The Meanderthals: "Fields of Gold"

HOOLE MOSS 7 Miles

WALKERS :- Dave, John R, Vic, Mick, Danny
Paddy, John W, Anthony, James

After picking up Dave and John R as we drove out of Preston and through Penwortham, we sped along Longton by-pass soon arriving at Drumacre Lane. Here we parked almost immediately after leaving the dual-carriageway and were soon crossing the first of several wet fields.

As sometimes ( Sometimes ?? ) happens on walks led by J.W. the footpaths were seemingly unused and consequently overgrown and punctuated by ill-kept and dangerous stiles. We clambered over a treacherously slimy stile only to be confronted by a narrow footpath completely filled with Nettles, Brambles and Himalayan Balsam. We battled our way along it before being cheerfully greeted by the owner of a rather swish stable complex.
"What are you daft xxxxxxs doing. Climb over the fence into our field. It's much easier. "
So we did.

Vic poised precariously centimetres over barbed wire.

Some of us retraced our steps to an easier point in the fence before joining the others at the stables gate. Here the helpful horse lady told us a tale.

Large, helpful horse lady on the left.
Below is what she told us.

The last time anyone had walked along that footpath was in the year 2000 when a group calling themselves the "59ers" came along. The 59ers were ex-soldiers who had to be 59 or over and be at least 5' 9'' tall. They came from Longridge.

No wonder the path was overgrown after 17 years. The lady led us through what could only be described as a "sumptuous" stable yard. Immaculately maintained with a large Bentley and other cars in the garage. Before seeing us on our way she asked if we would like a group photograph taking. "Yes please." we said.

We thanked the lady and then crossed a road and slipped down a narrow footpath leading on to more open fields again.

We are constantly surprised during our walks at the number of houses we encounter which exude "Money". There is quite probably an element of jealousy here but even in these days of austerity some folks have multiple thousands to play with.

Here we see Paddy emerging from behind the garden wall (for keeping the peasants out) of one such establishment.

A couple more fields and we arrived at what appeared to be an "uninhabited" farmyard where a machinery store lent itself to our coffee break needs.

As we finished our coffees and prepared to carry on we noticed what we presumed must be the home of some species of "Funnel Web Spider".

Leaving the farm we crossed another "wet" field before arriving at the next farm which was not uninhabited but looked as if it were. A friendly, if rather nervous pony, greeted us as we slithered through it's muddy enclosure.

We squeezed our way past derelict sheds and broken gates and came out onto a hard surfaced farm road.

we followed this until, upon crossing a bridge, we found ourselves in another upmarket "Horsey" establishment.

We stopped briefly to chat to a particularly friendly "Equine".

"What's that ? Speak up. All I can hear is a hoarse whisper."

"Moss Farm" we passed next .... but which one ?

As we walked along we came to the opinion that delivery men must get very frustrated in this area as every other farm was called "MOSS FARM". We passed at least four.

The next field we had to go through was narrow but VERY L - o - n - g . It almost seem to disappear into the horizon.

...and we're only half way down it !

At the end of this seemingly endless field a kissing gate led through a patch of Rosebay Willowherb to where the next few fields held crops.

There was some discussion . Was it Wheat or Barley ? After checking we opted for barley though we later came across wheat as well.

Barley

Wheat

"Among the fields of Barley"
Where's Sting when you need him ?

With a stiff breeze blowing and the flat terrain offering little shelter we eventually opted to have lunch in a rather scruffy pull-in alongside a minor road.

As we ate "Mystical Mick" explained how to "see" your AURA !

We promised him we would seek help for his condition.

Butties bitten and flasks having flowed we set off to follow what at times was a rather dodgy road. Cars zoomed past and at times we had to squeeze ourselves into the hedge on blind corners. John R went ahead as a "scout" to shout back warnings. We all promised to "chip in" for a wreath !!

Leaving the road we came to the railway were a warning was promptly taken on board by our willingly silly crew.

STOP ! LOOK ! LISTEN !

Anthony continues the "Silliness" offering to stop the train as we cross.

A Train ! Where's Anthony !

Once across the lines we continued towards the famous "Midge Hall".

(If, dear reader, you Google "Midge Hall you will find that there is a station, a pub, a farm but NO HALL and apparently there never has been - unless you know better ?)

There is , however, a Midge Hall Farm and here it is with Dave posing in front of it.

Bit of a nostalgia trip this as Dave worked here during his teenage years. - a LONG time ago.

One of the gentlemen working around the farm told us that local "Legend" has it that the name "Hall" was a corruption of "Hole" as the farm had a well, one of only a few in the area. Not entirely convinced myself but a well there certainly was. Now being "Tarted" up.

Out of the farmyard and back onto the road for a rather tedious trek along a narrow footpath.

By the time we left the road we were ready to finish whatever drink we had with us and we settled in the corner of a field much to the surprise of a landrover driver who, shortly after, turned into the field to find nine elderly gentlemen sitting cups in hand. He drove on across the field laughing as he went.

I haven't a clue what is happening here. Perhaps one of the gentlemen surrounding our "Praying" Danny can enlighten me on our next trip.

Flasks packed away and off on the last stretch of our journey. We almost missed the rusted kissing gate leading out of the field. (some of our more eager walkers did !) where a very green stretch took us through a very modern and very large poultry farm.

Our walk was nearly over. It was to end as it had started with us struggling to make progress along overgrown footpaths. Here we see "Jungle" Jim emerging from the OVER-growth.

From here a final stretch along the public highway and we arrived back at the cars. In Martin's absence, Anthony had thoughtfully provided the shandies. and as usual they were downed with great enjoyment. Thanks Anthony.

One further comment. NO RAIN ! in spite of that mornings dire warnings on the TV weather forecasts.

N.B. There will be NO walk next week

UNUSED PHOTOS :-