Dunsop Bridge 4th August 2008

Both the short and intermediate walks set off together up the River Dunsop valley, a total of 16 walkers.

The weather had been forecast to be moving away but a steady drizzle persisted. Just before the bridge over the river 10 of us (the intermediate walk) turned right up a steepish path that led to a bleak and wet landscape.  We pressed on and round a group of farm buildings called Beatrix.  A bit further at Back of Hill Barn we stopped for coffee.  The weather was starting to clear and by the time we reached the highest point of the walk at Bull Lane the sun was making an appearance, and we had clear views over the Trough of Bowland.

After half a mile over a very large field we came to Gamble Hole Farm. Jim and Andy zigzagged to inspect the many shake holes in this area.

From here the footpath would have taken us over a field that had not just one but several bulls with their attendant cows.  We decided to bypass these by an adjacent route.  We turned and headed in a south-westerly direction down towards the main road; This turned out to be an eventful part of the walk with one obligatory boggy bit and one very difficult stile (complete with barbed wire); however we found a pleasant bank to sit and eat lunch.

We pressed on down to the River Hodder.  United Utilities were laying new pipe work here and the ground was wet and muddy.  However, a little further on we crossed over the river via a modern ‘Indiana Jones’ type bridge. 

 The walking on this side was much more pleasant.

Jim was wearing his favourite boots which had served him well in different countries over 20 years. Sadly this came to an end on the banks of the River Hodder when the sole of the right boot broke clean off. However U3A was equal to this emergency.  One member of the group (obviously always ready for any eventuality) was carrying a length of twine in her rucksack, and Dorothy and a band of helpers managed to tie the sole back on.  After some more repairs, the boot, and its wearer, finally reached the road.

It had been an eventful and scenic walk, ending in hot sunshine.

 Iris’s group had been back some time and had enjoyed tea and cakes in the café shop.