Sunday, 2nd August 2015

The group of eleven commenced the walk before the rains came but had to don wet weather gear after about an hour.  A few fields into the walk, the group disturbed a couple of deer that rapidly disappeared out of view.  Whilst talking a break and admiring some hefty Limousin beasts (cows and bullocks) a farmer appeared and told the group a little about the Limousin.  It would appear that a bull could cost as much as a cheap house or an expensive car.  The group then continued, in the rain, through meadows and along tracks to reach Stocks Reservoir dam where lunch was taken minus the rain.  Resuming the journey the group passed Hammerton Hal, the floor plan of which is in the form of a capital “E”.  It was once the home of the “de Hamerton” family, a wealthy medieval family who were reputed to have been able to ride from Slaidburn to York (50 miles) over their own land.  On reaching Slaidburn the group visited the “Ice Cream” shop before following a permissive path back to Newton alongside the River Hodder in light rain.  A good walk all year round.