Category Archives: Chipping Vale

All along the hedgerows.

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Daft or apt title for a cycle ride?

Having just returned from the heat of France I find that it’s hot here too. Great. I’m out early on the hottest day of the year creating my own breeze on the bike. Just the usual lanes around Chipping but as I ride I’m struck by the abundance of flowers in the hedgerows. So out comes the camera. Wild roses and honeysuckle. Brambles. Ragged Robin. Elderflower. Foxgloves. Cow Parsley.

A splendid show as I cycled past. I seem to remember a way of working out the age of a hedge – the number of different species of trees/shrubs in 30yards x 100. Not sure if this works but we do have some historic hedgerows in England. That’s if they are not stone walls as in the Pennines.

I was using small ‘quiet’ lanes but was it was evident that the van and car drivers didn’t share the same view. So different to France where a cyclist is given some respect, as I’ve recently experienced.  Over a hundred cyclists are killed in a year in the UK and many more seriously injured. I admit a majority of these are in urban areas but I didn’t feel particularly safe today.

http://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/pedal-cyclists/facts-figures/

To diverse I wandered off route and found myself at The Horns Inn, an 18th century pub, although originally a farm. They are renowned for their Goosnargh Duck menus and their micro brewery. The bar is unique as is the old gents urinal  [?architecturally listed]  across the road – seen on the right of the picture.Another on the whim diversion took me down Ford Lane and across the low stream. It can become dangerous after heavy rain as the height marker shows – I shudder to imagine such a deluge. There is a footbridge!

THREE DAYS IN JUNE.

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Yes it’s June but one couldn’t be sure.

1st. The first two days I was entertaining my youngest grandson. It hardly stopped raining and the wind was threatening to blow a six year old off his feet. Despite this we built a dam in a stream coming off Longridge Fell

Dammed good fun.

Dammed good fun.

2nd.  and we sailed pooh-sticks from a bridge on the turbulent Dean Brook at Hurst Green the next day  All great fun and a great commune with nature.

3rd. At last today the wind has dropped and I’ve enjoyed a pleasant day. gardening has taken preference but by tea time I couldn’t resist a quick walk up Longridge Fell. Having parked at Cardwell House I took what I call the ‘balcony’ route onto the fell – it traverses above the Vale of Chipping with views to Fairsnape, round to The Trough of Bowland and the Three Yorkshire Peaks. Tonight was particularly clear.

The path was wetter than I had expected and trainers were not the best footwear option.Leaving the trig point I cut through the trees to the southern side of the fell where the view over comparatively more industrial Lancashire was a contrast. Wind farms seem to be spreading – lets hope the same doesn’t happen on the Bowland Fells seen to the north.

South.

South.

North.

North.

Postscript –

I heard that noted author, naturalist and environmentalist Robert Macfarlane was appearing on BBC’s Spring Watch Unsprung tonight. I was dismayed to find myself watching ‘Top Gear with Animals’ – the three presenters doing a good impersonation on a contrived set surrounded by an apparently amused audience. Not my idea of a nature presentation but maybe I’m out of date. Mr Macfarlane’s contribution was of little importance amongst the general hullabaloo. Shame.

A beautiful moon seen from my room completed the evening and bodes well for an improving start to June.

ARE BLISTERS PSYCHOLOGICAL?

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Strange day really, a good friend called in late morning and after coffee we decided on a walk up Longridge Fell. Whilst putting on my boots in the porch I recounted how I last year I unexpectedly developed a blister on my toe despite having walked for miles in these admittingly  cheap boots. He replied that his more expensive well worn in Meindl boots never gave a problem.

Off we went up the fell in a cold Arctic wind, hail storms were blowing in across Chipping Vale and the Yorkshire peaks looked alpine from here, not that you can see them in this photo.

Snow showers across Bowland.

Snow showers across Bowland.

Within 20 mins –  ‘Just need to check a sore spot on my foot’  spoke the Rockman. Why?  When he  removed his boot there was a large sore blister on his heel.   Despite my usual systematic preparations I had no first aid kit in my sack. However being an ex scout he had some tape on his poles. Boots off , tape on, boots on. There was no obvious reason for his blister apart from the curse I must have put upon him by our earlier discussion.

A good few miles were then explored through the forest, A bit of fitness for me before a longish walk and for the unlucky Rockman something to reflect upon –  are blisters psychological?

PS. Nepal needs all the help we can give following the disastrous earthquake. 

Why don’t you donate now at       http://www.dec.org.uk

USING MY BUS PASS.

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Windswept Parlick.

This last week I was thwarted on my planned two day walk because I couldn’t face paying  a pub £60 B&B!  Anyway the weather was not brilliant.

I’ve had some recent conversation with Conrad, he of the long walks, over the miles one drives in relation to actual walking distance. [we used a lot of public transport on our recent Cheshire Ring Walk]  I’ve been guilty in the past of driving long distances to accomplish a relatively small walk. Whilst I was ‘Munroing’ this was often a problem with a mad dash up North in the car at a weekend. I partially overcame this by stringing together hills on long backpacking trips, having travelled there by rail. At the time [1978] I had just read Hamish Brown’s book on his continuous journey and was enthused to do likewise on a smaller scale.

