tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64258360056681809082024-03-06T04:14:05.960+00:00The Ribble Cycle DiariesA blog dedicated to the River Ribble, an Internationally important ecosystem which runs for 75 miles from Ribblehead in West Yorkshire, through Lancashire and out into the Ribble Estuary to the Irish Sea.
The River Ribble is one of Britain's Last Great Wilderness areas, full of wild beauty, with many moods and seasons as it meanders through its Green Belt, Floodplains, and Wetlands.Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-7651684088430724902010-02-11T09:03:00.009+00:002010-02-11T10:06:53.626+00:00Ribble Walk Monday 15th February - get your boots on!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXg7XD_wZ6YWqnHzMy4BTyhdfWtSfc42oy_IvMNpVL4GR-L0_MfCRI_L4ZYDflI-6Ynu-iaWJGrvalXAxg4HON-3Ew1cncd6KN4pJrrUshJe_Xr9Toe9-OL-qbwropXbuAxJl_hET2Ks/s1600-h/Pamela+6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436910043626212658" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXg7XD_wZ6YWqnHzMy4BTyhdfWtSfc42oy_IvMNpVL4GR-L0_MfCRI_L4ZYDflI-6Ynu-iaWJGrvalXAxg4HON-3Ew1cncd6KN4pJrrUshJe_Xr9Toe9-OL-qbwropXbuAxJl_hET2Ks/s320/Pamela+6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>We're organising another Ribble Walk as part of the <a href="http://www.ribblecoastandwetlands.com/">Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival</a> - yes, there's another RCW Walking Festival in early Spring now!</strong> <em></em><br /><em></em><br /><em>Details below</em>, but in the meantime, take a look at these gorgeous pictures sent in by Pamela S of Preston . She took them down by the Ribble in Broadgate and Avenham and Miller Parks, and they are really beautiful...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtgGuP9E1ibTFR3HaxdhDJisUufdovQ3F52oovg2RfYlXfORiZyKZVBa3-g-KP8E4WiRtKRUNWa81kuTpp2mIf7pL8xQ71SuvIX45oSfTw8gKwfo-sA52-AuRwgBlQXtqfTtPYKT3MLU/s1600-h/Pamela1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436909971848226930" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtgGuP9E1ibTFR3HaxdhDJisUufdovQ3F52oovg2RfYlXfORiZyKZVBa3-g-KP8E4WiRtKRUNWa81kuTpp2mIf7pL8xQ71SuvIX45oSfTw8gKwfo-sA52-AuRwgBlQXtqfTtPYKT3MLU/s320/Pamela1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the cold weather seems set to continue on, even though the snow and ice has at least receded, this Winter seems as though it's going on forever.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mWVTwIo17uzcWo2ULdO1Rh07kV6AWULpS-rkNR8GI7SVZ2IvCkAJmtPogIZLIksoNHx6-u4ilfv9ZdG8JFo6j1ZGbK0M0CPoonPw7qvQtolaD3Do4WYnHR06gX4xk2aokh0HBztVWL4/s1600-h/Pamela+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436909619847434354" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mWVTwIo17uzcWo2ULdO1Rh07kV6AWULpS-rkNR8GI7SVZ2IvCkAJmtPogIZLIksoNHx6-u4ilfv9ZdG8JFo6j1ZGbK0M0CPoonPw7qvQtolaD3Do4WYnHR06gX4xk2aokh0HBztVWL4/s320/Pamela+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Such a hard Winter makes life harder for our native birds and the overwintering wading birds, but having the precious mudflates of the Ribble literally makes the difference between life and death for those long-distance travellers, and if you walk down by the Ribble even at the highest stretches of the tidal range at the Old Tram Bridge connecting Avenham Park and "Ribbleside" you can hear the echoing cry of the Redshank carrying across the water...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt59kXctpBvIxie7DbkuzoD_DUn-dreP02cA7xqjN75A5RM42Spljmyf8FbPHff8BoMlsuZuzxQineitUvKx5j5lAVXIZTfOpUlLIVaK7RgeeaarxBdDB-TPhc_nQegQWCGZppQMQAP4/s1600-h/Pamela+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436909509065401170" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt59kXctpBvIxie7DbkuzoD_DUn-dreP02cA7xqjN75A5RM42Spljmyf8FbPHff8BoMlsuZuzxQineitUvKx5j5lAVXIZTfOpUlLIVaK7RgeeaarxBdDB-TPhc_nQegQWCGZppQMQAP4/s320/Pamela+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...so why not join us on our next <strong>Ribble Walk, on Monday 15th February, as part of the <a href="http://www.ribblecoastandwetlands.com/node/118">Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival.</a> </strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">We'll be starting at 10.30 am at Penwortham Old Bridge - the cobbled bridge linking Broadgate with Penwortham - and walking downriver on the South Ribble bank as far as the pumping station turn-off for Longton and back again.</span> We won't be going all the way to <a href="http://www.bestpubs.co.uk/layout0.asp?pub=113392">the Dolphin</a> <em>unless allcomers would like to!<br /></em></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">It's a good 8 miles altogether</span> (<em>12 if we include the Dolphin Inn - although there's always the option of a bus back to Preston from Longton</em>!), so come prepared in stout boots and with warm clothing and a packed lunch, and for more details of other <a href="http://www.ribblecoastandwetlands.com/node/118">Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walks</a> during half term week, see the <a href="http://www.save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/">Save The Ribble</a> Blog.<br /></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Hl-K0bcbEqt787ig9ZgVyx0-DO9msfFZ3LVX4Z2ILRI3NIRaO6wIWubjCnT3pjflGKTisdP450FTSK8UuNdTOdPGHqae7bRQlpoHCr4b7ux2_zfrXZFTFhKJNSUQYMHcWbTQfVIpZ4I/s1600-h/Pamela+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436909342380077138" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Hl-K0bcbEqt787ig9ZgVyx0-DO9msfFZ3LVX4Z2ILRI3NIRaO6wIWubjCnT3pjflGKTisdP450FTSK8UuNdTOdPGHqae7bRQlpoHCr4b7ux2_zfrXZFTFhKJNSUQYMHcWbTQfVIpZ4I/s320/Pamela+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;"><em>Happy Ribbling!</em></span></strong><br /><br />Contact us at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-74491705925906839012010-01-09T17:05:00.017+00:002010-01-09T20:12:46.424+00:00Ribble Ice<strong>Thanks to Chris of Broadgate for the following pictures of the River Ribble taken this week - it might cause disruption to normal life <em>but WOW the River Ribble is looking spectacular in the Big Freeze</em>!!</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTcNfn0KK23iSYGYjWQhpAYzbG-dgUWVt_9Z-6CuM-JXt3reNH3nHMcxYg3-nCTWaWPZPdz-bZ8e_dlvnkK2WZVOivfEMp5dg_kflXQkcUrs0v4T7NvhigK7HEqL4V9fQNdOFPr2GqoY/s1600-h/CIMG0097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799385532502226" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTcNfn0KK23iSYGYjWQhpAYzbG-dgUWVt_9Z-6CuM-JXt3reNH3nHMcxYg3-nCTWaWPZPdz-bZ8e_dlvnkK2WZVOivfEMp5dg_kflXQkcUrs0v4T7NvhigK7HEqL4V9fQNdOFPr2GqoY/s320/CIMG0097.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnoXIfy9tEA0X-oIAoEdCMbnNtmHB0O6cYzQcCwkagzkdNC3pWelMkcyUHNMUdls5vp_yEBCA-0NuR3353owZTJdh225sUfhN9v5YsZsPE7HUBzswD-lFEBbnDMFeiO4hw-J-GisfOL8/s1600-h/CIMG0096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799269458251778" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnoXIfy9tEA0X-oIAoEdCMbnNtmHB0O6cYzQcCwkagzkdNC3pWelMkcyUHNMUdls5vp_yEBCA-0NuR3353owZTJdh225sUfhN9v5YsZsPE7HUBzswD-lFEBbnDMFeiO4hw-J-GisfOL8/s320/CIMG0096.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9S-ho6MeK7zeJ688MiWwTeC7aC8jpgYWxy9pw4-f0kYirjpeZNXtJIfyWJt2qteMZhUAFGQg8YsKmc-0l_Xn0AlMEaJxvt3WbXSN0VcH81QqMsWYeSOlAxqmME69NS-1nScBkbW3D6g/s1600-h/CIMG0080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424833547206378290" style="WIDTH: 320px; 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CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToYJRdVR3TmH70DGotV_WLWQYSnG6EuXHlGxgJGlt6DhIW65edJAjqm7RoeUBMkhbL4c9uXoDSEaWMAqKMsuhBrU2Q_iYbBffT4i2FCYz6JVwf7RCJ-9SH8RTFp87GTJx-mprcylEUaQ/s320/CIMG0072.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqwiwtO-JHj6SaBMEPQsYLO-XRgUhfqgjPvHdqbLA978t39LnFRDq1_Kup0Al3g5S5q-53MiHbvXjLun6Y3KMJ_9hlifputmXN208JMMMrGFALmHH15vrLGWN1t9byKIabCxZ5420_1s/s1600-h/CIMG0093.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799194118302178" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqwiwtO-JHj6SaBMEPQsYLO-XRgUhfqgjPvHdqbLA978t39LnFRDq1_Kup0Al3g5S5q-53MiHbvXjLun6Y3KMJ_9hlifputmXN208JMMMrGFALmHH15vrLGWN1t9byKIabCxZ5420_1s/s320/CIMG0093.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvsuVE8LW1xT60auQ9p2FfXR5suhu_ajObQoH2S7WnWbw6_Kwz1dfgppf8NiO7s_L9BpptX257zKyaLBOjMQ47bR_nkbVM_WqGtvWO3LF6IdYltEFgajzkGJfgXtP4MVrt8XOz-PGntA/s1600-h/CIMG0090.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424799065995055426" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvsuVE8LW1xT60auQ9p2FfXR5suhu_ajObQoH2S7WnWbw6_Kwz1dfgppf8NiO7s_L9BpptX257zKyaLBOjMQ47bR_nkbVM_WqGtvWO3LF6IdYltEFgajzkGJfgXtP4MVrt8XOz-PGntA/s320/CIMG0090.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DPciWscPLTa4G5EXKwoqNmgEhG-GuUr0hXFmHsi2TfZ1YFfD-0pZEgIwRMA_DiPkLg6AoxzzgIx9zrW7Q5ee_JpyxKIU83TAigEf4LUp3_d6TZSps1xi6OQUGstOYGbMseR-lZhmjgo/s1600-h/CIMG0101.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DPciWscPLTa4G5EXKwoqNmgEhG-GuUr0hXFmHsi2TfZ1YFfD-0pZEgIwRMA_DiPkLg6AoxzzgIx9zrW7Q5ee_JpyxKIU83TAigEf4LUp3_d6TZSps1xi6OQUGstOYGbMseR-lZhmjgo/s320/CIMG0101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424834909581458466" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSbgdEiXZ2yapqDdLa3_LXRNRmAwlw0A8acfe_3_OZntA_CDPT5HqYriL4oL6UVypJ6s4jMqwrChkcYxO4CAyDJZr6OXd6jelX5Brv2ul43cGIrDbAS9I6uIssj6szfcnw1M5aumXPNQ/s1600-h/CIMG0073.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSbgdEiXZ2yapqDdLa3_LXRNRmAwlw0A8acfe_3_OZntA_CDPT5HqYriL4oL6UVypJ6s4jMqwrChkcYxO4CAyDJZr6OXd6jelX5Brv2ul43cGIrDbAS9I6uIssj6szfcnw1M5aumXPNQ/s320/CIMG0073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424834775849805282" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdXFsm0mZMhtb5INZqxZBuB0CUzeDj9_oa7nqKHjLkT0rmsQanKWgUmA0SSoch6iqdjb66MUCJkFmMcBpmMraw50Y7t7BGVcqttPuGtpbpQSd3saphPDSYcrUI4x8rFX_iUaBYljdl5E/s1600-h/CIMG0095.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdXFsm0mZMhtb5INZqxZBuB0CUzeDj9_oa7nqKHjLkT0rmsQanKWgUmA0SSoch6iqdjb66MUCJkFmMcBpmMraw50Y7t7BGVcqttPuGtpbpQSd3saphPDSYcrUI4x8rFX_iUaBYljdl5E/s320/CIMG0095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424835363930708850" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Jane of Middleforth took these next ones...</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y7oNrnzLn8sblvTr7eofJXXCI9SfBf74hkUMrI70y8YsbMiRdx03gF730UV2_DLF65zulHC3li9kilpCdblzyleVinpkkwo8ttzTdooLrtK1c9A1gKpzB1jXy6OCeHs9oLWI4If43p8/s1600-h/frozen+leaves.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801660165269762" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y7oNrnzLn8sblvTr7eofJXXCI9SfBf74hkUMrI70y8YsbMiRdx03gF730UV2_DLF65zulHC3li9kilpCdblzyleVinpkkwo8ttzTdooLrtK1c9A1gKpzB1jXy6OCeHs9oLWI4If43p8/s320/frozen+leaves.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA5QuUmAkIY3_Njn1CTJc7atSYHCuefEw2AUqbKGxBH6Eanexnx-aCdm-i7CgpUG46wKh7zy6cxaGSCptxyYPEgR47c8urCs1bGWS_xzjkcC8O1kg3mZMcunBwFZWJnnelo9dlDr9l5c/s1600-h/Ribble+ice+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801489919571314" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlA5QuUmAkIY3_Njn1CTJc7atSYHCuefEw2AUqbKGxBH6Eanexnx-aCdm-i7CgpUG46wKh7zy6cxaGSCptxyYPEgR47c8urCs1bGWS_xzjkcC8O1kg3mZMcunBwFZWJnnelo9dlDr9l5c/s320/Ribble+ice+5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV46_FVkxR259P9P9mwmGjcy6GgK00-TF-zt3E3_GrwTwwkpX1Us4uQbWEdyyVe1GBHAL0Yya27533frDZxJsxrGG_BcERFh-7dp7DtXymDrRB0lcWOZnQtzlooYoWnFNmmohWrEOHOEI/s1600-h/Dawn+over+Penwortham+Old+Bridge+January+2010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801590128530658" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV46_FVkxR259P9P9mwmGjcy6GgK00-TF-zt3E3_GrwTwwkpX1Us4uQbWEdyyVe1GBHAL0Yya27533frDZxJsxrGG_BcERFh-7dp7DtXymDrRB0lcWOZnQtzlooYoWnFNmmohWrEOHOEI/s320/Dawn+over+Penwortham+Old+Bridge+January+2010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1WEIb0NvK0qto5fVhYdctzsTJ1hWW7h70EFx1o0Bxu6uOGxV4__I6NT1N-zGUIRa62x6Ezmz6BhUXOHyLM0ckYpWdQ_hWLY2ADd5FthuTSuX-I5wBwBmcZRS8sES5otWFjaooi9k7IY/s1600-h/Ribble+ice+6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801326357980370" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1WEIb0NvK0qto5fVhYdctzsTJ1hWW7h70EFx1o0Bxu6uOGxV4__I6NT1N-zGUIRa62x6Ezmz6BhUXOHyLM0ckYpWdQ_hWLY2ADd5FthuTSuX-I5wBwBmcZRS8sES5otWFjaooi9k7IY/s320/Ribble+ice+6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and these at New Year, before it got <em>really</em> cold...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc_6KKN5xHM6-XBL1vKEf03MZR0Hl3dONW1sbRw_OdRuwvotd2yjdtFEDeSwLZlCD0ZlR0cUM_k6pxl7tagmyZlIGKfx3QadutYK61EfqOiPTUCBQjJRTOx_8CbiKr0-INRI-5Ck6X2w/s1600-h/dusk+over+the+Ribble+January+2010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424801070188281378" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc_6KKN5xHM6-XBL1vKEf03MZR0Hl3dONW1sbRw_OdRuwvotd2yjdtFEDeSwLZlCD0ZlR0cUM_k6pxl7tagmyZlIGKfx3QadutYK61EfqOiPTUCBQjJRTOx_8CbiKr0-INRI-5Ck6X2w/s320/dusk+over+the+Ribble+January+2010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPxsuuLejbVIa6T_2WAEsPZu40W0cYxitFx3qgNPJJ6cbyTY4BKYvH228n6UfmGzycr2oDQ5kL5LO6H-lqLEIXYMf5S-fHOm9UGnw4r-_qBANNk88sy1xKeKJn3nJ2lLttXlayI_mwxA/s1600-h/Winter+sunset+at+New+Year+2010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424800687273006594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPxsuuLejbVIa6T_2WAEsPZu40W0cYxitFx3qgNPJJ6cbyTY4BKYvH228n6UfmGzycr2oDQ5kL5LO6H-lqLEIXYMf5S-fHOm9UGnw4r-_qBANNk88sy1xKeKJn3nJ2lLttXlayI_mwxA/s320/Winter+sunset+at+New+Year+2010.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquhs_1mp_IBqJWRb7lw0Hh18qzsRPZneXz8gYLaxFtb6suuqT1yF6x9FGMuytNyHFwrp5rp-8R4GH5PTp2N1cLefV7LG8UuKqa5JIcrsdAyATKTT4045rH2vK9XVLzB5f3JfAtiJ9DBY/s1600-h/Ribbleside+Winter+sunset+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424800499520148962" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquhs_1mp_IBqJWRb7lw0Hh18qzsRPZneXz8gYLaxFtb6suuqT1yF6x9FGMuytNyHFwrp5rp-8R4GH5PTp2N1cLefV7LG8UuKqa5JIcrsdAyATKTT4045rH2vK9XVLzB5f3JfAtiJ9DBY/s320/Ribbleside+Winter+sunset+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuoSXgY1unjjDdHVbX5TVdNRClmbVG9rsd_rtqZvvnYppeN1SdxfWKjlYR6wSkCaAMeBPwjRFTI9GCgbktm8jWHA3p8zZCPNeLujhJ9G4Z4eg2AyxFzBf_LmWpLG-NpWyMhseozCgqeA/s1600-h/Ribbleside+Winter+sunset+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424800350340169122" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuoSXgY1unjjDdHVbX5TVdNRClmbVG9rsd_rtqZvvnYppeN1SdxfWKjlYR6wSkCaAMeBPwjRFTI9GCgbktm8jWHA3p8zZCPNeLujhJ9G4Z4eg2AyxFzBf_LmWpLG-NpWyMhseozCgqeA/s320/Ribbleside+Winter+sunset+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More picture of the frozen Ribble and Ribbleside areas can be seen on the <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/">Save The Ribble blog</a> - check them out, and <span style="color:#000099;"><em><strong>Happy Ribbling!!</strong> </em></span>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-82849873188345319682009-10-11T19:35:00.007+01:002009-10-12T17:08:03.332+01:00Get Out Ribbling with The Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk_eaHcoEPVtumiPrssbNMIujyFU-dC19jtsXT9Zmm3M_Z8MrowTVBrKyKYVM2FwNghBfRgs4am5mH-vPVVN7YGpDVmkGk7xklP-ZnXGfXmnL5YqZbHwqZGNvj99SVdo4xlcqkquOk5Y/s1600-h/Ribble+Coast+%26+Wetlands+Walking+Festival+2009,+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391415348011257762" style="WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghk_eaHcoEPVtumiPrssbNMIujyFU-dC19jtsXT9Zmm3M_Z8MrowTVBrKyKYVM2FwNghBfRgs4am5mH-vPVVN7YGpDVmkGk7xklP-ZnXGfXmnL5YqZbHwqZGNvj99SVdo4xlcqkquOk5Y/s320/Ribble+Coast+%26+Wetlands+Walking+Festival+2009,+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><strong>It's <span style="color:#000099;"><a href="http://www.ribblecoastandwetlands.com/walkingfestival">The Ribble Coast & Wetlands Walking Festival</a></span> at half term - so get your boots on and get Ribbling this Autumn!</strong></em><br /><br /><strong>Key events for Ribblesiders in South Ribble and Preston include</strong>:<br /><br />The <strong><a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2009/10/ribble-coast-wetlands-walking-festival.html">Save The Ribble <em>Ribble Ramble </em></strong></a>on <em><strong>Sunday 25th October</strong></em>, leaving the Old Tram Bridge at 10am and <em><strong>walking upriver to Brockholes Wetland & Woodland </strong></em>and back again;<br /><br />and:<br /><br />The new <strong>Ribbleside Friends Group's </strong>FIRST event - a <strong>Ribblesiders' Ramble on the new Country Park in Penwortham and Walton le Dale </strong>on <strong>Sunday 1st November</strong>, leaving the Old Tram Bridge at 1pm for a <strong>Ramble on Ribbleside</strong>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0HDaa8-u3DAbvu9ok2OsxE4wQakvsiJBGqNNGt2XvE1D2s81tffIXQGGHOL3ySViRV8rhuT3o-WcCosQ1GDiBdLQ7-sLkPvtkkkKdc9t65GVtk60gmP1fBNFNy4v-uQEJZhWUIGo65w/s1600-h/Ribbleside+Country+Park,+Penwortham+and+Walton+le+Dale.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0HDaa8-u3DAbvu9ok2OsxE4wQakvsiJBGqNNGt2XvE1D2s81tffIXQGGHOL3ySViRV8rhuT3o-WcCosQ1GDiBdLQ7-sLkPvtkkkKdc9t65GVtk60gmP1fBNFNy4v-uQEJZhWUIGo65w/s320/Ribbleside+Country+Park,+Penwortham+and+Walton+le+Dale.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391745601900759218" /></a><br />So whether you fancy a Ramble on Ribbleside...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75xhRN3fR5_2xslnQfIkVEH-mlRaoYxmX2Hsr-n0YoYf5sRX6wZqvg-Be1-bK0GC8gVGn9DwqwROtA2xZqnFaG9jtujjgEAc9gnZvpIrz7sIGEDOAgZVTWYh0EpsALQ65RCPPxA_7iV4/s1600-h/misty+Autumn+morning+by+the+Ribble+in+Frenchwood.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391415108379907490" style="WIDTH: 227px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75xhRN3fR5_2xslnQfIkVEH-mlRaoYxmX2Hsr-n0YoYf5sRX6wZqvg-Be1-bK0GC8gVGn9DwqwROtA2xZqnFaG9jtujjgEAc9gnZvpIrz7sIGEDOAgZVTWYh0EpsALQ65RCPPxA_7iV4/s320/misty+Autumn+morning+by+the+Ribble+in+Frenchwood.