Sunday, 3rd February 2013

Walk: Middleton, Lothersdale, Elslack Moor, Pinshaw, Thornton Moor, Hawshaw Moor
Start Point: Holy Trinity Church, Ickornshaw Grid Reference: SD 968 430
Distance: 13.3 miles Ascent: 2,400 feet
Time: 5.75 hours    
Weather: Thick mist in the morning, improving to an overcast but dry day
Comments: Six walkers set off in the mist along the Pennine Way to Thornton in Craven. Crossing Elslack Moor the views from Pinshaw (the highest point of the day) were disappointing due to the mist. Annoyingly, after leaving Pinshaw the mist did lift and we had some fleeting glimpses of Pendle Hill. The return route followed a number of quiet lanes and field paths, which were surprisingly dry considering the recent weather.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

At the start - Church in Ickornshaw

 

Setting off from Ickornshaw on the Pennine Way

 

Looking down into Lothersdale

 

The mist thickens as we cross Elslack Moor

 

The trig point

 

It starts to clear as we drop down off the moor

 

We are still on the Pennine Way as we drop down to the disused railway

 

Warm and sheltered!

 

After the steep ascent up from the disused line we reach the 'Pile of Stones' with no name!

 

The sky goes dark again as we cross Thornton Moor

 

Approaching a fine ruin where we stop for lunch

 

Ickornshaw comes into view in the distance

 

A sheep totally engrossed in what it is licking

Return to 2013 Diary                                                                                              Return to top