Slaidburn, Lancashire Sunday 25th October 2009

Today’s Walks

Strenuous Leader: Dag Griffiths     Distance: 12 miles

A walk around Stocks Reservoir.
Passing Hammerton Hall and Black House we come onto Ten Acre Hill from where we see Stocks Reservoir for the first time. We then make our way over a causeway and along the edge of Gisburn Forest. Next we cross Hasgill Beck and pass the derelict New House. We then head for Lock Bridge across the River Hodder and pas the hamlet of Kenibus. A short stretch on the road leads to the side of a disused railway line and a path on the other side of the reservoir eventually leading to another short road stretch before returning to Salidburn, initially alongside Croasdale Beck and then across meadows. There is no great height in this walk and on the recce there were only occasional muddy stretches.

Moderate Leader: Hazel Anderton & Ruth Melling     Distance: 8 miles

Mainly gentle up hill and down dale as we take a roundabout route over fields, down lanes and along the river via Highfield and Hammerton Hall to Gisburn Forest. We walk a while in the forest – look out for hairy bikers – and come out near the delightful little chapel. We then take the discretionary footpath, which is well used and rather muddy in places, along the side of Stocks Reservoir back to Slaidburn and the lovely pub.

Leisurely Leader: Philomena Walker     Distance : 7.5 miles

Through woods up to Tenter Hill, towards Myttons. Turn back towards Pain Hill down to Crawshaw, and into the village of Newton. Under Newton Bridge we pick a path along the River Hodder for a gentle stroll back to Slaidburn, and a pint at the Hark to Bounty or refreshment in Café or by riverside, weather permitting.

Easy Leader: Derek Lee     Distance: 5 miles

Unfortunately I have not had a chance to recce this walk. We will head west from Slaidburn to Pain Hill Moor, climbing 250 feet, before dropping back down to Newton, then returning along the river to Slaidburn.