Clitheroe - Brungerley Bridge

6th November - 6/7 miles

Walkers - Anthony, Vic, Mike, Paddy, 
                 John W, Martin, Harry 

Leaving Anthony's at 9.30 we were assured by Harry that the forecast rain would leave us unmolested until 1400hrs. We parked near Brungerley Bridge just a few metres away from the start of the footpath which led upriver through a public park which doubled as a sculpture trail.  Our group contained few admirers of Avant-Garde or Post-Modern art so some of the sculptures were viewed with less than rapturous enthusiasm. Of greater interest were a pair of dogs (Oh dear !) Bedlington Terriers which might have doubled in an episode of "Larry the Lamb" (Showing mi age there). Passing a somewhat more conventional sculpture of an Otter we dropped down to follow the banks of the river. Here a statuesque heron posed for us on the opposite side. As we walked along the bank either this heron was a consumate poseur or there were a lot more of its brethren as we were rarely without a heron somewhere in view.  A picturesque bend in the river much, admired by Harry, and offering a park-style bench was ideal for our first "Coffee" break. This obviously popular walk was well supplied with benches (some memorial) and we passed one every couple of hundred metres. The path led pleasantly alongside the river and was a welcome difference to the more rugged path the previous week. We stopped briefly to admire a set of very large stepping stones which sadly disappeared in the middle of the river to re-emerge at the other side. Soon afterwards the path left the river bank to climb up to a tree lined avenue which seemed to serve no purpose. It did offer wonderful views and some magnificently stately beech trees. Beyond this a road, the turning point in our walk, appeared across the next field. As noon was approaching, rain was threatening and a small copse lined the road we decided that this sheltered spot would do for lunch. Off again and a short walk down the road saw us back on the riverbank but not before a heavily padlocked gate had us befuddled. A laughing van driver opened his door to point out a style built into the wall right next to us. DOH ! A few minutes later we crossed a bridge over the Ribble on the other side off which was an extraordinarily long bench. We posed for a photo. Then off on our return journey passing first through a small, partly modern,  hamlet. Skirting round a sewage works we returned to the river banks. Throughout the walk ducks, mostly Mallard had been commenting on our progress. ("quackers!" they said) but then we saw a Pochard not an uncommon bird but not one we often see.  1400hrs arrived and it began to rain (well done Harry) Not far to go now and after missing our way slightly we had a squishy plod along a muddy track which led us back to the road. A left turn over the bridge and a short uphill climb and we were back at the vehicles. 

I am sure ther will be interesting "Bits" I have not mentioned.  SOOoo get online and tell us about them on the blog. 

Well done Anthony an ideal walk after last weeks "Trudge"