WALKERS :- Paddy, John W, Jim D, Mick
Anthony, Victor, Harry .
With the Cro-Magnon (Meanderthalis Adventurosii) branch of the tribe foraging further north, the main body of the group (Meanderthalis Domesticae) parked in a small but delightfully formed Car Park just off the A59 in Gisburn. After parking for free (donations please) we set off through this amazingly interesting village.
Just beyond the eastern confines of the village a track led us gently away from the busy main road and immediately into the enchantingly soft and rolling countryside of this area.
As we crested the top of this first hill the rather dramatically named "Bomber" farm lay before us. To be honest the farm itself was somewhat less dramatic and we were soon passing beyond it over "Bomber Hill" and on our way to the next farm, "Sycamore". This was a huge complex of buildings , all of which seemed to in immaculately maintained condition. Indeed the whole area shouted of prosperous farming.
As we approached the pristine environment of this farm we were even issued with a "Warning".
The chickens , however, were obviously in on the "Keep Britain Tidy" act as not a single one appeared.
Summer may be officially with us but there was still a chilling breeze to keep us muffled up. As a consequence we were a little late in finding a sheltered "Coffee" spot.
This particular "Hot Tub" did not entice us at all.
But this bank in the lee of a wood did !
Is it a bird ? Is it a plane ? No. It's SuperVic !
choosing to drink at another establishment.
Leaving our coffee spot behind the path rose towards another of the "TellyTubby" hills before, in the middle of the field, for no apparent reason, we came upon a footpath crossroads. Here a sharp right took us to a narrow point in the wood. Over the stile and down through a sparsely treed yet quite atmospheric wood.
Out of the wood and onto another farm track passing an attractive small lake. (no photo ???). Across the valley we were intrigued by a figure moving slowly over the grass waving something. Eventually we surmised that it was a lady (?) using a metal detector.
As we reached the road we were greeted by a sad little fellow in a velvet Jacket.
....but Vic's not wearing a velvet Jacket !!
Watch out little mole Vic looks Hungry.
Watch out little mole Vic looks Hungry.
We were now approaching the Zenith of our walk - the hamlet of Bracewell. Almost every building in this tiny hamlet oozed character and charm. (and "Money" !) St Michael's Church reeked of ancient times and was surrounded by equally dignified and historic buildings. Each competing with it's neighbour in handsome exhibitionism.
St Michael's Church
Hopwood House
After briefly looking round the churchyard we settled in the church porch for our lunch. Sadly the church was firmly locked against us.
It was almost impossible to leave this amazing little place without further exploration and we spent some time looking round the graveyard and the surrounding houses before continuing our walk.
As we prepared to leave the village we were intrigued to to be informed that "King Henry's Parlour" was in the vicinity. Unfortunately we were unable to discover it's whereabouts or even what exactly it was. Harry, however, presented a very regal aspect for us. (though James appears to find the idea amusing)
Our way back now lay over more rounded hills and neat little valleys all the result of glacial deposition. The hills being examples of "Kames". (The writer described them as "Telly Tubby Topography). Each of the rounded hills was clothed in lush, rich grass and the fields were large and fertile. We occasionally came across some very venerable trees.
Another attractive Lake/Reservoir lay beside our path (No photos again !!) and as we came to the end of this one we searched for a sheltered spot to finish our flasks.
Resuming our walk we were soon in sight of Gisburn. Crossing a final stile we came across evidence of the murderous intentions directed towards our velvet jacketed friends.
"Is Jim still with us ? Quick check everybody. Oh there he is.... OK !"
Our way back now lay over more rounded hills and neat little valleys all the result of glacial deposition. The hills being examples of "Kames". (The writer described them as "Telly Tubby Topography). Each of the rounded hills was clothed in lush, rich grass and the fields were large and fertile. We occasionally came across some very venerable trees.
Another attractive Lake/Reservoir lay beside our path (No photos again !!) and as we came to the end of this one we searched for a sheltered spot to finish our flasks.
Resuming our walk we were soon in sight of Gisburn. Crossing a final stile we came across evidence of the murderous intentions directed towards our velvet jacketed friends.
John W points out and explains the workings of mole traps.
A final hill and farmyard and we joined the tarmacked road which would lead us back to the cars. Here we see Jim D vehemently protesting the accusation that he was feeling at least a little tyred.
One final stop to look down across the fields to Gisburn
It was only a few minutes before we arrived back at the car park. A truly delightful walk in an outstandingly gentle and welcoming part of the country.
It was only a few minutes before we arrived back at the car park. A truly delightful walk in an outstandingly gentle and welcoming part of the country.
Further Photos :-
A strangely "Stand Alone" archway in the churchyard.
A rather "artistic" growth on the side of a tree.
"I spy with my little eye, gnarled old limbs " " Speak for yourself tree !"
A once attractive wrought iron gate.
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