I hate to think of the air miles I’ve covered to reach my backpacking jaunts on the continent, again I’ve mitigated those somewhat more recently by using the eurorail network when possible. Rock climbing trips usually meant a lot of [shared] driving. Looking back I could have used public transport far more. No one is perfect.

I’m lucky to be able to walk from my house into the Bowland area and now use my car as little as possible locally. As Saturday afternoon proved to be fairly bright and dry I  set off to walk through the fields to Chipping. Time was short so I did a linear walk and then caught the bus back. This made for an enjoyable few hours with time for a coffee in The Cobbled Corner Cafe in Chipping whilst waiting for the bus, money into the local economy. Of course the bus pass comes in handy, must use it more often!

Nothing much happened on the walk. A couple of Buzzards were watched for some time. I’ve avoided the cliched photos of frisking lambs and sparkling snowdrops. Instead there is a strange green corrugated shed, a rotting ?Bedford truck and a farmer’s unsightly silage pile.

BLOWN AWAY.

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               A post about nothing but the need to get out, exercise and enjoy one’s locality.We are just on the edge of the severe gales this weekend but nonetheless it’s hardly fit to be out. Previously I would have headed to the warmth of the climbing wall, but being wary of the associated big toe pain I ventured outdoors for my afternoon exercise. For some perverse reason I chose an exposed Longridge Fell circuit, mainly for the dry road walking. I only had my phone with me for pictures. The little reservoir at the top of the village resembled the mid Atlantic.

The wind blew me up the fell road in no time and I couldn’t resist a diversion to visit the trig point. The Vale of Chipping below was flooded in many areas, sunlight came and went as the clouds blew rapidly through.

Despite being back on the road progress was slow against the 30-40 mph gale coming straight at me, would not have liked to be any higher. A passing motorist even stopped to enquire whether I needed Help.  A forest area next to the road has been cleared of trees since I was last up here and was almost unrecognisable, the previously hidden ‘Sweden’ quarry, a large hole, was now laid bare on the hillside. There used to be some bouldering here but the rock reverted to vegetation through lack of traffic, maybe things could change.

The golf course was deserted, with the flags straining on the greens. This must be one of the most exposed golf courses in the country, running along the fell top.

In fact I saw only one other person, he was running around the road circuit. He is well know for running in his bare feet and true to form despite the cold and wet was not wearing shoes today!!!  I have hidden his identity / insanity on the photo.

Felt a touch of insanity myself as I battled against the wind and cold towards home, a welcome bath and the last of the mince pies. Probably do something similar tomorrow.

A HAPPY BOWLAND NEW YEAR.

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Since arriving back from La Gomera Christmas has come and gone, I’ve reacclimatised to the weather, caught up with family and friends, been walking and [indoor]climbing and now 2015 is upon us. So Happy New Year and here are a few random photos in the Bowland locality from this last week of mixed weather.

Langden Brook.

Pikefield Plantation, Slaidburn.

Hazelhurst Fell across Bleasdale.

Gliding past Parlick.

My boys under Fairsnape.

Fairsnape and Parlick.

Parapenting out of the mist.

Parapenting out of the mist.

Ascending Saddle Fell.

Ascending Saddle Fell.

Light into Chipping Vale.

Light into Chipping Vale.

Not me!

Not me!

Parlick in evening sun.

Parlick in evening sun.

What hope for Longridge in 2015?

What hope for Longridge in 2015?

 

A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK.

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On one of my walks up Longridge Fell this week I came across a new sculpture installation on Jeffrey Hill just below the car park at Cardwell House.  [SD639403]

This stunning carving is part of a cluster sculptured by Halima Cassell entitled Sun Catcher.  The central piece is carved from a mighty 150 year old oak. Its strong lines catching the light in different ways and forming a focal point to the natural Bowland Fell backdrop.

The smaller pieces have a fern like appearance in wood and stone.

Having been away I missed the publicity for the launching of this sculpture and it was a pleasant surprise discovery, I feel it fits well into the situation which is a popular beauty spot without being over-intrusive.

Reading the information board it turns out that there are four Landmark art installations to commemorate 50 years of The Forest Of Bowland being recognised as An Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.   The others are at Beacon Fell, Langden Intake and Gisburn Forest.  See http://www.forestofbowland.com/bowlandrevealed   and look at latest updates, from where you can download a leaflet covering all four.

I am not sure how permanent these installations are meant to be so I had better get around to seeing the rest. It has just struck me that if they were to become permanent it would be interesting to create a walking route linking them, Maybe I should speak to the powers that be.

DEJA VU ON LONGRIDGE FELL.

