Halloween-een!

What a scary sight on the summit of Pendle Hill!

                        The paved path over the peaty, boggy moorland top

 

                                                      Crossing Ogden Clough

                                                           MIST OVER PENDLE

PENDLE HILL   

October 30th   6+ Miles

WALKERS :- Harry, John R, Paddy,  Martin,  John W, 
                     Anthony, Vic

We met at Blessed Sacrament in Ribbleton and were soon on our way to write our own chapter of "Mist Over Pendle". We were caught by surprise at our abrupt arrival at the car park at "Nick O' Pendle" John was angrily horn-blasted by following motorists as he turned sharply and with little warning. Anthony sensibly drove on until he could turn round and come back. Soon, cars were parked, gear clambered into and we were on our way up the track to the summit. The "Mist" was decidedly "Over Pendle"and the magnificent views were magnificently obscured. Beyond 50 metres or so NOTHING could be seen.The rough track led us steadily but gently upwards.Anthony surmised that we needed to have the "inclination" to conquer this moorland giant . After a couple of miles the track narrowed to a well defined but decidedly "thin" path. It was not long before we were walking carefully along the precipitous edge of OGDEN CLOUGH. (perhaps a little hyperbolic that sentence but vertigo hovered for a while !) Some distance below the darkly peat stained stream tumbled down the Clough. John was inspired to recite Gerard Manley Hopkins poem "INVERSNAID" He didn't think anyone was inspired to listen ! The narrow path led us steadily up the clough, crossing numerous little rivulets and rocky corners until it eventually arrived level with the stream. This was crossed (not without some difficulty) and a kissing gate followed by a short scramble, led us to a PAVED footpath . Again a gentle but steady climb and the ghostly outline of the triangulation post apeared through the mist.      LUNCH !    As we finished munching and slipped our rucksacks back on, the mist began to clear and glimpses of the magnificent views finally appeared. A short pause for a group photograph and then  we began the downhill track back the way we had come. The long trek back began to tell on the knees of some of us as the uneven, rocky nature of the footpath was relentless. As the afternoon began to bow before the coming evening the sun tried valiantly to come out (not successfully) and the mist continued to clear. Marvellous views spread themselves before us. 

The popularity of the "Hill" was evidenced by the number and variety of fellow "Tacklers. These ranged from superfit lunatics who ran past us  to family groups who were perhaps ill-equipped for the rigours of the moors. 

A good but quite strenuous walk at times spoiled but occasionally enhaced by the romance of the mist.

 

What! No pics from Nookie Nick!

I go away for a week and this is what happens! NO PICS!   SO.. here are two more from the Dutton Dawddle!

Duddle Brook

"Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness...."

In the abscence of "Nicky Nook" photos, Here's one from an earlier walk. The now infamous  "Hippo" photo.  As you can see Harry your walk was NOT wet !

A Bit of Nookie with Nicky

Thursday 23rd October

A Bit of Nookie with Nicky ( courtesy "Carry On Walking !")

Walkers:-  John R,  Mike H,  John W,  Harry M.
Distance 8.3 miles

We gathered at Beacon Mansions the ancestral home of "Squire" Mounsey. Here we checked our gear to ensure we were well accoutred to tackle the daunting slopes of "Nicky Nook". Our experienced guide, non other than the "squire" himself, soon had us loaded into the car and off we set. We parked en route to  Scorton  close to Harry's brother's house and set off along "Green Lane".  In spite of our leader's meteorological connections, the day was decidedly damp (for which he apologised) It was only a few minutes before we arrived at the River Wyre. (We had passed several concrete baths ???) From here the "Millenium" footpath led us into Scorton village itself. A right turn and the steep climb began, past the church we were to visit later. A short stop for "Elevenses"  and it wasn't long before we arrived at a stile where a rough looking, but well made,  path invited us to scale the dizzy heights of our goal. The path was indeed steep. (for which our guide apologised) . The "Hairy One" had to admit he found this tough going but eventually we found ourselves at the triangulation post on top of "Nicky Nook". As the weather was a trifle inclement we continued past the post and followed the even steeper path (for which our leader apologised) as it descended to a somewhat larger track. Here we found a small stone seat and as the rain was not at that moment descending we "lunched". Off again but now we were heading gently downhill and the "Hairy One" was coping well. After passing  a reservoir where we were warned (notice the alliteration there) NOT to swim. We continued our walk greatly disappointed ! ! !  The path led us down alongside a tumbling stream and immature pheasant were scattered as the autumn leaves all around us. As we left the stream to cross a small field a Heron took of and slowly flapped its way up into the sky before a shout from Harry alerted us to a group (4) Roe Deer bounding across in front of us. They disappeared up the embankment only to return a few minutes later minus one of their number.  We arrived at a tarmacced road but left it almost immediately to cross a further field almost reaching the motorway. Here Harry momentarily GOT LOST (for which he apologised). In the distance we could see the spire of Scorton church. We had planned to look into the church were a WORLD WAR I  exhibition was on display. To reach the church we had to pass through an exceedingly tight kissing gate. Your writer was pleased to note that he was not the only one who had to squeeze to get through it. The exhibition was small but worth visiting. On returning to the "Squeezy" gate we found a scruffy, wet cap. Harry had lost it as we passed before. and so back along the "Millenium" path to the car but not before Harry had to return to the church to where he had left his stick. "Not only me that forgets then." said one of the group. We stopped briefly to watch the ducks along the Wyre. They seemed to be laughing at us. Comments were made too about a group of swans on the opposite bank (they were Geese). At last our weary knees and feet arrived back at the car. the tough little 5 Mile walk was actually 8.3 miles. 

