The Meanderthals: THE THREE "B's"

BROCK to BLEASDALE 8.5 Miles

Walkers :- Jim D, Jim C, Frank, Mike,
Danny, Anthony, John W.

Arriving at the car park at "Brock Mill" we were surprised to find it nearly full and quite a number of other walkers preparing to set off.
It was not long before we too were prepared and setting off to follow the course of the river Brock as it flowed down from the distant fells.

A blue cloudless sky and a warm sun left dappled patterns all around us as we followed the river upstream through the bluebell decorated woods.
For the first mile or so our steps were dogged by a large group of walkers from Ormskirk.

It was not long before our "Cool" laid-back walking style (AKA a slow amble) allowed the other super keen group to pass us and disappear over the horizon. We stepped aside to let them pass and it was at this point our path first departed from the river.

Which Way Now ?

A steep climb up a wet and stony path led us away from the river and towards "Waddecar Scout Camp" where many of our group (absentees as well) spent part of our formative years as "Boy Scouts" and subsequently as leaders and parents of Scouts and of course Girl Scouts when the organisation embraced them.

From a small wooden hut, isolated in a large field, this "Activity centre has grown to become a large complex serving thousands of young people each year.

"What about coffee time ?" I hear you ask. Patience reader it's coming.

One of the most powerful magnets on any walk is "WATER" and especially at break times when we seek it's magic. (the soothing sound of moving water helps the digestion you know ????) So, back to the river. To get back to the waterside we were assisted by a moving staircase. Well, there was a "staircase" but we had to do the moving.

And here we are, as promised, taking our coffee break. It was a sort of "Internet Cafe". We simply had to "LOG ON" !

I know. I know. A dreadful joke.......

The sun continued to bless our walk as we carried on through sublime, flower bedecked countryside. But first we had to cross a bridge over a tributary river.

and then , like a packed football terrace, serried ranks of broom "cheered" us as we passed.

Once again we left the river behind and climbed slowly upwards past Bleasdale Primary School and on to St Eadmer's church (the only church in the country dedicated to this saint) and here we sat in the sunshine to have lunch.

Who's this then?

Oh ! It's you two.

and more ......

Lunch over and off we set down hill now as we retraced our steps passing the primary school and heading towards the tiny hamlet which had once provided the districts only Post Office.....but ...... PAUSE......REWIND...
Frank had left his stick leaning against the church door and left us to retrieve it. We waited patiently which was no hardship on this sunny day with delightful scenery all around us. A few minutes later Frank rejoined us and we resumed our walk. We were quickly past the aforesaid hamlet and now followed a metalled road for the first time on this walk. John W stopped to pose with some tiny acquaintances. (By humorous request it must be said)

We soon left the road and took to the fields once more now plodding upwards towards the wooded slopes of Beacon fell. As we followed the field upwards we also paused to turn and look back to where an awesome panorama spread across the horizon.

Fairsnape Parlick
(That's the hills not the two gentlemen)

As we walked onward we passed through a decidedly down at heel farmyard. the whole area looked uncared for

and was littered with rusting, vintage tractors. (Nuffields and BMC's). It seemed such a shame that these powerful old beasts had been left to simply rot away. They would certainly be much loved by the tractor enthusiasts.

By now we were all hot, sweaty and decidedly ...tiring. The cool shade of the woods did at least cure the first two.

Whilst our day was nearly at an end there were still sights to see and incidents to enjoy. Here we stop for a small.. nay monstrous rest.

We soon topped the hill and dropped down along a pine scented path before bursting out into the sunshine quite close to the Country Parks Visitor Centre. They served coffee, tea and all manner of beverages. What did we chose ?

This is what we chose. Thanks Jim D for these.

All we had to do now was to drop steeply down the side of Beacon Fell.

Then to join the road from Inglewhite where we turned right and shortly afterwards turned left down White Lea Rd which led us back to the car park.

Once again an excellent walk filled with sunshine and interest.

Three "B's" of the title ? I'm sure you can guess.
Brock. Bleasdale and Beacon

Unused photos.