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I didn’t make it to Pendle as planned. On Saturday morning, a good friend phoned to say he was in the area and fancied a short walk in the afternoon. We caught up over a light lunch and debated our destination. He had never been to the top of Longridge Fell, despite knowing the climbing crags dotted over the fell. So decision made. We parked near Cardwell House exactly as I had done yesterday and I took him on an extended version of the same walk. The weather today was perfect and the views much clearer, so I got some better shots of Chipping Vale, the Bowland Fells and the Three Peaks. The scenery, especially with the heather mentioned yesterday, was stunning and he seemed very impressed with our short tour of the fell and forest.

A clearer view of Chipping Vale.

A clearer view of Chipping Vale.

The Trough hidden in the Bowland Fells.

The Trough hidden in the Bowland Fells.

Despite him being a philosopher, our talk drifted to past climbing days which we have shared, both being out of action at present. In general climbers have a vivid memory of routes done, probably because of the intensity of the moment, and a little reminiscing does no harm. I have been able to find an old photo of him climbing a problem on Bullstones which I’m emailing to him.

Mark at Bullstones. ?2008

Mark at Bullstones. [2003 A. Bates]

Whilst up there I had time to show him Crowshaw Quarry where there has been some recent bouldering activity. It was good to be out enjoying the company and the sunny weather as tomorrow we are going to get the ‘back-end’ of Hurricane Bertha. Shame because one of my grandsons is in Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100mile event.

IN PRAISE OF HEATHER.

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“And fragrant hills of purple heather”        Bonnie Auld Scotland      G. Bennett. 

I should have been going up Pendle this morning, but as I set off the forecast changed, possible heavy rain by midday. I must admit the sky looked black out to the west. So I quickly diverted to the parking at the west end of Longridge Fell. I traversed what I call the balcony path with views, today murky, into Chipping Vale, Morecambe Bay and the Bowland Hills. Then it was upwards through the new heather towards the trig point. Have done this walk hundreds of times but today the heather seemed to take prominence colour wise, there was an additional fragrance and lots of busy bees. The fell is transformed at the end of summer by the heather. The summit views were a little muted with the oncoming storm. Found a new path south off the summit, probably initiated by mountain bikers, judging from the built-up jumps. Over the many years that I have been coming up here, more and more of these paths have appeared amongst the trees, so there is still a sense of exploration following them.I was soon back on the main circular descent but made an arduous detour to the small metalled fenced area on the western part of the fell. Have never known what this was for, there is nothing inside it. The OS map indicates stone circles on this part of the fell, but I can never find them.   http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=27144

zCapture.JPGlong

I was back at the car just as the first heavy raindrop landed. Maybe Purple Pendle tomorrow?

BREAKING THE 50 MILE BARRIER.

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Despite being rather disparaging about my cycling exploits in a recent post  [Irwell Valley 1]  I’ve been out for shorter rides [20 – 25 miles] mainly around, rather than over, Longridge Fell. All of a sudden I feel some fitness returning, that toe is not complaining too much and I’m enjoying the weather. Why at my age do I still feel the need to get fitter? Of course, I know the answer — I want to keep active as long as possible, exploring the outdoors at home or abroad. So my fate is sealed. After my cycle through ‘The Trough’ the other day, I muttered about doing 50 miles next. Today I had in mind to cycle through the Trough again but in the reverse direction, which I reckoned would be harder.

The doorbell rang at 9am and there was Al in cycling mode. Are you going through the Trough?  I enquired.  No, I’ve just been,  he replied!    He’s always been known for his early starts, today he’d left Preston at 6am and was hoping to be working by 10. But first cups of tea and catch-ups.

No excuse now. Pedalled away up past Chipping and into the Hodder Valley, feeling rather sluggish I was dawdling along towards Whitewell in my own thoughts.  Alongside came a fit-looking cyclist and rather than speed past as most do, he slowed down for a chat. He gently mocked my ancient gear changing leavers [Campag!] — any gear will do scenario. He’d already cycled from Bolton and was in for a long day. This was nothing for him as he’d just returned from cycling in the Alps including an ascent of Alpe d’hues. I felt my pace quickening to keep up.  I relaxed when he turned off to Slaidburn. Uplifted by our meeting I sped along Langden valley but was soon struggling on the steeper Trough itself.  OK — I walked the last few hundred feet, admiring the purple heather which has just bloomed. It is harder from this side!

I came back to life on the descent and was soon through Dolphinhome and across the A6. Here I decided to make a longer loop home, so I ended up in Cockerham where I hoped to find a café — nothing. Made a mistake of going out towards Knott End and not able to find a road going south towards St. Michaels, the lane I chose meandered me back to Cockerham!  Down the road, however, I was saved by a café/ice cream parlour, The Pudding House. Most people were queuing for massive ice creams….…. but I was happier with a pot of tea and a lifesaving date slice — thank you.

Knew my way from there via Garstang and Inglewhite and arrived home rather weak legged — 52 miles!  Had also climbed 2500ft, so it turned out a hillier 50 than I had intended.

