Sunday, 12th April 2009

 

Walk: Bradford Bridge, Brungerley sculpture trail, Ribble Way, Edisford Bridge, Bashall Hall, Colthurst Hall, Waddington
Start Point: Bradford Bridge Grid Ref: SD 745 439
Distance: 9 miles Ascent: 650 feet
Weather: A frosty start followed by a warm and sunny day with very clear views
Accompanied by:

On my own

Comments: Walk 20 from 'Walks in Ribble Country' with an extension to Brungerley Bridge to take in some of the sculpture trail. The first treat of the day was to spot a heron on the opposite bank of the River Ribble. I took in a few of the sculptures along the Ribble Way before passing Waddow Hall, the Girl Guide Centre. With great light and water like glass I was really pleased with the photos I took on this section of the walk. I eventually crossed the river at Edisford bridge (Eadsford Bridge on the OS map). I was then surprised to find that the route took me through a caravan park where I was expecting a field!!! Eventually making my way into Waddington I was in for a treat. The 18th c. almshouses known as 'The Widows' Hospital' were well worth the detour necessary to view them. I would have liked to have a closer look at the parish church dedicated t St Helen, mother of Constantine the Great,  the first Christian emperor of Rome but as it was Easter Sunday morning I expected a service would be in progress. However, little did I know the treat that was waiting for me - the beautiful Garden of Remembrance with its stream, sundial, bridge and floral displays - the perfect place to stop for lunch. After leaving Waddington care is needed when taking the footpath opposite the school. One footpath is clearly marked leading directly away from the road. However, it is necessary to walk down the left hand side of the house, seemingly into the drive, where the footpath will be found on the left. From there on the route is clear. A most enjoyable day with a variety of terrain and points of interest along the way.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

A heron on the opposite side of the river . . .

 

and again after it has flown to a new vantage point

 

The stone otter sculpture stands at the junction of paths

 

One of the waymarkers made with the help of local school children

 

The legs of this structure are inscribed with North, South, East, West

 

A lively looking shelter

 

The sculpture trail is named after Brungerley Bridge

 

Two leaves - close to the entrance . . .

 

and at the entrance a structure I haven't been able to find information about

 

After passing Brungerley Bridge . . .

 

reflections become the order of the day . . .

 

with a particularly good view of Waddow Hall . . .

 

seen again in close up

 

Even the weir plays tricks with the water . . .

 

and its difficult to know which pictures to keep

 

However, the water passing under Edisford Bridge is too lively for reflections!

 

All the mothers are keeping a close eye on their babies today

 

Bashall Hall was restored in the 1970s and is a miscellany of styles ranging from Elizabethan to Georgian

 

The lonely ash tree provides the focus to take the correct line across this field . . .

 

and nearby Colthurst Hall can be seen

 

 

 

The almshouses, which used to be known as Waddington Hospital . . .

 

are set around a green . . .

 

with the warden's house, reading room and chapel linking bith sides

 

The Methodist Church . . .

 

and the Parish Church . . .

 

with its lovely Easter display

 

But the most impressive feature . . .

 

has to be the Garden of Remembrance . . .

 

with its sundial, bridge and brook . . .

 

together with the memorial cross

 

Twins - but not identical!

 

Returning to Bradford Bridge - and the car

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