Barrowford

One of the descendants of the Bannister family who have farmed in this area since the 1500s was Roger Bannister, he of the 4minute mile fame.                                                                   We started our walk today by following a path alongside Pendle Water, in an easterly direction. The path comes to an end at Colne Rd where we turn left crossing the bridge over the river then crossing the busy road and continue following the river on the other side.

     We are not going to cross this bridge, we are simply assembling on it for a photo shot.

This ancient cottage looks to be constructed from wattle and daub. The cottage stands alone and has obviously had some unwelcome visitors.

This notice was attached to a side door.

At the end of the riverside path we turned right crossing this bridge, the boards of which are sleeper thickness, much more substantial than they look in the photo.

Then began a long climb uphill.

On reaching the top of the hill we find ourselves in the village of Beverley. A long seat was too tempting to pass by.

Zooming in on Blacko Tower, a small battlemented tower, thought to have been the site of Malkin Tower, where Mother Demdike and some of the Pendle Witches hid before their arrest. The present tower was built by Jonathan Stanfield in 1891. Local folklore tells that it was erected so that he could see his girlfriend in Gisburn from it. When he found that he couldn't, he left it unfinished, to be completed by others.

An sudden downpour prompted us to don our wet wear.

On a previous walk, a few years ago, we had dinner in the beer garden round the back. We sat at the picnic tables at the invitation of the kind landlady.

Her generosity knows no bounds.

We had planned to have our dinner on a seat on the bank of Slipper Hill Reservoir, but a cool breeze persuaded us to revise our plan.

Descending a flight of steps down the bank to the lee side of the prevailing wind provided a more comfortable sojourn.

It wasn't far to walk along the bank of Slipper Hill, down to a lane then along it to. Foulridge Lower Reservoir. The reservoir could not be seen from the road so some of us climbed down into the dried up overflow channel to walk up it to get closer to it. 

While others decided to stay behind and await our return.

Vic's finally got down with assistance from John. Vic always has a can-do attitude, well done Vic, and well done John.

The water level of both these reservoirs today was well down.

Anthony, Frank and J W, by the entrance to the mile long Foulridge Tunnel, reflecting on todays walk whilst finishing the last of their coffees.

John, Vic and I stayed up above the tunnel. I did consider balancing my camera on the parapet of the bridge and getting in on the photo, but thought better of it.

A free toilet is provided, with facilities for anyone suffering from constipation.

This is where we leave the canal, crossing the bridge and following a footpath back to Colne Rd. Turning left we are soon back to our cars. Did someone suggest going to the Heritage Centre cafe? Oh alright then. Frank agreed as long as we let him buy the drinks. Oh alright then. The last half an hour past quickly as we listened to and told funny stories, some even told jokes.

Mike the bike, who wasn't walking with us today, it being his birthday this week had sent a tray of juicy lemon flavoured cakes for us, Thanks Mike, or should I say Thanks Kath.

DK