August 8th Leisurely

Wednesday, 8th August 2012

Walk:	New York, Ratten Clough, Lower Sabden Fold, Lower Houses, Drivers Ford, Dean Farm and Sabden
Start Point:	Sabden car park	Grid Reference:	SD 779 373
Distance:	5 miles	Ascent:	470 feet
Time:	3 hours
Weather:	Dry and mainly sunny, very warm
Comments:	After ordering lunch at the nearby White Hart public house the joint leaders led the group of twenty-six gently upwards past New York to Ratten Clough. Here the path levelled out before descending towards the valley of Sabden Brook. The remainder of the walk was on a mainly level track back to Sabden. The route afforded some glorious views of this beautiful part of Lancashire but unfortunately there was an absence of old Treacle Mines. Although it was August some of the hay meadows were quite wet underfoot. Footpath No 15 which passes through Lower Houses is not very obvious on the approach to the rear of property. It would appear that a fence has been recently erected but there is a stile giving access. The area is strewn with building materials but the path does emerge on the west side corner of Lower Houses. (The lady of the house is non-too pleased if one uses the gate on the east of the house). Public footpaths in Lancashire can be viewed on, www.mario.lancashire.gov.uk. Another good walk in a pleasant area.