DEJA-VU

Return to Greystonely - 7+ miles

Walkers:- Martin, James, Mike, Anthony, John R, John W

As John wanted to try out his new GPS device our walk was an "Old Friend", John's favourite walk in fact.  Parking our cars in Chipping we were quickly on our way heading North towards the fells. They were not to be the target today even  though they looked very tempting in the clear light of this early summer morning.  On the edge of the village we passed a group of brand new houses that were not there the last time we passed by.

Soon we were striding past the now sadly derelict site of the once prosperous "Berry's Chairworks". Gone were the cranes that once lifted the enormous logs that lay alongside the road to age and mature into seasoned wood. Gone also were the logs themselves. In their place were "for sale"  signs. Someone told us that one plan would see the buildings turned into a hotel. 

After a swift course of instruction from Anthony,  who already had the same model of GPS, John was delighted to find that his new device was doing exactly what was asked of it and was definitely much better than his previous, now ageing, device. Continuing up the road we soon passed the site of another of Chipping's defunct industries Several "Des Res's" and a cheese factory marked the spot where Tweedy's Foundry used to buzz with activity.

After a mile or so the metalled road came to an end and we continued , now along rough farm tracks. Again the temptation of the fells was offered to us, as the most obvious way forward led in their direction.  But no !  We took a sharp right turn to follow an even rougher track

as it led us over a barren stretch  of rough moorland and then dipped  sharply down to an attractive stream-blessed valley complete with rather magnificent stepping stones. By now the big hand had crept past the 11 mark and our beverage break beckoned. My NEW device was working well but not so Anthony's whose NEW flask came out of his rucksack CUPLESS ! At last John was able to put his "Criminal" knife to legitimate effect and a water bottle was soon turned into a make shift cup. We sat for several amiable minutes chatting and laughing before tackling the terrors of the river crossing which lay before us. The bold adventurer  Russel led us across.

Once across this raging torrent the moorland track rose steeply out of the valley leading strongly forward where the views opened out to delight us. The magnificence of the Bowland Fells  swept down to our left and the great vista of the Ribble Valley filled the forefront. The blue hued whalebacks of Longridge Fell and Pendle Hill heaved themselves above the rich agricultural landscape surrounding them. James commented that Pendle Hill was an ancient name that when investigated said "Hill Hill Hill" .    Oh !

The track turned sharply as it dropped slowly down to "Lickhurst" Farm. Unfortunately the track was becoming increasingly stony and rock strewn. One of these stones turned under Martin's boot and sent him tumbling to the floor Martin assured us that he was OK but we still expressed our concern particularly as the "National Vulcanology Centre"  recorded an earth tremor significant enough to register on the Richter Scale.

Past Lickhurst farm and down into the valley of Greystoneley Brook. Lunchtime was approaching and the waterfall at the end of the farm track (Where it turned into a public highway.) was the obvious spot.  We crossed the brook by way of the single piece of rock which, rather marvellously, formed the the base of the bridge and climbed over the stile to settle on the bank we had used before to seat ourselves comfortably. On a previous visit to this spot someone ( Vic ?) dropped a coin which we never found. On this visit Martin lost part of his leg....AAaaargh !    Panic not. He did not limp all the way home. It was the leg of his stool. (Sighs of relief all round.)  Obviously an enchanted Glen. BUT the good little "Tooth Fairy" left us a "Bob" (5p) which James found on the bridge.

Off again only to stop very shortly to chat (and naughtily laugh) with two punctured  cyclist. 

We took the next right turn (always right turns - it was a circular walk) and bumped into two of John R's extended family. Well they were Jack Russels  (dogs) Their owner described them as angels.   I THINK NOT !! Immediately after we left the road again, passing the newly developed properties that used to be Lower Greystonely Farm. Beyond these houses the track dipped steeply to the brook where the choice was "Ford or Bridge" The party was split !! Away from the brook for the last time and following the track up to one of the reef knolls that dominated the area. (These are the limestone hills that were once coral reefs in a warm shallow sea.) Here we visited the restored Limekiln  then finished our coffee or tea before striding out across the fields the latter part of which are known as Chipping Lawn  (I would hate to have to mow it !)  We rejoined the road a few hundred yards from Chipping and so ended our walk seated on the park benches enjoying Martin's generous provision of Shandy.  Into the cars and home.

A walk full of variety and interest  but as it is John's favourite walk the author would say that, wouldn't he ?

                               The Bridge at the Fairy Glen - Can that rock take such a load ?