~Boulsworth Hill~
16th Dec 2022
Molly - Lad Law (Boulsworth Hill Summit)
December welcomes in the first significant cold spell of the winter and for most folk a most unwelcome reminder of the very high fuel prices which we now live with. Luckily we live very close to some fantastic countryside and after suffering frozen water pipes at work and conditions just too cold to work in, we decide to bring the Friday Walking Club back into action and tackle Boulsworth Hill from "The Atom".
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Wycoller Country Park
Parking is on Lancashire Moor Road high up on the road from Laneshawbridge to Oakworth. We set off at about 1145hrs on a footpath to Fosters Leep Farm and Smithy Clough.
Pendle Hill
is just visible in the distance. Peter is with us today; Molly remains on lighter duties since she developed age-related mobility issues. She's fine walking, but rather stiff afterwards.
Fosters Leep Farm
There are two properties here and walkers are encouraged to take advantage of a permissive footpath on the south side of the farm. The public footpath remains through the territory of the farm, but gates and pointers allow an easy way around.
The Pendle Way
This section of The Pendle Way is frozen solid and walkers seek safety on the verges; a drinking opportunity for Molly.
Pennine Bridleway
We pick up The Pennine Bridleway and cross the Turnhole Clough Bridge. Our route will be along the bridleway until we find the trackway leading on to the fell; there was always a prominent sign "No Bikes" at the start of the ascent route.
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I've had to pinch a "library shot" of the No Bikes sign as I forgot to take one this time. Soon we are on the fellside.
Pendle Hill from Pot Brinks Moor
Rock Star!
Peter n' Molly on top of Boulsworth Hill 1,696ft asl
Well, here we are about 18 months after our last visit and we have the place to oursleves. Part of the incentive was solitude and Pendle Hill is never the best place for that. Can two people with a dog achieve solitude?
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The Mile Straight, Burnley |
Local View |
The cold weather has provided some fine views and good walking opportunities. These two were taken on recent days in our local area.
Molly at Home
The Pennine Bridleway
Having safely found our way off the fell, we rejoin the Pennine Bridleway and look for a different way to get back to the car.
Mean Moss Farm
There are many old farmhouses in this remote area; New Laithe Farm is further away. Well-marked footpaths lead us through the fields and, in some cases, through the farm territory.
To Raven Rock Farm
To Wycoller
The Pack-Horse Bridge, Wycoller
Visitors should be aware that the cafe is no more. The proprietors now serve food and drink through a hatch; presumably open at weekends and busy times. Closed just now.
Up to The Atom
3 hrs 40 minutes over a distance of about 7 miles.
We greeted a couple with their puppy at the bridge on the way out and held a farm gate open for a runner much later on. An excellent way to pass the time on a cold, winter afternoon.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2022 ©
Take me back to the start ....