Ribchester

Leaving the car park at Marles wood, a hop skip and a jump brought us out onto the road! I'll rephrase that. Leaving the car park at Marles wood, a short plod brought us out onto the road. Turning right and crossing the road, we enter a field, from where there is quite a long but not very steep climb uphill alongside a hedge lined with rhododendron.

We couldn't get lost on this path if we tried. From the top of the hill we had a panoramic view of the Ribble valley. Our path led half way round the perimeter of a large field.

Jim is looking at a partial eclipse of the sun, through a purpose made eclipse of the sun viewer, brought along by Anthony.

              A high fence around this tree plantation even includes a gate above the stile.

Down at the bottom of the hill is where used to be a well known landmark, the De Tabley Arms, now tastefully developed into housing. To the right of it can be seen the bend in the road, that leads onto the bridge spanning the river.

The large lawns on either side of the path are being kept very tidy, while the path itself is left to go wild. The path is really not to bad, it just looks very neglected in comparison to the lawns.

                                                I Love this garden ornament.😘

                                Martin has joined us for dinner on the river bank.

After dinner we set off along a farm road, which is the Ribble Way. We will be following the Ribble Way for quite a way. Martin has decided to walk with us part of the way, but whats this? a stockade? No way.

                                                         An insect metropolis ?

                     All is revealed, but it would seem that supply far outstrips demand.

This farm at the end of the lane is where we return to the rough track, and where Martin leaves us.

                        In different times, this sign would cause quite a chuckle.

              The path climbs up, away from the river, and enters a stretch of woodland.

                                                   The must have bridge shot.

Coming out of the wood, the path climbs once again. At the highest point a fallen tree provides ample seating for an afternoon brew.

Setting off again, we soon get our first glimpse of the new Dinckle Bridge. As we continue on your writer begins to wonder if it was a mirage, as it looked to be a lot nearer than it actually was.

                                                          But here we are at last.

                       I have to say though, I think the old bridge was much prettier.

Having left the Ribble Way, we make our way back along the opposite side of the river, and after about half a mile we are entering Marles wood, and a lovely part of the walk this is, with its mature trees and picturesque stretches of river.

              Almost back at the cars now. Just some steep steps to negotiate and we're there.                                                                                     DK