Rawtenstall to Ramsbottom

Arriving in Rawtenstall in the Rossendale Valley, we parked in front of this magnificent building. Architecturally it is very similar to our own Harris Library and Museum in Preston

It was good to see a so many volunteers, both men and women working on the flower beds.This lady was one of them. She told us of many other interesting buildings in the town, but unfortunately it would have entailed going out of our way, to go and look at them, so we crossed the busy road junction to the railway station.

       The path to Ramsbottom began alongside the East Lancashire Heritage Railway line.                                           Eee It Aint Half Hot Mum." Can you here me mother"

                         A sanitised example of Rawtenstall's industrial heritage.

                                       Brew time on the bank of the River Irwell                                 

This bridge crossing the river looks like it could have failed a safety inspection at some time in the past, and has had to be strengthened, but in a most unusual way.

The mornings walk has been quite hot today, which makes us happy to have reached our dinnertime venue. in the shelter of the railway station waiting room.

We had only been sat down for about five minutes when two orange boiler suited railway workers came and joined us. They were soon followed by three more similarly clad gentlemen, which made us feel like intruders into there private space. But they assured us we were welcome to stay. One of them as it happened was retiring at the end of today's shift. There was much joking about him not knowing what to do with himself when he gets up in the morning.

I'd just like to announce the arrival of the 12. 30 diesel from Bury. Next stop, Rawtenstall.

Leaving the station, we entered the lovely village of Irwell Vale. The plaque on the wall, and also another one on the nearby Methodist Church are both dated 1855.

The rows of terraced houses would suggest that they were mill workers cottages, but there was no sign of a mill nearby. Perhaps we didn't look hard enough, The cobbled sets along the edge of the road would have stretched all the way across in the past, and would have rung to the sound of the metal caulkers on clogged feet.

                                                                       Blood brothers.

     Anthony warily keeps his eye on the horses which seem to be approaching ever nearer.

As this horse came a bit too near Anthony for his liking, he got up from his stool. He didn't fancy the idea of a horse breathing down his neck.                                                                     As it happened, it was a wise decision, as the horse next turned its attention on me. and as it came towards me, I put my hand out for it to have a sniff, but at that moment the horse sneezed and covered my hand and arm with a wet spray. It could have been worse.                                                           I think it must have had hay fever😄

                            The next village we passed through had a violent past.

We reached Ramsbottom in plenty of time to have some refreshments and have a look around the station.

This steam train was on it's way to Bury. We would catch it on it's return Journey back to Rawtenstall. Unfortunately the train on it's return was being hauled by a diesel engine.

Back in Rawtenstall. It's been a hot day, but much of the time we were sheltered by the trees                     along the river bank. A walk we must do again sometime.                                                  Thanks Anthony