CYCLING THROUGH ‘THE TROUGH’

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It had to be done. This is the classic ride from the Preston area. After recent trips on my bike, slowly building up strength, I knew that the next challenge was to cycle through The Trough of Bowland. Had not done this for 20 years, too busy climbing and walking. Set off today at lunchtime. The fells which I had to circumvent had ominous black clouds above them as I left Longridge. Was soon into Garstang and on to Scorton where the traditional stop at The Priory for coffee and cake was duly taken.   Got chatting to a fellow cyclist [I have put myself into that bracket now] turned out he was staying in Longridge for a couple of days and had escaped the family to ride today. I was glad of the cake as I followed twisting, undulating lanes towards the fells.

One particularly steep little hill climb caught me out and had me standing on the pedals. Once on the Trough road at Marshaw I just had to keep going at a steady pace and I was at the summit before I knew it. Set at 968ft is the Grey Stone of Trough marking the pre1974 boundary between Lancashire and West Riding of Yorkshire.

Heading towards Marshaw.

Wonderful scenery abounds up here in the Bowland Fells and today the conditions were perfect, clear warm and sunny and most important – no wind.  Great swooping descent to Dunsop Bridge.

Onwards by the Hodder to Whitewell, with it’s celebrated Inn.

The River Hodder.

I enjoyed the trip down the valley to Chipping and the short stretch back to Longridge in the late afternoon sunshine.

Feeling rather smug tonight with my modest achievement and dreaming up longer and longer cycling days.  LE to JOG?  Hang about — I’d better try 50 miles tomorrow first!

FAIRSNAPE FELL – ONCE MORE.

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Parlick and Fairsnape across Chipping Vale.

If I had a pound for the number of times I’ve climbed Fairsnape I  ….  so here I go again. I have one of my grandsons staying with me and need to keep him occupied and off his smartphone, certainly smarter than mine. He was keen to have a day’s walking and preferred reaching a summit rather than just rambling. So a circuit of the fells above Chipping was hastily planned, there was no rush, being a teenager he wasn’t up till well after nine. We parked at Chipping and walked up past the old Kirk Mill with its delightful mill pond and resident ducks. Soon we were into fields and suffering hay fever together from the long grasses – a family allergy. I displayed my knowledge of the area by getting slightly lost on farm tracks and then on rough ground before reaching Burnslack Farm. This isolated farm now seems to be converted into the formula country house or two, though an original well pump remains. Would be interesting to see how they would cope with a severe winter up here. As a child, I lived on an isolated farm and in the exceptional winter of 1947, my family spent days trying to dig out the track to a road, have photos of 8ft snowdrifts! No helicopter ‘rescues’ in those days. Soon we were up Saddle Fell and on to the good track leading to Fairsnape’s highest point 520m. This is now approached on a flagged path reminiscent of the Pennine Way. After several weeks of good weather the peat hags had dried up and were a joy to walk on making the short journey to the Fairsnape trig point, 510m, effortless.

The views across Morecambe Bay and back to Yorkshire’s three peaks was good. No sign of Wales though. Our onward walk to Parlick was accompanied by several gliders picking up the thermals at great speed.

Nick’s Chair.

Then down onto lanes into a valley with old mills. By now the fit young grandson, who can easily cycle 100miles in a day, was fading and had to be refreshed with ice cream in the wonderful Cobbled Corner Café in Chipping. Made me feel what is 50 years difference if you are still keen and able. Home to watch the end of today’s Tour.

LE PETIT DEPART.

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Cycling fever pitch is rising this weekend with Le Grand Depart of the Tour de France in Yorkshire.

To ease my left big toe pain I ended up doing a few short cycling trips  whilst in France last week.  After my last forays on my old road bike in the local hills I decided I needed lower gearing, so whilst I was away I had the front rings replaced to improve matters. The last couple of days I’ve been out on my bike again in Lancs. Many of the roads nearby are ‘classified’ as quiet country lanes – not that that makes much difference to the boy racers or the posh 4×4 brigade.

There has been an effort in the last few weeks to resurface some of the worst potholed sections which I have to be grateful for. Enjoyed a pleasant, short, circular ride today out to Bashall Eaves and back via Chipping in rather dull weather but it never rained. The hamlet of Walker Fold passes by in a flash, even at my speed.  The bridge over the River Hodder is the lowest point on the ride and today the river is running low. Uphill to Bashall Barn, a popular cafe developed in the need for farm diversification. The hamlet of Bashall Eaves is only a few scattered properties. The pub is sadly only open now at weekends, rural pubs are having a hard time round here. Called The Red Pump it has a history of a mysterious, unsolved murder in 1934.

Once past Browsholme Hall with its Tithe Barn [another cafe!] and the small hamlet called Cow Ark I was onto an old stretch of Roman Road, Watling Street linking Chaster to Carlisle. It can be traced over Longridge Fell visible down Chipping Vale.

Passed an old cheese press near a dairy. Chipping Vale produces a lot of Lancashire cheeses to this day.Quicker progress was made down the lanes into Chipping with its narrow streets. I resisted the café as I was home in 15 mins with no sprint finish.

OUT WITH THE BIKE.

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Bike and Bowland.

