Sunday, 6th November 2011
| Walk: | Jeffrey Hill, Gannow Fell, Duddel Hill, Starling Brook, Hurst Green, Stonyhurst College, Walker Fold, Longridge Fell, Spire Hill | ||
| Start Point: | Jeffrey Hill | Grid Ref: | SD 639 401 |
| Distance: | 14 miles | Ascent: | 1,460 feet |
| Weather: | Mild with clear skies and views | ||
| Accompanied by: |
7 members of the group |
||
| Comments: | What a fabulous day! We couldn't believe the mild temperature with hardly a breath of wind. However, the same couldn't be said for the conditions under foot and the leader was awarded the trophy for the muddiest, boggiest walk of the year!!!! After a brief walk across to the trees of Longridge Fell we gradually descended across heather clad slopes and through pasture land to cross Duddel Brook. Taking a morning break on the sun warmed Clough Bank we crossed Starling Brook before beginning the ascent to Hurst Green. From here we made our way across to Stonyhurst College and on to skirt around the end of Longridge Fell. Lunch was taken with views across fields and fells, enjoying the autumn colours. A few more fields brought us to Walker Fold where we took a path to climb the north side of Longridge Fell. A section of forest track took us through the trees and on to Spire Hill. The low afternoon sun created great photo opportunities of the fells to the north - Parlick to Totridge Fell - but made it more difficult to avoid the never-ending 'boggy bits'. Arriving back at the cars with sun still above the horizon, (just) the group agreed that it had been a great walk. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Deep in conversation at the car park
One of the muddier sections of the walk
Early morning mist in the valley . . .
in both directions
An indistinct path leads through the woods
Can we come too?
Sunlight filters through the trees as we cross Duddel Brook
Elevenses on Clough Bank
Another bridge takes us across Starling Brook
Pendle Hill
An unusual fungus
The war memorial in Hurst Green
Hurst Green Alms Houses
Not a breath of wind
One of the ornamental Lakes at . . .
Stonyhurst College . . .
where old meets new
Watch out for the boggy bits
Lunch is taken overlooking . . .
trees with every shade of green
A tricky stile with a very wet landing
More autumn colours
Heading through the trees . . .
to climb the northern flank of Longridge Fell
Ray tests out the seat - not to be recommended
The sun highlights the contours of the fells, Parlick to Totridge Fell
Catch-up stop
A brilliant specimen
Late afternoon sun at Spire Hill trig point
The moon rises above the trees as we make our way back to the cars