A damp. tough but great walk full of interest. Well done Squire Mounsey.   

I’m Fine, Thank You!

There is nothing the matter with me.

I’m as healthy as can be.

I have arthritis in both my knees

And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze.

My pulse is weak and my blood is thin,

But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

Arch supports I have for my feet,

Or I wouldn’t be able to be on the street.

Sleep is denied me night after night.

My memory’s failing, my head’s in a spin

But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

The moral is this, as my tale I unfold,

That for you and me who are growing old.

It’s better to say, “I’m fine!” with a grin,

Than to let folks know the shape we are in.

(Anon)

Meanderthals in South Wales!

Two Meanderthals have wandered away from their caves and are roaming around the Tenby area of South Wales.

Below is a picture of their hotel:....

Whilst foraging on the beach, look what they found......!

"No, Martin! Those are its TENTacles!"

Dutton (near Hurst Green)

"Come on, if you think you're hard enough!"

Anthony promised us a nice easy walk, 4-5 miles around the Hurst Green area.

So, suitably attired for a mixture of autumnal weather, we set off. A few minutes later due to an aggressive looking bull (not the one pictured above) we made our first detour. Before long the sun came out and I started to perspire. Remember, this was only my second walk in over six months. By lunchtime I had to take off my sweatshirt. Lunch was held by a babbling brook in the dappled sunlight. Very pleasant. Slight diversion due to path apparently running out and then we had to cross the stream by rather dodgy stepping stones. Passing a long deserted watermill we emerged from the wood and met our first person who claimed he owned the wood as he never met anyone on his dog walk!!

Towards the end of the walk we came upon a field containing sheep, calves, cows and a definitely aggressive large black bull (pictured above). John Russell behaved like his namesake (Jack Russell) and tried to frighten off the bull with false confident barking!! He did keep the gate between him and the bull closed. Seeing the impasse, I wandered lonely as a cloud and found another style to bypass the field. Much safer and easier.

The walk turned out to be about seven miles long and had the equivalent of 70 flights of stairs. Compliments of my fit-bit!! I'm feeling a bit stiff today.

(Vic)

I can confirm that Vic sleeps with his 'fit-bit'!  (Anthony)

"Stranger on the shore" - Harry keeping a watch for the "bore" at ARNSIDE

Time and Tide - A visit to Arnside

Thursday 9th October
Walkers - John R, John W, Vick, Anthony, Mike, Martin, Harry.