Have not made much progress with my walking, go up to the shops for the paper and back in the morning, that’s about it. Not wanting to push the pain too far.  So for two months I’ve lived the proverbial couch potato and it’s not suiting my psychology. Didn’t think I would be able to pedal my bike with the post-op foot but last week out of desperation dragged my old trusty road bike out of the garage and gave it a spin around the village. Pleasantly surprised to manage with minimal discomfort, kicking myself for not trying earlier!

On the fair weather days I’ve pedalled around the flattish lanes realising how unfit my old body has become.  Today was one of the better with lovely almost warm sunshine and little wind. So in late afternoon I cycled out to Chipping and back, feeling much invigorated by the gentle exercise. Chipping is a delightful village at the foot of Parlick in the Bowland fells. It was mentioned in the Domesday book and is a fascinating place to look around. At the cobbled entrance to the old part is the building originally used as Brabins School established in 1684 and round the corner is a shop/cafe, built by the same John Brabin in 1668, said to be the oldest continuously trading shop in Britain. Two of the three pubs are still open. The Anglican Church of St Bartholomew’s presides over the village. So lots to see. Sadly the last remaining wood turning mill has closed.

Brabins School.

Another reason Chipping deserves its popularity for, especially with cyclists, is the  welcoming Cobbled Corner Café and that’s where I headed for today!

                                                                                                                                                             All is not rosy for the cyclist in these parts — motorists use the lanes as race tracks and if they don’t get you the proliferating potholes might.

  I need to readjust to two wheeled transport, somehow it doesn’t connect to the land as much as walking does for me. Still I may get fit and loose some weight.

The Preston Guild Wheel next.

50 SHADES OF GREY.

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The more uninteresting the post the more catchy the title has to be.

There are hills up there in the grey.

After all the storms last week the forecast for today was dry and milder. My walking pals didn’t believe me and declined a short trip. How right they were. It was raining most of the morning but by lunchtime the skies had brightened. I was determined to get a walk of a few miles in as next week I’m going into hospital for that toe operation.

Hadn’t been out long before the greyness descended once more. Nobody else was seen on what is normally a popular circuit on local lanes, maybe the dogs refused to venture out.

‘Mile Lane’ Grey with a bit of green.

Drizzle set in to make everything appear even more miserable. Not much was visible so I was focused on my own inner world [toe operations!!] and on the ground to avoid the puddles.

Probably because of my limited vision a highlight of the walk was the sweet aroma of silage feed coming from a barn on route. Childhood memories of life on the farm.

The trees also drew my attention with their barren branches.

As I made my way home through the village the shops were closing on what had been a busy Xmas shopping day but now the street looked shabby and depressing. The miserable little Xmas trees doing little to brighten the place. At least my neighbour’s garden shone brightly in the gloom.

Talking of Christmas trees I’ve just returned from The Holy land and was in Bethlehem just before the famous tree was decorated. On the flight home we met the Christmas Decorators from Liverpool who had been doing the work!!  Watch the videos —

Will post on the Israeli trip soon – a land of contrasts and contradictions.

I can hardly believe that only a couple of days ago I was swimming in the Med off a lovely beach at Tel Aviv with the temperature 27 degrees! No wonder I’m feeling grey today.

Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv.

WHAT GREAT WEATHER.

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Just a quick post to celebrate the lovely June weather.

Dry and sunny with the temperature in the 20’s. Somewhat incapacitated from active  climbing – I don’t even want to know where my mates have been out cragging today. After catching up with the garden, I couldn’t resist a late afternoon look at Craig y Longridge. Quite a few out bouldering.  I have been waiting for the base of the far ‘Pit Area’ to dry out as I have a trio of tasty traverses there. Almost possible today, but one or two stubborn damp patches, give it a couple more days.

Pit Area when dry. 2011

So decided to have a walk up Longridge Fell in the evening sunshine. The usual circuit from the parking at Cardwell House up to the trig point and then round the forest tracks to give a pleasant 5 miles. The Vale of Chipping was looking very green and verdant. I have to appreciate what  a beautiful area is on my doorstep.

Chipping Vale.

Noticed lots of cars parked up on the roadside at Cardwell Quarry, so wandered in to find the Preston Mountaineering Club enjoying the sunny evening. Soloed a few routes and was entertained by the assembled climbers. Friendly lot as you would expect.

A busy Cardwell!

Enjoyed a lovely sunset later.

A sunny afternoon stroll near Chipping.

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In an effort to get fit for a forthcoming Spanish GR7 trek I had a couple of hard days walking at the weekend and am now suffering in the toe and hip. Cracking up. Decided not to make things worse by going to  the climbing wall today. A new waterproof arrived this morning to replace the one which disintegrated last year in Spain. Alas, despite being a bargain,  it proved to be too tight a fit and had to be returned. The company I bought it from had no larger sizes so I had a quick trawl on the internet for a replacement, found one and ordered, but at an extra £25. Sent back the small one and hope the larger is delivered soon. I’m very impressed with the efficiency of mail order these days. Lots of people going round in vans!

So it was lunchtime before I knew it. The day started very cold but sunny and looked to be continuing the same way. A quick lunch and a drive out to Chipping. Decided on a gentle stroll to ease my joints. Walked out on a concessionary path in the grounds of Leagram Hall.  Pendle looked impressive with a sprinkling of snow.

