~Boulsworth Hill~
23rd April 2016
The Summit ~~~ Lad Law
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Pendle Hill
To Boulsworth or not to Boulsworth, that was the question early on Saturday morning. I parked between the two Coldwell Reservoirs in East Lancashire. The first part of the walk is part of the "Pendle Way". Pendle Hill is in view across Coldwell Lower, all very calm at 07:40hrs.
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Coldwell Activity Centre |
Coldwell Upper |
It takes me 12 minutes to drive from home to Coldwell Reservoirs - this is another walk on our doorstep.
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Ascent Route
It's a mess! There is nothing easy about the trudge through the lower reaches of the fell. You'll need waterproof walking boots at the very least, even gaiters would be useful.
Trawden
Trawden, parts of Colne and Ingleborough in the distance.
Abbott Stone
Walkers have resticted access on Boulsworth Hill. But the information signboard is missing at the start of this climb, so in the absence of contrary advice, we walked on as usual.
Molly on top of Boulsworth Hill 1,696ft asl
Usually when I tell Molly to "go to the top" she makes a beeline for the trig point (if available). Here she realised that the trig was not situated at the highest point so she climbed up on the rocks (as seen).
Me and Molly
Try rolling over your pointer on the photo - now you see us .... now you don't!
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Colne
The views form up here on a clear day are fantastic. I could make out Peak District tops in one direction and an outline of the Lakeland Fells in another. The route down is easy to find in such weather, maybe not so easy in mist.
Air Ambulance
An Air Ambulance is arriving to land in Colne.
Route Down
At the foot of this path is a notice requesting dogs be restricted to a 2m lead in order to protect gorund-nesting birds. Luckily I am aware of the habits of moorland birds and Molly is not allowed to wander far or into the long grass.
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Buzzard |
Lapwing |
Today, I saw lots of Curlew, plenty of Lapwings and one Buzzard. Plus lots of little birds - maybe Meadow Pipits, Skylarks and it is beleived that the rare Twite can be found up here...but not by me.
Boulsworth Dyke Farm
The return route along the bridleway. We saw two cyclists and a few walkers; this track links the top of Burnley with Wycoller and offers a fine and easy walk / bike ride.
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"RPH Much Loved"...
... are the words carved into this remarkable stone seat. It is not on the main paths; from the back it looks like an isolated boulder, one of quite a few in the area. What a view!
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The Seat |
The View |
Sometimes I think that we get a bad press in East Lancashire, mostly based on social issues. But we are in the top division when it comes to the availability of remote walking areas with great views. Generally available with free parking, but not always blue skies.
Pendle View
Walkers: Molly and Me
Time taken: 3 hours over a distance of about 5 miles.
Weather: Sunny and cool in a northerly breeze.
Recently...
River Brun, Burnley
At its lowest level since last October. On Wednesday 20th April, I stood in the middle of the river to enjoy this view of the still water. This section of river is much cleaner than it used to be and hopefully it attract the right kind of wildlife. Local conservationist, Mick, tells me that Dippers and Kingfishers have been seen in the area.
Sunrise 22nd April
Just after 6am on Friday, this was the view locally when the sunrays fought their way through fell mist around Boulsworth Hill.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2016 ©
Take me back to the start ....