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />... a gentle amble along the River Ribble in Preston and Penwortham...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ78DFcEaaDZWseiC8r9ODcAoHpXxhMejXCJb3g7XcHC2mgnRG_dbtollofkhqWdOmCVxEIGqkqtW_xipFz5jhi3L-f7Kk2BxE7bkb8FYBk4vJUNtyMW260N55Tfjl3YFYx3rji9XsmTc/s1600-h/view+downriver+from+the+Bridge+at+Walton+le+dale.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391415028317716834" style="WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ78DFcEaaDZWseiC8r9ODcAoHpXxhMejXCJb3g7XcHC2mgnRG_dbtollofkhqWdOmCVxEIGqkqtW_xipFz5jhi3L-f7Kk2BxE7bkb8FYBk4vJUNtyMW260N55Tfjl3YFYx3rji9XsmTc/s320/view+downriver+from+the+Bridge+at+Walton+le+dale.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />...or a walk in the Walton le Dale area...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKUFjlu5K_rq3QvkHUedZ_H76Z6zUm3G3wKq7gG-oBTCR92-VJxf5BUDDDddCEcKXU78jvcJCJ6IW4lIoa6m2frfx7p8QIdx3QHS3TRKcQS6PY8tDmecYK_M5nh5uecVna9Pv6tOpwvk/s1600-h/Brockholes+Wetland+LWT+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391416122599677714" style="WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKUFjlu5K_rq3QvkHUedZ_H76Z6zUm3G3wKq7gG-oBTCR92-VJxf5BUDDDddCEcKXU78jvcJCJ6IW4lIoa6m2frfx7p8QIdx3QHS3TRKcQS6PY8tDmecYK_M5nh5uecVna9Pv6tOpwvk/s320/Brockholes+Wetland+LWT+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />....upriver as far as Brockholes Wetland & Woodland...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi6CF8hyphenhyphenSXEZHvdyJLoA4ttPDi4pnA7TyxPkV3-G2qmgmKTrn0WYx2dyE6VzL5nfqyr6Rj04JUaf-5017tgc_LAzLVzuh1PPzlKHptWbGooldZrNeHW0FcuBi3SuI82t2n1TSvRZriy0/s1600-h/Ribble+birdlife+-+glorious+mud!.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391414844101495890" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGi6CF8hyphenhyphenSXEZHvdyJLoA4ttPDi4pnA7TyxPkV3-G2qmgmKTrn0WYx2dyE6VzL5nfqyr6Rj04JUaf-5017tgc_LAzLVzuh1PPzlKHptWbGooldZrNeHW0FcuBi3SuI82t2n1TSvRZriy0/s320/Ribble+birdlife+-+glorious+mud!.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />...or whether the wilds of the open River and Estuary is more your thing...<br /><br />...<strong>then check out <a href="http://www.ribblecoastandwetlands.com/home">The Ribble Coast & Wetlands</a> website for more details, and see the <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2009/10/ribble-coast-wetlands-walking-festival.html">Save The Ribble Blog</a> and <em>get Ribbling!<br /></em></strong>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-7764650858309111762009-04-28T11:15:00.011+01:002009-04-28T12:08:42.552+01:00River Ribble in Spring - ah, glorious!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxG-KmuK2gseTttFIy_FrE3ctKOurrr05mWLdocOqeyoaNRXBb3tEjHduOxf7swsS7_iU5HbkmOO6r0NQ600T0rrO-AmW_MCmkV_3v8SiZ_SPMx9P8BmuCBh_9niXTFqsR9KP9QDR9gE/s1600-h/River+Ribble+towards+Walton+le+Dale.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329685480984135506" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxG-KmuK2gseTttFIy_FrE3ctKOurrr05mWLdocOqeyoaNRXBb3tEjHduOxf7swsS7_iU5HbkmOO6r0NQ600T0rrO-AmW_MCmkV_3v8SiZ_SPMx9P8BmuCBh_9niXTFqsR9KP9QDR9gE/s320/River+Ribble+towards+Walton+le+Dale.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>A glorious view upriver on the River Ribble on a late April afternoon from the Old Tram Bridge, which links Avenham & Miller Parks in Preston with the Ribbleside Country Park in Penwortham... </strong><br /><strong>.</strong><strong>.. <em>it's low tide and there has been little rainfall in the Ribble valley so far this spring, so the riverbed is easily seen through the crystal-clear waters...<br /></em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FSTmdwcXunQ5N_J5LkgQtPEtnLGfhv1m-xydUwo69H5u30ZFVPYf2_ZGfoB0Qu6oAeBgTMi1_6Of9xCElz259ieiuZLEG1je_7TYloAZQZS4mBJt3POadqsEUGqSepvGP3OY6HnYcVc/s1600-h/low+tide+on+the+Ribble,+Tram+Bridge+in+spring+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329690000748734898" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FSTmdwcXunQ5N_J5LkgQtPEtnLGfhv1m-xydUwo69H5u30ZFVPYf2_ZGfoB0Qu6oAeBgTMi1_6Of9xCElz259ieiuZLEG1je_7TYloAZQZS4mBJt3POadqsEUGqSepvGP3OY6HnYcVc/s320/low+tide+on+the+Ribble,+Tram+Bridge+in+spring+1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The riverbanks which frame the River Ribble are wild and verdant with new grasses, spring wildflowers and blossoms, and the fresh green shoots of many of our riverside trees from willows to hawthorn to cherry to Horse Chestnuts have appeared as if overnight...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWPu3Fuw97KrijdgFQcCrtJXsGLeg7uVyeaaEYdYp6lYSOxNo936-B8_DHcLVLsEvd-lSgZawzTF62BJrG0ofKO0uM-jwXoF1OeJyhNj8itDXO82iE0CmPrCCUPL-dcxWqA_pkKtGPUE/s1600-h/Ribbleside,+South+Ribble+26th+April+2009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329685353341358706" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWPu3Fuw97KrijdgFQcCrtJXsGLeg7uVyeaaEYdYp6lYSOxNo936-B8_DHcLVLsEvd-lSgZawzTF62BJrG0ofKO0uM-jwXoF1OeJyhNj8itDXO82iE0CmPrCCUPL-dcxWqA_pkKtGPUE/s320/Ribbleside,+South+Ribble+26th+April+2009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Walking, cycling, running or just plain ambling, Ribblesiders are out enjoying the peace and fresh air and the always uplifting sounds of the many birds in the trees, riverbanks and scrublands all along the Ribble...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1VPUg3k8m3JvX3Wi5u4Vc4JfdIQNhRqilyoNm88dvJHKDNa3JkkrA6uUMvARsgeQHzZYLvanLyp4dd64iQTD0fjs5QYHyj_AYlBHyWCMw45IkWFFNDhoRTDZkJ9hO1gydW899LnNV-8/s1600-h/spring+afternoons+by+the+Ribble+2009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329684701512168098" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1VPUg3k8m3JvX3Wi5u4Vc4JfdIQNhRqilyoNm88dvJHKDNa3JkkrA6uUMvARsgeQHzZYLvanLyp4dd64iQTD0fjs5QYHyj_AYlBHyWCMw45IkWFFNDhoRTDZkJ9hO1gydW899LnNV-8/s320/spring+afternoons+by+the+Ribble+2009.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... on both the Preston and South Ribble banks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9UzDzSqb_XlhWWlW8ThxBMV42AdniPMgn1rQjbnAdQEtzF95BOEDyu3E688tT90PJC00fvWS18LsTCsfobp2w5DFSieOmvSUTtjCQ54wP9LVD6OSNe2_9oAyUeoMly1GxmCkdPwEGHE/s1600-h/Ribblesiders+enjoying+Spring+by+the+Ribble.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329687577777054162" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9UzDzSqb_XlhWWlW8ThxBMV42AdniPMgn1rQjbnAdQEtzF95BOEDyu3E688tT90PJC00fvWS18LsTCsfobp2w5DFSieOmvSUTtjCQ54wP9LVD6OSNe2_9oAyUeoMly1GxmCkdPwEGHE/s320/Ribblesiders+enjoying+Spring+by+the+Ribble.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and all this only 5 minutes walk from the centre of Preston.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn36JFLGQW2Y0rr-mIrUv7uE58fK6Zd0pdzPeXu2ToMjlQFsg0bDdqKN5EwPdilWXSEB6RqNbME3vzanlR2P5-hKk8SJo18AzqIs-fVxr2Izus3sP-ehaHDy_2nVRFQ67TVeeQmY0tBxU/s1600-h/Horse+Chestnuts+in+spring+by+the+Ribble.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329684490359584754" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn36JFLGQW2Y0rr-mIrUv7uE58fK6Zd0pdzPeXu2ToMjlQFsg0bDdqKN5EwPdilWXSEB6RqNbME3vzanlR2P5-hKk8SJo18AzqIs-fVxr2Izus3sP-ehaHDy_2nVRFQ67TVeeQmY0tBxU/s320/Horse+Chestnuts+in+spring+by+the+Ribble.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>If you fancy a leisurely stroll alongside the Ribble's spring waters, taking in the beauties of bluebells and birdsong, woodlands and meadows, then <em><a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2009/04/bluebells-and-birdsong-join.html">join Ribblesiders for a Spring Bluebell & Birdsong walk on Monday 4th May, setting off from the Tram Bridge at 2pm</a>...<br /></em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsXnNE-rV6yasVtmJFRdgAwfjDwaWYWwt-Z2Mm-eL2SZU9ZAWhTsVj_DkTItOrnZgBQgTz3yaIXKdQ3MufdHT6Q8n2akqjeOGmLZzLk-md_HIbSpKzurUuUhJCA_uAPA8jJjuyXvmrWE/s1600-h/bluebells+on+Ribbleside.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329684399917418418" style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsXnNE-rV6yasVtmJFRdgAwfjDwaWYWwt-Z2Mm-eL2SZU9ZAWhTsVj_DkTItOrnZgBQgTz3yaIXKdQ3MufdHT6Q8n2akqjeOGmLZzLk-md_HIbSpKzurUuUhJCA_uAPA8jJjuyXvmrWE/s320/bluebells+on+Ribbleside.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...for more details about the Bluebells & Birdsong walk, see the <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2009/04/bluebells-and-birdsong-join.html">Save The Ribble blog</a>.<br /><br />You can contact us at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-87242807986577381282008-09-21T21:00:00.004+01:002008-09-21T21:18:15.756+01:00First Day of Autumn on the River Ribble<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvvnbK47q-A38-kflgg8e9KS_9RyHXCfKAw2XICrW4e0RWhwCbUGuem-acjzFjeZK4piUmRhtTHuD6JtDIkVGiW6Y3itj_2JJRG8Ba6opgmRPgtol8vut_0mvJwxPdhKLLhtEQXKzRXk/s1600-h/1st+day+of+autumn+on+Ribbleside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248568390197425714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvvnbK47q-A38-kflgg8e9KS_9RyHXCfKAw2XICrW4e0RWhwCbUGuem-acjzFjeZK4piUmRhtTHuD6JtDIkVGiW6Y3itj_2JJRG8Ba6opgmRPgtol8vut_0mvJwxPdhKLLhtEQXKzRXk/s320/1st+day+of+autumn+on+Ribbleside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's the first day of autumn and already the chestnut leaves are turning gold and red, and looking truly gorgeous along the banks of the River Ribble...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv1dMQp_ZbcK9imriY92LeKTx5O9L_-uMlL8f8eVggYKyJTotPynFK5Z8NXJ3weGGyV93bpe7L45xg9lJfcEPzomlYB4lCS5WEU_cIQtFy5u-JJ02ibchYVD7ygwtP-5xtdTrs-xdtL8/s1600-h/from+the+Penwortham+bank.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248567358645144930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJv1dMQp_ZbcK9imriY92LeKTx5O9L_-uMlL8f8eVggYKyJTotPynFK5Z8NXJ3weGGyV93bpe7L45xg9lJfcEPzomlYB4lCS5WEU_cIQtFy5u-JJ02ibchYVD7ygwtP-5xtdTrs-xdtL8/s320/from+the+Penwortham+bank.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... and not only has it finally stopped raining - now summer is officially over...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnvzAvyi2Y6E5Zt189eyvaEAmVBvxsFUkujNk4TGr4F_sR6hTGjNv6P6wp0whyphenhyphenT91F1n4aiE4IZV-pFd-ch1sWmKebCXcButpXZnM6HcOzMKe-xYknj_Fs1Q0BXWgVf6n7m6vrhbrg3Q/s1600-h/sunshine+over+the+Ribble+a+rare+treat+2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248567936533786706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnvzAvyi2Y6E5Zt189eyvaEAmVBvxsFUkujNk4TGr4F_sR6hTGjNv6P6wp0whyphenhyphenT91F1n4aiE4IZV-pFd-ch1sWmKebCXcButpXZnM6HcOzMKe-xYknj_Fs1Q0BXWgVf6n7m6vrhbrg3Q/s320/sunshine+over+the+Ribble+a+rare+treat+2008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...we have some lovely sunshine! Better late than never, the summer weather has been awful for the second year running, but luckily for Ribblesiders the River Ribble takes all that rainwater safely out to sea.<br /><br />The sun has timed itself well as it's harvest time on the new Country Park in Penwortham...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG4eBwJ9Ib4M_NNyG4Oq8H3SvamlBOscnFVmVWqbTwr3obb7JQVoSlSMdwH9XLBlTkdyV4oFUMY_qw_fCbNun_4os1pdeoS5YQULMhhUzQvlBIKAHpOMUBmmSNBbmh693jyxDR96sP8c/s1600-h/Ribbleside+harvest+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248567675633436210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCG4eBwJ9Ib4M_NNyG4Oq8H3SvamlBOscnFVmVWqbTwr3obb7JQVoSlSMdwH9XLBlTkdyV4oFUMY_qw_fCbNun_4os1pdeoS5YQULMhhUzQvlBIKAHpOMUBmmSNBbmh693jyxDR96sP8c/s320/Ribbleside+harvest+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and it's so beautiful down by the River in the autumn sunshine, and now the rain has stopped at last we can get out and enjoy it without having to drag on wellies and raincoats and huddle under umbrellas...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1R6T39GbK3qSEssF0MnaHD6ay5zPD3hIKPAKkGK-QT85byf0UP1PADPBbUA2sGrUxGcjI058sROpapJEYxQROwv2NGl2xEx800ED8rzys5S4iNQy1xBrdt6usqagb66VvdgVcgH7kFo/s1600-h/1st+day+of+autumn+on+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248568194864722626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1R6T39GbK3qSEssF0MnaHD6ay5zPD3hIKPAKkGK-QT85byf0UP1PADPBbUA2sGrUxGcjI058sROpapJEYxQROwv2NGl2xEx800ED8rzys5S4iNQy1xBrdt6usqagb66VvdgVcgH7kFo/s320/1st+day+of+autumn+on+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...although the Ribble always looks beautiful whatever the weather, its waters changing colour with the sky and the turning of the tide and the speed of the water's flow and the amount of silts it is carrying. <strong><em>Happy Autumn Ribbling!<br /></em></strong><br />you can contact us at <a href="mailto:ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk">ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-12826233010160501622008-09-02T13:35:00.002+01:002008-09-02T13:43:06.551+01:00New Wildlife Walks and Talks on the Ribble!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfxy1exBJjDn13daEUwDmlKrTV60TcZXulA_5nXMa-J8_HAZNxS_Sjh6WgWsMr2ZxBNoohpXr8YM6f8g6uAWSWiRTfiyvUyUMtRtWFdB4iB1UIRFQCH9GYCztJCN8aSuxf3ZaMRPiz-c/s1600-h/River+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241401829535130882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfxy1exBJjDn13daEUwDmlKrTV60TcZXulA_5nXMa-J8_HAZNxS_Sjh6WgWsMr2ZxBNoohpXr8YM6f8g6uAWSWiRTfiyvUyUMtRtWFdB4iB1UIRFQCH9GYCztJCN8aSuxf3ZaMRPiz-c/s320/River+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>This Wednesday 3rd September there is a Herbal Health Walk starting in Avenham Park, by the new Pavilion next to the River Ribble at 2pm. </strong><br /><br />"two lovely herbalists will be leading a walk to enjoy the fresh air and scenery and to look at some of the herbs that grow wild in the Avenham Park area and surrounding countryside".<br /><br /><strong>Also, the <a href="http://prestonsociety.blogspot.com/">Preston Birdwatching and Natural History Society</a> have announced their new season of talks - many of which involve our Ribble wildlife!!</strong><br /><br />Check out <a href="http://prestonsociety.blogspot.com/">their website</a> for further details, and see <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/09/ribble-wildlife-walks-and-talks.html">Save The Ribble for the Ribble Wildlife talk listing in more detail</a>!<br /><br />You can contact us at <a href="mailto:ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk">ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-21395001286685785122008-07-15T09:44:00.007+01:002008-07-15T10:20:59.308+01:00Ribbleside Wildlife Walk with Preston Birdwatching & Natural History Society<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gGiNNvI_rywu96UTUU2OgxEklKL-QObNKLM2waw1AzNG6BcyCA9S7YOgqannZRcgzTyVO3zxF-Z0zDer-DPu0VHcVTdq6hvWgEKRvg_2OgZfVbPTXlO_XUqLVELWsO00j2ZEZF38-Ac/s1600-h/Walking+the+Ribbleside+way.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223161390810009234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gGiNNvI_rywu96UTUU2OgxEklKL-QObNKLM2waw1AzNG6BcyCA9S7YOgqannZRcgzTyVO3zxF-Z0zDer-DPu0VHcVTdq6hvWgEKRvg_2OgZfVbPTXlO_XUqLVELWsO00j2ZEZF38-Ac/s320/Walking+the+Ribbleside+way.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Calling all Ribblesiders - come and join the Preston Birdwatching & Natural History Society for a wildlife walk on Ribbleside... </strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">The wildlife walk takes place on Monday 21st July and is an evening amble, so the perfect way to end your working day!<br /></span></strong><br /><strong>They will be leaving the Tram Bridge at 7pm, and then probably wandering through the trees to Vernon's Lodge area, part of the area that will constitute the new South Ribble Country Park.<br /></strong><br />The <a href="http://prestonsociety.blogspot.com/">Preston Birdwatching & Natural History Society</a> have a number of wildlife experts so they will be able to point out fascinating Ribbleside wildlife along the way.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;"><strong>- And it's free! They expect to be back by the River Ribble by 9.15pm at the latest, but anybody who needed an earlier finish could easily make their own way.<br /></strong></span><br /><strong>They leave promptly at 7pm, but probably wouldn't take a lot of finding - as they say they don't walk very fast!</strong><br /><br /><em><strong>Happy Ribbling!</strong></em><br /><br />You can contact us at <a href="mailto:ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk">ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-808057935018920422008-05-11T17:53:00.005+01:002008-05-11T18:08:34.461+01:00Ribble Celebration - Country Park Walk on 18th May<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWp6pDvzWPhIhF9ZBMY_qZACOjIRSvYbTuxnXsrICERdBf53v9GZ0SmIGFNvhfzJoj_1LlnSOpRIefUWvTvLdLjKVs14qaBTDm_6LlkX2FohUZ69COzXNt7F3TAILIYpI0Qbn33D5MC8/s1600-h/Penwortham+by+the+Ribble+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199164608915763250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWp6pDvzWPhIhF9ZBMY_qZACOjIRSvYbTuxnXsrICERdBf53v9GZ0SmIGFNvhfzJoj_1LlnSOpRIefUWvTvLdLjKVs14qaBTDm_6LlkX2FohUZ69COzXNt7F3TAILIYpI0Qbn33D5MC8/s320/Penwortham+by+the+Ribble+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>On Sunday 18th May Ribbleside residents will be walking <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/04/alternative-ribble-vision-gets-green.html">the new South Ribble Country Park</a> to celebrate its new designation. </strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Starting from the Tram Bridge across the River Ribble at 2pm, we will be walking around the area exploring a number of its fantastic natural habitats, including the River Ribble riverbanks, meadows, ancient woodlands, and Preston Junction Nature Reserve...