July Ramble – Parlick – At Last!
Some time ago I included this local fell into our programme as, surprisingly, a number of our group had never been up it and many wished to do so. However, on the chosen day, the weather started out somewhat poor and got progressively worse, so that when we got to Higher Fairsnape Farm, the rain was torrential and the cloud was at the level of the farm. I therefore decided to abandon the ascent.
This attempt was so different, being in the middle of a heatwave and the hottest day of the year so far. We decided not to take the very steep climb from Fell Foot, but to walk around the fell and take the long but easier route up Fairsnape Fell. The long walk through the fields was quite easy until we passed through a gate that led us onto the flank of the Fell itself where the path was less clear and we eventually descended to a farm track, followed by a field that led to the River Brock, a tiny stream here and unfortunately, the footbridge was washed out, so we had to paddle across.
We were now at Higher Fairsnape Farm and the start of the climb. The path zigzag’s and is moderately steep, but we took our time, frequently stopping to admire the splendid view and it took us about one hour to arrive at the top, from where we headed for the lunch stop at the cairn called Paddies Pole and the adjacent shelter, which usually keeps the wind off you, but today it was shade we were after.
After lunch, and the knowledge that the hard work was behind us, we now headed south across Blindhurst Fell and by now, the para-gliders were out in force and managing to keep up in the gentle thermals and slight hilt lift. At one point, we heard a gentle whistle followed by a pair of size nine boots skimming over our heads, a very close encounter indeed! A pair of “real” gliders were gracefully soaring the ridge and staying up for some time.
Now we were approaching Parlick, but due to the aerial activity on top, we opted for the path to the East of the fell which gave splendid views to Chipping, Pendle and the East. This path eventually joined the main route down to Fell Foot and the end of the walk.
Although the heat was oppressive at times, this was an enjoyable walk on “our” fell and was appreciated by the Bolton group who compared it very favourably to “their” Winter Hill.
Linda & Eddie Grange