We left St Francis Close with Jim at the helm and proceeded to the Grimsargh to collect James. We then chose the 'scenic route' (Isn't ALL of Lancashire 'scenic'?) to Whalley.
We continued on to Spring Wood picnic site to the east of Whalley where we were able to park for the princely sum of just £1.00 for the full day. Even Preston can't beat that!
Our route took us by footpath and road back into the centre of Whalley and through the grounds of the parish church. We passed by the village primary school where the Sports' Day was well underway - oh happy memories for some of us!?
We continued on to the ruins of Whalley Abbey where we sneaked a peep at the ruins before anyone could charge us the admission fee of £2.25 each. (Tight bunch!)
Further along the road called 'The Sands' is the Catholic church of The English Martyrs. Here, in the beautifully manicured gardens we made good use of a picnic bench to have our 'morning coffee'.
Resuming our walk we passed the Gatehouse, on of the remaining entrances to the abbey grounds and continued on passing under the famous Whalley viaduct with its 48 brick arches carrying the railway line between Blackburn and Clitheroe (and beyond).
From here our route took us along the perimeter of Calderstones mental hospital and on to Mitton Road.
The pangs of hunger were beginning to take hold so an eating place was sought. An eagle-eyed Meanderthal spotted a fallen tree in a field which looked like the ideal place to sit for lunch even if we had to share it with some cows who were looking pretty docile in the mid-day heat.
One very observant Meanderthal noted that one beast was apparently keeping watch over the others and, in fact, it wasn't a cow but a bull! Jim was very quick to point out that it wasn't the only one! The whole herd were bullocks!
Our very observant leader identified two 'escape routes' should the situation 'turn nasty'! As it happened, they weren't the least bit interested in a bunch of old f**ts!
After lunch we continued on our journey, crossing the aforesaid railway line and headed through the village of Barrow to the more picturesque village of Wiswell (pronounced - 'Wissell).
Here, two benches had been provided for weary walkers in the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Garden and provided a suitable place in which to finish of coffee.
From here it was a steady uphill climb before finally descending to the Spring Wood car park. Oh dear! Where was the ice-cream man when you needed him? 'Ben Shaw Shandy was substituted thanks to Martin.
Walkers: Jim, James, Martin, John R and Anthony
Total distance: 6.63 miles.
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| A bit of sunshine and out come the knees! |
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| Longridge Fell and Kemple End Whalley is just visible at the end of the path |
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| Some of the arches of the Whalley Viaduct |
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| The 'Three Fishes' were part of the coat-of-arms of the Abbot of Whalley Abbey |
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| The ginnell leading to the parish church |
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| The entrance to Whalley Abbey It's a pity that people are not allowed in the grounds! (See the sign) |
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| The Conference Centre |
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| A quick peep at the ruins |
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| 'The Sands' |
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| The Catholic Church of the English Martyrs |
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| The Stations of the Cross in the church grounds |
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| The original Gatehouse to the abbey |
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| The A59 road crossing the River Calder |
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| Looking back to Whalley Nab and Billington |
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| Hungry sheep - living in hope! |
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| The railway line to Clitheroe |
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| Arriving at Wiswell |
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| Part of the centre of Wiswell |
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| The view of Longridge Fell before ascending to the car park |
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| Our route - starting from bottom right 'PC' |
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| Our route height profile
COMMENTS:
Nice blog and pictorial record of a delightful walk...thanks
(Jim)
Really enjoyed the "Match Report". It made me realise that to an outsider (Which I was yesterday) it brings the walks to life. Good photos too. (John W)
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1 comment:
Excellent "match report" and accompanying photos. As an outsider (for once) it really does give readers some sense of what we do each Thursday.
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