Wednesday, 18th September 2019

Due to an accident on the M6 several walkers, especially those from Preston and south, had an horrendous journey but most arrived for the 10.15 start.  This was a ‘no pub’ walk.  There were 22 ramblers in total, 14 on the longer walk and 8 on the shorter one.   We attacked the first few fields with gusto but soon slowed as the incline took its toll after two long fields of ascent; not helped by the very soggy rough ground which had been churned up by the cows.  The group dutifully followed the instructions for single file across one grass field as I knew it to be a sown crop.   It was a pleasant ascent up towards Burns Farm but the view was quite hazy towards the coast – no Blackpool Tower!    This was the highest point of the walk and after a few grumbles and a pause to catch our breath we made a steady descent into Calder Vale. We did wonder who lived at the very upmarket development at Lower Cottage.   The ladies appreciated the public toilet that has been made available in the village – but there’s only one!  The climb out of the valley didn’t seem too bad and we were soon back on the homeward stretch.  The big discussion was ‘where are we going to eat?  Three places were chosen, Daisy Clough, the Barn and Guys Hamlet. The latter had to be abandoned due to a tail back of traffic on the A6 and four of us had a very pleasant meal at the Horns Inn, two courses for £10.  It would be worth another look for a possible venue for a Wed walk.  Getting home for some proved to be another very slow journey.