies away as I approach. I follow an old enclosure wall away from the stream.

Is that a hare pricking its ears up in the field ahead? It is and then there are two.

That has almost made up for the mammal trap. I walk back up the lane past the school in a better frame of mind.

This is a trail in the making, if needs more footfall and less animal persecution. But what a backdrop with the Bleasdale Fells.

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NETTLES FOR TEA.

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Last week I was dining on wild garlic and poaches eggs, a delicacy. A reader recommended wild garlic and mushroom risotto so off I went to collect more in the woods. I had to be content with bought mushrooms, there aren’t many wild edible ones at this time of the year as far as I know. A successful recipe and I had garlic leaves to spare, so froze a bag of them.

Wild Garlic and Mushroom Risotto.

This week I turned my attention to the garden which has become a little, maybe a lot, neglected in the last two years. I didn’t have to worry about the lawn as it is ‘No mow May’. But the borders needed weeding, I donned my thick gloves and started with the nettles and brambles. Before long I had a barrow load of nettles. I set to and stripped off the youngest, freshest leaves for cooking. I have often made nettle soup before and checking a few recipes found one with wild garlic – how convenient. I washed the nettle leaves and defrosted the frozen garlic. Cooked an onion and added the all the leaves whilst boiling a few potatoes. The latter were added, along with seasonings and left to simmer. I still use a pressure cooker for soups. Add a little cream and I had the most satisfying tea. I use ‘tea’ as in the Northern style – a substantial meal early evening. ‘Dinner’ is at lunchtime and ‘Supper’ a snack before bed. ‘Lunch’ doesn’t figure.

From garden to table. It must be full of goodness.

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Whilst in the garden I managed to capture a shot of an Orange Tip enjoying my geraniums. These early butterflies are everywhere at the moment but had eluded my lens the other day. P1060099