Pendle.

Walked up a lane past a sheep farm advertising Sheep’s Cheese.

Quite tasty so have come home with some. Here are the new lambs…

Walking on up to Park Gate farm you are under the Fairsnape/Totridge fells. Whoever thought to plant squares of conifers on these hillsides?

One passes remote working farms in the hills where life hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years –

Despite being surrounded by peaty gritstone fells this little area of Bowland is limestone with characteristic knolls and outcrops of the white stuff. There are little quarries everywhere and small kilns which  produced lime for the land. In other areas of the valley commercial kilns served the blossoming building trade.

Flocks of returning birds were landing in the fields aptly demonstrating their two common names – lapwing and peewit. Unable to get a photo, so this will have to do – cautionary sign in any case.

Walked on past the pleasantly named, renovated hamlet of Dinkling Green, with its magnificent situation below the Totridge Fells.

Lanes through the limestone knots lead to the splendidly isolated and landmark red phone box near Lickurst Farm. How long will it survive in these days of mobile phones?

On past Higher Greystonely Farm where I was hoping for a brew with friends, who were unfortunately not at home. A lane takes you over a ford and on past a significant lime kiln near an extensive limestone quarry.

Soon back on the lane to Chipping and feeling very satisfied with the afternoon’s excursion. A hot soothing bath will get all those muscles relaxed ready for the exertions to come in Catalonia.

LONGRIDGE FELL _ ON MY DOORSTEP.

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Sunday. What a beautiful day dawned  – cold, clear and sunny. Perfect for walking. Hadn’t arranged anything with my walking mates so after a lengthy caffeine top up I decided on a full traverse of Longridge Fell. Able to do this from my doorstep! This is the definitive full crossing of the fell starting in Longridge itself. The route I did today includes parts of previous posted walks and is the last leg of The Longridge Skyline Walk in reverse.  [see posts – Tolkien Country.  Crosses, Stoneyhurst and the Hodder.   Fungi on the fell.  Longridge Skyline Walk.]

Set off up the road out of Longridge past the golf course for a couple of miles to the parking spot at Cardwell House. Here took to the fell on a pathway marked with small stone pillars.

Onto Longridge fell

This traverses nicely above the Thornley Valley and then rises gently to the wall leading up to Longridge Fell trig point. Several people were already up there admiring the views – wish I had been up earlier as the Three Peaks were in good clear visibility then.

Longridge Fell trig point in the distance.

From the trig point the way goes along a forest road and then dives into the woods on a clear path.

This path continues along the ridge meeting up with the forest road further on and then arrives at Sam’s View Point overlooking the Hodder Valley and the Bowland Hills.

Carrying on along the ridge you enter forest again on a muddy path with no views, today was eerily quiet.

Towards the end of this section there is a large area where the trees have been felled and already after a couple of years thousands of natural pine seedlings have sprung up like a miniature bonsai forest.

The path continues clearly down the ridge to emerge onto the road at Kemple End with its views of Clitheroe and Pendle. The gateway onto the road has had its metal gate stolen, as have several others in the area, presumably for scrap.   To complete the traverse I walked down the road to Higher Hodder bridge at the base of the fell. From here one can make your way back in fields either north or south of the fell. Today I chose the latter and walked through the grounds of Stonyhurst College and into Hurst Green.

Spring is in the air.

Called in at The Bayley Arms for a pint and a rest before dropping down an old lane to the delightful Dean Brook. The presence of at least two old bobbin mills bear witness to the cottage-industry that was once here.

The path goes over an old bridge and up a bridal way to the 17 th century Greengore hunting lodge with its abutments and camping barn.

  Soon the road on the fell is reached and access to a lane leading back up onto Longridge Fell. There was an interesting photo as I reached the top road.

Maybe the farmers don’t know the difference between beef and horse!!! Topical problem in the news at present.  From here  it is all downhill to Longridge itself and completed a rewarding traverse of  Longridge Fell.  On the way down a tree is passed that gives an idea  of the prevailing winds.

It’s grim up north.

*****

LONGRIDGE SKYLINE WALK.

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Today was cold but sunny so there was no excuse not to get out in the countryside. All the snow from last weekend had disappeared, though this morning’s frost had firmed up the fields.

There have been some recent footpath diversions north of Longridge and these were affecting a route of mine, The Longridge Skyline Walk. I therefore took the opportunity to walk some of these paths to update my route description.

Parlick with Fairsnape brooding in the background.

