WALKERS :- Vic, John R, Anthony, Paddy
John W, Martin, Jim C, Danny.
For the first time in weeks we set off with blue skies above us and the promise of good weather ahead of us. The car park at Beetham's Heron Mill was ideal as the footpath led immediately away from it.
Heron Mill Car Park
As we entered Beetham we came across a welcoming sign.
Following this well maintained path we didn't always keep together as we should. Sometimes some members got left behind. Worry not dear reader we are experienced enough to be aware and ensure that we proceed at the pace of the slowest walkers.
A brass plate a'top this little cairn points you in the right direction. Assuming you know where you want to go .
Paddy and Danny assess the Fairy Steps.
Ever the accountant Vic checks out the coins in the tree stump.
That's no fairy !
Emerging from the woods to magnificent views.
"One stump or two sir ?"
A "poorly" tree.
The footpath was narrowly confined between a hedge and a fence. As usual nettles and brambles were ever present. It took us gently up until we arrived at the road which in turn led us back down into the centre of the tiny hamlet of Beetham. Tiny but not insubstantial.
As we entered Beetham we came across a welcoming sign.
What about us ?
We were hardly into Beetham at all before a gate led us out again and into a wet field heading towards the wooded hill sides.
Recent heavy (and prolonged) rain had left the fields with lakes where lakes ought not to be.
Temporary lake in the corner of this field.
The edge of the woodland was also the edge of the limestone plateau we would walk across later and protruding rocks provided an ideal spot for the ever important coffee break.
Not only did the rocks provide comfortable seating but the view from them was also quite superb.
On the horizon is Farleton Fell the site of previous
Meanderthal excursions.
Coffee over we set off following the edge of the woods. In the foreground of the previous picture is a large group of farm buildings. As we passed nearer to them we could see the medieval ruins of a fortified farm. This was Beetham Hall rather more than a farm, infact, as there are the remains of a great hall and a private chapel. Here the fortifications protected cattle against marauding rustlers.
As we continued our walk there was ample evidence of the damp nature of the local climate. The drystone walls were completely overgrown with lush, green moss.
We continued to follow the edge of the woods where the stiles were the more septuagenarian friendly "pinch" type. Paddy even had time to re-erect a fallen footpath post.
Rock Star Paddy
Shortly after this we turned into the woods and started the gentle climb up in search of the "Fairy Steps".
Not all of the path through the wood was a gentle climb. Sometimes it became quite steep.
As we arrived near the top of the wood the paths diverged and it was not clear which one we should take. The one we took, which was the right one, (of course) proved to be quite dramatic. We found ourselves on a platform of limestone paving with the classic "Clints and Grykes" making us take great care where we placed our feet.
This rather difficult terrain led us slowly down till we arrived in a dismally damp spot, Deepdale, which took a little circumnavigating. Two bold gents. (Foolish old f----s) strode straight through the muddy pool in the photo.
Fortunately the path began to rise at this point and soon took us into drier parts and eventually to a small tarmacked road. The road climbed up to the top of a hill and then briefly downwards to a point at which we left it still in search of the "Fairy Steps". This took us past a wonderfully friendly gentleman who pointed us in the direction of the "Fairies",
Following this well maintained path we didn't always keep together as we should. Sometimes some members got left behind. Worry not dear reader we are experienced enough to be aware and ensure that we proceed at the pace of the slowest walkers.
There are two Meanderthals in this photo. 'onest !
This broad track led us once again upwards through a wood. Fairies were in short supply but we did come across some "Gnome Homes" complete with resident gnome.
As we arrived at the top of the fairy steps (which looked rather daunting) the limestone edges once again offered us seating accommodation so.... before attempting it's passage we settled down for lunch.
Danny checks out the "Fairy Steps"
Just to the right of Vic (at the back) is tree stump with coins hammered into it. Vic is an accountant !
Lunch over we looked again at the "Fairy Steps" some decided to give them a miss. Some decided to descend another way and tackle them climbing up. Others, brave souls, decided to descend immediately.
Danny was one of those who took the direct route But the writer wishes he would get away from that edge. he is giving us the "Eebie Jeebies". Vic can be seen successfully tackling the steps from below. At the bottom of the cliff was a notice which informed us that coffins once went up the steps on their way to "Sanctified" ground at Beetham. It also promised that anyone negotiating the steps without touching the sides would see the fairies. Our well padded frames precluded us from such enchanting visions.
From the bottom of the cliff the path led us away through the woods in the general direction of Dallam Tower , the house at the heart of the Dallam estate through which we were walking.
From the bottom of the cliff the path led us away through the woods in the general direction of Dallam Tower , the house at the heart of the Dallam estate through which we were walking.
As we walked along the path we came across this scene and mistakenly assumed that something had happened to Danny and his companions were looking concerned. "NO ! I just thought this rock looked a good place to sit down." said Danny.
Shortly afterwards we missed a turn in the path and after passing some large wood piles........
............ we came to a chained and locked gate. We got over it, though not without some difficulty.
Along a tarmacked road again before plunging once more into the woods. The stile into the woods was an almost luminescent green colour . Couldn't resist taking a photo.
Down through the woods and eventually into open fields where the activities of the Dallam Estate appeared in the form of young pheasant released into the "Wild" prior to being shot in October,
Shortly afterwards we missed a turn in the path and after passing some large wood piles........
Look carefully - it says "Firewood".
............ we came to a chained and locked gate. We got over it, though not without some difficulty.
Along a tarmacked road again before plunging once more into the woods. The stile into the woods was an almost luminescent green colour . Couldn't resist taking a photo.
Down through the woods and eventually into open fields where the activities of the Dallam Estate appeared in the form of young pheasant released into the "Wild" prior to being shot in October,
As the track we were following met up with a road we tackled another stile taking us into the rather more civilised area of the estate surrounding the Hall.
Now steeply down to go through the deer proof fence into the extensive paddocks containing sheep and Fallow Deer.
Time now, as we crested one of the small, rounded hills, for a final coffee break before heading across the pastureland in the direction of Heron Mill. As we walked we passed the large herds of Fallow Deer.
The Fallow Deer are just above Paddy's Head
(NOT literally I must add 😃)
(NOT literally I must add 😃)
One more gentle hill at the top of which we paused for a photo and to admire the view.
Over the crest, through a gate and then down, down to the cars at Heron Mill. No fairies here then ! (far too big)
SHANDY..... YEAH !!!!!!
THE END.
Unused Photos :-
Bonjour Messieurs !
Martin watches his step.
"Up 'ere lads ."
End of the walk.
1 comment:
Wonderful walk, lyrically captured in John inimitable narrative style
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