WALKERS :- Mick, Mike, John R, John W, Anthony
Harry, Vic, Jim C, Frank, Dave (New Boy)
As we gathered for our weekly walk, Larry Grayson must surely have lurked in our minds as I could feel his catch phrase hanging in the air "What a grey Day" (well nearly)
Large pools lay on the roads whilst rapid rivulets tumbled down their edges. A grey drizzle filled the air. Undaunted (I must confess to being a little daunted.) We set off for a changed venue. The planned walk to Darwen Tower had been switched to Rivington Pike. Temporary access problems apparently.
We arrived at quite a busy car park but found empty spaces at the bottom where we were greeted (treated ?) by (to) the sight of an oddly dressed group of young ladies doing energetic things on an adjacent patch .
From the car park we turned away from the cafe and set off along a path leading us to a damply dripping section of woodland where some of the trees would have starred in "Scary Movies",
The bare, damply black limbs of the trees dripped steadily and lent a gloomy atmosphere as we walked. The ground under our feet was slippery with the thick coating of leaves which had at last released their tenuous autumn hold and swirled and tumbled to the woodland floor.
Our path eventually brought us to the very road we had driven along as we approached the car park. Just before this we passed a delightfully situated and constructed Nursery school where mighty Oaks were being nurtured. (It was called "Acorns")This was rather appropriate as the wood we had passed through was dominated by oak trees.
Rivington Barn / Swiss Cottage ?
Only a short toddle along the highway before we turned upwards and away towards Rivington Barn and the Pike itself.
In spite of the double warning we did not see a single workman with his umbrella stuck to the ground.
Anthony had promised us good solid paths underfoot. So far he had been justified in his optimistic forecast.
An exercise in perspective ?
By now 11 o'clock had arrived and coffee seating was sought................and found ! As we reached "The Barn" the solid boundaries to the car park offered excellent "Backsides" support and it was there we rested.
Just across the car park in front of us was the Rivington Barn the well known catering establishment.
Beyond the Barn we left the tarmac and took to an equally strongly surfaced but considerably rougher track. This caused Vic to comment that he would not wish to drive a horse and carriage along it. Presumably he would prefer drive along the M6 (any volunteers to ride shotgun ?)
We continued along this wide and "Well Shod" track for some little time longer, steadily gaining height.
Every so often we stopped to allow the group to come together.
Not long after Mick pointed out that although the rain was minimal there appeared to be a mist drifting through the trees and we were indeed beginning to climb at the level of the low clouds. Although the rain was by no means heavy or continuous its influence was evidenced by the numerous small streams and larger trickles running down on all sides.
From here we took to somewhat narrower paths and a rather steep section quickly made us gain height. It was also gave us further evidence of the "WET". As we topped this strenuous section we crossed one of the larger tracks before immediately taking to a further steep section. By now we were REALLY in the mist.
Onwards and upwards.
Path or stream ? Mist or Cloud ?
This path climbed steeply until we arrived at the fence beyond which we could see the ruins of Lord Leverhulmes Terraced Gardens.
Russels in the mist ? ....... Absolutely... It's John.
Behind John (above) are the ruined garden buildings but we continued up the final short but even steeper section of the path to arrive next to the still complete pigeon loft (Dovecot?) The mist continued to thicken.
With the dovecot wall to the left, mist enshrouds the group. To see the whole building see earlier walks.
(Very Much Earlier)
We stopped briefly to chat to a school group before deciding NOT to climb to the summit itself as the view was totally obscured and there seemed little point. Leaving the broad track we began to drop down towards the "Japanese Garden" but a dimly seen piece of stonework caught Anthony's attention and we left the path to investigate. We found a confusion of stone arches and steps and the decision was taken to use the limited shelter they offered to take an early lunch.
As you can see, we by now felt like bit players in a Victorian Gothic Novel. At this point a higher power decided that no more photography would be permitted. OOOooooh ! (actually it was a LOWER power as John's camera batteries ran out.) This was rather frustrating as we next encountered a spectacularly precipitous stone stairway. Precipitous Spelled
S T E E P ! averred Anthony. We climbed down them cautiously as they were wet and slippery and covered in slimy leaves. Once having negotiated these steps we plodding steadily downwards until we arrived at the car park and cafe. "Coffees, Teas and Chocolates all round !" Thanks Frank.
A Grey Day - but a "Grade-A" walk. The suggestion was made that we should return in better weather when we could actually see where we were going.
Question : Do I use the word "steep" more or less often than the words "Car Park" ? Answers on the back of an oak leaf please.
S T E E P ! averred Anthony. We climbed down them cautiously as they were wet and slippery and covered in slimy leaves. Once having negotiated these steps we plodding steadily downwards until we arrived at the car park and cafe. "Coffees, Teas and Chocolates all round !" Thanks Frank.
A Grey Day - but a "Grade-A" walk. The suggestion was made that we should return in better weather when we could actually see where we were going.
Question : Do I use the word "steep" more or less often than the words "Car Park" ? Answers on the back of an oak leaf please.
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