<br /></em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4nhuuFa7duvcFyAL7Tp0gUmB-IzKGGCGuE_kvILqSXAPpozTRz07-WlmVzAlpnUAzHHLzQO7x1m9C5oWY0bmPWIXOQQzuw72luR1OdVlRVnDS2lyxEvJ_yT5HnZWubyatWFXOe4AgE0/s1600-h/Ribbleside+Country+Park+Mario+map+LCC.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199164797894324290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4nhuuFa7duvcFyAL7Tp0gUmB-IzKGGCGuE_kvILqSXAPpozTRz07-WlmVzAlpnUAzHHLzQO7x1m9C5oWY0bmPWIXOQQzuw72luR1OdVlRVnDS2lyxEvJ_yT5HnZWubyatWFXOe4AgE0/s320/Ribbleside+Country+Park+Mario+map+LCC.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Some of the terrain is a little rough</span>, and it does involve a couple of stiles and the occasional mud patch, so this particular walk is <span style="color:#990000;">unsuitable for wheels</span> <em>- although you could still meet us on the Tram Bridge to join in the celebrations and then set off on your own wheely walk along the Riverside or the Old Tram Road!</em> </strong><br /><strong>Why miss out on a glorious May Day by the Ribble!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/05/walk-ribbleside-country-park-on-sunday.html">Click here for full details of the route etc!</a><br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk">ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-75824088738050056192008-05-02T22:43:00.010+01:002008-05-03T00:19:16.101+01:00River Ribble Pleasantries On Preston Guild Wheel Cycle Route<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwSq3kRRRD9qIQH3c7_WDRxRcTdOxXtX7cckQ-tVXtGSSVN56udjj1CWGM6eSb5OJtvkMYojijpOnGhJqx3NwLZt5q_kPnieQwsucJAuwN6DPJwko6LMpVLCzHuxQVnwq4HOfB-wFDxQ/s1600-h/Ben+Robinson+(LEP)+loved+cycling+the+Preston+Guild+Wheel+along+the+River+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195903402010482226" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwSq3kRRRD9qIQH3c7_WDRxRcTdOxXtX7cckQ-tVXtGSSVN56udjj1CWGM6eSb5OJtvkMYojijpOnGhJqx3NwLZt5q_kPnieQwsucJAuwN6DPJwko6LMpVLCzHuxQVnwq4HOfB-wFDxQ/s320/Ben+Robinson+(LEP)+loved+cycling+the+Preston+Guild+Wheel+along+the+River+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><a href="http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Plans-for-cycle-route-to.4040944.jp">Ben Robinson, Lancashire Evening Post Reporter, got on his bike</a> to try out the proposed route for the Preston Guild Wheel Cycle Route, due to be launched for the next <a href="http://www.preston.gov.uk/Guild2012/">Preston Guild in 2012</a>. </strong><br /><strong>Ben clearly enjoyed the ride - and said that <span style="color:#009900;"><em>'the most pleasant part of the ride is to the south, where it follows the banks of the River Ribble before emerging at Avenham & Miller Parks'</em>.<br /></span></strong><br />The Guild Wheel Cycle Route is the idea of Peter Ward, former international cyclist, and it is being developed with the help of former Lancashire County Council cycling officer Mike Atkins (who is also involved with <a href="http://www.sustrans.org.uk/">SUSTRANS</a> and is working tirelessly to develop the Guild Wheel and other cycling projects in the Preston and South Ribble area).<br /><br /><strong>Although most of the route already exists, and most of it will be "off-road", new improvements and links will see it forming a 21 mile circle around Preston, with "spoke" routes leading into the City centre too. </strong><br /><br /><em><strong>It will be great for cycling for pleasure, but also fantastic as a commuter route into and out of Preston. </strong></em><br /><br />It will link to numerous other cycle and walking routes, including the Ribble Way, and will link together five National Cycle Network (NCN) routes heading to the centre of Preston from Blackburn, Wigan, Southport, Blackpool, and Lancaster.<br /><br />These and other cycle routes will form the ‘spokes’ of the Guild Wheel. Along the route, cyclists and walkers can visit the Docks, the Bull Nose, Lea, the Ribble Link, Cottam, Tanterton, Broughton, Haighton Top, Cow Hill, Red Scar, Boilton Wood, Brockholes, Fishwick, Frenchwood, Avenham & Miller Parks, and Broadgate, with a long section running along the north bank of the River Ribble.<br /><br /><strong>As Mike Atkins says 'There are not many cities where you can go along the river without crossing traffic'.</strong><br /><br />There may also be an ‘inner wheel’, to the north of Preston, staying to the south of the M6 and M55.<br /><br /><em><strong>We think it's a cracking idea!</strong></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCKvZB3_3o3y_ilh0bpMInzo7gMUv7AF98scHD1zkCc7-NP9ROQQRSD8LMLdu9j36x4NAXQRXKHUIu7Z1P7ph-6HEl0t_2Id29LHKoe90TLNWiKnt8BJ6cJHlUev98duFF5Fy7KQLAk8/s1600-h/Tour+de+Ribble+Copyright+Mark+Ibbotson+Save+The+Ribble+Campaign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195903895931721282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCKvZB3_3o3y_ilh0bpMInzo7gMUv7AF98scHD1zkCc7-NP9ROQQRSD8LMLdu9j36x4NAXQRXKHUIu7Z1P7ph-6HEl0t_2Id29LHKoe90TLNWiKnt8BJ6cJHlUev98duFF5Fy7KQLAk8/s320/Tour+de+Ribble+Copyright+Mark+Ibbotson+Save+The+Ribble+Campaign.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>On yer bike!</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.garstangcyclingclub.net/Guild%20Wheel.html">Garstang Cycling Club are riding the Guild Wheel on 3rd June!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/council/meetings/displayFile.asp?FTYPE=A&FILEID=22382">Other news about forthcoming cycling strategies for Preston.</a><br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk">ribblecyclediaries@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-36491915945424004482008-04-17T22:31:00.009+01:002008-04-17T23:18:19.199+01:00New Ribbleside Country Park Announced for South Ribble!<strong>South Ribble Borough Council have announced that the large stretch of <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/04/alternative-ribble-vision-gets-green.html">Green Belt running alongside the River Ribble in Penwortham is to receive Country Park status</a>. </strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1PBKTO9LydmcYct1WkE4-i7SMcfwpj0k1U2hKZ3nemj7wAjwq9a5XxOEp_0tivONY3Fh1eCKUciFHu9bGvUPgmeMMugQo0cm3bUCm8jF19SuLJ40yMeTK5cj-D-7p7cN3mv2VK5rrqM/s1600-h/wildflower+meadows+and+may+blossom+on+Penwortham+bank.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065092051625156754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1PBKTO9LydmcYct1WkE4-i7SMcfwpj0k1U2hKZ3nemj7wAjwq9a5XxOEp_0tivONY3Fh1eCKUciFHu9bGvUPgmeMMugQo0cm3bUCm8jF19SuLJ40yMeTK5cj-D-7p7cN3mv2VK5rrqM/s320/wildflower+meadows+and+may+blossom+on+Penwortham+bank.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>Penwortham Green Belt next to the River Ribble in South Ribble.</em><br /><br /><strong><em>This new </em></strong><a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/04/alternative-ribble-vision-gets-green.html"><strong><em>South Ribble Country Park</em></strong></a><strong><em> will run from Penwortham to Walton le Dale along the River Ribble, and will also incorporate a broad area running southwards to Lostock Hall, incorporating and expanding the Preston Junction Nature Reserve. This new Country Park also incorporates a significant stretch of the Internationally important intertidal zone of the River Ribble.<br /></em></strong><br /><strong>Designating this large swathe of the Ribble's Green Belt a Country Park will ensure this area is protected from development in the long term.<br /></strong><br />South Ribble Borough Council have also announced this week that <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/04/south-ribble-riverbanks-green-belt.html"><strong>the River Ribble's riverbanks and <em>all Green Belt</em> will be protected from development</strong></a><strong> throughout South Ribble</strong> as part of the forthcoming Regional Spatial Strategy, due to be published later this year, thus ensuring these vitally important habitats are protected in the long term, whether inside or outside the new South Ribble Country Park area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgcggLU1ni0IOIExccErVn4dg6vOGVQt_M4TEIDP8sXGG5z5bb682B0z0mjxx708iPH6nnEXiAcwNk1Hv9lxmLIM4AcBeFgppd9BzRYvLDJ53XuFbwF_W7y0FTeqaskr_s_9U7Owphmg/s1600-h/view+across+the+river+to+Penwortham.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065089461759877058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgcggLU1ni0IOIExccErVn4dg6vOGVQt_M4TEIDP8sXGG5z5bb682B0z0mjxx708iPH6nnEXiAcwNk1Hv9lxmLIM4AcBeFgppd9BzRYvLDJ53XuFbwF_W7y0FTeqaskr_s_9U7Owphmg/s320/view+across+the+river+to+Penwortham.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Of course, a Ribbleside Country Park, immediately opposite <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenham_Park">Avenham</a> & <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller_Park%2C_Preston">Miller</a> Parks in Preston and just 5 minutes walk from Preston city centre is not only fantastic for local communities both in Preston and South Ribble, but also for visitors, as this unique area can now become an official part of Britain's newest Regional Park, <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/03/ribble-coast-wetlands.html">Ribble Coast & Wetlands</strong></a>, which extends all along the intertidal Ribble from the Irish Sea at Lytham and Southport into the centre of Preston and Penwortham and on to the new Brockholes Wetland.<br /><br />And the new South Ribble Country Park is of course on the <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">Ribble Way Long Distance Footpath</a>, so will be a fabulous new facility for walkers and ramblers and cyclists exploring the River Ribble, from the Source to the Sea.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#006600;">Long Live the Ribble - and Ribbleside Green spaces - Wild!</span></em></strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>You can find out more about the new <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/04/alternative-ribble-vision-gets-green.html">South Ribble Country Park designation</a> here.</strong><br /><br />Find out more about the <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/03/ribble-coast-wetlands.html"><strong>Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park</strong></a> here.<br /><br />You can read more about <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/04/sustainable-development-and-wetlands.html"><strong>Sustainable Development and Wetlands</strong></a> here.<br /><br />You can find out more about <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/12/ribble-is-saved-for-now.html"><strong>why the Ribble <em>should hopefully </em>be safe from a tidal barrage</strong> now</a> here...<br /><br />...but also <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2008/02/revitalised-riverside-or-developers.html"><strong>why the River Ribble and its green spaces <em>could still be under threat</em></strong></a> here.<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-91858574080586636852008-01-01T11:55:00.000+00:002008-01-01T13:05:30.296+00:00Midwinter's Day on the Ribble 2007<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQA5j2Lo12_svLipKjJTDUQyWIrFPuEy347gZ3brUH-NPnTiUGBxu2gtUOArgtIXUqv0TGIwbqHW_aBsmYXRYq5hwPInapiAxPY57ZT6gYVjIj1rkn8ac8WNDC1trp-vcvEc4wLjKlNA/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150477211396391250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQA5j2Lo12_svLipKjJTDUQyWIrFPuEy347gZ3brUH-NPnTiUGBxu2gtUOArgtIXUqv0TGIwbqHW_aBsmYXRYq5hwPInapiAxPY57ZT6gYVjIj1rkn8ac8WNDC1trp-vcvEc4wLjKlNA/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Midwinter's day 2007, a hoary frost decorates the riverbanks and meadows and woodlands alongside the River Ribble...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkc-fMXUpCVY289bG3uW0vD0Ox8kvJ4UBCM4XV0ZbpmyqMcdQ_likdZenmq0ZjbEEbcURlB29-pImkkGTeDy4eZulM2WbZ2boKvBbGmejDqHd45-J5d39kCKNIAtXAo5g-td-QiUy7nGk/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150476936518484290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkc-fMXUpCVY289bG3uW0vD0Ox8kvJ4UBCM4XV0ZbpmyqMcdQ_likdZenmq0ZjbEEbcURlB29-pImkkGTeDy4eZulM2WbZ2boKvBbGmejDqHd45-J5d39kCKNIAtXAo5g-td-QiUy7nGk/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+071.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...but the Ribble continues to ensure her wildlife survives, those intertidal mudflats replenished by every tide, every day, whatever the season and whatever the weather...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKNeIbF1VPTH2kfm92KAKv7_bxpWlkb9QwHz4rpDHv2X-Q8UrgJdsU81jpT3AtqHNSsRDVoLO2CpWPCe0lFKKjAhnuUtFRBlK4JvPDNvpB6RYayWDLMj_FsPd_eERjlbhJeJU10d_sBw/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+088.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150489190060180034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqKNeIbF1VPTH2kfm92KAKv7_bxpWlkb9QwHz4rpDHv2X-Q8UrgJdsU81jpT3AtqHNSsRDVoLO2CpWPCe0lFKKjAhnuUtFRBlK4JvPDNvpB6RYayWDLMj_FsPd_eERjlbhJeJU10d_sBw/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+088.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uTd14KQNGIv6G1hOgpW1o9BJUqoKGbf8qJpsoIKuRZIodaotBD-dX0qxyfQkcU4Tw7ejIoLm_BEFOWWu_sqn4Ud2LxkbeNnK0mW6V4wXZBjzDZKsZZIRFkNr00iDwbLal3bEDq5zLRY/s1600-h/Red+Shank.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150476837734236466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uTd14KQNGIv6G1hOgpW1o9BJUqoKGbf8qJpsoIKuRZIodaotBD-dX0qxyfQkcU4Tw7ejIoLm_BEFOWWu_sqn4Ud2LxkbeNnK0mW6V4wXZBjzDZKsZZIRFkNr00iDwbLal3bEDq5zLRY/s320/Red+Shank.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...our over-wintering Redshank joining the Mallards, Teal, Goosander, Moorhens, Lapwings, Cormorants, geese, and many other bird species feeding on the Ribble mudflats...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKGX-1Gv0bYWeisd1T1UaCtUsO7mMfIQj5vf0miGCH_-J13WtbuX1MOMf1TjGCmRDCGbignv2Zw1OsmWCi69905b60E9D8Ao7ZiPJAKSvyu8Bs5VSvuhWeJr6NeCkKf1SA-98mjAx2cQ/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+189.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150477636598153602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKGX-1Gv0bYWeisd1T1UaCtUsO7mMfIQj5vf0miGCH_-J13WtbuX1MOMf1TjGCmRDCGbignv2Zw1OsmWCi69905b60E9D8Ao7ZiPJAKSvyu8Bs5VSvuhWeJr6NeCkKf1SA-98mjAx2cQ/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+189.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and even the Mallard numbers are swelled by their cousins who migrate to the Ribble every winter from Iceland and beyond.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvNKtBYLaEilomYc410KvvQuisibeCil0_EOs0BEh0wZkgF4njHYWFgWELD5rQvovHg_y2N6XtX3kHzJ8GfYovx6Vj4KBgEbQlFahwVw_Ud7Nkoq8MfDEke1SRPa_o-Z_xJvng9BDmuc/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+158.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150478396807365010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvNKtBYLaEilomYc410KvvQuisibeCil0_EOs0BEh0wZkgF4njHYWFgWELD5rQvovHg_y2N6XtX3kHzJ8GfYovx6Vj4KBgEbQlFahwVw_Ud7Nkoq8MfDEke1SRPa_o-Z_xJvng9BDmuc/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+158.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The view from the Old Tram Bridge linking Avenham & Miller Parks to the Penwortham Green Belt also attracts constant visitors whatever the season...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZhhXJqK0LvZjZBM8nPN6BNdzhknIfELTHiFUKznaZngycb9OSGgA4RiGDGeWNx_18GRENG4sNijH-v5RLwFwBuekvxSLdZPnK9POzzDpQzn-el5e0s1o8Ka9liDT8k_C1ubhN5bOt9Q/s1600-h/Tram+Road,+Ribbleside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150476232143847698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZhhXJqK0LvZjZBM8nPN6BNdzhknIfELTHiFUKznaZngycb9OSGgA4RiGDGeWNx_18GRENG4sNijH-v5RLwFwBuekvxSLdZPnK9POzzDpQzn-el5e0s1o8Ka9liDT8k_C1ubhN5bOt9Q/s320/Tram+Road,+Ribbleside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...as does the Old Tram Road itself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMHn7kvLumoCWDbwqL4pfkfTCKZ-16Nu8-eSIZp0_65SmBOJTA9kId_n_mEAqcj5qSJH-Y2I9emw2dufI4yZRhvQHMtSOnB1LmYSlrpzJIq0KrrSnX0lkK0BJwX4pNvTshSw7ZMitMt0/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+105.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150478710339977650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMHn7kvLumoCWDbwqL4pfkfTCKZ-16Nu8-eSIZp0_65SmBOJTA9kId_n_mEAqcj5qSJH-Y2I9emw2dufI4yZRhvQHMtSOnB1LmYSlrpzJIq0KrrSnX0lkK0BJwX4pNvTshSw7ZMitMt0/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+105.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Heron's stream on the Penwortham Green Belt has solid sheets of ice clothing its banks as the receding tidal waters have frozen in sparkling sheets...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzWMtSkZ2ixbkD6NwcV5re3YuIMa1QfsQf6kHaaWkG1Nt96HMcDDRpDn0UKbVFmAsVcKaWZbxsVgD0hUoPe86OWEJ1N5k29XmoVjliHu6A_Mlihin3q-oNqZzejubSrkvEidPd9YU5x8/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150479045347426786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzWMtSkZ2ixbkD6NwcV5re3YuIMa1QfsQf6kHaaWkG1Nt96HMcDDRpDn0UKbVFmAsVcKaWZbxsVgD0hUoPe86OWEJ1N5k29XmoVjliHu6A_Mlihin3q-oNqZzejubSrkvEidPd9YU5x8/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+107.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and the hedgerows and meadows and scrubland are glorious in the wintry sunlight as the frost sparkles and glitters...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFv1DKqHwgw7yjJ5-B7WBBru_eYOptBcGa5pq61R65a3mER7pSp8OZZql6lW82EOW_YYhZWAEdd1EFwsqvuMwo3bZQTuCivH-z8d4CJlm_ltBy3RHlD1TI7TwgzQmUyrV_CuTBDKB45Q/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150478912203440594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFv1DKqHwgw7yjJ5-B7WBBru_eYOptBcGa5pq61R65a3mER7pSp8OZZql6lW82EOW_YYhZWAEdd1EFwsqvuMwo3bZQTuCivH-z8d4CJlm_ltBy3RHlD1TI7TwgzQmUyrV_CuTBDKB45Q/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+112.