June Ramble – Sabden Brook
This month’s walk was centred on Sabden Brook, starting from The Spring Wood Picnic Site, Near Whalley and taking a north – easterly route to Sabden and returning on the other side of the valley. The walking conditions were superb, a warm, clear day and dry underfoot.
Leaving Spring Wood, the first part of the walk was along country lanes, starting the first of many ascents until we arrived at a stile which led us into a series of fields and a gradual drop down to the Roman road, which we followed to the start of a farm track. From here it was all cross country until we arrived at a riding centre and some beautiful horses. A torturous route through this establishment again got us back into fields and we were now heading for a wind turbine. Sometimes, we walkers complain about farmers and the problems that they occasionally create, but on this occasion, we were very impressed, as a” Path” had been cut for us through the long grass across the field.
We were now at the highest part of the walk, with Sabden clearly in view as we descended with woodland on our right and as spring is quite late this year, the ground was covered in wild flowers and masses of Bluebells.
Eventually, we arrived at Sabden, historically a small mill town, but now probably best known for the famous Pendle Antiques Centre. Seats, in memory of local people, were provided for us by the track, where we stopped for lunch.
Leaving the centre of the town, we crossed a bridge over Sabden Brook and what did we find? Public toilets provided for the benefit of visitors like ourselves. Such facilities give the impression that visitors are welcome in the town and the Dear Leader was so excited that he inadvertently used the ladies. Should have gone to Specsavers!, they said.
We now headed back via a parallel track on the opposite side of the valley, with the clear conditions providing superb views across to Winter Hill and beyond and we finally dropped down to the local golf club, with signs warning us of flying golf balls.
We all agreed that this had been a very scenic walk of about eight miles. Although the conditions were excellent, there had been some challenges, not least over twenty stiles, not all of them the easiest to cross.
Linda & Eddie Grange