February Ramble – Around Chipping
The walk for February consisted of a seven mile circuit to the East of Chipping. Unfortunately, three of our regulars were non-starters, due to undercarriage problems, but I’m sure that they will be back soon. However, we had a good turnout from the Bolton group which brought us up to strength.
Starting from the village car park, we first had a stop for coffee at the village café. (We really are going soft). Then it was through Chipping via Windy street and onwards, entering the fields along a curving path towards Pale Farm. Our route now took us through the garden of a beautiful barn conversion, but instead of the usual hostility to walkers, the owner had constructed a pretty walkway covered in climbing plants that led to the fields beyond. Then it was on to the Gibbon Bridge Hotel, the early morning mist now lifting to reveal Longridge Fell to the South.
At the hotel, we had hoped to see the owner’s classic Lagonda, a beautiful pre-war car, but alas it wasn’t to be seen.
Our next objective was Greenlands Farm and its two formidable guard dogs. Unfortunately, one of our party underestimated the length of the chain and received a nip on the leg here.
We were now heading for the highest part of our walk, Knot Hill. This was our scenic lunch stop, with views of Parlick to the north and Longridge Fell behind us and a lone Oystercatcher to entertain us.
Heading north now, and another farm, Lickhurst, followed by a last climb up along a green lane to Park gate, from where the somewhat muddy paths gave way to paved tracks down to Leagram Hall Farm and the lane leading us back to Chipping. Along the lane, the woods to the side of the road were carpeted in Snowdrops, indicating that the long winter is perhaps coming to an end?
This turned out to be a pleasant local walk, one of many that we are blessed with in this area. The mud was less of a problem than we expected and the weather was superb after the mist had lifted.