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...giving old seed heads the aspect of exotic winter flowers...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjfkph_xvUN63X-XpEGptWY8GIDyt_W1HSz6tgJ_Y4i4ofRWb4eH2ZtESGQbMSFIdg32Tt79ypjGA9SzOpuP_UT5_M9uzkNufBC8ahNK0oiaPKdXl0yvefhff6VdnnHqOqb-Ft_QYkrw/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+116.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150478817714160066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjfkph_xvUN63X-XpEGptWY8GIDyt_W1HSz6tgJ_Y4i4ofRWb4eH2ZtESGQbMSFIdg32Tt79ypjGA9SzOpuP_UT5_M9uzkNufBC8ahNK0oiaPKdXl0yvefhff6VdnnHqOqb-Ft_QYkrw/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+116.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and highlighting the Holly with rimes of frost...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvsPA8R2w4UKMCrNwHGbeKcmsYLgS3fbEt6nbvCXPU-LJsR5_Ys2b1duNTBHjnn41PKuwLVZm7ciG31BDdXIj7JtWh3VhSXBgHFFbnyuXiqDrk_DRp3n3dY-KmKYviWDwBPGqv0EvG0E/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+097.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150478560016122274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvsPA8R2w4UKMCrNwHGbeKcmsYLgS3fbEt6nbvCXPU-LJsR5_Ys2b1duNTBHjnn41PKuwLVZm7ciG31BDdXIj7JtWh3VhSXBgHFFbnyuXiqDrk_DRp3n3dY-KmKYviWDwBPGqv0EvG0E/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+097.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Yet signs of Spring are already unmistakeable, and absurdly early as the Willow catkin buds have already begun to emerge, their silken silvery sheen a strange echo of the frosted buds around them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4oUOk8p779nKO880XuSD_LulH0Ly9K4NRyhyPTAs7H8qLJPaWV_ek7T8UpS_lDJU3YAPt7shmbCqY5cqkrW7DD0BX38ETnlbeSmP8yK-7IYPS0uscoapbCnbuqI81Fy8DhKJ4gn4JI8/s1600-h/frosty+grasses.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150477481979330930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4oUOk8p779nKO880XuSD_LulH0Ly9K4NRyhyPTAs7H8qLJPaWV_ek7T8UpS_lDJU3YAPt7shmbCqY5cqkrW7DD0BX38ETnlbeSmP8yK-7IYPS0uscoapbCnbuqI81Fy8DhKJ4gn4JI8/s320/frosty+grasses.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The hoary frost crunches underfoot on the meadows and riverbanks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR7fIDWpe94EmtjhTn7286FLN1gN-Oj_v5I1xsaVDtk90SCf4hj831tQ30tsk-tnpd-AksmDifJriE0nri3SMAGDXuzHQDglqdekuaAzw2K4Yg04wU2fLYzGBjRRZRk4IccqQVCNHXj4/s1600-h/frost+crystals+by+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150485938769936914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLR7fIDWpe94EmtjhTn7286FLN1gN-Oj_v5I1xsaVDtk90SCf4hj831tQ30tsk-tnpd-AksmDifJriE0nri3SMAGDXuzHQDglqdekuaAzw2K4Yg04wU2fLYzGBjRRZRk4IccqQVCNHXj4/s320/frost+crystals+by+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...glittering and sparkling in the Midwinter sunlight...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0ncJ_cxy5X0J4WBVW1B98VwXihs-Jvy248UUDfBEIXq4DEgkNd4AjpQzJpkvzxX6c6YFy8kHJlwdmTJaLJknSFsjy7PR3_RlWhZDKZeKTsdP_XSO9JLt8rclHkQ7-bCunQdU9KMhAZg/s1600-h/Ribbleside+midwinter+frost.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150477366015213922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0ncJ_cxy5X0J4WBVW1B98VwXihs-Jvy248UUDfBEIXq4DEgkNd4AjpQzJpkvzxX6c6YFy8kHJlwdmTJaLJknSFsjy7PR3_RlWhZDKZeKTsdP_XSO9JLt8rclHkQ7-bCunQdU9KMhAZg/s320/Ribbleside+midwinter+frost.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the autumn leaves rotting in the undergrowth give a new pleasure to the eye as they are highlighted by the thousands of perfect crystals which trace their veins and shapes anew...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fEllfnYdB4TKKvzbSLX3AaJNDj0Ig98axdRWBTU8-iUJhRlWhLVfhapHKKBcbh1UV_4Zwux5SHL65tLKrC5JueC_z2pIOgyN9fUydzkIJPQxcoMPt0vJGmUHpkGKxTmMHUl80i5HMj8/s1600-h/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150486071913923106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_fEllfnYdB4TKKvzbSLX3AaJNDj0Ig98axdRWBTU8-iUJhRlWhLVfhapHKKBcbh1UV_4Zwux5SHL65tLKrC5JueC_z2pIOgyN9fUydzkIJPQxcoMPt0vJGmUHpkGKxTmMHUl80i5HMj8/s320/Dec+07+Ribble+midwinter+080.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And as the sun sets over the Ribble on the shortest day, the Herons soak up the weak wintry sunshine...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoQnz_ir4Sfjd0yeKn7kK6g9Q_6ST-vm8Zi480pfqCR4Et9iF-FViqCMBdy7uevLg1_zw35mqiBE2Nk-eOFoSHVI_aXsDCiRLoeC1T7dgcc0f_YHNSNnliaBEDQQwgPBe4_kn4D9V4aU/s1600-h/Ribbleside+Herons,+midwinter+sunset.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150476137654567170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoQnz_ir4Sfjd0yeKn7kK6g9Q_6ST-vm8Zi480pfqCR4Et9iF-FViqCMBdy7uevLg1_zw35mqiBE2Nk-eOFoSHVI_aXsDCiRLoeC1T7dgcc0f_YHNSNnliaBEDQQwgPBe4_kn4D9V4aU/s320/Ribbleside+Herons,+midwinter+sunset.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the River Ribble flows by, as she has always done...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qNPBPYeUhE3DPfnB40SKf7LlNpGiXinCQyc2AzJs-Blsidnlr4qWz3G_qM07fL4cmNy_hlKRAkxqFLVoncgC8_9ymLCmvyHuWzFvhH3D1slROFYwO8SeychhV1tqjoELgjATZTFaoWU/s1600-h/midwinter+sunset+over+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150490272391938642" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qNPBPYeUhE3DPfnB40SKf7LlNpGiXinCQyc2AzJs-Blsidnlr4qWz3G_qM07fL4cmNy_hlKRAkxqFLVoncgC8_9ymLCmvyHuWzFvhH3D1slROFYwO8SeychhV1tqjoELgjATZTFaoWU/s320/midwinter+sunset+over+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Long Live the Ribble Wild!<br /></span></em></strong><br /><br />Apologies if you are still waiting for further installments of our adventures walking <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">The Ribble Way</a>, but we've been very busy spending time by the Ribble and <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/12/ribble-is-saved-for-now.html">Saving The Ribble</a> to Blog the Ribble! I will, however, get the next installment of our Ribble Way Adventures on here soon...<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-19374988136523444082007-10-29T17:32:00.000+00:002007-11-17T21:40:57.373+00:00The Ribble Way Part 6: From Gisburn to Chatburn - Access Please!The next stage of our Ribble Way adventures take access issues to a whole new level. This is the section which was scandalously closed several years ago as the landowners decided they wanted us common folk to get orf their land. As a result, ordinary people are being excluded from a truly beautiful section of the River Ribble - a section which was open to all until that point.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pn3PwQi2feILUh_Oxe-wQiFXeEm7eB7OUi58GcJkpUbenbfrNAkWpRO4sTrY06OhDwxdX2Tp8WBnem2u5eVHYe_lh5Ptfjqp43mhpelmQUXe8zl1KGENf988aj4fUfTFxQR4Mnaeol0/s1600-h/e7+access+please!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126842506648284386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pn3PwQi2feILUh_Oxe-wQiFXeEm7eB7OUi58GcJkpUbenbfrNAkWpRO4sTrY06OhDwxdX2Tp8WBnem2u5eVHYe_lh5Ptfjqp43mhpelmQUXe8zl1KGENf988aj4fUfTFxQR4Mnaeol0/s320/e7+access+please!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We begin our day on The Ribble Way at Gisburn, where we left off the previous week, and the day is overcast and very hazy - long-distance views are romantically misty rather than sharp and clear - but it's warm and dry so a good day is promised for Ribbling once again!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9CzWTbc-ODvxAUMvIEEHR2XCowoDoti1hTVec7w5SjR7ZLc3gUNWq1rFBXH_dV1Cm1oAVc7CYsahYzHq2b0p6iRrbVZ4znbv63N5s5RwzBzCzJl__1EEKv1ZAAKYv8INSkGMXx8M8J0/s1600-h/a8+autumn+near+Gisburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126842394979134674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9CzWTbc-ODvxAUMvIEEHR2XCowoDoti1hTVec7w5SjR7ZLc3gUNWq1rFBXH_dV1Cm1oAVc7CYsahYzHq2b0p6iRrbVZ4znbv63N5s5RwzBzCzJl__1EEKv1ZAAKYv8INSkGMXx8M8J0/s320/a8+autumn+near+Gisburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After walking roughly north-westwards along Mill Lane from Gisburn for a few minutes, the Ribble Way moves back off the road below Coppy Hill. We were immediately met with one of the most unexpected forms of wildlife - Llamas!! The girls had a closer look but we all made sure we stayed more than spitting distance away...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie73pfHpSCaiH8hZjq9SC2fPFMQZ6B-ImwR7TaaCd-IyLTwVByZYfEK9g6VYn2sHfWbPA7VDunxA6orU3tJzToWVZUDoqXYAnHev6iSoTUWzxYVP9zBZEkgfovNnua6TSL2oiwIkEmUY8/s1600-h/a2+Llamas+at+Gisburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126842253245213890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie73pfHpSCaiH8hZjq9SC2fPFMQZ6B-ImwR7TaaCd-IyLTwVByZYfEK9g6VYn2sHfWbPA7VDunxA6orU3tJzToWVZUDoqXYAnHev6iSoTUWzxYVP9zBZEkgfovNnua6TSL2oiwIkEmUY8/s320/a2+Llamas+at+Gisburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...then we carried on through Coppice Farm...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEueheNc3BCdZT5CovbtKenjjh3g_cVZmENyxX_Y0v8xnqOOfavsD7KxKVYqxJQRPZpyO05YYXY2TEtKbNcnpunreXyKXhSGR2n0rAysjZwVWoK0cYB91OyHPDrOUtc-Z1ygWPTJc55o/s1600-h/a5+Beck+at+Higher+Laithe+west+of+Gisburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126842098626391218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEueheNc3BCdZT5CovbtKenjjh3g_cVZmENyxX_Y0v8xnqOOfavsD7KxKVYqxJQRPZpyO05YYXY2TEtKbNcnpunreXyKXhSGR2n0rAysjZwVWoK0cYB91OyHPDrOUtc-Z1ygWPTJc55o/s320/a5+Beck+at+Higher+Laithe+west+of+Gisburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and Higher Laithe and Wheatley...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs3Dzn3cdBako-xVIVT6bJvvW9AznNN73uUDaoF_OUlReOshp5xCCoLoVgcR7hUY5pqKNXSPthe3rxDJiaNaE8Sv3AtKAN9tpP0kWIEE7iu7IWidyi37sZWgH7gQvGViVFacN4yW3loo/s1600-h/a7+Higher+Laithe+locals.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126841922532732066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijs3Dzn3cdBako-xVIVT6bJvvW9AznNN73uUDaoF_OUlReOshp5xCCoLoVgcR7hUY5pqKNXSPthe3rxDJiaNaE8Sv3AtKAN9tpP0kWIEE7iu7IWidyi37sZWgH7gQvGViVFacN4yW3loo/s320/a7+Higher+Laithe+locals.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...where the cows were curious but friendly!<br /><br />As we emerged onto New Laithe the landscape opened out before us, the woodlands and hills through which the River Ribble wends its way are truly stunning, even in such misty conditions...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUIytGr0Mu6oMqNlfuyOCEGXWq9holKD6VOdI0GtY50rP1Mz3o7F3jqM_vq-B1FXc9FwB6pQ8-f78-DZjvaQ-6at_fAukSB1qsJOXcEApdTcWurv08K029RqufovrOwtuzc4zMV9ZuMA/s1600-h/a13+Fooden+High+Wood+at+Wheatley+Trough.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126841458676264066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUIytGr0Mu6oMqNlfuyOCEGXWq9holKD6VOdI0GtY50rP1Mz3o7F3jqM_vq-B1FXc9FwB6pQ8-f78-DZjvaQ-6at_fAukSB1qsJOXcEApdTcWurv08K029RqufovrOwtuzc4zMV9ZuMA/s320/a13+Fooden+High+Wood+at+Wheatley+Trough.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here at New Laithe we spot a stile down to the River so decide to take a short detour...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqC_lcrYwyQaHffdbo-ksn-vGeTGo3yPWy5kJZjERg7DZrF5tAsdzDWjtUhPsiUhgx8JChUuRPvvyCdd4BCdk3nukOOxlkPALviGk4okilmcmnzJ1fHKU7N-iNd5s_hutJVURyH2-JWk/s1600-h/a14+River+Ribble+at+New+Laithe+1.1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126840638337510498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqC_lcrYwyQaHffdbo-ksn-vGeTGo3yPWy5kJZjERg7DZrF5tAsdzDWjtUhPsiUhgx8JChUuRPvvyCdd4BCdk3nukOOxlkPALviGk4okilmcmnzJ1fHKU7N-iNd5s_hutJVURyH2-JWk/s320/a14+River+Ribble+at+New+Laithe+1.1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...which was truly worthwhile, the Ribble passing through beautiful autumnal woodlands all along this stretch...<br />...and passing over mossy rocks and stones on its way...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryU21oqF1uFcd9IcicDScwtwdazCmxOid1BHIGeKhuOujhy3ACjAUQuQT1kcLp65KGAAxCgfvcHBAqqff2XiAJ9J5flC-y7hmWpTlvXzDcQMrzBXGfL0BrHhcym7RjKSahy3AF03tJcc/s1600-h/a14+the+Ribble"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126840938985221234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryU21oqF1uFcd9IcicDScwtwdazCmxOid1BHIGeKhuOujhy3ACjAUQuQT1kcLp65KGAAxCgfvcHBAqqff2XiAJ9J5flC-y7hmWpTlvXzDcQMrzBXGfL0BrHhcym7RjKSahy3AF03tJcc/s320/a14+the+Ribble%27s+voice.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and we even catch the vibrant electric-blue flash of a Kingfisher flying swiftly downstream.<br /><br />We decide to walk along the riverbank through the woods for as far as we can get, and there are some gorgeous trees along here...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkImKoCXRmifrJpjUsXg8UrqTdYWXQXnUHl7CrH1eVU2z6eMmNErIMdJUWUmVwftFtMe2mYdER1EHq9rcAxIHsptarpLkuPyknkEsysy7ISeTTI0GbQku3PuCZDF0urzC_Jr-oOHL4p4/s1600-h/a14+Ribbleside+trees.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126840389229407314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkImKoCXRmifrJpjUsXg8UrqTdYWXQXnUHl7CrH1eVU2z6eMmNErIMdJUWUmVwftFtMe2mYdER1EHq9rcAxIHsptarpLkuPyknkEsysy7ISeTTI0GbQku3PuCZDF0urzC_Jr-oOHL4p4/s320/a14+Ribbleside+trees.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...as well as diverse plants species thriving in this wet woodland...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjcXcjWqz_6kbMVfs6dEaISWbUbYVYLh539kyjuhy2HCqDHDCRrBDwQmx359zDHe1CgMfO47qTK_yg0suphcT-8tf_S8wDVGAPhRO7ntDPp7N1QSCs2e6ONAGZCMUrfM5dMBG6dkYrBU/s1600-h/a14+diverse+plant+species.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126840200250846274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjcXcjWqz_6kbMVfs6dEaISWbUbYVYLh539kyjuhy2HCqDHDCRrBDwQmx359zDHe1CgMfO47qTK_yg0suphcT-8tf_S8wDVGAPhRO7ntDPp7N1QSCs2e6ONAGZCMUrfM5dMBG6dkYrBU/s320/a14+diverse+plant+species.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...including a number of interesting funghi...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPirrK87IOzGRyx9ARUDdWL6iLg8p5wjxQ7S-Fr2iNF_kx88QAzucynILCR3p7yrtIjBeiWYjVM7cENGRNxl5ojO5w3na_6_ELdg7C5ZUgkMUwLz5IlcM62tZ1lWvZ4INMdSj-l9jaAc/s1600-h/a14+funghi+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126840049926990898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPirrK87IOzGRyx9ARUDdWL6iLg8p5wjxQ7S-Fr2iNF_kx88QAzucynILCR3p7yrtIjBeiWYjVM7cENGRNxl5ojO5w3na_6_ELdg7C5ZUgkMUwLz5IlcM62tZ1lWvZ4INMdSj-l9jaAc/s320/a14+funghi+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />... although by far the most noticeable plant species are the various forms of lichen covering the trees...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeExsBDn3tN2spyAJoUzxrtM_-rWf3h5ksL77QefMyObAOjrn83Nqqu92AsXtiPgzdbbItFt_KMkEAgEUFWJBylwkxENpubisDhPvFeY32AbvAWlLF4kNZ4CdY6Pl7OaMm8Vsg65x7O0/s1600-h/a14+lichen+and+mosses.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126839938257841186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeExsBDn3tN2spyAJoUzxrtM_-rWf3h5ksL77QefMyObAOjrn83Nqqu92AsXtiPgzdbbItFt_KMkEAgEUFWJBylwkxENpubisDhPvFeY32AbvAWlLF4kNZ4CdY6Pl7OaMm8Vsg65x7O0/s320/a14+lichen+and+mosses.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and the thick, rich mosses covering every possible space...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlrqgyXiV6aLmDcv4ZDySkjwuFZyF3ApMMvvNBKWaEK8PgIgtmFt3Y8cF3sOlCRMKSrKK5yGEwS1fpQ9Iu3iy55iCzi4v932hOrxFuBgylf6OFE7yrz8qxSvyIER3ZEE_8JapjUeYv0I/s1600-h/a14+mossy+woodlands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126839740689345554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlrqgyXiV6aLmDcv4ZDySkjwuFZyF3ApMMvvNBKWaEK8PgIgtmFt3Y8cF3sOlCRMKSrKK5yGEwS1fpQ9Iu3iy55iCzi4v932hOrxFuBgylf6OFE7yrz8qxSvyIER3ZEE_8JapjUeYv0I/s320/a14+mossy+woodlands.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...in all sorts of strange forms!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJTTz1xwEC8-L6lgHNRAB63tqbRK0kdCGKS3FeYYbWjYLhF-_nE_BTzlbOgmbwdxmR_T65GUcxgJZ11ZuqdccAeu-5EH2N_xy9XZJPaYouvt0PadSxZjZ4DUwTx6DeH-Y3VzzQFeXKqw/s1600-h/a14+wet+woodlands+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126839577480588290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbJTTz1xwEC8-L6lgHNRAB63tqbRK0kdCGKS3FeYYbWjYLhF-_nE_BTzlbOgmbwdxmR_T65GUcxgJZ11ZuqdccAeu-5EH2N_xy9XZJPaYouvt0PadSxZjZ4DUwTx6DeH-Y3VzzQFeXKqw/s320/a14+wet+woodlands+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There are also a number of other plant species thriving in the Ribble woodlands here, including Wood Sorrel...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5M228mWsbDwrnO1b_rlw3h4N4Aay7xnaRGoT8jX_poKx2J4TYd6-R7hyagfxkn7vFSxmva-UC4pzVilToDsBIZq8U_aZIM27y0BTIlRefkzg4NVUGGr-RDyGrCOdNARb0xxeXrEIVfI/s1600-h/a14+wood+anemone+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126839057789545458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5M228mWsbDwrnO1b_rlw3h4N4Aay7xnaRGoT8jX_poKx2J4TYd6-R7hyagfxkn7vFSxmva-UC4pzVilToDsBIZq8U_aZIM27y0BTIlRefkzg4NVUGGr-RDyGrCOdNARb0xxeXrEIVfI/s320/a14+wood+anemone+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...its bright, slightly hairy leaves as beautiful to see as the delicate pink flowers which appear in the Spring.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70pkGNDdh_8frSs8Zgibn8JUi9BYnrIn4pMmSFDqomK4M-lopqCh1UEgqLyME1P8my5fs1JPctEtbwOcDHyXCycxTRXtIc0-20hJNICRgobBxxP_-sOexkqm6IvIaL-QCaudfUIcUzo4/s1600-h/c4+The+Ribble+Way+between+Gisburn+&+Sawley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126831769230043810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70pkGNDdh_8frSs8Zgibn8JUi9BYnrIn4pMmSFDqomK4M-lopqCh1UEgqLyME1P8my5fs1JPctEtbwOcDHyXCycxTRXtIc0-20hJNICRgobBxxP_-sOexkqm6IvIaL-QCaudfUIcUzo4/s320/c4+The+Ribble+Way+between+Gisburn+%26+Sawley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We climb back up away from the River and follow the Ribble Way once more as it continues along towards Steep Wood and Sawley, the sun shining more strongly now even though the haze is still lingering...