Sunday, 17th March 2013

 

Walk: New York, Sabden Fold, Fell Wood, Ogden Clough, Big End, Scout Cairn, Badger Wells Hill, Clitheroe Road
Start Point: Lay-by on Clitheroe Road Grid Ref: SD 775 380
Distance: 10 miles Ascent: 1,940 feet
Weather: Overcast with a fresh covering of snow Time: 6 hours
Comments: Overnight snow came as a surprise and provided quite a contrast to the same walk done five days earlier. A good section of surfaced road at the beginning of the route made for easy walking before tackling the uneven ground across the pastures. Fell Wood provided a fine display and the showers of snow from the branches were a delight to see. We were pleased to see that the early mist had lifted as we climbed to the summit - Big End - which was very busy as we arrived. Walking into a cold wind we quickly made our way to the Scout Cairn, stopping at the circular shelter on Pendle Hill for lunch. The new covering of snow and hard ground made the boggy sections easier to navigate as we continued on to the memorial cairn on Mearley Moor. It was then a short trek to cross Howcroft Brook and follow the main path before turning off to head back to the car park.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

We really hadn't expected snow as we met on the car park

 

The sheep are hoping that we are bringing them some food . . .

 

but I'm afraid they will be disappointed . . .

 

and the lambs must wonder what all the 'white stuff' is!

 

Looking down . . .

 

and up the valley - it could be the middle of winter, not the middle of March

 

A peacock shows off its tail feathers . . .

 

and round the corner there are lots more . . .

 

including a peahen near the gate

 

There is still a little hay around . . .

 

for these two fell ponies

 

Pausing for a group shot en route to . . .

 

Drivers Heights Farm

 

Fell Wood is looking very picturesque . . .

 

but you wouldn't think that it is now mid March!

 

Making our way through the wood . . .

 

involves dodging the falling snow

 

Joining the main track . . .

 

we exit the woods . . .

 

and take advantage of the wall for our elevenses stop

 

Lower Ogden Reservoir . . .

 

and Upper Ogden Reservoir

 

Beginning the climb . . .

 

there are views back over Lower Ogden Reservoir . . .

 

and Fell Wood

 

Higher up the sun makes a brief appearance

 

The summit is quite busy today . . .

 

and at the edge there are the beginnings of a cornice

 

The circular shelter keeps the wind away as we stop for lunch

 

The Scout Cairn has a 'snow hat' . . .

 

and provides the opportunity for a group photo

 

Was there water here when they built the wall?

 

Looking across the Ribble Valley to the Chipping Fells . . .

 

where the snow highlights the route up Parlick

 

The cairn on Mearley Moor stands as a memorial . . .

 

to two members of the Clayton-le-Moors Harriers

 

Crossing Howcroft Brook . . .

 

was a little tricky in these conditions

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