RODDLESWORTH

WET WOOD WANDER  4+ Miles 

WANDERERS :-   John W, Danny,  Vic, John R, Anthony.

A good start to the day as we received our copies of this years or rather NEXT years (2023) Meanderthal Calendar. Thank you Anthony the editor. 

Then off we went to park at Ryal Fold. The last time we parked here we set off to climb up to Darwen's Jubilee Tower. This time we crossed the road and went in the opposite direction towards the reservoirs.

There's the sign for  the footpath across the road from the Pub. 

The path dropped steeply down through the wood with enticing side paths at frequent intervals.

At this point your forgetful photographer (He's getting worse !) has to admit that having left his cameras at home he had accepted Danny's offer of using his. Thanks Danny. (Every walking group should have a "Danny")

To our left, through the trees we could now see the first of the two Roddlesworth Reservoirs.

John R, a keen swimmer, declared that although the water looked most inviting (Little Fibber ! ) he had, unfortunately, not brought his trunks

Here we have Vic, Anthony, John W........ and an escapee from .....Munch's "The Scream "

I do believe we have seen John R eating bananas before (see previous blogs).

 

We stopped for coffees/teas on the embankment between the two reservoirs.

Fully refreshed we continue across the embankment.

Danny, ever the democrat showed us the map and asked us which direction we would like to take next. I am sure Danny, being super fit, is disappointed when we lumbering oafs choose the shorter of the routes he offers.😕

Which way do you prefer lads ?  LEFT !

So........ over the bridge and along the other side of the reservoir.

This actually proved to be a good choice as it took us along a very well constructed and maintained footpath.

As I was about to take this photograph Danny pointed out that a different angle would bring the autumn colours into the background. Advice readily accepted.  Merci Monsieur Monet !

We had no rain as we walked but the woods had a decidedly damp feel.

Those stones haven't done much rolling recently.

The path continued to pass intriguing diversions.

Just over the brow and through that gate there is a ....................... ?

But we stuck to the main path. Passing the only building on our route.

This was a lodge belonging to a fishing club.

Shortly afterwards we left the main path and dropped down towards the stream to have our lunch.

Oh dear. Are you sitting comfortably Vic  ?   NO !!  Bit of an awkward tumble but fortunately no serious damage.

The steps were rather steep and flags had been placed to make them easier but slippery dead leaves and loose shingle at the edges were still a hazard.

It was lunch time and suddenly, "Alice and Wonderland" like we stepped into a weird and unreal world

 The photographs appear to say that we were alone in the woods, Not so. We frequently passed and greeted other walkers.  A group of such walkers passed by as we sat eating. They were fascinated and amused by our now ubiquitous stools.

Stuck in this outlandish world of distorted colour. Once again Danny came to the rescue. John W,  using an unfamiliar camera, had inadvertently switched to a different "Mode". Danny soon sorted it out.

"MEANDAFALL"

Soon after we returned to the "Real" world we also re-joined the main footpath.

Climbing up away from the stream we came across an unusual memorial plaque.

Strange growths were not quite such a visual delight but still quite fascinating. Here the all-pervasive moss is growing up the young seedling trees.

The autumnal colours continued to delight us.

Almost back at the cars now.  just a steady climb away from the valley and the reservoirs. Your somewhat unfit writer, for one, found this quite a challenge.

A final breather at the top of this short flight of steps. Then a couple of hundred yards took us up to the car park and a welcome brew in the "Ramblers Cafe"

THE END

JW