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdr9cJyLpyLUTodxhM44xssANf5-gSW8X6yUyDeD_G_7CJspgNkeIdvMSm8Xt2UC82RDUQNCwzkqTT6MkQ90J21WZU06L9EzPvwPisTEwuVJqiXaUAevW9q9BVjCNkAzInYvBqXo8afA/s1600-h/b1+looking+back+towards+New+Laithe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126838276105497570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdr9cJyLpyLUTodxhM44xssANf5-gSW8X6yUyDeD_G_7CJspgNkeIdvMSm8Xt2UC82RDUQNCwzkqTT6MkQ90J21WZU06L9EzPvwPisTEwuVJqiXaUAevW9q9BVjCNkAzInYvBqXo8afA/s320/b1+looking+back+towards+New+Laithe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and it's a comfortably warm day too so we enjoy it while we can!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0KdujICR6txLammk_n3l_ENGN-raFEKcfVJabDl2_3YkXaPTPkvFDazn9EXbVYhsXDp8iL3grOWmTVlpKML1qKM99vxZDP-hP_bKkqHJfEsZL5WXjSKzLWGfox8RoYCNPdN_IRZ_yuc/s1600-h/b1+descending+towards+Steep+Wood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126838130076609490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0KdujICR6txLammk_n3l_ENGN-raFEKcfVJabDl2_3YkXaPTPkvFDazn9EXbVYhsXDp8iL3grOWmTVlpKML1qKM99vxZDP-hP_bKkqHJfEsZL5WXjSKzLWGfox8RoYCNPdN_IRZ_yuc/s320/b1+descending+towards+Steep+Wood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Walking the Ribble Way from Wheatley down towards Steep Wood.<br />Once we reach Steep Wood, however, our enjoyment is somewhat blighted by the diversion away from the Ribble Way's true course for the rest of today's adventures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMykQwTF5dv0380YfdWSSITMT7M0anF8YpCHQX5e6lnnlEICOfvGI3QJO4ij1fo3D62n-Wt7Km3h94c-aWSWTqY9jDodlei0pu2TMk1tOvBYF-OtzY_YmF6yjv-oNskAy5OKw0KkPc6G0/s1600-h/b1+the+infamous+diversion+from+steep+wood+to+Sawley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126837936803081154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMykQwTF5dv0380YfdWSSITMT7M0anF8YpCHQX5e6lnnlEICOfvGI3QJO4ij1fo3D62n-Wt7Km3h94c-aWSWTqY9jDodlei0pu2TMk1tOvBYF-OtzY_YmF6yjv-oNskAy5OKw0KkPc6G0/s320/b1+the+infamous+diversion+from+steep+wood+to+Sawley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Now we are forced away from the River Ribble, Cold Park Wood, Hartsails and Brownthwaite - right through to beyond Sawley Lodge, where we are once more "allowed" back onto the Ribble Way proper.<br /><br />Of course, to make sure that we plebians stay orf their land, the conservation-conscious (not!) landowner has felled dozens of trees to block any attempts to continue through to Hartsails along the Ribble's banks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMBVz9HvRPPvpPtRjVv_Ujd0T7MqKUymzA5lfqIih7PEY2cI2yO1jVUoHTytnkfcWtnkLr89FAEQbDU4ZeEt7mc5EEkQJhmNzbvyClTITsh818ysvoH_lYjwHUaDsVrRCzfb6YSyc3w8/s1600-h/b2+the+forbidden+forest+from+Steep+Wood+to+Sawley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5130152749612461330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMBVz9HvRPPvpPtRjVv_Ujd0T7MqKUymzA5lfqIih7PEY2cI2yO1jVUoHTytnkfcWtnkLr89FAEQbDU4ZeEt7mc5EEkQJhmNzbvyClTITsh818ysvoH_lYjwHUaDsVrRCzfb6YSyc3w8/s320/b2+the+forbidden+forest+from+Steep+Wood+to+Sawley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So before we have to leave, we spend a while by the River Ribble, soaking up this peaceful, beautiful place...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPesEG66mt5KmH6rlv4cgf7p-RiIFbZo2UteSWcrU_RZ24P_pCYlqp8bVyU6l-4SAQJXATj1goSu_o1MlamYMX6JvUrisRuxpJdGmmiBEB49T_BPXvRD9YgVxcEoy6QoHq8-5j9qkqmrk/s1600-h/b2+upriver+from+the+ford+at+Steep+Wood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126837820838964146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPesEG66mt5KmH6rlv4cgf7p-RiIFbZo2UteSWcrU_RZ24P_pCYlqp8bVyU6l-4SAQJXATj1goSu_o1MlamYMX6JvUrisRuxpJdGmmiBEB49T_BPXvRD9YgVxcEoy6QoHq8-5j9qkqmrk/s320/b2+upriver+from+the+ford+at+Steep+Wood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Darren even walks to the centre of the river (well, it IS a ford here at Steep Wood!) so I give him the camera and he takes a couple of gorgeous shots upriver...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-OoUZ6CmMTucEx13cZVDQhR2ZGPRdfKQq6Q-b96C8LF8J22fcG19lIYsM9OB4_cblSfUf3oxBbWE-ZK3pM9ivc8KD2joKplXB0GmNCLDNS0tNvmI5x7UdunfRBF0eWjK_8hPtxcFC5s/s1600-h/b2+the+forbidden+forest,+River+Ribble+at+Sawley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126837601795632034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-OoUZ6CmMTucEx13cZVDQhR2ZGPRdfKQq6Q-b96C8LF8J22fcG19lIYsM9OB4_cblSfUf3oxBbWE-ZK3pM9ivc8KD2joKplXB0GmNCLDNS0tNvmI5x7UdunfRBF0eWjK_8hPtxcFC5s/s320/b2+the+forbidden+forest,+River+Ribble+at+Sawley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and down, towards "the forbidden forest".<br />We eventually set off once more, forced to take the diversion up through Steep Wood...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj61ODNYmttAthWXHWag3MTerSEhsy74YDwPFOUSht1IMjV7di7ctzXTvxb9tDBufYaHwbsOuATUsT8xdzvSh4ztcjfU8oP6DPWVqw2IDorzk4BFC_M7yMMuTo8SPTGiPAjs3_q7E954/s1600-h/b3+Steep+Wood+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126837395637201810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj61ODNYmttAthWXHWag3MTerSEhsy74YDwPFOUSht1IMjV7di7ctzXTvxb9tDBufYaHwbsOuATUsT8xdzvSh4ztcjfU8oP6DPWVqw2IDorzk4BFC_M7yMMuTo8SPTGiPAjs3_q7E954/s320/b3+Steep+Wood+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and it is VERY steep!!! It is quite a climb but there are steps easing the climb most of the way, and the woods themselves are interesting with the layers of bare rock which make this steep hill seen between the trees.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcEMgXIP3eLZ1z7EmaFJwa1Lj0MtXfLcZ2HxtLt1_IMsxyKZHDMxk5Q2HFCpMloDU4Hr6hYTHYnWIDaIfjtUM1oSsIli_Dt-h8ZqnL5W8Xs46JP7RN-1nxkHTxcvCTgxCo85JWBiFaQI/s1600-h/b4+another+stile+at+Long+Holme+Row.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126837219543542658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcEMgXIP3eLZ1z7EmaFJwa1Lj0MtXfLcZ2HxtLt1_IMsxyKZHDMxk5Q2HFCpMloDU4Hr6hYTHYnWIDaIfjtUM1oSsIli_Dt-h8ZqnL5W8Xs46JP7RN-1nxkHTxcvCTgxCo85JWBiFaQI/s320/b4+another+stile+at+Long+Holme+Row.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At the top of Steep Wood at Long Home Row, creaky dogs (and human backs) are tested once again as we have to lift the dog over yet another stile (although these sort are at least a million times easier to climb with dog-in-arms than the high up and over wall-ladder types).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9ItRyjL_T1d0pI7QFxm-mUganXPRJ0Y2lPKnsbnNyhuDMh9sjbzjsYBb8pZW9C8b12_OzOzwR6FnV4W15PJXrfFiNhRssyqcKYDQP4E7tE1rsXV1lk8PXKKaXzS5lNJFIgiFk77yns0/s1600-h/b4+ancient+hawthorn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126836884536093554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9ItRyjL_T1d0pI7QFxm-mUganXPRJ0Y2lPKnsbnNyhuDMh9sjbzjsYBb8pZW9C8b12_OzOzwR6FnV4W15PJXrfFiNhRssyqcKYDQP4E7tE1rsXV1lk8PXKKaXzS5lNJFIgiFk77yns0/s320/b4+ancient+hawthorn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There are a number of attractive autumnal trees up here on the hill...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1xae7TWF7xwB3Z6iwCfQQWP7yBn-QCDQqU64zn27AJy-Jn3mYAOKyWj4mjYvwKkGdEtzCrSLygXIm3B7gtj1zsn7PtilFlkZcN1MZMXH3l6nQuLiSAeQmNFfk6DOh1adXdkHfzbIYP0/s1600-h/c2+gnarled+hawthorns.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126835261038455538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1xae7TWF7xwB3Z6iwCfQQWP7yBn-QCDQqU64zn27AJy-Jn3mYAOKyWj4mjYvwKkGdEtzCrSLygXIm3B7gtj1zsn7PtilFlkZcN1MZMXH3l6nQuLiSAeQmNFfk6DOh1adXdkHfzbIYP0/s320/c2+gnarled+hawthorns.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7Y-sws8gWNH2DeZuxqoyIXktDkGqLpGW9v_cvnD0VIeTWdUbaTEQ2smWfBj9Mkf6oO15Dms7yyImyRTw2H0kzVp06EhAUn8FA9SDrr6CODSyZQnrFvsEIsMij7O84ozGNgn77mT5Xr8/s1600-h/b4+funghi+-+no+we+didnt+pick+any.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126836742802172770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7Y-sws8gWNH2DeZuxqoyIXktDkGqLpGW9v_cvnD0VIeTWdUbaTEQ2smWfBj9Mkf6oO15Dms7yyImyRTw2H0kzVp06EhAUn8FA9SDrr6CODSyZQnrFvsEIsMij7O84ozGNgn77mT5Xr8/s320/b4+funghi+-+no+we+didnt+pick+any.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and a number of <em>rather</em> interesting plants and funghi - and no, we didn't pick any!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH22HmfC68iP-G_jbVTFdPqGOks_FqxFUr6_M15STuoGHsm4gUgKiJF23uB9HQ5olzG2PztsIooR2MAnDrDP66FSubwmQepYmR3edGdSOveL48Rcj9KlNsd90SF_wjRSwLINIJ37cMrd4/s1600-h/b4+insects+still+busy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126836244585966418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH22HmfC68iP-G_jbVTFdPqGOks_FqxFUr6_M15STuoGHsm4gUgKiJF23uB9HQ5olzG2PztsIooR2MAnDrDP66FSubwmQepYmR3edGdSOveL48Rcj9KlNsd90SF_wjRSwLINIJ37cMrd4/s320/b4+insects+still+busy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There are still good populations of insects busying themselves with the late flowering species...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFbPVFM1qkTCwNVM1xz4mneEsyeCd7Xcbt4pzbnxqjgk9DGom-juyWqNw_zw-CPFhCo4uI6dw2t29B_ankyn0cW50xoNE9jcSRMj1meY-SddJ_AdU-D_noeEDiYVQbNUzHiKBvItn_W8/s1600-h/b4+rosehips+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126836141506751298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFbPVFM1qkTCwNVM1xz4mneEsyeCd7Xcbt4pzbnxqjgk9DGom-juyWqNw_zw-CPFhCo4uI6dw2t29B_ankyn0cW50xoNE9jcSRMj1meY-SddJ_AdU-D_noeEDiYVQbNUzHiKBvItn_W8/s320/b4+rosehips+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and beautiful scarlet rosehips and other berries decorating the hedgerows...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY3os1Uk-c8aplzsgO0tR6r0p0Y6sHJXCsAIfDBnooox9LdnjYRaCW6AlvUT8Fjqv492BAhZwXwrE1pqyhozOhyCc6P03IvyQuNTp-Ty9hFhPUPkxK2B6-qxVgTt2qDO20IB7W83zFz0/s1600-h/b4+stitchwort.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126836012657732402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcY3os1Uk-c8aplzsgO0tR6r0p0Y6sHJXCsAIfDBnooox9LdnjYRaCW6AlvUT8Fjqv492BAhZwXwrE1pqyhozOhyCc6P03IvyQuNTp-Ty9hFhPUPkxK2B6-qxVgTt2qDO20IB7W83zFz0/s320/b4+stitchwort.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and we pass Lesser Stirchwort...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU7OvOeuIFfzarRSboKFGqNUBT9q2Nzz3zkq_k03hsUGXrWQESBxJT9i8WnZEGzNJDoAZoctTx2xsQO_pwB0aNEJfTRc56pVluyuYz3YLZz1zJGzPgmY5iL6BkIflzUPfvrElWay1z5A/s1600-h/b4+yarrow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126835870923811618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU7OvOeuIFfzarRSboKFGqNUBT9q2Nzz3zkq_k03hsUGXrWQESBxJT9i8WnZEGzNJDoAZoctTx2xsQO_pwB0aNEJfTRc56pVluyuYz3YLZz1zJGzPgmY5iL6BkIflzUPfvrElWay1z5A/s320/b4+yarrow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Yarrow brightening the grasses...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGhBb36aUeMmHardY3YmCjek7T7p9TQJSwbOrOc9uQ-2vRU4YIRzQJNMGMgP9-qLrtZV5cl82lcRhxSjlEGr9YWjV4lzV8UGYSbJMeCbrHoC9eVlPI3Jl83_tNr3Ffe0h14IkzZcslT4/s1600-h/b9+teasel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126835385592507138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGhBb36aUeMmHardY3YmCjek7T7p9TQJSwbOrOc9uQ-2vRU4YIRzQJNMGMgP9-qLrtZV5cl82lcRhxSjlEGr9YWjV4lzV8UGYSbJMeCbrHoC9eVlPI3Jl83_tNr3Ffe0h14IkzZcslT4/s320/b9+teasel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and up at Gisburn Cotes there is a lovely wild pond surrounded by many plants including Teasel, but even more unexpectedly...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2DjjEojtV7kucjzoYR2vqkAIVEzHQsJ3LWAoJ6ZbN5-h8XM-2vYH2Rpb5bqNNkqzepv0cO4s3EIsWeVIU_cbIXptPjgD_BKkWPp-UVmCE4dauYWTe9vmBc2Ydl9pevU32TJUSzMHeJI/s1600-h/b9+Gisburn+Cotes+Henge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126835518736493330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2DjjEojtV7kucjzoYR2vqkAIVEzHQsJ3LWAoJ6ZbN5-h8XM-2vYH2Rpb5bqNNkqzepv0cO4s3EIsWeVIU_cbIXptPjgD_BKkWPp-UVmCE4dauYWTe9vmBc2Ydl9pevU32TJUSzMHeJI/s320/b9+Gisburn+Cotes+Henge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Gisburn Henge!!!<br /><br />The views from up above the Ribble floodplain are beautiful, even with the mist which doesn't really disappear all day...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzr9UWdUPI_R0kgNobm2jMF73BsSjpZdRpHQ6nq6xpnhQg8lxtIij4_8PQyMWozOuBPCZWtHx71B3-q0Xaw6p4bzf2rY84JXywvicAdahA5sXRk8-hrzHZzJDvMu45qL2swbYUtbCxt4/s1600-h/c1+misty+horizons.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126834981865581282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzr9UWdUPI_R0kgNobm2jMF73BsSjpZdRpHQ6nq6xpnhQg8lxtIij4_8PQyMWozOuBPCZWtHx71B3-q0Xaw6p4bzf2rY84JXywvicAdahA5sXRk8-hrzHZzJDvMu45qL2swbYUtbCxt4/s320/c1+misty+horizons.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IHJ-e22lA5N0PNAjDGYUpgGAKkHF-YYcfvX7qpIFBKRtYJVCFFla6Pa3TC7VqOqzvzZfymwG2BcyRP-6cfe-CU_9J0599yDS7chW0hw4fvlosh4j4RUuRmffPJRpt_PS4Q4Rk7BOFK8/s1600-h/c1+Pendle+Hill+in+the+misty+distance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126834822951791314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IHJ-e22lA5N0PNAjDGYUpgGAKkHF-YYcfvX7qpIFBKRtYJVCFFla6Pa3TC7VqOqzvzZfymwG2BcyRP-6cfe-CU_9J0599yDS7chW0hw4fvlosh4j4RUuRmffPJRpt_PS4Q4Rk7BOFK8/s320/c1+Pendle+Hill+in+the+misty+distance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Pendle Hill continues to mark our journey, as mysterious and imposing as ever.<br /><br />After we reach Huggan Ing, just after Gisburn Cotes Hall, we take a diversion along the public footpath past Dockber Laithe down to the River Ribble at Hartsails to see if we can find a good place to stop for lunch - and reclaim a small portion of the Ribble if we can!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XiPPyAPxi7-2NHTGHWbIyeGj21kLSRFBDWHrL32jqeTwEVsTT0v1BbW8_QWK9p20XuBlo8RRfURGxcMuDYMwTQkM_J4yvrmRSqwnPHqwKYm8t0UcKfULqWvajGhER41R8QTOfqUmOyg/s1600-h/c4+searching+for+the+Ribble+at+Hartsails.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126831983978408626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XiPPyAPxi7-2NHTGHWbIyeGj21kLSRFBDWHrL32jqeTwEVsTT0v1BbW8_QWK9p20XuBlo8RRfURGxcMuDYMwTQkM_J4yvrmRSqwnPHqwKYm8t0UcKfULqWvajGhER41R8QTOfqUmOyg/s320/c4+searching+for+the+Ribble+at+Hartsails.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The girls can barely contain themselves at the thought of getting back down to the River Ribble-<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspxYE8GAX5NiUfxur17NoHAUWdS83kYxihUrx2GTLQnqWwgNAr16_KJmJm2cqGABo1WcQMINeD7ubx-4EJe-RmSAWtEjCWR9jTPZX0M4rqHN_XsdbT8Oa2WQQvCJY6BkTdeTcSbBCwFI/s1600-h/c3+running+to+the+River+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126834380570159810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspxYE8GAX5NiUfxur17NoHAUWdS83kYxihUrx2GTLQnqWwgNAr16_KJmJm2cqGABo1WcQMINeD7ubx-4EJe-RmSAWtEjCWR9jTPZX0M4rqHN_XsdbT8Oa2WQQvCJY6BkTdeTcSbBCwFI/s320/c3+running+to+the+River+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />- or was it just that it was time for lunch?!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpSpX_s0u63Va7994FfnEgXIc_z3mRc96HbZ9kPTOBbjcbAkMVLFEZC4YvJITkdXp9pB0l8HEwGL_AR05viXA886iS3Zn5HgRfq2wwUQK70-B66L8CG8wB4FxljXJ5zeCyWCZ2HrVAWo/s1600-h/c6+public+footpath+at+Hartsails.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126831374093052562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpSpX_s0u63Va7994FfnEgXIc_z3mRc96HbZ9kPTOBbjcbAkMVLFEZC4YvJITkdXp9pB0l8HEwGL_AR05viXA886iS3Zn5HgRfq2wwUQK70-B66L8CG8wB4FxljXJ5zeCyWCZ2HrVAWo/s320/c6+public+footpath+at+Hartsails.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But we didn't expect to be taking our lives in our hands as the public footpath, clearly marked on our map from Huggan Ing and Dockber Laithe to the River Ribble at Hartsails, has been converted into a scramble track and we had to run for safety as the bikes flew over the top of the slope and onto the area where the footpath should be and it was clearly too dangerous to stay on the path.<br /><br />We walked instead in a westerly direction along the riverbank a few hundred yards...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY3rGW4mzi6p7LxuNzHU0kEmZ0mWf1k3QkF12scp_yjV3qLSpOQi9DThdwS8zEaGpF_cqMQ4pGgSQIY894-nwnt2Z7RKoaxH3PwDEk5XEA2PJpPlbks4CX2YD5CjKIDREN0q1XTpMjqw/s1600-h/c5+voice+of+the+River+Ribble+at+Hartsails.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126830575229135442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY3rGW4mzi6p7LxuNzHU0kEmZ0mWf1k3QkF12scp_yjV3qLSpOQi9DThdwS8zEaGpF_cqMQ4pGgSQIY894-nwnt2Z7RKoaxH3PwDEk5XEA2PJpPlbks4CX2YD5CjKIDREN0q1XTpMjqw/s320/c5+voice+of+the+River+Ribble+at+Hartsails.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and as soon as we found a good spot well away from the line of the scramble track, which continues along the side of the river for a way, we settled ourselves on the bank just west of the fantastic craggy cliffs which rise from the Ribble at Bolton Hall Farm...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_mdqw7C4tDw400aYF43PVU7MgVhrF518WY9ddm7cu7CWBXbtez6_VWsL_Qet1dXGT_6GpIqy80rFTHYHbUtc1kqOsjRf5NHHX-gv9YRh5Y3x5amE06mnmqskFinUHN7PIU5hCGquoZk/s1600-h/c6+enjoying+the+River+Ribble+at+Hartsails.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126831163639655042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_mdqw7C4tDw400aYF43PVU7MgVhrF518WY9ddm7cu7CWBXbtez6_VWsL_Qet1dXGT_6GpIqy80rFTHYHbUtc1kqOsjRf5NHHX-gv9YRh5Y3x5amE06mnmqskFinUHN7PIU5hCGquoZk/s320/c6+enjoying+the+River+Ribble+at+Hartsails.