Having brought my route description up to date I felt it was time to re-publicise this excellent route. I would love to see one of you keen fell walkers complete the circuit in a day! Here is my original, rather lengthy article………
                             LONGRIDGE SKYLINE WALK.
 Standing anywhere in the Loud Valley [The Vale of Chipping] north of Longridge one is aware of the beautiful surrounding scenery. Out to the west is space towards the coast but the remaining skyline consists of hills. Starting in the northwest is the well known Beacon Fell, and going clockwise around the horizon are Parlick, Fairsnape, Totridge, Birkett, Waddington and Longridge Fells. You will notice that these hills are all named using the northern word Fell, it is an interesting fact that Longridge Fell is the most southerly named fell in Britain.
Skyline and horseshoe walks have a fascination and draw for fell walkers, think of the many well known examples in our mountainous regions. They are usually fairly obvious in conception and provide a ready made visual and physical challenge. So it was for me, for many years living within sight of this round, and I have taken up its challenge on several occasions in the past, from the 70’s onwards. I soon realised the beauty, variety, relative isolation and rewarding views this walk provides.
However there was always a problem with my rounds, I was often trespassing!  Large tracts of the moorland areas in the east were private, often with shooting interests, with limited rights of way. So the walk was for private consumption only, but always very satisfying allowing one  knowledge of these ’hidden secrets’ of our northern hills.
However times change and with the implementation of the CRoW act nearly all the walk was either on Public Rights of Way or the newly created Access Areas. With the publication of O.S.maps showing the newly opened areas I was able to revisit more freely some areas of the walk and realised that a challenging circuit was now more feasible in design and description, if still no easier in physical execution.
Thus the 60Km / 37.5miles Longridge Skyline Walk  [LSW] was reborn.
Much of the Forest of Bowland is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and rightly so. Hence many areas are well known to walkers and country lovers alike, but you will find following this round many new corners to be enthralled by and whole areas of rough fell rarely walked in the last few decades. When were you last on Kitcham Hill or Waddington Fell?
Bowland’s diverse landscape – heather moorland, blanket bogs, wooded valleys and lowland farms – make not only for interesting walking but also provide a rich habitat for flora and fauna. The area is nationally renowned for its upland birds, so providing one with an opportunity of sighting many species on the walk. Red Grouse, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Curlew, Short Eared Owl, Ring Ouzel, Redshank, Merlin, Peregrine, Kestrel and the Hen Harrier. The latter has become the symbol of The Forest of Bowland. Take a small pair of binoculars.
By the nature of the ground to be covered, this walk should not be undertaken lightly, access land in the AONB offers some of the roughest and most remote walking in Lancashire. A sound experience of rough fell walking and the relevant navigational  skills are needed. Several miles are trackless and heavy going in the peat bogs. These areas are particularly difficult in the wetter months and are possibly best avoided at those times, not only for your progress but to lessen damage to the fragile terrain. Clear weather is a must really to help with navigation and to enable you to fully enjoy the outstanding views that the walk provides. The access areas may have seasonal restrictions which will be posted locally or found in advance from the usual sources. [Try Lancashire County Council] It would not be possible to take dogs on the whole route.
If the walk is started in Longridge the village of Dunsop Bridge makes a good halfway stopover if split into two days. There are limited bus services in the rural areas but Dunsop  Bridge is serviced from Clitheroe. Other smaller stages  over three or four days can be planned with the limited B&B accommodation in the area.  Completing the walk within a day would be a severe challenge for the fittest of walkers and maybe not the best way to appreciate the scenery. There are a few refreshment stops notably Beacon Fell Visitor Centre, Dunsop Bridge Café/PO, Bashall Barn and of course Longridge itself.
Longridge — Beacon Fell.  10km / 6m
Starting from the Millennium Cross in Longridge one is soon out into the countryside with early views of the skyline task ahead. After a short stretch of road walking the route goes onto a series of pleasant paths through farming land, both arable and stock. The agricultural changes in recent years are evident with the loss of hedges, expensive barn conversions, diversification with fishing lakes and a new golf course. As the ground rises to Beacon Fell views open up across the Fylde. Beacon Fell was opened in 1970 as one of Lancashire’s first Country Parks and has proved very popular with its easy access and good tracks suitable for all. The information centre is worth a visit as you pass on the way to the summit [266m] with its viewfinder. This summit is the first of the day and hopefully the weather will be clear for the extensive views.
Beacon Fell — Fairsnape Fell.  7km / 4.5m
Northwards the land now begins to change to rougher pastures approaching the higher fells, again the paths are clear and fairly well used. A wonderful area in spring for the sound and sight of Lapwings. Soon the bulk of Parlick is in front of you, but a winding old peat-sledge track takes you up the quieter side of the fell. The area is popular for gliding, parapenting and model planes so there is usually something in the sky to keep you distracted on the climb. Once at the top the fells stretch out before you and a good walking surface, enjoy it while you can, enables an easy section up to Fairsnape Fell with its shelters and trig point [510m] although the true summit [520m] is further on to the northeast.
Fairsnape Fell — Dunsop Bridge.  10.5km / 6.5m
The enjoyment of the next couple of hours along the ridge to Totridge Fell [496m] will depend on recent rainfall. Although there is a fence to guide you most of the way do not underestimate the difficulty underfoot and detours around the worst peat bogs are unavoidable. On a day of good visibility this is an exhilarating stretch with views to the Lakeland Hills, the vast uninhabited area of desolate fells to the north, the Three Peaks area, Pendle and the Lancastrian Fells to the south. The last legs of this walk over Waddington and Longridge Fells become clear. At the end of the ridge the beauty of the Hodder below you can be appreciated before the steep descent into the valley. The Trough of Bowland road can be busy at weekends but fields lead past a pheasant breeding farm to follow the River Dunsop into the village by its bridge. This a popular destination and after the solitude of the fells the number of trippers can come as quite a surprise, but the ice cream is great!
Don’t forget to look at the unique telephone box celebrating being at the centre of Great Britain.
Dunsop Bridge — Waddington Fell.  9.5km / 6m
This section of the walk covers new ground for most people and being trackless in parts will feel longer than the map suggests. It starts pleasantly along by the idyllic Hodder and then climbs to the exquisite wind blown, untrodden and heather clad top of Kitcham Hill [283m] From here rough moors are crossed to emerge through trees at the historic farm of Crimpton [Our Lady of the Fells] More rough trackless ground is crossed over Marl Hill [311m] heading for the mast [if you can see it!] on Waddington Fell. At one point navigation is helped by an old ditch once serving as a deer boundary for the important Browsholme Estate. Reaching the summit of Waddington Fell [395m] is a relief and most of the harder work is behind you. Once again you have stunning views from an unusual angle particularly good westwards down the length of the valley you have navigating round.
Waddington Fell — Higher Hodder Bridge.  9.5km / 6m
Downhill all the way! From the trig point you follow the obvious ridge southwards by the wall and continue down the mapped access area until it stops 0.5km short of the next Public Right of Way. Having overcome this problem field paths lead to the delightful Talbot Bridge, on past an old packhorse bridge and close to the old Bashall Hall. Soon you will be enjoying refreshments in Bashall Barn, the type of farm diversity I appreciate. More field paths bring you to The Higher Hodder Bridge.
Higher Hodder Bridge — Longridge Fell.  5.5km / 3.5m
A short stretch by the River Hodder and then you climb up to Kemple End a well known viewpoint over the Ribble Valley and Pendle. Now for a contrast you enter the sometimes gloomy forest leading uphill. Clearings are reached overlooking the Loud and Hodder valleys for relief until eventually you reach the final top of Longridge Fell [350m]. From the trig point enjoy the views northwards of patchwork fields below and the background of the route you have followed.
Longridge Fell — Longridge.  8km / 5m
The long descent to complete the round. If you have been blessed with good weather you will be able see Snowdonia ahead and pick out the Isle of Man Hills across Morecambe Bay with a background of the setting sun. Or then again it may be raining! Following the very edge of the fell you will come to the road at Jeffrey Hill car park. Here there are interesting  information boards about the area. There is the suggestion that the river Ribble may have reached the sea through the vale of Chipping at one time, being diverted by glacial deposits to it’s present more circuitous route to the south of Longridge Fell. The road has to be followed past the golf course for a couple of kilometres until you can take field paths towards Longridge. Near the end join the route of the old railway line which took stone from the extensive quarries to supply many Lancashire cities. Soon you are back at the Millennium Cross and maybe enjoying a pint in the Townley Arms reflecting on the last 60km!
Contact me if you would like detailed directions.

