Walkers:- John W, John R, Harry, Anthony,
Martin, Danny, Mike, Tony (visitor)
With Tony visiting us from his home in Spain the group agreed to revisit Longridge Fell which afforded extensive views of our fellow walkers old stomping grounds. A dose of nostalgia was planned. Our meteorological masters , however, had different ideas.
Here we are setting off from the car park at Jeffrey Hill. Visitor Tony is on the right.
...and here's the first of the extensive views spread out before us.
We very quickly climbed out of the rain and into the equally wetting clouds. Our walk was almost immediately turning into a repeat of last week with sodden, swampy conditions wherever we trod.
A clearly defined path led us steadily upwards along the "Long Ridge" before turning sharply right and rising slightly more steeply till we arrived at a dry stone wall. DRY ! Hmmm.
After a short break to discuss the weather "**** ******* !"
we resumed our walk, following the wall as it continued along the ridge. The path was rather more akin to a rivulet or small stream which trickled round our boots as we plodded on.
As we approached the summit of "Spire Hill" we had to climb over the first of several stiles which we found quite difficult to surmount. The combination of unusual height, missing parts and slippery wood ( and dare I suggest ageing limbs ) made them quite challenging.
In spite of the slimy wood and broken bits (on the ground) Anthony still manages a dazzlingly sunny smile.
A few minutes later we arrived at the O.S. triangulation point on the Spire. " COFFEE TIME ! " You will notice the fabulous views beyond our seated colleagues.
Coffee time over we now had to climb over the afore mentioned stone wall (not, as you know, dry) where we each in turn balanced precariously and did a shuffling pirouette atop before dropping down on the other side.
The wet path now led us quickly into a dark and gloomy stretch of forest where the wetness did not abate and some of the trees added a rather "Gothic" feel to our route.
Soon after, we broke free of this claustrophobic woodland, and were pleased to see that the clouds were lifting and the rain had nearly stopped.
Back into the trees again. This time rather more airy and pleasant. Here we came upon a dry, pine needle carpeted area overlooking a prettily dramatic water filled quarry. LUNCH TIME !
Back into the trees again. This time rather more airy and pleasant. Here we came upon a dry, pine needle carpeted area overlooking a prettily dramatic water filled quarry. LUNCH TIME !
Hot and sweaty as we were, the break in the rain allowed us to shed our all enveloping waterproofs. As we were finishing our "butties" and preparing to carry on, a shout from Harry (our tame weatherman) alerted us to the surface of the small lake below us which was being lashed by heavy rain. WATERPROOFS BACK ON !
As we left we skirted the cliff-like edge of the quarry, John W who suffers from vertigo (cowardice ?) felt somewhat uncomfortable. A neat and dry little path quickly led us down through the remainder of the wood to a second awkward stile (high with loose bits) and out onto the highway. A right turn and a short walk - up and then down - before we left the road to head back up towards the top of the ridge. As we did so a rather cheeky gatekeeper held out his cap for donations. He was sadly disappointed.
Uphill again through a field of long, wet grass where a herd of cows stood and gave us baleful stares. Having been given a leaflet by Martin on how to deal with cows we were confident we could cope with any bovine bother. The cows were ENTIRELY AMIABLE. At the top of the field a gate led us once again into woodland but before we progressed we stopped for a group photograph. Here John W's excellent photographic skills came into play as he produced his gorilla pod and set his self timer. Much laughter ensued as the first attempt FAILED but the second attempt................ ? FAILED.. Third attempt ..................? WORKED. David Bailey clearly has nothing to worry about.
This particular bit of woodland was only short before we found ourselves once again on a broad forestry track.
As we followed this track the rain and mist at last began to clear and more distant views appeared around us.
An opening at the side of the track looked as if quarrying of some sort was going on. The track veered to the right and climbed quite stiffly upwards. The heavy cloying atmosphere and difficult ground underfoot were by now taking their toll on some of the walkers who where becoming more than a little tired. A brief but extraordinarily dark stretch wood to pass through and we were back on the rivulet ramble upon which we had started earlier in the day.
As we left we skirted the cliff-like edge of the quarry, John W who suffers from vertigo (cowardice ?) felt somewhat uncomfortable. A neat and dry little path quickly led us down through the remainder of the wood to a second awkward stile (high with loose bits) and out onto the highway. A right turn and a short walk - up and then down - before we left the road to head back up towards the top of the ridge. As we did so a rather cheeky gatekeeper held out his cap for donations. He was sadly disappointed.
Uphill again through a field of long, wet grass where a herd of cows stood and gave us baleful stares. Having been given a leaflet by Martin on how to deal with cows we were confident we could cope with any bovine bother. The cows were ENTIRELY AMIABLE. At the top of the field a gate led us once again into woodland but before we progressed we stopped for a group photograph. Here John W's excellent photographic skills came into play as he produced his gorilla pod and set his self timer. Much laughter ensued as the first attempt FAILED but the second attempt................ ? FAILED.. Third attempt ..................? WORKED. David Bailey clearly has nothing to worry about.
This particular bit of woodland was only short before we found ourselves once again on a broad forestry track.
As we followed this track the rain and mist at last began to clear and more distant views appeared around us.
An opening at the side of the track looked as if quarrying of some sort was going on. The track veered to the right and climbed quite stiffly upwards. The heavy cloying atmosphere and difficult ground underfoot were by now taking their toll on some of the walkers who where becoming more than a little tired. A brief but extraordinarily dark stretch wood to pass through and we were back on the rivulet ramble upon which we had started earlier in the day.
"Who you gonna call ? Ghost Busters !" or is it Mike ?
From here our old friend the "WET stone" wall took us straight as an arrow back to the road .
Think you need to close the gate Anthony.
Through the gated stile and right turn, uphill (of course) and we were back at the cars. Martin, although in a hurry, still had time to dispense his welcome shandies.
The "Walker of the Week" trophy was presented to visitor Tony for travelling furthest to join us.
Yet another "WET" walk. When is summer going to treat us properly ?
Unused Photos.
Above and below --- THE PATH !
The Greyhounds wait as the snails and tortoises catch up
Will there be a hose-pipe ban this summer ? Will there be a summer this summer ?
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