The Meanderthals: THE THREE R's

RAWTENSTALL, RAMSBOTTOM & RAIL 7/8 Miles

Walkers :- Anthony, Martin, Frank, Harry
James D, John R, Frank, John W.
( Mea culpa, Mea culpa, Mea maxima culpa. I forgot Paddy ! )

Less than a hundred yards from Rawtenstall Station a neat, well appointed free car park seemed to have reserved two spaces especially for us. "Thank You" we said as we gratefully accepted such a gift.

With waterproofs and warm layers not needed in this warm dry(ish) weather, it took no time at all to ready ourselves and set off.

Across a busy road, as it exited from a large roundabout, and we found rather a curious sign.

Leaving the railway Station behind we set off to follow the course of the River Irwell as it meandered down to Ramsbottom.

At first the path followed the course of the rails, indeed it's sleepered construction strongly echoed it's near neighbour.

It took a while for us to leave the urban environment behind and before escaping, one of the buildings offered a comment upon our group.

Urban footways never seem as clearly marked as their country cousins and it took us a little while to find the path leading away from this point. When we did we were immediately charmed by a couple of "Flintstones" style picnic tables and the decision was rapidly and easily taken to "Take Coffee" (not much waiting this week dear reader.)

An old building beautifully converted into an activity centre. Outside of which were the stone picnic sets.

Fred, Barney and Co.

The path we were following was bold and clear and in parts even shared it's progress with a cycle track . Just before we finally broke clear of the built up area we passed a vehicle which like our previous friend seemed anxious to comment on our group or it's progress and maybe forewarn us ?

For the second time our way forward now became unclear and no sooner had we clarified the route than a notice advised us that recent storms had swept part of the footpath into the river and it was now unsafe and a different route should be sought. Being the intrepid explorers (Old fools) that we are, we disdained such advice and continued on our way.

Wiser heads than ours, however, had issued the warning and we were soon forced to scramble up the bank and follow the rail tracks for a short distance before returning to the riverside path down some D.I.Y steps.

With what appeared to be a polluted River Irwell flowing beside us we next passed under a road bridge beneath which our attention was caught by some quite artistic graffiti (as well as the usual "Garbage")

With the confluence of river, rail and road, bridges such as those above and below (as they actually were) crossed our paths at regular intervals.

Our next encounter with the railway provided us with a pleasant and comfortable lunch spot with delightful scenery and a plenty of seating.

Lunch over and a period of problems began. The very attractive little hamlet of "Irwell Vale" was also a very confusing little hamlet and we explored several dead ends, losing some of our companions each time, before finally realising (thank you Paddy and Jim D) that our way lay back were our confusion had started. John W did try hard to send us in the right direction.

Wrong Way ..........

Wrong Way..........

Right Way !

Back on the right track there were more adventures for us to experience (only little ones) and more bridges to cross. We even had to walk the plank at one stage (remember the skull and cross bones ?)

At last our path reached Ramsbottom where again our way was unclear. A couple of dead ends and then we at last arrived at the Railway station which would take us back to Rawtenstall and our cars. As we approached the station a sign informed us that Jesus said " I am the way, the truth and the light." so I've booked him for our next walk.

It was a fascinating place to sit and wait for the transport home, surrounded as, we were , by so much well restored and maintained railway memorabilia.

We did actually tell Frank that a small rucksack would suffice for our walks.

It wasn't long before our trained steamed into the station.

We quickly boarded the train and were on our way back to Rawtenstall, pointing out, through the windows, the various stages of the path we had just walked.

As we chugged along the rails Anthony was presented with "Walker of the Week" for planning and leading a walk which was partly confusing but wholly interesting and enjoyable.

Back in Rawtenstall we had some difficulty seeking out whom to pay for our rail journey. The engine driver even suggested using the fair to have an extra pint at the pub at the end of the platform ???
Back at the cars a further presentation took place as Jim D presented the "Other" cup to Martin for his return after a his absence. (was this a shandy moment ?)