Walk your paths … if you can.

4 Replies

Here is an extract from a letter I had published in a local paper a few years ago at this time of year–

                                WALK YOUR PATHS.

Regular physical exercise is recognised to be highly beneficial to us all, young and old. Gyms have sprung up everywhere and seem to be popular, at least a month or two after Xmas. However a brisk walk is as good a general exercise as any and it’s free and has little impact on the environment. We are fortunate to be within easy access of The Lakes and The Pennines which have a wonderful variety of footpaths, but is it really necessary  to have to travel [usually by car] on our crowded roads.

Within a few miles radius of Longridge there are literally hundreds of Public Rights Of Way, all interconnecting and reached from your front door. Walks can be planned from a couple of miles into the teens depending on you desire and time available. Most of the footpaths have been there for hundreds of years and are thus of historic importance to our locality.

 The local network of paths is generally well maintained and signed, some [but not all!] farmers having made a particular effort in this direction. Several local walks are included in popular guide books and there is an excellent series  of  leaflets published locally and widely available. The 1:25000 OS maps show all the paths in detail and any amount of walking circuits can be devised.

So why are there so few people using the local paths? I rarely meet anyone off the roads. These paths need to be walked to preserve our unique national heritage. Come on you people of Longridge try a few of the field paths and you will be amazed at the amount of beautiful scenery and nature on your doorstep. Your health will benefit and the paths will survive into another century. Hope to see you out there.

Since that letter was written I think that more people are walking as a form of exercise and I do now meet more groups on our paths, so that is good. But the downside is in the last couple of years the wet weather, which has left our fields waterlogged. These last few months it has been no joy to walk in the local fields [see my posts] and even I have recently spent a few days walking on the local quiet roads, fortunately quite scenic, avoiding the mud and deep puddles.

Is it that the rainy climate is going to stay with us and if so what is the viability of some of our paths? I only hope I don’t have to write a letter in the next few years urging people to Walk Our Roads!

View from the road.