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...where Muddy immediately re-introduces herself to the Ribble, while we munch our way through our sandwiches and flapjacks and enjoy the sounds of the Ribble's waters running by and the birds teittering in the beautiful Ribbleside woodland trees -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM_75K2aA8jN0hU5jp_QghCgfrp8xPHB9OOy76m6_-oi2iiHn35QAf7R9Lkpn-vFsSpPKELAT-1gO1SHk4WhMJtgYsSmN1MQWbGQvOZExW40z__GGsvuc3iPHmS9SmjYJdCT77Jyi2jM/s1600-h/c6+peace+shattered+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126830270286457410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOM_75K2aA8jN0hU5jp_QghCgfrp8xPHB9OOy76m6_-oi2iiHn35QAf7R9Lkpn-vFsSpPKELAT-1gO1SHk4WhMJtgYsSmN1MQWbGQvOZExW40z__GGsvuc3iPHmS9SmjYJdCT77Jyi2jM/s320/c6+peace+shattered+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />- although there are a number of regular interruptions to the tranquillity as the scramblers continue to enjoy themselves churning up the public footpath and riverside slopes.<br /><br />After our picnic, we decide that we don't really want to run the gauntlet of motorbikes on the footpath back up to rejoin the diverted Ribble Way at Huggan Ing, but will walk west along the River Ribble as far as we can get...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3kLnzH6vEmXlociYGpoie1XqmbHZ5utKxWx7_sz0dNCs4MPvo9Vo-PH88ltmOZJlCy2RYn4BiUsVS5ocekf4MTo-j5crHLwGZ1CbsQPipZMHRN3CeHq2Ce12CPQY63dIh0aEiBZqUHg/s1600-h/c8+the+forbidden+forest+continues+to+Sawley+Lodge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126830008293452338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3kLnzH6vEmXlociYGpoie1XqmbHZ5utKxWx7_sz0dNCs4MPvo9Vo-PH88ltmOZJlCy2RYn4BiUsVS5ocekf4MTo-j5crHLwGZ1CbsQPipZMHRN3CeHq2Ce12CPQY63dIh0aEiBZqUHg/s320/c8+the+forbidden+forest+continues+to+Sawley+Lodge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and a beautiful walk it is too, and we are re-annoyed about being excluded from this section of the River Ribble by the whims of landowners - and after only a few minutes we are greeted with the real in-yer-face evidence of this exclusion as we reach Hartsails Wood and the section to Sawley Lodge itself...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZGSq3m_QrWQ2HFFDVkFmPqlCZMp4wKZ7xAOBOvCrCNX9UeBGZxqeg-PhajZ_Sqwl13VpCwZyIdgR48G-YEnEiKYrbhuFAfgijGAUSjGHgGzK9o90IOwDs-p2gqycR5yXJ2GlTyO_5JA/s1600-h/c8+in+case+we+haven"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126829883739400738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZGSq3m_QrWQ2HFFDVkFmPqlCZMp4wKZ7xAOBOvCrCNX9UeBGZxqeg-PhajZ_Sqwl13VpCwZyIdgR48G-YEnEiKYrbhuFAfgijGAUSjGHgGzK9o90IOwDs-p2gqycR5yXJ2GlTyO_5JA/s320/c8+in+case+we+haven%27t+got+the+message.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and this time there is an impenetrable gate and deer fence so no chance of continuing any further on our way along the River Ribble, so we follow the line of the fence along to the east and south and climb a very steep hill indeed at the south-east corner of Hartsails Wood...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwndLeYhn3I15uoTmKMwFKlpOa7RjF3bX59eI6N-iUWBv839ivKbBcyj7eH7ktwblkYX13NeW3oWuomdQdVwva04KHb4CqzncRdrHh76c2O8EsBcRZxX0rsf0cUBI5oDZR8j6ms_d1_cs/s1600-h/c8+1+another+steep+climb+away+from+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126829759185349138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwndLeYhn3I15uoTmKMwFKlpOa7RjF3bX59eI6N-iUWBv839ivKbBcyj7eH7ktwblkYX13NeW3oWuomdQdVwva04KHb4CqzncRdrHh76c2O8EsBcRZxX0rsf0cUBI5oDZR8j6ms_d1_cs/s320/c8+1+another+steep+climb+away+from+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...which leaves us rather out of breath but able to admire the fabulous views of the Ribbleside woodlands, and the River Ribble's glorious valley, here looking towards Bolton-by-Bowland...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohllu8sSxv2tLS3CL1Jl1yXxwQhgXI7zlE2xu3VJG7pE4HZEH_OjukSYQai6G3SETje8RzfUa_kc_d0QPMkXGXrSCc99P9LMeOp0LOY-G-qgKPCq7FSqrf4aX8G9DYDN6BUzBwQPOZsM/s1600-h/c9+towards+Bolton+by+Bowland+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126829278149011954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohllu8sSxv2tLS3CL1Jl1yXxwQhgXI7zlE2xu3VJG7pE4HZEH_OjukSYQai6G3SETje8RzfUa_kc_d0QPMkXGXrSCc99P9LMeOp0LOY-G-qgKPCq7FSqrf4aX8G9DYDN6BUzBwQPOZsM/s320/c9+towards+Bolton+by+Bowland+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- although by the time we get to the top of the climb away from the River Ribble and Hartsails Wood, Carol decides the best view can be found by having a lie down for a few minutes...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RHhUscdO1hRjk97fy2_GxOIcPFl35kiPR816lw8wWWusz06M2IS4jCLZw7XvNa3D1ink-RxYuXYaLlO4ngMZUX3WoZ4LW6irVs1PopZ6dHNjHzJspHORppXuabS0c5wHUL_JazIaEBo/s1600-h/c8+Carol+rests+after+the+long+climb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133906917555796098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1RHhUscdO1hRjk97fy2_GxOIcPFl35kiPR816lw8wWWusz06M2IS4jCLZw7XvNa3D1ink-RxYuXYaLlO4ngMZUX3WoZ4LW6irVs1PopZ6dHNjHzJspHORppXuabS0c5wHUL_JazIaEBo/s320/c8+Carol+rests+after+the+long+climb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We rejoin the Ribble Way here at New Laithe - a different New Laithe to the one we walked through earlier in the day - this second one roughly half way between Huggan Ing and Sawley Lodge, walking towards Sawley now and we eventually arrive at Sawley Lodge...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAlFCpzcN5gDcypt13QNXFDoiC6DoLIDHIa_PAjKezVeqxD_1ICZFg5XtUrt6OVQRJfCQFYdDMISYWHyRm5f0umhmu3ZMIzPUpN2QTf-gBqkCUAv_liMU2Dl0h4nRswnURReDvpk0qxc/s1600-h/c11+Ribble+way+closed+at+Sawley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126829089170450914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAlFCpzcN5gDcypt13QNXFDoiC6DoLIDHIa_PAjKezVeqxD_1ICZFg5XtUrt6OVQRJfCQFYdDMISYWHyRm5f0umhmu3ZMIzPUpN2QTf-gBqkCUAv_liMU2Dl0h4nRswnURReDvpk0qxc/s320/c11+Ribble+way+closed+at+Sawley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and the end of the diversion away from the River Ribble between Sawley Lodge and Steep Wood.<br /><br /><strong>We have only one thing to say to this enforced diversion - <em>ACCESS PLEASE!!!</em></strong><br /><br />Back at the Ribble once more, the locals are unperturbed by the ban, free to make their way up and down the River Ribble past Sawley Lodge and through Cold Park Wood to Steep Wood as much as they please!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOZqG8LTyYc1ErjPvWI03IvsHqDLbNjBqs-9AwgxXFKG4D7u9BX4PAxk2T2uKQsuDbRIH1KGha_cRuFjgs78z4o7woxJSSt9ktKOwp2_q8wgqstu8URpnRZ9cect73CQz0z97oHVps8k/s1600-h/c12+Ribblesider+at+Sawley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126828844357315026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOZqG8LTyYc1ErjPvWI03IvsHqDLbNjBqs-9AwgxXFKG4D7u9BX4PAxk2T2uKQsuDbRIH1KGha_cRuFjgs78z4o7woxJSSt9ktKOwp2_q8wgqstu8URpnRZ9cect73CQz0z97oHVps8k/s320/c12+Ribblesider+at+Sawley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We stop for a while to admire the ducks and the views along the peaceful Ribble twards Sawley Bridge...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIjg7ehrwFXmXaPqrx3RNzrwKDb2dC-Yal_WXn6eLDgE6nDLGFCY8a6qkDrGJUM_Irfr_OFy4k4BiKSlMli6KTKOmX2RGx9VF6C-yWAIE27KJiRarfISIth5dABKwL2obUMr4Zt5Wtaw/s1600-h/c12+Sawley+Bridge+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126828741278099906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIjg7ehrwFXmXaPqrx3RNzrwKDb2dC-Yal_WXn6eLDgE6nDLGFCY8a6qkDrGJUM_Irfr_OFy4k4BiKSlMli6KTKOmX2RGx9VF6C-yWAIE27KJiRarfISIth5dABKwL2obUMr4Zt5Wtaw/s320/c12+Sawley+Bridge+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and decide to take a voluntary diversion and have a look around at Sawley Abbey...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V7u6FzPMpxebPK8Q-9ExqcfwMmQNpCarZa1gBm5UxJv7t3wy8T9nPfaGZN-7z4AE64mSTw84IOssmzpcxgGzNb_BoQGz1SKZ6IyGVSXvOq82eVRwT3v7y1NsQcAIVEY6CLhTh8IdJ4M/s1600-h/d1+Sawley+Abbey+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126828590954244530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V7u6FzPMpxebPK8Q-9ExqcfwMmQNpCarZa1gBm5UxJv7t3wy8T9nPfaGZN-7z4AE64mSTw84IOssmzpcxgGzNb_BoQGz1SKZ6IyGVSXvOq82eVRwT3v7y1NsQcAIVEY6CLhTh8IdJ4M/s320/d1+Sawley+Abbey+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...before setting off on the Ribble Way towards Chatburn, here crossing Sawley Bridge...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3Fcw0W9qwCoc5gO9TW4Altv5Pk6pNYxQluvhnyTonLlyypL7uhXvVo8xF8oHJWQLI0-WSya7LJnFfyOsA7zsf6yTnquKiUIXWkXB3byGmwjCfqGwmd1eobm7Gy9KxJFE4zu5uPs7Vf8/s1600-h/d2+River+Ribble+from+Sawley+Bridge+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126828337551174050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3Fcw0W9qwCoc5gO9TW4Altv5Pk6pNYxQluvhnyTonLlyypL7uhXvVo8xF8oHJWQLI0-WSya7LJnFfyOsA7zsf6yTnquKiUIXWkXB3byGmwjCfqGwmd1eobm7Gy9KxJFE4zu5uPs7Vf8/s320/d2+River+Ribble+from+Sawley+Bridge+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...where the sunlight still manages to glint on the River Ribble's shining waters...<br /><br />...and then walking downriver along the banks of the Ribble, vibrant with Shasta Daisies...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsr4EawD2l-FN8v45dpoDHb_e_Uw8PG_vUlIUSZeo3Q-RoA3pvu5TUHf7dJOCR7SgniYAgz-OPjXJYDDoS3WA6R0Q6okCb3nLmHX4PA3reTbTG9AaDDMqAzpsPUoBNNFw61j2yvFKYCg/s1600-h/d3+aster+daisies+on+the+banks+of+the+River+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126828212997122450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsr4EawD2l-FN8v45dpoDHb_e_Uw8PG_vUlIUSZeo3Q-RoA3pvu5TUHf7dJOCR7SgniYAgz-OPjXJYDDoS3WA6R0Q6okCb3nLmHX4PA3reTbTG9AaDDMqAzpsPUoBNNFw61j2yvFKYCg/s320/d3+aster+daisies+on+the+banks+of+the+River+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and buttercups...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M_MsUdVUl7Hu1RFFb2c3-sTfz2ZKnlZsG_dKFpM5wUbXA4nqHzTkMVS0XR7bZVPwbnwhpDvGcOUJOul9wXtODPvMe25gLowwDeDHFkZdnE2g7AQy02jMKhm1f6jszBQqAMOaKvnRG1U/s1600-h/d3+buttercup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126828092738038146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M_MsUdVUl7Hu1RFFb2c3-sTfz2ZKnlZsG_dKFpM5wUbXA4nqHzTkMVS0XR7bZVPwbnwhpDvGcOUJOul9wXtODPvMe25gLowwDeDHFkZdnE2g7AQy02jMKhm1f6jszBQqAMOaKvnRG1U/s320/d3+buttercup.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and oxeye daisies...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh65jznG5EVnSVNpRRDgJt-dWe6psFeEMA4whw-q5Sn_34M-sTlWgKvrkkTHy0iaM6nH18_efaZ_6HmAmugrOsFEWgpC0p2b1Sky-iHRMN3Zky-wKtYRG8FeAhjV-V4a5kpRbsL8-yz0/s1600-h/d3+oxeye+daisies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126827951004117362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh65jznG5EVnSVNpRRDgJt-dWe6psFeEMA4whw-q5Sn_34M-sTlWgKvrkkTHy0iaM6nH18_efaZ_6HmAmugrOsFEWgpC0p2b1Sky-iHRMN3Zky-wKtYRG8FeAhjV-V4a5kpRbsL8-yz0/s320/d3+oxeye+daisies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...all of which seem to literally glow in the misty air...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-6g-oSzwwItnQF3NrmxXcIrAuOUBfib8YT8QjHdS1uIfvMClq8ugianIg8VMue10G-YRTk7WZ8lVAy1p2MVnqIA-IOYFEGHgawvE0SCwZjkd4dLWQhy9TlXzSWSuclcorODy4nVfOPI/s1600-h/d4+mist+over+Pendle+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126827817860131170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-6g-oSzwwItnQF3NrmxXcIrAuOUBfib8YT8QjHdS1uIfvMClq8ugianIg8VMue10G-YRTk7WZ8lVAy1p2MVnqIA-IOYFEGHgawvE0SCwZjkd4dLWQhy9TlXzSWSuclcorODy4nVfOPI/s320/d4+mist+over+Pendle+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Pendle Hill, as ever, forms a beautiful and enigmatic companion on our journey.<br /><br />After walking along the road through Bank Bottom, Bank Top, and Foxley Bank, just west of Sawley, we turn south onto green fields falling gently back down to the river...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw8LjZOW88kNh_3RZFDqk-5q15ReFFtxc4trJ-c675VD-uBMhz5BcT3BWSzuHt-vhEa1lIFpIV3k7hgtNW3VBlGwxM8cfT5avcU3LX-y6qtOnn1MdCuPQYW7pD8f2kzO-lKBgJ9JQjD0/s1600-h/e2+Shaun+the+Sheep+at+Chatburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126827654651373906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw8LjZOW88kNh_3RZFDqk-5q15ReFFtxc4trJ-c675VD-uBMhz5BcT3BWSzuHt-vhEa1lIFpIV3k7hgtNW3VBlGwxM8cfT5avcU3LX-y6qtOnn1MdCuPQYW7pD8f2kzO-lKBgJ9JQjD0/s320/e2+Shaun+the+Sheep+at+Chatburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...passing Shaun the Sheep...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgHqs7yC17M4R921EDLKhF_1FVA9i49ZK4ymhYogYRpaADxiGQwrHSUKweby8_RZ0AJb68yh9XLO3YnWikf04HbICw2bqKiN-GkdUYkhhmbe59BhghVN6jKJR1mq8gy7oI5xHcqbxCIQ/s1600-h/e2+Shauna+the+sheep+at+Chatburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126827560162093378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgHqs7yC17M4R921EDLKhF_1FVA9i49ZK4ymhYogYRpaADxiGQwrHSUKweby8_RZ0AJb68yh9XLO3YnWikf04HbICw2bqKiN-GkdUYkhhmbe59BhghVN6jKJR1mq8gy7oI5xHcqbxCIQ/s320/e2+Shauna+the+sheep+at+Chatburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Shauna the Sheep, on our way!<br /><br />Here below Foxley Bank at Fields House the Ribble Way rejoins the River Ribble once more, and the rest of our journey takes us across a beautiful misty landscape as dusk is falling...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8DCOpDUE3bR65jJufiuGBWkvlQ_nnPHnD5EFcX3duWOZ9p5npOUFsQL0iM2zBJy-IV0FhVVLNDwNuaGrMQd7ptmTG4fRCQT4zAR_Vk9TIfd6SkP5s-ovKmjdHvKB9V8pJJUwYtZ4dvA/s1600-h/e4+Ribblesiders+at+Chatburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126827422723139890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8DCOpDUE3bR65jJufiuGBWkvlQ_nnPHnD5EFcX3duWOZ9p5npOUFsQL0iM2zBJy-IV0FhVVLNDwNuaGrMQd7ptmTG4fRCQT4zAR_Vk9TIfd6SkP5s-ovKmjdHvKB9V8pJJUwYtZ4dvA/s320/e4+Ribblesiders+at+Chatburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and we pass a number of other Ribblesiders out Ribbling.<br /><br />The Ribble Way follows a flood defence bank some of the way from Fields House towards the Riverside Mill above Chatburn, and when we climb down to the River itself just above Chatburn, we can see the erosion the river is causing to the banks along here...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7XGiNj-Ah9YbtImrkz4nkpx_EaZJ1rKnOXGwHEt3_vTSv0sgvvX8jWTDdzaBHwdh2z_sZMCAqYROEXwfXCjMmcZFRac7We-NZDKvOJ6ZlJV-yh4eQ4ToIO9YR2StZMDuJpCDX5Esyxk/s1600-h/e6+bankside+erosion+at+Chatburn+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126826997521377554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7XGiNj-Ah9YbtImrkz4nkpx_EaZJ1rKnOXGwHEt3_vTSv0sgvvX8jWTDdzaBHwdh2z_sZMCAqYROEXwfXCjMmcZFRac7We-NZDKvOJ6ZlJV-yh4eQ4ToIO9YR2StZMDuJpCDX5Esyxk/s320/e6+bankside+erosion+at+Chatburn+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The light is fading fast now, and the sun is a hazy gold through the thickening autumn mist as it reflects itself in the gentle, clear waters of the River Ribble as it flows on its way...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWD_U1d10rvRStTHeYo-7qZ6_OeFSvLsCjgjj3LRydIqdwompkNTeYimpVIMMsaE0CO7mb2SjxeeefQm83z12ElYfSvBtXN0K3MJ9D8ed5Kb871Qq1CWJsV5ibuDOCKgTmxt1c4eLr9Y/s1600-h/e5+gathering+dusk+on+the+River+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126827134960331042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWD_U1d10rvRStTHeYo-7qZ6_OeFSvLsCjgjj3LRydIqdwompkNTeYimpVIMMsaE0CO7mb2SjxeeefQm83z12ElYfSvBtXN0K3MJ9D8ed5Kb871Qq1CWJsV5ibuDOCKgTmxt1c4eLr9Y/s320/e5+gathering+dusk+on+the+River+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...but it doesn't stop Hattie and Rachel taking the time to watch the fish rising...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mLXHybx0vU8x1Y1nbPVch7AUlmrFIpmmgZZZSfFSxR7NcQiIXghSPK_Gl_3cQpF2XL5nZZWNE1RLDg8lRCaeOgY2EX2PC91Sw1WWthYHXTkrrbNswwDTEMANa0ANCKPa4IqB4qj8gBk/s1600-h/e6+the+fish+are+rising+in+the+dusk.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126826855787456770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mLXHybx0vU8x1Y1nbPVch7AUlmrFIpmmgZZZSfFSxR7NcQiIXghSPK_Gl_3cQpF2XL5nZZWNE1RLDg8lRCaeOgY2EX2PC91Sw1WWthYHXTkrrbNswwDTEMANa0ANCKPa4IqB4qj8gBk/s320/e6+the+fish+are+rising+in+the+dusk.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...from the huge stone ramparts which were intended to protect the banks from being washed away by the Ribble's waters, but which have been left as a solitary causeway almost across a part of the river itself - but providing a great vantage point from which to watch the fish!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA8fBt6FKFqLmKS_t-wBEeoryc_Mb9gI5A2MYVVccHUx3gclPq4WhfRMHoIM0UU6BefaT8jV0L5rB0necw4OovkY4lLU_CFAEFVGMZ-HmGVTGyogU1pId-vjFBb6sh8Z1eZOpdZHNkWQ/s1600-h/e8+looking+downriver+at+dusk+from+Chatburn+Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126826701168634098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA8fBt6FKFqLmKS_t-wBEeoryc_Mb9gI5A2MYVVccHUx3gclPq4WhfRMHoIM0UU6BefaT8jV0L5rB0necw4OovkY4lLU_CFAEFVGMZ-HmGVTGyogU1pId-vjFBb6sh8Z1eZOpdZHNkWQ/s320/e8+looking+downriver+at+dusk+from+Chatburn+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At last we reach Chatburn Bridge - just in time to see a Dipper emerge from the water and dart beneath us and the early bats flitting across the Ribble beneath the trees, but they are all far too quick to catch on camera!<br /><br /><strong>Next time our adventures on The Ribble Way will take us from Chatburn to Mitton Bridge - snaking immediately alongside the River Ribble for most of the journey: just the way we Ribblesiders like it!<br /></strong><br />In the meantime, the <a href="http://www.ramblers.org.uk/">Rambler's Association</a> have a petition campaigning for this week's section - from Sawley Lodge to Steep Wood - to be re-opened, but getting hold of the petition to sign it may be difficult unless you know a Rambler near you!