Dolphinholme

 

There was quite a good turnout for todays walk. In the aftermath of the recent heat wave, todays weather was a comfortable high teens and cloudy.

                    Setting off, we passed the Methodist Chapel with it's squat tower.

The village is split into two communities. The more modern and more populated one is set on high ground. To get to the other part (Lower Dolphinholme) a right turn at a small roundabout leads to a steep hill, down into the River Wyre valley.

Half way down the hill, is the aptly named Brow Cottage, the appearance of which, suggests that it was originally a hand loom weavers cottage, with the top floor having been the workshop.

                   The old mill beside the river has been converted into apartments.

Before it's closure in 1867 the mill provided work for 2000 workers. It's waterwheel was said to be the tallest in the country. The old mill workers cottages huddle together around the bridge.

Leaving the village behind, (on account of not being able to take it with us)😀. we climbed up out of the valley and turned left along a farm track where some hens were ranging freely. John found an egg alongside the track, but decided against taking it home, as he's not keen on scrambled egg.

This is the spot we decided to have our morning brew. As we were sat there, the peace of the morning was broken by the roar of a 4x4 farm buggy as it came round the corner at speed, heading towards us. I being the closest and therefore at risk of being the first to meet my maker before my time, began to panic, but the young driver without slowing down veered off the track, giving us a cheeky grin as he passed us😈.

This scarecrow was standing guard over a small container.

Anthony had been doing his homework, and had arranged for us to have dinner at this farm where there is a picnic table for us to sit round. However when we got here the picnic table was no more, so we each had to find an alternative seat.

As we sat there, the farmers daughter and her very excitable but friendly dog came to see us. Anthony asked her about the picnic table😞. It turned out the picnic table got broken so it was chucked away.

Some of us were quite happy to have our dinner alongside the pigs. Someone said were not fit to eat with pigs, but Mike stuck up for us, he said " Oh yes they are".😁

The farmer turned up and was also happy to stop for a chat. He was around the same age as us and had lived here for over 20 years.

The buddleia were in full bloom.

As we were having our afternoon brew, two fellow walkers appeared crossing a stile in a hedge near to us. As they came towards us. one of them recognised me. His name is George Kirby and he's a distant cousin of mine. It turned out John W knew the other chap.

Before they left us, they took a group photo of us.

This bridge is in need of repair. Vic carefully edges his way across.

Anthony decides not to risk it and by-passes it.

As we were passing a gate, two friendly horses came over to see us. John gave them his blessing.

A herd of horses in our field, not wanting to be left out, also came to see us.

This is Wyreside Hall. I would have liked to have got a closer look at it, but our path led us away from it.

This sad looking tree, all alone and bare in the middle of a large field, was looking like it was in need of some love and affection. Enter John and Mike.

                                        Arriving back at Lower Dolphinholme.

                Instead of taking the road we climbed a steep footpath back to the cars.

When we got back to the cars, Anthony surprised us with cakes all round to celebrate his birthday in two days time. Thanks Ant and thanks for taking us on a good walk.

                                                                              DK