Hoghton Bottoms 5.25 miles Walkers Anthony, Vic, John R and Danny

                                           

After parking up on Bolton Rd at Riley Green. we crossed the A675, walked up the short lane to the left of the Royal Oak public house and crossed a stile into pasture land.

The path across the field led us on a gradual rise. On top of the hill stands Hoghton tower. This shot is taken with the aid of zoom.

Our path levelled out, until we reached a point where we crossed the long drive leading up to the tower.

We continued on, following the outside of the perimeter wall of the tower.

Reaching the unmanned level crossing on the East Lancashire Railway, we took heed of the signage as we crossed.

Once across the line our path led downhill.

Part way down we arrive at this ruin of a pair of semi detached houses, renovation of which would not be an option as there is no access to it by road.

This tree presented us with a topic for discussion, but no-one
came up with a logical explanation.

Any ideas ?

On reaching the village of Hoghton Bottoms we turned right passing under the impressive railway viaduct. We followed the River Darwen in search of a place to have our morning brew. Within minutes we arrived at this ideal spot

Brew over we retraced our steps back to the village.

Unfortunately at this time of year it isn't possible to get a clear photo of the impressive viaduct towering overhead.

A terrace of cottages in the village, would in earlier days have been home to a community of weavers.

Continuing along the road through the village we passed these none native animals that are becoming ever more popular these days.

The road took a sharp turn to the left and so began a long steep climb upwards out of the valley. At the top of the hill is the 18th century Methodist Chapel where we stopped for a breather. Sad to say it looks like it has fallen victim to a fire, and is now looking derelict.

About 80 yds after crossing over the railway we crossed a stile on our left which took us across a field to the perimeter wall of Hoghton Tower again. Turning right we headed back the way we had previously come, to meet up with John W, who had come to join us for lunch, which we had by the war memorial opposite the drive leading up to the tower.

John has been unable to join us on our walks recently, due to a knee problem, for which he is awaiting an operation. Lunch over we said our farewells and turned right. Immediately after Holy Trinity church we crossed a stile on the right.

Several stiles and fields and lanes later with not a great deal to interest the reader we emerge onto Sandy Lane close to it's junction with the A675, from where it was only a short walk  to our cars.

John had brought some cakes for us, to celebrate his umpteenth birthday. Thanks John and may you have umpteen more.