<br /><br /><strong>However, Lancashire County Council are also attempting to get this section of the Ribble Way re-opened under a Creation Order and the </strong><a href="http://hyndburnramblers.forumsplace.com/post-396.html#396"><strong>Hyndburn Ramblers</strong></a><strong> are urging everyone to write to the Chief Executive, Lancashire County Council, County Hall, Fishergate, Preston PR1 8XJ expressing your support for the Creation Order and your desire to see this path open again to all walkers. If you walked the path before it was lost, or if you led a walk along this riverbank, or if you want to walk along this riverbank again, or you just want to walk it for the first time then please write and tell LCC's Chief Exec. The more letters received the better. This is a campaign that everyone can join in and support.<br /></strong><br /><strong><em>See the side bar for more of our adventures <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">Walking The Ribble Way</a>.</em></strong><br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-80418162070362913812007-10-22T10:01:00.000+01:002007-10-22T19:47:26.313+01:00Autumn Returns to the River RibbleWhilst we have been <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/10/ribble-way-part-5-wigglesworth-to.html">walking The Ribble Way</a> over the past few weeks, we've also been spending as much time by the River Ribble in Penwortham and Preston too, and autumn has certainly arrived...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTICK2oUBbgiWmiestxcEBidsfUf3jMK2TETqnbaqR71faYvMO7AjK13VyYm_aOT010TXOkFSbccGzV-PYWZMfwV8DU7Zt5LKjGnBoHKOb7uVse55SfuByUfqosZLCTgGD16EBnl_JZc/s1600-h/October+07+autumn+arrive+on+the+River+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124085168828220178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTICK2oUBbgiWmiestxcEBidsfUf3jMK2TETqnbaqR71faYvMO7AjK13VyYm_aOT010TXOkFSbccGzV-PYWZMfwV8DU7Zt5LKjGnBoHKOb7uVse55SfuByUfqosZLCTgGD16EBnl_JZc/s320/October+07+autumn+arrive+on+the+River+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... as the trees are turning and the light is changing...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSScC1zTRnWMlt36Y_B10z5FmDinEMue9w1fY5x8kPsSc_LYG7VkVF3PwJm2T0VGzAlSqhL6VM0U7BPldluoGh0wd8bZaM-QhgSX-vI2_-M4ZVNhKLyT2Shmj7xamsPZA8bvtj_tjV9RU/s1600-h/The+river"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124087762988467042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSScC1zTRnWMlt36Y_B10z5FmDinEMue9w1fY5x8kPsSc_LYG7VkVF3PwJm2T0VGzAlSqhL6VM0U7BPldluoGh0wd8bZaM-QhgSX-vI2_-M4ZVNhKLyT2Shmj7xamsPZA8bvtj_tjV9RU/s320/The+river%27s+voice+from+Penwortham+Old+Bridge+sept+07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and now low tides are bringing us the first echoing calls of the Redshank and Oystercatchers and other wading birds and wildfowl returning to the Broadgate mudflats for the Winter months...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ewj2UyCCk1SJXyx4Ogk-2ocFcMCCiCHBjPMFNMZCwqS1UIFcN_5Do8h623tOtAOBBaJe1AyzB7daev5fVBJX8AkC-LifCMnLyV13cI_pjlmVsYCLqZ9KJgUG4svMTj_GisXhf6blpew/s1600-h/spate+waters+recede+Broadgate+sept+07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124090082270806898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ewj2UyCCk1SJXyx4Ogk-2ocFcMCCiCHBjPMFNMZCwqS1UIFcN_5Do8h623tOtAOBBaJe1AyzB7daev5fVBJX8AkC-LifCMnLyV13cI_pjlmVsYCLqZ9KJgUG4svMTj_GisXhf6blpew/s320/spate+waters+recede+Broadgate+sept+07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhih1tO9iAshbYf_ld-PAxBuYwfg7rngB1UvpEjSSK_9VhqYKyZfKu39ro_qqV7WkGBfXgTu_8Okb9Eefj39iOfjSEn88GMw2Ky3ug6p2ch814nOrdrcEvOR9ouS_jghfPHafM2KinaVXw/s1600-h/low+tide+btwn+Penwortham+&+Preston+Sept+07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124090258364466050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhih1tO9iAshbYf_ld-PAxBuYwfg7rngB1UvpEjSSK_9VhqYKyZfKu39ro_qqV7WkGBfXgTu_8Okb9Eefj39iOfjSEn88GMw2Ky3ug6p2ch814nOrdrcEvOR9ouS_jghfPHafM2KinaVXw/s320/low+tide+btwn+Penwortham+%26+Preston+Sept+07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On the Riverbanks the trees are turning, the berries are ripening, and the wildlife is getting ready for the cold months to come - the light on the River changes from day to day, the rich greens of the trees are now contrasting with every shade of red and gold - so go down to the Ribble and wander along its banks and through the meadows and woods and see for yourself!<br /><br />The mudflats are bursting with wormcasts of the invertebrates which feed our fabulous Ribble birdlife...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrMVN4eH_TY9xZrlSCYdamA8GNCCQc2Rdd0C-G0fUHCbkUyjZHUrd9LZ9aVeD8VfRzKB-xoIZtueNLT9B8JSb3AaPjLZ9Q7Bzu9b8bRzgQRPrkoSYFOBUZiC-ptEkBQVVW-T5hnJ-1Sc/s1600-h/wormcasts+on+the+mudflats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124087290542064466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrMVN4eH_TY9xZrlSCYdamA8GNCCQc2Rdd0C-G0fUHCbkUyjZHUrd9LZ9aVeD8VfRzKB-xoIZtueNLT9B8JSb3AaPjLZ9Q7Bzu9b8bRzgQRPrkoSYFOBUZiC-ptEkBQVVW-T5hnJ-1Sc/s320/wormcasts+on+the+mudflats.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...in abundant numbers!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnr5G-WpQZOEi4cZVfGcfjswXL_JXZcyfzIpXnIRpJBTo0BUlTosdAOuszLA_UKaxqdzKUkghEAcSa2nFGo8eEU46wAr6aAvsvPaSV4RNxlVvmB6MjPH8DsEyODMFQujVf1urUirnEeE/s1600-h/in+huge+abundance!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124087157398078274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnr5G-WpQZOEi4cZVfGcfjswXL_JXZcyfzIpXnIRpJBTo0BUlTosdAOuszLA_UKaxqdzKUkghEAcSa2nFGo8eEU46wAr6aAvsvPaSV4RNxlVvmB6MjPH8DsEyODMFQujVf1urUirnEeE/s320/in+huge+abundance!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Which is why low tides on the River Ribble bring us fabulous displays of birdlife...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyljvn27NcpEHHmu1ks8S3euK3b7qa2qTLWurENuNLEH2ZSQYqTp_T38qaK10C6ryy__MAuYmUqXs2IJYsKk4sZvzFzna8WLqof90YcpuDezRhulwst50oFOIbHpuEVtemsBzTt-x3Oc/s1600-h/waders+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124087058613830450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyljvn27NcpEHHmu1ks8S3euK3b7qa2qTLWurENuNLEH2ZSQYqTp_T38qaK10C6ryy__MAuYmUqXs2IJYsKk4sZvzFzna8WLqof90YcpuDezRhulwst50oFOIbHpuEVtemsBzTt-x3Oc/s320/waders+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6v8bHy65KJWDSLYGSssIxSatyHfkgnF0eVlO-M0w4S3xKQwYLaI8oAKxlrIJY-v4hMmUI17AzhsrQX9ljVM0qPObrZq96KnDmreTh70qjklSgDgttaENiSg6YpLtqXueT3s_eJ_au2Q/s1600-h/and+cormorants.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124086942649713442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw6v8bHy65KJWDSLYGSssIxSatyHfkgnF0eVlO-M0w4S3xKQwYLaI8oAKxlrIJY-v4hMmUI17AzhsrQX9ljVM0qPObrZq96KnDmreTh70qjklSgDgttaENiSg6YpLtqXueT3s_eJ_au2Q/s320/and+cormorants.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... which we Ribblesiders will enjoy as much as the birds during the Autumn and Winter months. Wander along the River banks in Penwortham and Broadgate over the coming weeks, especially during low tide, and take a trip downriver to Marshside at least once this Winter to see the Ribble at its best. <br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Long Live The Ribble Wild!<br /></span></em></strong><br />If you were hoping for the next instalment of <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">our Ribble Way adventures</a>, don't despair, the next episode will be on the blog next week. In the meantime, you can read all about where we've been so far by clicking on the Ribble Way links on the side bar...<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-43522972547091333782007-10-09T14:26:00.000+01:002007-10-10T09:47:52.025+01:00The Ribble Way Part 5: Wigglesworth to Gisburn, from Rams to Deer, and Huge Improvements in Stile!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGwdodh-DMOD-QaYmk0menvZih6kB75FsFwI9YVWUf5POXKZF_hmSk-qywlVNDI107_RHqMLELYS_dPHVn8i5PJ1QB8Q38UJamXKQ4dzKrTFjDn-SimTKMO1wHb_hBZKT5R-DsTQssgA/s1600-h/b2+towards+Long+Preston+Deeps.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119409452681429234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGwdodh-DMOD-QaYmk0menvZih6kB75FsFwI9YVWUf5POXKZF_hmSk-qywlVNDI107_RHqMLELYS_dPHVn8i5PJ1QB8Q38UJamXKQ4dzKrTFjDn-SimTKMO1wHb_hBZKT5R-DsTQssgA/s320/b2+towards+Long+Preston+Deeps.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>It’s the last weekend in September, and we arrive back in Wigglesworth (having parked the lower car at Gisburn animal market) to glorious sunny weather and high hopes of more Ribble-dipping despite today’s part of the Ribble Way only passing next to the river on a couple of brief occasions. The lack of time actually spent by the river does get rather annoying at times when no good reason can be said to divert the route other than the whims of some landowners sending us over walls and fences and across fields away from the river, which add extra hassles and don't always offer fabulous views to compensate for it, which is a real shame as this is a spectacular area which we feel rather aggrieved at being prevented from roaming whither we will… </strong><br /><br />Whilst some of us do get a brief and rather shallow dip, we also fill our time with wandering around looking for the less-than-clear route, accusations of poaching, wading through fields recently sprayed with slurry, encountering every kind of animal from wide-headed rams to horses and pigs and birds and happily rather more laid-back Bovines than we’ve encountered in recent weeks…<br /><strong><em>…and we also enjoy a diversion from our route which brings us a breath-taking encounter with a deer, and later enjoy what must be one of the most beautiful views over the River Ribble we’ve seen so far…<br /></em></strong><br /><br />First of all, we head back through Wigglesworth Hall Farm on the permissive path down from the village to find the Ribble Way once more...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfq2uuSEitNyPcUnueX1dbWLG1a4OnQHNYh8OUNtHOfnQ3aca-NdiYpCNZ3DPL4VQX20uh4EgheqJ1-3exGZBm7IwPDTawbPO9YubMzYWc-VU4Gt2auuQ9pxOVjUtgsGghbkuzOYTWdI/s1600-h/a3+back+to+Wigglesworth+Hall+Fm+&+last+glimpse+of+Pen-y-ghent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119330004376387442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfq2uuSEitNyPcUnueX1dbWLG1a4OnQHNYh8OUNtHOfnQ3aca-NdiYpCNZ3DPL4VQX20uh4EgheqJ1-3exGZBm7IwPDTawbPO9YubMzYWc-VU4Gt2auuQ9pxOVjUtgsGghbkuzOYTWdI/s320/a3+back+to+Wigglesworth+Hall+Fm+%26+last+glimpse+of+Pen-y-ghent.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...which shows us the last glimpses of Pen-y-ghent we're likely to see.<br /><em>You can click on any of the pictures to enlarge them...</em><br />The wide-headed rams who saw us off the premises last week are still keen to show us who’s boss…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-87PmaQLCzBlP8fay8FeowMCJ5tciOVd38MNM5VEOV4CsQjUCmJ_xwjxoOKWMcIpzizeIM_obYK7l8vw7F0yXXekbV7S0afUPK2_xGpbTICk8UP47oYK5kkCQ167HqdSsJSpfrODmPw/s1600-h/a6+Wigglesworth+rams+-+wide+heads+to+maintain+balance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119330940679257986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-87PmaQLCzBlP8fay8FeowMCJ5tciOVd38MNM5VEOV4CsQjUCmJ_xwjxoOKWMcIpzizeIM_obYK7l8vw7F0yXXekbV7S0afUPK2_xGpbTICk8UP47oYK5kkCQ167HqdSsJSpfrODmPw/s320/a6+Wigglesworth+rams+-+wide+heads+to+maintain+balance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and we pause to consider whether their unusually wide heads might in some ways be a necessary counter-weight to other parts of their anatomy…<br /><br />Once we turn right/due East below the farm onto the Ribble Way once more, we soon reach Wigglesworth Beck where there is some confusion regarding the route.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5W7TnsYDp90BZUytojAAY70failsQu9StXdYwHiz2iiBosKuILn_SkG1GOXnCNNaMnF55sY1gksyzmGaWYhhB8EKKhvfHhcPR4tK8ef928ktT6I6Qm8pANxhYShb0yBzzJ4KgF7OeiE/s1600-h/a7+bridge+across+Wigglesworth+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119331563449515922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5W7TnsYDp90BZUytojAAY70failsQu9StXdYwHiz2iiBosKuILn_SkG1GOXnCNNaMnF55sY1gksyzmGaWYhhB8EKKhvfHhcPR4tK8ef928ktT6I6Qm8pANxhYShb0yBzzJ4KgF7OeiE/s320/a7+bridge+across+Wigglesworth+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We know <em>not </em>to cross the bridge as the Ribble Way runs along the south bank of Wigglesworth Beck, but there is a wire fence into a field as one option, following the Beck eastwards towards its meeting with the Ribble, and there is also a wooden fence over to the Beck itself, but no stile or gate onto either route to make it clear which we are supposed to follow…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi2605hyphenhyphen3SCvnjdFb9lZnPbxiWcj30xUiADwJAzWO4TU4xwSHD1b2JumFbVLFCcrH5u2sR-EikA5-NuSCTzbmDXi_koOUhBdJROEsa-WtBN1Oaun9DzhE29r7JwSwZaxGm-j7PdUAXrI/s1600-h/a8+wrong+side+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119332031600951202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi2605hyphenhyphen3SCvnjdFb9lZnPbxiWcj30xUiADwJAzWO4TU4xwSHD1b2JumFbVLFCcrH5u2sR-EikA5-NuSCTzbmDXi_koOUhBdJROEsa-WtBN1Oaun9DzhE29r7JwSwZaxGm-j7PdUAXrI/s320/a8+wrong+side+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So we decide that the wooden fence must denote the route, so shove the dog beneath a gap into the Beck itself then climbed over the fence and called her round to the bank again.<br />After setting off alongside the Beck...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6KoqqlCaFrZ1T2k3WB4Z-yOjR1XaOatFx2oQopp8emwyvP0w52VI2OR7nxrEC2PqbA48MXSLxZMppmiDih7Hb8_IqceNe7ll4FGpy6IeW7lIKWy5FGgdYqHnYDgmh-fqCfepEmS1cEU/s1600-h/a8+right+side+of+Wigglesworth+Beck,+wrong+side+of+the+fence!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119332297888923570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6KoqqlCaFrZ1T2k3WB4Z-yOjR1XaOatFx2oQopp8emwyvP0w52VI2OR7nxrEC2PqbA48MXSLxZMppmiDih7Hb8_IqceNe7ll4FGpy6IeW7lIKWy5FGgdYqHnYDgmh-fqCfepEmS1cEU/s320/a8+right+side+of+Wigglesworth+Beck,+wrong+side+of+the+fence!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and seeing the work which has been taking place here to reduce bankside erosion, we decide we are in danger of damaging the new grass planted on the bankside matting and, looking ahead as far as we can see around the curve of the Beck, we can see no stile showing this is the correct route but what looks like might be a stile from further along in the field running next to us into the next field along.<br /><br />So we retrace our steps back to the bridge, climb back over the wooden fence (& shove the dog back into the Beck) and then we climb over the barbed wire fence to walk along in the field itself.<br /><br />As we approach the far end of the field and can confirm the stile we thought we could see, it becomes obvious that this was the right decision...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet-OFBKs7_At-IoyS5yByvxsMR32UyQH_EPWh8AYa0r2FnImLB8lMJRrB9jL8I8s9lqA0dz2Vrk8VyL5IE146EJE3pR-QsBsoW32Cti0VEY1MrroE3tSXlaEmgKN4sWcJ_-QCwQoL4u0/s1600-h/a9+we"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119332714500751298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet-OFBKs7_At-IoyS5yByvxsMR32UyQH_EPWh8AYa0r2FnImLB8lMJRrB9jL8I8s9lqA0dz2Vrk8VyL5IE146EJE3pR-QsBsoW32Cti0VEY1MrroE3tSXlaEmgKN4sWcJ_-QCwQoL4u0/s320/a9+we%27ve+had+worse+stile-style!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and as the stile is quite a low one, the dog manages pretty well. A stile or gate at the entrance onto the Ribble Way into this field in the first place at Wigglesworth Hall Farm would have saved alot of hassle, and been much easier to get ourselves over as we had to lift children and dog and ourselves over a barbed-wire topped fence where there should really be a stile onto the correct route, ensuring all necessary appendages remained attached and unbarbed without too much difficulty.<br /><br />Walking along the valley from Wigglesworth Hall to Cow Bridge we find the weather, the views, and the walk are all really lovely - and we even get a good long look at a beautiful electric blue Kingfisher as he shoots out beneath the bank of the Beck and flies right past us upstream…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JoduLGJR5Z-XSHihetXcdVdJlPl96jJzzBUI184RxuE4I7h75HM-Hjr7Cnv5pfZzenx10ab6N8WVK80dGBDPjLFR-vcoDzNnX9V8MYZKyQzzjrGZ7oDdkyrxW77HG99MwPfpskRz1zI/s1600-h/a9+right+side+of+the+fence+at+Wigglesworth+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119334883459235874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JoduLGJR5Z-XSHihetXcdVdJlPl96jJzzBUI184RxuE4I7h75HM-Hjr7Cnv5pfZzenx10ab6N8WVK80dGBDPjLFR-vcoDzNnX9V8MYZKyQzzjrGZ7oDdkyrxW77HG99MwPfpskRz1zI/s320/a9+right+side+of+the+fence+at+Wigglesworth+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wigglesworth Beck from the right side of the fence...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o3W2O0jGa1_o87rERIQWiPmsuSsksJwjXiFz6GMdjNMFJHAyoWLq8KH4Svg4B3oNmQf3-SmnhS3SvD1XYUZu2Ytl8agedIzSC-Opw7s08QGieU-b_ofH-JO_dR-XaJSBNs69KGAimbQ/s1600-h/a10+Long+Preston+&+a+glimpse+of+the+river+maybe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119334780380020754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o3W2O0jGa1_o87rERIQWiPmsuSsksJwjXiFz6GMdjNMFJHAyoWLq8KH4Svg4B3oNmQf3-SmnhS3SvD1XYUZu2Ytl8agedIzSC-Opw7s08QGieU-b_ofH-JO_dR-XaJSBNs69KGAimbQ/s320/a10+Long+Preston+%26+a+glimpse+of+the+river+maybe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Long Preston and a brief glimpse of the River Ribble below...