Saturday, 6th July 2013

 

Walk: Sculpture Trail, Eadsford Bridge, Bashall Hall, Saddle Bridge, Lower new House, Waddington Coronation Gardens, Waddington Alms Houses, River Ribble
Start Point: Bradford Bridge Grid Ref: SD 745 439
Distance: 9.5 miles Ascent: 700 feet
Weather: Sunny all day Time: 4.5 hours
Comments: The parking area at Bradford Bridge will hold about 4 cars but many people park along the roadside just up from the bridge. The path follows the River Ribble and joins the Sculpture Trail.  After crossing Eadsford Bridge the route crosses the middle of a caravan park before continuing on past Bashall Hall. After passing Braddup House I headed down to an enclosed track south of Ridge Page Fold. This was an unpleasant path full of mud and midges! Definitely one to miss out next time. Reaching Waddington I headed for the Coronation Gardens - the main focus of today's walk. With all the flowers in full bloom this is an ideal spot for lunch - or just time to sit and enjoy. From here it was quite a short walk back to the car.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

A limestone otter by Fiona Bowley marks the junction with the sculpture trail.
It was commissioned to highlight the development work of the Wildlife
Trust and the importance of otters on the River Ribble

 

Mosaic waymarker by Paul Smith - each side having a different focus.
A number of such waymarkers were created with Clitheroe primary
schools through the Wildlife After School Project

 

Didn't find out what this one represents

 

As the Crow Flies by David Wood illustrates the four compass points
and forms a functional seat by the side of the river

 

More seats - for small people

 

Two heads by Thompson Dagnall. Dependant on your view point you will see
one or two heads carved into the trunk of this dead Elm tree

 

Not sure which this one was - just by the Waddington Road entrance

 

Brungerley Bridge

 

A group of youngsters have fun on the river . . .

 

and will probably be based at Waddow Hall . . .

 

which is reflected in the river

 

Mother and foal . . .

 

with an itch . . .

 

 poses for the camera

 

For future reference - there is a large car park . . .

 

beside Eadsford Bridge . . .

 

and a large seating area overlooking the river

 

Colourful grasses

 

Bashall Hall - the hall itself cannot be seen behind this building

 

Latecomer?

 

This lamb only looks a few days old . . .

 

whereas most are this size now

 

Ready and waiting . . .

 

I expect these hay bales will be collected soon

 

St Helen's Church dates from about 1500 . . .

 

but only the tower remains from that time

 

The nave and chancel were rebuilt in 1898 - 1901

 

The octagonal sandstone font dates from the 16th century

 

Coronation Gardens Waddington . . .
 

 

constructed to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.

 

The village, named after the Saxon leader Wada . . .

 

has earned the title of "Best kept Village" in Lancashire on many occasions.

 

The Alms Houses, originally Waddington Hospital, provides sheltered accommodation for elderly ladies

 

Heath spotted orchid?

 

Approaching Bradford Bridge . . .

 

for the end of the walk

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