Walkers :- John R, John W, Martin,
Anthony, Harry, Frank.
South Ribble ! After a negotiated Prexit and all carrying Visas (cards) we crossed the Rubicon (Ribble please. ) where John R awaited in Cop-out Lane, and headed for the twin peaks of Gaws Hill and Clieves Hill.
Sensible from here on please. ( Oh Yeah ? )
Left, Right, Left, Right. No not marching. Just negotiating the country lanes to our starting point.
A broad farm track led immediately away from our parking spot and took us in a straight line towards the distant snow-capped peaks (Sensible ??) Okay, the distant tree-capped low mound which was our first objective. Gaws Hill.
All around us flat, agricultural lands stretched to every horizon. Some still being worked others covered with a variety of crops.
Curly Kale ?
It wasn't long before we reached Gaws Hill which to our mystification was a nature reserve named " Gorse Hill ".
Slight though hill was it still afforded view of Blackpool Tower to the North and Southport, Liverpool and Even dimly seen Snowdonia to the West and South. It also afforded an ideal Coffee spot.
Behind the bushes, where we sat, we discovered this notice. As Meanderthals are not equipped with the skills to deal with Satanic rituals we left it strictly alone.
As we sat drinking our coffees (in my case soup) our tame "politico" Frank consulted his smart phone to keep us up to date with all the " Hirings and Firings " down at Westminster, This accompanied by suitable choruses of Oohs ! and Aahs ! The fates of Gove and Morgan were greeted most suitably.
Our path now led us down till we arrived at a rather magnificent gate marking the entrance to the nature reserve (we were leaving) 
At this point the way forward was not clear as several footpaths had converged. A passing lady (with dog) kindly helped us out. We now followed the highway for a while were we were unfortunate to be assailed by a ghastly sight. A rather handsome and obviously very expensive house was utterly ruined by acres of "PLASTIC" grass. The whole garden was a ghastly blanket of green plastic, "AAaaaargh !"
A small section of the fantastic plastic
We recovered our equilibrium and continued down the country lanes looking for our next stopping place "Clieves Hill" and it's viewpoint. I must, comment in passing, that the hedgerows and field edges were full of Harry's favourite wild plant COMFREY which it seems has legendary and multifarious almost magical properties.
As we continued down the road it was also rather strange to come across both versions of the areas title within a few metres of each other
Harry's Herb (see above)
As we continued down the road it was also rather strange to come across both versions of the areas title within a few metres of each other
At about 12.30 we arrived at the viewpoint, somewhat spoiled by a parked Slurry Tanker. LUNCHTIME ! The tanker soon moved giving us delightful views to accompany our "butties".
As you can see, after two weeks of sodden stomping, we seem to be having a sun-blessed walk for once. It was consistently dry underfoot but each time the clouds captured the sun a chill enveloped our friends. It was a case of jumper on - jumper off - jumper on etc.
At this point we had not accomplished half of our walk so a bit of a "Move On " was required. Lunch over we set off again with a little more haste (only a little.) Our "Speed up" attempts however were to be thwarted. We arrived at a road junction where a farm called "Gibbons" had been converted into several Des-Res's (desirable residences). In constructing them the footpath, which should have left the road through the farmyard, had been entirely obliterated. A friendly "native" advised us to return to the road and go round the new development where we could rejoin the footpath. OK ! Actually not OK. We found ourselves battling through a thick, shoulder high field of Oil-seed Rape plants. IT WAS NOT EASY.
It was slow progress and the tangle of plants even managed to pull the laces out of the eyelets of JW's boots. It was a great relief when we at last crossed a footbridge and entered a field of golden barley with a clearly defined footpath.
After this rather exhausting field crossing we were soon descending some rather awkward steps down to a sun filled towpath on the Leeds/Liverpool canal alongside which were moored some rather nice boats with quite exotic names. "Reina del Rio" (bit optimistic) or "Canalgesia" (rather witty). As we looked for our final "brew" stop, there were no seats but a solid bit of fencing offered a not uncomfortable substitute. Once again a stop meant a chilling as the breeze wafted through light summer clothing. Jumpers on, Jumpers off etc. again.
It was only a short distance along the canal before we joined the road for a rather long trek back to the cars. As we followed the towpath we came across a very interesting and historic notice,
As you can see, after two weeks of sodden stomping, we seem to be having a sun-blessed walk for once. It was consistently dry underfoot but each time the clouds captured the sun a chill enveloped our friends. It was a case of jumper on - jumper off - jumper on etc.
At this point we had not accomplished half of our walk so a bit of a "Move On " was required. Lunch over we set off again with a little more haste (only a little.) Our "Speed up" attempts however were to be thwarted. We arrived at a road junction where a farm called "Gibbons" had been converted into several Des-Res's (desirable residences). In constructing them the footpath, which should have left the road through the farmyard, had been entirely obliterated. A friendly "native" advised us to return to the road and go round the new development where we could rejoin the footpath. OK ! Actually not OK. We found ourselves battling through a thick, shoulder high field of Oil-seed Rape plants. IT WAS NOT EASY.
It was slow progress and the tangle of plants even managed to pull the laces out of the eyelets of JW's boots. It was a great relief when we at last crossed a footbridge and entered a field of golden barley with a clearly defined footpath.
Fields of gold (ish)
"Many years have past since those summer days among the fields of Barley" STING
"Many years have past since those summer days among the fields of Barley" STING
Here we are tramping along the road after a sunny day and a walk full of interest and challenge.
Can you see us ?
After a warm and strenuous day Martin's end of walk libation was even more welcome than usual.
Gratias Senor Martino !
Unused photos -
Unused photos -
Anthony emerges from the "Jungle"
Lunchtime loungers
Oxeye Daisy and Common Poppy (and yellow bits ?)
No Idea .Possibly Great Willowherb Anyone ?
Rosebay Willowherb
p.s. We need a botanist ,
Don't ask. A real mixture. On checking my reference books Shetland, Welsh Mountain and Blue faced Leicester are possibilities but could just be crossbreeds. I'm definitely no expert. JW.
p.s. We need a botanist ,
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