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 |
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| 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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