Walkers :-. John W, Vic, Martin, Anthony.
With the hottest day of the year forecast. Chaos on roads around Preston and only four Meanderthals able to attend, perhaps we should have noted the portents..... and ….. and What ?
The day actually started well as we drove South alongside a completely blocked Northbound carriageway on the M6. We were soon parked up just off the M65 near to Riley Green.
We left the sun filled highway and turned onto a footpath taking us into a tree filled "Corridor" through the fields.
The initially broad track ended at a stile beyond which was a "Jungle". Clearly no feet had tramped this way for years.
Fallen trees blocked the way and any clearings were filled with brambles and saplings (mostly holly). We had to literally force our way through, ducking under branches and dragging away from thorny bushes which clung to our clothing.
Into the darkness ! (Can you see Anthony ?)
It was with a great sigh of relief that we broke out into any sun filled clearings and eventually arrived in open fields.
Once out of the "Jungle" our progress became easier but further evidence that the footpath was rarely used came in the form of a herd of cattle that took a very close interest in our passing.
Once we had escaped from this "friendly" bunch we crossed a couple of fields before skirting around a sprawling farmyard (Laund Fold) where a lady came out to point the way across the fields along the non-existent footpath and warn us that "The steps" might be a bit dodgy.
Anthony takes a bold step into the unknown.
Across this field as directed then we plunged into a deep, gloomy wooded valley which had an almost mystical feel.
A large snake reared up before us.
…..and a dead dinosaur lay to one side of the path.
It did , however, offer us the opportunity for a "Minimalist" bridge photo.
Beyond the bridge the "steps" led us up and once more into the sunshine.
The heat of the day and the unexpectedly difficult terrain meant that a drinks break was essential and as you can see a drink in the shade was "de rigeur".
From here a remarkably well constructed field wall led across the fields to the next farm. At one point it seemed to offer some relief for thirsty walkers. No... No.. it was a cruel joke.
The tap was not attached to any water source.
The next farm (Ollerton Fold) proved to be a rather more prosperous set of buildings and once through them our way led directly to the Leeds/Liverpool canal.
In the continuing fierce heat of the day a level and obvious path was very much a blessing. A few minutes walking and we passed under the M65 motorway we had left behind at the start of our walk.
Here in the shade a quick "Slurp" of water. We were well aware of the need to keep hydrated throughout the day.
Leaving the motorway behind we continued our walk towards the marina at Riley Green. Here we sought the shade (again) to sit and have our lunch.
Lunch over our path left the canal almost immediately to climb upwards towards our rendezvous with the River Darwen. This narrow, confined but clear path took us up to the Blackburn Old Road near to the Royal Oak at Riley green.
We crossed the road and continued along a wide farm track which we eventually left to drop down to the river,
On leaving the shade we found that the forecast of oppressive heat in the afternoon was correct. If you look closely to the left of our small group you might see a jogger who ran, sweating copiously, up the hill past your photographer. So there are even dafter people than your rambling friends.
Another brief re-hydration stop in what little shade could be found.
Again you will need to look closely at this long distance shot to see a brown bird ( possibly a Pheasant ?) also re-hydrating. (right in the middle)
The path now took us through a field before arriving back at the river bank and immediately climbing steeply up through a wood .
Following the pattern of the day the path was steep, difficult and at times precipitous.
Out of the wood, past hillock farm and down to the Blackburn Old Road again on the edge of Feniscowles.
This is NOT Blackburn Old Road ! That is just beyond the distant houses.
A short distance along the road and then back onto foot paths - not always "pretty" ones.
ANOTHER steep rise took us back (briefly) to the Leeds/Liverpool canal. More re-hydration and a rest. The difficult terrain and the heat of the day were beginning to take their toll.
Across the canal (by a bridge !!) and a steady climb took us once again to the M65 motorway. (This was becoming a bit of a "Boomerang" walk) The footpath once again led us down a steep and difficult bank and back up gain through brambles and nettles before passing under the motorway. It was galling to discover, at this point, that we could have taken an easier route.
We were not the only ones finding this walk difficult !
Once past the motorway a steep climb (everything on this walk was either steep or difficult !) up a field led to the next farm,
Further rest and water.
From here the last mile was to be very straightforward. a good farm road followed by quite flat fields. Your writer has to confess, however, that it was not easy. The heat and tough walking conditions had him feeling slightly (?) unwell and extremely tired. Just one more awkward stile to negotiate...……..
……...then, there in the distance was the parked car. Joy all round !
Our walk finished with Martin's Cooling shandy but there was even more delight. A "Scrumptious" birthday cake courtesy of Anthony. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTHONY.
THE END (thank goodness)
p.s. The writer must apologise for planning what on the surface (of the map) was a steady plod of a walk but turned out to be a bit of a nightmare in places. Possibly the hardest walk we have done for some time.
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