Downham (near Pendle Hill)

Downham: 5.5 miles -Walkers: Martin, Mike H, Jim C, Danny, Jim D, Dave, Mick K, Vic and Anthony

Just two days after Hallowe'en it seemed appropriate to have a walk in the 'shadow' of Pendle Hill, famous for its association with the Pendle witches.

The main street through Downham.
The village was the location for the fictional village of 'Ormston' in the BBC drama series 'Born and BRED' broadcast between 2002 and 2005. (Click here to read more about it.)

Leaving the village by the bridge over Downham Beck with Pendle Hill in the background.

There was a large number of very well-fed ducks on the Beck.

Further up the beck a farmer was herding a large number of sheep some considerable distance
with just one sheepdog and a quad bike.

Climbing up a small rise with Downham just visible in the distance.

Our route took us on a short stretch up a country lane, which, looking back afforded a splendid view of
Parlick and Blindhurst.....

.....then it all went 'pear-shaped'!!
Our intended route ended abruptly at an abandoned farmhouse! No alternative route was available so, after wandering around aimlessly trying to find a suitable path, we came to the conclusion that we were completely surrounded by a barbed-wire fence with no suitable exit! So what did we do? We did what Meanderthals do under such unforeseen circumstances....we had lunch!

After lunch, as time was getting on, we decided to back-track a short distance and find a path that would take us back eventually to the village.

Satisfied that we had made the most of our day and had enjoyed the splendid autumn views and early November sunshine, we headed back to the car-park and our usual supply of Martin's shandy.