Cars parked on the front at Arnside. The weather forecast was NOT good. As we clambered into our waterproofs a loud wailing siren announced the arrival of the tide. (As the tide rushes in it can form a dangerous bore.) We had intended to walk over the Knott in a clockwise direction but as we hoped to see the "Bore" which was expected in about 40 minutes we decided to set off along the shore in the opposite  direction and do the walk in reverse. (This was to have consequences.)  The shore was muddy and rocky but quite walkable. After about twenty minutes we reached a bay and although, without a bore,  the tide was obviously advancing rapidly the path we had just left would soon be covered. Here we found a comfortable spot to take "Elevenses" (coffee break) before setting of to walk round the next headland. No chance ! the tide had beaten us to it.) Change of plans again ! We turned inland, passing through a caravan site as we crossed to the next shoreline. Here, as, once again, we watched with fascination,  the tide rapidly covered the last vestiges of footpaths below the low cliffs, it started raining. We now followed the footpath into the woods. At this point we went astray. The footpaths went in different directions and SO DID WE ! The path went steeply up into the wood and some of us were soon puffing and panting, At some point we missed the planned route (You will remember we were going the WRONG way round)  and so our walk was longer than intended. As we were expecting the rain to continue, we stopped at a convenient log, deep amongst the sheltering trees and had our lunch. Onwards and upwards till we eventually reach the summit of the Knott. As we gathered at the triangulation post we were besieged by a pack of assorted dogs followed by their owners two charming young ladies who offered to take a group photo for us. Then we descended the steep grassy slope back to the outskirts of Arnside where the forecast heavy rain at last arrived and accompnied us back to the cars. A relatively short but challenging walk. Looking at the map after returning home it seemed we were in fact never too far away from the intended route.

 Telling the Time

Oohs ! and Aahs ! and creaks and groans
Another walk for these old bones
A mile or two and then a rest
Wherever went that youthful zest

Those were the days, those teenage years
When hearts and lungs had many gears
But now we need those balms and pills
To conquer even smallest hills

And in our twenties we were fit
We carried every sort of kit
Our rucksacs filled with tents and pegs
And stoves and food but sturdy legs

Would carry us for miles and miles
Through hedges ditches , dodgy stiles
By woodland paths and moorland heights
On far horizons set our sights

But years rush past and soon we find
Careers to build and work to grind
Our walks and treks take second place
But still we yearn for open space

Kids come along and they walk too
Though opportunities are few
And then one day a dreadful blow
A voice calls out "Dad's far too slow"

At the top they stand and wait
As dad leans gasping on a gate
Middle age has come too soon
But maybe there's a hidden boon

For now there's not a need to prove
That we can cover every move
That mountaineers and crag-rats make
We'll eat - not say "A piece of cake."

The time has come to worry not
Of strengths and skills that we have  not
These aches and pains have all been EARNED
A simple lesson we have learned

Our day is done it's  their time now
With dignity let's take a bow
Let's move along.Get out the way
"Can we still walk" I hear you say

Yes of course ! enjoy the time
Doing nothing's not a crime
So we will walk but at our ease
And ask our bodies "Come on ----Please !"

"I can see you !" John Russell at the rather "over the top" bird hide, Martiun Mere

Pink-footed geese at Martin Mere. The geese are stopping over on their way to Norfolk.

Footpath Sign?

Well, it's obvious, isn't it?

Don't run with a big fish under your arm!
Don't burn the fish on the BBQ!
Don't catch fish with your walking stick!

Excalibur

                                                                             "EXCALIBUR"  see below.......

Martin Mere 2nd October 
"Martin to Martin in search of Excalibur" ?

Walkers  - Martin, Anthony, Harry, John R, John W.

After picking up John R in Penwortham we set off to find Martin Mere. No easy task ! After leaving the main road we motored  along a few miles  of narrow picturesque farm roads before finally settling for a  slight widening of the road as a suitable parking spot. And so off we set on our walk.  After a few minutes we discovered a sharp, pointy knife blade sticking out of the path. No king Arthurs here. No amount effort from each of us would get it out. It looked dangerous so Anthony snapped it off and we covered it up. Onward to "Camelot" or rather Martin Mere
. The sun continued to shine as we trekked across the featureless but fertile farm land passing leeks, corn, potatoes, and carrots until we arrived at a European Carrot Mountain.  Arriving at The Wildlife and Wetlands Centre (Martin Mere) we lunched in the car park before continuing our walk around the edges of the deer-proof electrified fence which protected the waterfowl within.We spent a short while in the magnificent hide overlooking the mere before continuing our walk . The walkway up to the hide offered several interesting displays not least an original "Meanderthal" in the form of a reproduction of "Lindow Man". John R had to be restrained from hopping in a log canoe and paddling off through the reeds of the mere !!!  Somewhere shortly after we lost our way and ended up back at Martin Mere before settling for the tarmaced route back to the car. Vast flocks of noisy pinkfoot geese provided a visual and auditory accompaniment throughout our walk and the bright, breeze-cooled sunshine ensured a delightful walk,  Thanks Anthony.

October 2nd - A Sunny walk around Martin Mere

                       Harry and a few thousand leeks

                                                 Heading towards Martin Mere across the flat mosses