Pan... what? The weather today wasn't very promising and we eventually decided to go back to Wycoller to do the two other walks, combined as one. The URL for the route we took is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1055379
Chris, as she is wont, went to look at the noticeboard and map only to return with this, new to me, term 'Panopticon'. Apparently the 'spaceship' we had seen on our last walk around Wycoller was a Panopticon; a structure, space or device providing a comprehensive or panoramic view!
More of this later; dressed for the rain that appeared to be due any minute, we set off; away from the car park (and away from Wycoller) and across fields past Slack Farm, across the small tributary of Wycoller Beck and onwards to Souteril Laith. The Farm Building conversion here was underway and after brief inspection we continued to Winewall past a disused quarry. We watched briefly Kestrels, that were apparently nesting on the quarry face.
Down through Winewall, a very attractive East Lancashire village (the incline too steep for Chris to want to live there) past the Cotton Tree Inn; yes I did say past! and over the Colne Water.
We then turned right and followed the river Colne Water to Laneshaw Bridge. The mill pond and weir were two of the attractions on route.
Dog Roses were in most hedgerows, although in a week they were well past their best.
From Laneshaw Bridge we followed, what was now Wycoller Beck, to Wycoller. This East Lancashire village is just as if you have stepped back in time; wonderful! At the back of the ruins of Wycoller hall we sat briefly for water (we had plenty) and banana.
Climbing the steps at the back of the hall we headed up, what I found out later, an Old Coach Road. the Panopticon could be seen above us...
It was apparently the winner in the international Panopticon competition organised in association with the Royal Institute of British Architects in summer 2003 to find original ideas for East Lancashire's new landmarks.
Our instructions should have taken us along a path below but I decided I need a closer look and Chris was just a keen.
You must admit it was worth going to see! The view as we entered...
was impressive and having admired the views, turning back towards the door was just as impressive.
If you click on the images you will find greater detail and additional information, on flickr.
From the Panoptican we went higher up and past Foster's Leap; a impressive group of boulders, overlooking a very green Wycoller valley. It was then down past the side of the old farmhouse and diagonally across fields towards Parson Lane Farmhouse. Crossing Wycoller Beck again we past along the track through Smithy Clough, returning to Wycoller along Smithy Lane. On the way we past a series of willow sculptures, near the Aisled Barn. (Another project like the Panopticans, called Land).
Refreshments were consumed at the Craft shop in the centre of the village before we returned to the car park and home. It was father's day so it was nice to talk to Mandy in Peterborough, Ben in San Francisco and to have Melanie round for tea later that day. All in all, an excellent day was had by all and the rain kept away!
technorati tags:Wycoller, Winewall, Laneshaw, Panopticon, Fosters, leap
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