“ O u t l o o k r


A S p r i n g s t r o l l f r o m B a r r o w f o r d


WELL, February fill-


tlyke certainly lived up to it,s name didn’t it, what with millions of gallons of melt-water cascading out of the Dales and trans­ fo rm i n g Y o r k an d B o r o u g h b r id g e in to impromptu northern ver­


the month I drove through some pretty impressive puddles to see how the mid­ dle reaches of the Ribble between Long Preston and Settle — a dampish spot at the best of times — had spilled over areas of sur­ rounding meadowland to create one vast paddy-field. But now, amazingly,


sions of Venice? On the last Saturday of


P A U L W I L S O N j o i n s


t h e m a d


M a r c h h a r e s o n a n i d e a l e v e n i n g ’ s w a l k


alongside a chattering brook, a short ascent onto a low hill with a fair prospect, and then a slow descent to a welcoming inn? Interested? Come on then, le t ’s to Barrowford.


we’re into March. It seems only a couple of weeks since we were taking down the Christmas decorations, soon we’ll be unwrapping our Easter eggs. Daffodills are beginning to trumpet in gar­ dens; the hedgerows are adorned with catkins and pussy willow; and March hares are busy doing what­ ever it is March hares do.


know better than to be lulled into a false sense of security by the appearance of a few early daffs or the odd deranged rabbit: Eas­ ter is early this year and conditions on the tops can still be arctic. I’ve seen March Easters when the Lakeland tops have been turned into high level skat­ ing rinks. Sen sible hillwalkers


Suddenly it ’s Spring! Hillwalkers, however,


never cast a clout or their crampons if they’re ventur­ ing onto the high tops over Easter. With the clocks going


itage Centre car park, then follow the Pendle Way “Witch” signpost over the stile and along the path besides Pendle Water to emerge on the main road by Higherford Bridge. You’ll also notice that we emerge right next door to the Bridge Inn, a pleasant pub, but as we’ve only walked about two hundred yards it really wouldn’t be the done thing to stop off for a pint just yet.


Park the car at the Her­


to follow it this evening so we continue on this side of the river and pick up an obvious track that slopes up the steep bank on our left. This passes through some lovely mature holly bushes, and, as it climbs, gives very easy walking which allows you to stroll along admiring the view.


Soon, an obvious path


forward at the end of the month, the pleasant pros­ pect of early evening strolls is in view again. What could be nicer than a gentle amble


ppleasant path following the riverbank. At Water Meet­ ings, the Pendle Way crosses the bridge and threads its way up towards Admergill: we haven’t time


the rough road on the left of the river until, after a few houses, it becomes a


Cross the road and take


leads off on our left, which, if we’ve spent too long gaz­ ing around and the shades of night are falling fast, it would be as well to take as it leads quickly back to Bar­ rowford. But if time per­ mits, let’s push on just a bit further.


Lane, which links Barrow­ ford and Roughlee, take the


Having crossed Pasture


farm road immediately in front of you. This continues along the crest of the little


ridge, opening up views down into the tranquil rural valley of Spen Brook and beyond on the right, and the contrasting industrial scene of Nelson and Burnley on the left.


follow this delightful ridge alomst all the way to Whal- ley: a splendid ramble which perhaps we shall spend a full day on later in the year.


If we had time, we could


route must terminate when we reach the tarmac road at Noggarth Cottage. Cross the stile on the left and fol­ low a sketchy path downhill and across the fields below


But today our outward


the old quarry. If you’ve navigated correctly you should emerge amidst the gathering dusk onto Wheat- ley Lane Road, somewhere in the pungent vicinity of the vinegar works.


stroll downhill back into Barrowford for a well deserved pint. A choice of pubs confronts us — the imposing White Bear where we can sample some excel­ lent draught Bass, or the cosy George and Dragon which serves handpulled John Smith’s.


From here it’s a short


I’ll leave the decision up to you. You could always nip back up to the Bridge for the beer we didn’t get ear­ lier on! □


A difficult choice, this, so T h e f r e e d o m o f c a r a v a n n i n g


THE sense of adventure and the freedom of the countryside: these are just two of the many things that go to make caravanning one of the fastest growing leisure industries of today.


many people who prefer to tow your own caravan, there is always that feeling of getting away from it all, and hav­ ing a break, for a weekend, or for your holidays.


Whether you own a static caravan, or are one of the


breadth of the country, which offer good facilities for the whole family including swimming pools, games rooms, and for the adults bar facilities, and most cater for the touring caravanner as well.


There are many commercial caravan sites the length and


and are of the highest quality, having flush toilets, hot and cold running water, showers and fitted kitchens. For those who like to be more adventurous and to visit


Static caravans these days have become big business,


different parts of the country throughout the year, towing your own caravan with your car takes some beating. Many of the new touring caravans these days boast excel­ lent facilities, ranging from two berths — to six berths — and featuring such luxuries as hot and cold water, showers, warm air heating, oven, fridge and double glazing. For those of us who don’t want to spend thousands of


dom and outdoor life, take a visit to your local caravan dealer this weekend and see for yourself what he has to offer — and who knows. It may open up a whole new world. Ian McKay


offer for all , and is an ideal way of relaxing, and meeting and making friends. So, if you want something different, and enjoy the free­


pounds on a new caravan, there are many caravan dealers to be found who also deal in second-hand caravans. These come in all prices and makes. From the young to the old, caravanning has something to


The start of the walk: Barrowford Bridge and heritage centre


KE


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