Wednesday, 12th December 2012

Walk: Jenkinson's, Higher Birks, White Fold, Whiteacre, Hesketh End and Blackmoss Farm.
Start Point: The Derby Arms, Thornley with Wheatley Grid Reference: SD 606 392
Distance: 5.25 miles Ascent: 365 feet
Time: 3 hours    
Weather: Very misty with temperatures just below freezing point and with the sun struggling to make an appearance.
Comments: On this dry but rather cold day thirty four people took part in the annual Christmas Meal walk. Fortunately a few days of frost had created a firm crust on fields that a week or so earlier had been a quagmire. Although there was plenty of frost and mist about the little sun that did shine helped to raise the temperature. Jack frost had been busy painting the countryside creating a pleasant backdrop for the group to admire. On the way round a couple of partially overgrown hedge stiles were cut back and a temporary step on a stile was fixed in place to assist the passage of this group and others. The meal at the Derby Arms was most enjoyable and well organised. Thanks to Terry and also to Pam the leader of the walk.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Ten fifteen and the sun struggles to shine through the mist

 

The start of the Christmas Meal walk

 

Lord's Lane with a hidden Jeffrey Hill in the distance

 

Still searching for the well

 

Fortunately a crust of hard frost sealed in the mud beneath

 

A frost-scape

 

Limbo, limbo . . .

 

limbo now - a farmer's anti rambler trap perhaps

 

No squelch of mud today, unlike the day of the recce

 

Winter wonderland

 

Is this web site on the internet?

 

A white green lane

 

Another frosty scene

 

Striations in the sky . . .

 

but still misty at ground level

 

Not much heat from the sun today

 

A hint of Lowry perhaps

 

Free range

 

A n-ice treat for the birds

 

A temporary step installed . . .

 

testing time

 

Hesketh End with Parlick Pike beyond

 

Waiting to cross a stile

 

Pam checks the route

 

Hesketh End and Longridge Fell in the background

 

Heading for Black Moss Farm . . .

 

after leaving Black Moss House

 

More frost laden trees

 

Elmridge Wood

 

Approaching Blackmoss House Hotel - better known as Ferrari's

 

One of a farmer's winter chores

 

A turkey escaping from Little Town Dairy

 

Settling down for turkey and tinsel

 

The high table in the gallery

 

A view from the high table

 

Rolls being buttered - soup must be on the way

Return to 2012 Diary                                                                                              Return to top