Sunday, October 14, 2007

Slaidburn and Newton

'twas with a joyful heart, England were in the final of the 'Rugby Union World Cup', that Chris and I set off on our Sunday walk. The URL for this walk is http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1389585.
Although relatively short, 4.9773 miles, it was relatively undemanding compared to last weeks 'ups-and-downs'! There were superb views over the Bowland fells and Hodder Valley. Both Slaidburn, once the administrative centre of the Forest of Bowland, and Newton are attractive and interesting villages.

Although there were fine views of moorland, ask Chris about 'Moorcocks', most of our walk was over farmland with the company of many sheep...

The photograph shows some of the sheep between Pain Hill and Crawshaw.
As we headed towards Newton, we took a brief detour into the Quaker Burial ground.

Sadly this has been left to become very overgrown. Apparently the Quakers were persecuted during the 18th Century and so they were forced to seek out small and relatively isolated places like Newton.
We eventually reached the river Hodder, and this final stretch was delightful and relaxing (Ratty and Mole would have been at home here and Dunnow Hall looked just like the home Toad would have lived in!)
We stopped briefly before Dunnow Hall, next to Great Dunnow Wood beside a ford.

Heading towards the 15th Century Church at Slaidburn, we turned off to complete the walk beside the Hodder. Fishermen, fly-fishing, were passed and eventually we arrived back at the carpark. Ice cream was purchased and as we consumed them - Poop! Poop! - an MG drivers club arrived on what appeared to be a treasure-hunt!
All in all, a bit of a "wind-in-the-willows" day.
And did I say England were in the final of the World Cup? :-)

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1 comment:

Lisa said...

Can recommend the 'Hark to Bounty' at Slaidburn great food.