15th December Moderate

Sunday, 15th December 2013

Walk:	Old Rhodes, Dale House, Forty Acre Farm, Cardwell House, Giles Farm, Wheatley Farm, Sharple's House
Start Point:	Longridge Civic Hall	Grid Reference:	SD 604 375
Distance:	8.1 miles	Ascent:	1,000 feet
Time:	5 hours
Weather:	Mainly overcast but with the odd burst of sunshine in the afternoon. Mild for time of year.
Comments:	Although the weather wasn't promising, fourteen people took part in the walk. The first leg of the walk was to Tootle Heights where quarrying once took place. From there the path dropped down to a former railway track that served the disused Lord's Quarry. Passing through several farms the route followed the lower contours of the north side of Longridge Fell to reach Dale House. At this point the path ascended steeply, gaining about two hundred and eighty feet, before arriving at Longridge Golf Course and Forty Acre Farm. Taking to the road the group then gained more height to reach Cardwell House. On the way fine views could be seen of the Chipping area and surrounding fells. The leader then led the group downhill to a small wood for a lunch break. On the way a football, found in the tall grasses, gave aspiring mature footballers a chance to show off their skills. (Don't ring us we'll ring you). No goals were scored so the group started the return journey across saturated fields and along quiet lanes towards Little Town Farm. Rather than use the main Chipping/Longridge road the leader retraced her steps back to Billingtons (farm) and then followed the rough line of former railway track back the Longridge Civic Hall. A good walk with a bonus of none of the expected rain.