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCZbelVpRGLlK3dCZn9HDsRQxzg5YMIgIFSK8-2dMim6yjlHZKrr8qtCgV_BKjjAIEr64A-Qrms25JYrsXa2kbNGHYJjsP7ljPyhfgyE2mxVq7SSgGv9UgX3SO7wCdseiDFD_jN0BiJw/s1600-h/a15+Wigglesworth+Beck+looking+upstream+towards+Wigglesworth+Hall+Fm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119334561336688642" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCZbelVpRGLlK3dCZn9HDsRQxzg5YMIgIFSK8-2dMim6yjlHZKrr8qtCgV_BKjjAIEr64A-Qrms25JYrsXa2kbNGHYJjsP7ljPyhfgyE2mxVq7SSgGv9UgX3SO7wCdseiDFD_jN0BiJw/s320/a15+Wigglesworth+Beck+looking+upstream+towards+Wigglesworth+Hall+Fm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wigglesworth Beck looking upstream back towards the Farm, the Kingfisher having whizzed past us upstream far faster than my trigger finger...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUzyxq5WFhFG8l448flZxoL5XzzSkL9PjlufvM0q84VWiBCcNgwPRJ59KQ3jeraiaFFiowo9caUDHwQw4OZCK2Hb22YmifuyRKr1ptvRzMiTNVCcZa2ZDQ-0CjsKuKDzvv5Okiff15DY/s1600-h/a17+stunning+views+up+the+valley+-+could+this+be+the+last+sight+of+Ingleborough.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119334445372571634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUzyxq5WFhFG8l448flZxoL5XzzSkL9PjlufvM0q84VWiBCcNgwPRJ59KQ3jeraiaFFiowo9caUDHwQw4OZCK2Hb22YmifuyRKr1ptvRzMiTNVCcZa2ZDQ-0CjsKuKDzvv5Okiff15DY/s320/a17+stunning+views+up+the+valley+-+could+this+be+the+last+sight+of+Ingleborough.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Stunning views across the Ribble valley... could this be the last view of Ingleborough as we head further down the Ribble Way?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5vsdOFJjTuqJyxtv0r9ryedBOmHQmSN2n62uo1gDC5xl5-_n6w5lXkANWpbVj5lPLeHDL16gmpt57yrnZ0XKsRQk1XyvGtoTcZoFL95rfzLHwkD0b_O7XwmFpfhQlsFZEBossFVdW7k/s1600-h/a20+hidden+becks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119334316523552738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5vsdOFJjTuqJyxtv0r9ryedBOmHQmSN2n62uo1gDC5xl5-_n6w5lXkANWpbVj5lPLeHDL16gmpt57yrnZ0XKsRQk1XyvGtoTcZoFL95rfzLHwkD0b_O7XwmFpfhQlsFZEBossFVdW7k/s320/a20+hidden+becks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The upland floodplain below Long Preston is an important wetland habitat...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcvBHdOTM1ToFpRke7m-Ogod95Bz_AuFZNytnXBcjUVpkCubsULY5wimZI_nompdpbjU-vVdZ7f4kfIe36jCdGuubC8hy0Nc-UH-CPu_aVahs213Oim-4jTRDZhHdsLUGaFa3IbtHQHo/s1600-h/a22+wetland+marsh.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119334213444337618" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcvBHdOTM1ToFpRke7m-Ogod95Bz_AuFZNytnXBcjUVpkCubsULY5wimZI_nompdpbjU-vVdZ7f4kfIe36jCdGuubC8hy0Nc-UH-CPu_aVahs213Oim-4jTRDZhHdsLUGaFa3IbtHQHo/s320/a22+wetland+marsh.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...but also has signs of an English autumn alongside the last vestiges of summer...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBT2BeAxpQvVM-vz-i6lF-RSefV0VRHzl8YZocOMMl-sZ-3qQXCy8qCLGIbCWbkwkCPI4iUt9vFFjH_YeZm8IF-5kcurpwGrKe0qra95s0bUtQOgu1SG8sqZUroenH9AWrL-JFbdhBxk/s1600-h/a12+grasses+in+seed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119336197719228482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBT2BeAxpQvVM-vz-i6lF-RSefV0VRHzl8YZocOMMl-sZ-3qQXCy8qCLGIbCWbkwkCPI4iUt9vFFjH_YeZm8IF-5kcurpwGrKe0qra95s0bUtQOgu1SG8sqZUroenH9AWrL-JFbdhBxk/s320/a12+grasses+in+seed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...with summer grasses in seed...<br /><br />...late summer flowers...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLWEAV9b2AGpu6I4gfuRWVvwY4pvLBKsmAd-vjDFqbfLmubWUHx07Fl-zBi9ZkgFHcyETyUi7VPEFvMrDUtQApJkE5HWPmS02oQQwy2PXqC8vRCmYncUU5TWKj_QZuveHzmO4WUpk0W4/s1600-h/a13+buttercups+still+in+flower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119337245691248738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLWEAV9b2AGpu6I4gfuRWVvwY4pvLBKsmAd-vjDFqbfLmubWUHx07Fl-zBi9ZkgFHcyETyUi7VPEFvMrDUtQApJkE5HWPmS02oQQwy2PXqC8vRCmYncUU5TWKj_QZuveHzmO4WUpk0W4/s320/a13+buttercups+still+in+flower.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...such as buttercups...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ACMBXtRkSH1XjLXLGn_HD6hqUkEc4qkSAQTudxv_P9NbwKJ5k4xb88Fg0KJs3zhNk_RlrgvY8Rkr65k66jkHPom2AtpEy9S7BhA8ql3S8nR-mb1YymPkHdxBAjGeax4OI-nc_etXZfs/s1600-h/a13+water+forget+me+nots.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119337134022099026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ACMBXtRkSH1XjLXLGn_HD6hqUkEc4qkSAQTudxv_P9NbwKJ5k4xb88Fg0KJs3zhNk_RlrgvY8Rkr65k66jkHPom2AtpEy9S7BhA8ql3S8nR-mb1YymPkHdxBAjGeax4OI-nc_etXZfs/s320/a13+water+forget+me+nots.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and water forget-me-nots...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZrpO5nX24KeHcmx1bcSbkxl1CSjGgnap2_orpi-C-Fvu53AReDpOcjDqJWs9x4Zuf9JrDDi7Q8EjcNcpXhTC3y3-6GMIMZHY3CZHtLTyA8c9ld5DOeb_g_k2u4bSMfTPkkQzW4vuHdc/s1600-h/a13+and+berries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119336081755111474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZrpO5nX24KeHcmx1bcSbkxl1CSjGgnap2_orpi-C-Fvu53AReDpOcjDqJWs9x4Zuf9JrDDi7Q8EjcNcpXhTC3y3-6GMIMZHY3CZHtLTyA8c9ld5DOeb_g_k2u4bSMfTPkkQzW4vuHdc/s320/a13+and+berries.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and the bright red berries in the hedgerows.<br /><br />Along this stretch we actually come across an opening gate, which pleases us <em>and</em> the dog alot!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R7nzLePagYF6A7nxKvhRYkwXUO_XQh_WFxjRd9Z1ZnPcC1szyiTJMYmS-SP6sRR7E9Jbud0uHhHMAQkejVDM6cJqBwIK7esmS-LBfnUseMcMDXC2jybgdw7pTv0tLWggV_8vYZUTUOY/s1600-h/a14+an+opening+gate!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119396327261372562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4R7nzLePagYF6A7nxKvhRYkwXUO_XQh_WFxjRd9Z1ZnPcC1szyiTJMYmS-SP6sRR7E9Jbud0uHhHMAQkejVDM6cJqBwIK7esmS-LBfnUseMcMDXC2jybgdw7pTv0tLWggV_8vYZUTUOY/s320/a14+an+opening+gate!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...but it isn't long before we encounter our more usual kinds of stile...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMdd8YFj2_4HrO_zHvX56sS2vucPMbUuNDUpHK4MDY27_hYCD6sfUemfHTJlwy1TuZeGbdr-PXg4_b2Dit9P-6eYohSNN-O-Ew7fbT3Y9l9iCP0C4Vl4HU151ss0AtfY4hXKhxRev2T0/s1600-h/a21+normal+stile+service.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119396172642549890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMdd8YFj2_4HrO_zHvX56sS2vucPMbUuNDUpHK4MDY27_hYCD6sfUemfHTJlwy1TuZeGbdr-PXg4_b2Dit9P-6eYohSNN-O-Ew7fbT3Y9l9iCP0C4Vl4HU151ss0AtfY4hXKhxRev2T0/s320/a21+normal+stile+service.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...where normal service is resumed, poor Muddy alternately hauled over, through, and under various fences and stiles...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuRNr4RTh3rDI6DA15WfIxf7cvQbytS5WRqSDXp3SZ4Il-kN-WecvzGj-JcsNMKcnZe27_MzOLZoMRhzPvy_-HdGIIBQkGlPx39wkJr4AkJtPInAcCNLkhjT2E7uhEXsXQv0f06Z8Rjc/s1600-h/a21+is+resumed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119396052383465586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuRNr4RTh3rDI6DA15WfIxf7cvQbytS5WRqSDXp3SZ4Il-kN-WecvzGj-JcsNMKcnZe27_MzOLZoMRhzPvy_-HdGIIBQkGlPx39wkJr4AkJtPInAcCNLkhjT2E7uhEXsXQv0f06Z8Rjc/s320/a21+is+resumed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After walking along the raised bank path above the marshy wetlands which run back from the Ribble floodplain here below Long Preston, we eventually meet the Ribble itself…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jD8cvxI39ILo3NbUvxwMwuHPIg0MN2oFFdAGvkvHjeefYKI9CsjlNCO-TDeUYwkU8Y14vp3XFqH_cSKwKwDjof7IQ-XYzrDHD3bdWyXZmvsa7C-tfHzWTOBCYW-AdiYpIRb56m-1mGo/s1600-h/b1+hello+Ribble+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119406502038896802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jD8cvxI39ILo3NbUvxwMwuHPIg0MN2oFFdAGvkvHjeefYKI9CsjlNCO-TDeUYwkU8Y14vp3XFqH_cSKwKwDjof7IQ-XYzrDHD3bdWyXZmvsa7C-tfHzWTOBCYW-AdiYpIRb56m-1mGo/s320/b1+hello+Ribble+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />River Ribble just above Cow Bridge, looking upriver towards Long Preston Deeps.<br /><br />Today’s stretch of the Ribble Way only allows proper access to the river here as it runs towards Cow Bridge: any other contact between footpath and river along the Ribble Way between Wigglesworth and Gisburn is restricted to crossing the river over Paythorne Bridge. As it turns out, we do get to see a little more of the Ribble before the day is finished...<br /><br />In the meantime, this is our first contact with the River Ribble today and Muddy doesn’t need any other encouragement than seeing the river –<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwbziYVltzr5llfjjsRW-8pNjFTVO1zWq9ZlPoxON9L2B4k7e7hQRDX8saH5GDey6n1cKWA_bLdgL23Hw65IDNr-mklnwMZUQHwiPFGbqv4BBZ9a0BIhc92lKvWXAx2ogQiChclhJKfw/s1600-h/b3+Muddy+greets+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119407678859935922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwbziYVltzr5llfjjsRW-8pNjFTVO1zWq9ZlPoxON9L2B4k7e7hQRDX8saH5GDey6n1cKWA_bLdgL23Hw65IDNr-mklnwMZUQHwiPFGbqv4BBZ9a0BIhc92lKvWXAx2ogQiChclhJKfw/s320/b3+Muddy+greets+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- and Darren isn’t far behind her!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1CiRCxhRzmyhabnnZD0R1gt0a83V0kYfI55-Qg0_VFsZ8ogPGwwvsuSqbghyXI3sqOfl919UqiDNqNxLw7eBh1eSdQMLly4wy9S2CZWSwO0zSxQpf3AMGwtCj5kOAyi5K5SYNKUAA_c/s1600-h/b3c+Daz+checks+it+out.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119408073996927170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1CiRCxhRzmyhabnnZD0R1gt0a83V0kYfI55-Qg0_VFsZ8ogPGwwvsuSqbghyXI3sqOfl919UqiDNqNxLw7eBh1eSdQMLly4wy9S2CZWSwO0zSxQpf3AMGwtCj5kOAyi5K5SYNKUAA_c/s320/b3c+Daz+checks+it+out.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I actually brought my swimming gear this week, as has Chris, but it just doesn’t look deep enough to actually swim! Darren wades under the bridge and attempts a brief swim against the flow but confirms it’s really too shallow, so gets out again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yE_tMQsz5t7NBDWm7RtfieXpIUiwTiQ4WR7fteJCUgZyEM_yZCTiuKgTXKyBkwoxiF1JHJlEQINmeDVrg8K3TJCNxA97XEF9F5JW6uJxPOlvgHFT1SYaf1I-j-fFyRXGvzQHkjtrk2Y/s1600-h/b5+Muddy+joins+Darren.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119408464838951122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yE_tMQsz5t7NBDWm7RtfieXpIUiwTiQ4WR7fteJCUgZyEM_yZCTiuKgTXKyBkwoxiF1JHJlEQINmeDVrg8K3TJCNxA97XEF9F5JW6uJxPOlvgHFT1SYaf1I-j-fFyRXGvzQHkjtrk2Y/s320/b5+Muddy+joins+Darren.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Much to Muddy's disappointment!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivydPvKfepCwIZRT-lQS3hPqkUMMzCXRh6-Wp1iGNCXleFoC5mIyoiN4kO_qldYX4xxjQvEKWGQb5jqmuxZrLzeZ3TQ1SnpQMaCj7ER0BKkmUpRMl7KwFm7osAVU_durCVRN7JhtRzza0/s1600-h/b5+we+haven"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119408765486661858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivydPvKfepCwIZRT-lQS3hPqkUMMzCXRh6-Wp1iGNCXleFoC5mIyoiN4kO_qldYX4xxjQvEKWGQb5jqmuxZrLzeZ3TQ1SnpQMaCj7ER0BKkmUpRMl7KwFm7osAVU_durCVRN7JhtRzza0/s320/b5+we+haven%27t+done+yet,+have+we....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Nonetheless, I’m raring to go now so we walk back upriver a short distance as I’m determined to give it a go if possible and it does look a little deeper here. The girls have beaten me to it and are already in there paddling but get out straight away because the stones are too slippery; the dog tries to swim out after them in a straight line but nearly gets washed downstream with the strength of the flow; so I put my boots back on and mull it over while we sit on the banks of the Ribble with a slice of home-made Pennine honey and Yorkshire butter flapjack and a drink of water listening to the River passing by...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfqVhByi6t7IsdKnZrf6cQiX_77aB2-TcmQSyCjavpRopQNlRoDJvKFL8-PFphwyf2P_BDYE6i_HTs0d-cRSx98zsExU-hqz09ni1CL0AuKtJL7rkwDYXit5cuR6HWEGtsyWJvsBu2AQ/s1600-h/b7+Ribble+at+Cow+Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119409633070055682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfqVhByi6t7IsdKnZrf6cQiX_77aB2-TcmQSyCjavpRopQNlRoDJvKFL8-PFphwyf2P_BDYE6i_HTs0d-cRSx98zsExU-hqz09ni1CL0AuKtJL7rkwDYXit5cuR6HWEGtsyWJvsBu2AQ/s320/b7+Ribble+at+Cow+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a while lounging by the water, our decision not to linger any longer is made when a bloke comes charging down the path from Cow Bridge to see if we’re poaching!<br /><br />We explain we’re just enjoying spending a while by the river during our walk, and assure him that we have no intention of poaching the Salmon or putting them off breeding (although given the state of my feet it’s perhaps as well these stayed out of the river!) and we set off on our way again.<br /><br />On the road just up from Cow Bridge, the Ribble Way takes a left/Southerly turn along Todmanshaw Lane to follow a route well away from the river for pretty much most of the journey apart from the bridge at Paythorne. Grumbling amongst ourselves at the presumption that we're sitting by the River so must be poaching, and that we're having to leave the river behind us for the rest of today's walk, we are cheered up by a gorgeous dapple grey horse which sticks its head over the fence for a fuss. After scoffing both of the girls’ apples, the horse neighs and whinnies at us as to return with the rest of our picnic as we walk up towards Todmanshaw and New Laithe and Deep Dale...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcNhf6x2tdc9SOouTrWhDGZ4KXVpHdFe1W7TGliU0i5f_475DQvDfXCGCCcrDeQth3uS7saTnBl-ZqTsxG4FCGnF_sEoXZJZk6_Sa8iqh1lS5SvmN9gLv8PoeEDBVfX09TtBGyjFkIM0/s1600-h/b8+come+back+with+those+apples.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119409740444238098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcNhf6x2tdc9SOouTrWhDGZ4KXVpHdFe1W7TGliU0i5f_475DQvDfXCGCCcrDeQth3uS7saTnBl-ZqTsxG4FCGnF_sEoXZJZk6_Sa8iqh1lS5SvmN9gLv8PoeEDBVfX09TtBGyjFkIM0/s320/b8+come+back+with+those+apples.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WQkVVFNxV99N39hEZuXKKSjEFUiejFvFfErU8ycuHsv6lbgFCXbEi-3qUgcFBptMBJewrFFGR1Vjr7Z6g3OQWxF9GdmXx2DDhl6iYtP0qm8OaPq84ngFAnSWM58nZmdC4-__5slsxZo/s1600-h/b8+come+back+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119409929422799138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WQkVVFNxV99N39hEZuXKKSjEFUiejFvFfErU8ycuHsv6lbgFCXbEi-3qUgcFBptMBJewrFFGR1Vjr7Z6g3OQWxF9GdmXx2DDhl6iYtP0qm8OaPq84ngFAnSWM58nZmdC4-__5slsxZo/s320/b8+come+back+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As we reach Deep Dale Wood, the Ribble Way passes into a field full of fabulous pigs who take it in turns to either ignore us as they snort and rummage in the earth or mob us for snacks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnDl_ICDCpu3pzUhzAC_6Wxz3irmQSEdMx7Fn8h2Ac76CnmekP9PTN_stqV_3nrKWCYDg4aUv5w4YKbVlMBEk0xA_IiqVkRcdOnWOYDnD6VaJgzIFTD_ABwLEzjg98QcNbhxViMV95RE/s1600-h/c1+the+midfield+at+Deep+Dale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119410543603122498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnDl_ICDCpu3pzUhzAC_6Wxz3irmQSEdMx7Fn8h2Ac76CnmekP9PTN_stqV_3nrKWCYDg4aUv5w4YKbVlMBEk0xA_IiqVkRcdOnWOYDnD6VaJgzIFTD_ABwLEzjg98QcNbhxViMV95RE/s320/c1+the+midfield+at+Deep+Dale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We refuse to give in to even the most pigletish appeals...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lVf4lqfDBTM3H3wZAsUbUMomLRQhUZr-qRbTngIJ2U_NNu3IhEiZrJF7Q3uZeVwqOBUVB-s6JHg2e_5w_yYylayXnDZGxKM6EXYLkC0Pp3tGSxnottqiSVdXQwSqdf7AcpZS_rU3w5w/s1600-h/c2+the+academy+get+some+training+in+at+Deep+Dale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119410423344038194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lVf4lqfDBTM3H3wZAsUbUMomLRQhUZr-qRbTngIJ2U_NNu3IhEiZrJF7Q3uZeVwqOBUVB-s6JHg2e_5w_yYylayXnDZGxKM6EXYLkC0Pp3tGSxnottqiSVdXQwSqdf7AcpZS_rU3w5w/s320/c2+the+academy+get+some+training+in+at+Deep+Dale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and leaving the Deep Dale midfield to it, we pass through to the next field. As we stand to admire the view (and try to ignore the stink of the freshly-sprayed slurry on the field), we see a deer by the edge of the wood. We walk towards her slowly and then stand close enough to watch her as she becomes aware of us and stops what she is doing to watch us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3JILankpS6PKmeSp2ZOlDYzcVRWeeEw0OCurw_kk2W3P5iJaTxP-tPFXhCByJCuvId3mP1yOk7KeEOry082YA3nfu91dcEadJRTMPoq9SKlzqnaMmZGuMjWyZKBrt2AdmgM2MGw9y8Y/s1600-h/c3+deer+at+deep+dale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119411887927886162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3JILankpS6PKmeSp2ZOlDYzcVRWeeEw0OCurw_kk2W3P5iJaTxP-tPFXhCByJCuvId3mP1yOk7KeEOry082YA3nfu91dcEadJRTMPoq9SKlzqnaMmZGuMjWyZKBrt2AdmgM2MGw9y8Y/s320/c3+deer+at+deep+dale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em>You can click on the picture to enlarge it<br /></em>There passes a truly delightful few minutes where we watch her watching us, with no sounds but the breeze in the trees and the birds singing in the woods. After a few minutes, another deer walks into view along the edge of the Wood towards the first one. She walks towards the second deer and lets him know we are there, then they both set off across the field at a fabulously graceful speed and out of sight. Fantastic.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKahiyaRtQnKx0mqQsXKqZX7R1BUmkNDcHtowYmItuJDAVKGhFvXUg5IiMWuvKhHBNsr7yiMQm-3dpE3yxFOXUP2BAt4JOQhsvE-hK-kPy3TMarpFf15X3tfbtY7X-HePL0FjQ0Ip-FY/s1600-h/c3+the+deer+set+off+towards+de-fence.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119411986712133986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKahiyaRtQnKx0mqQsXKqZX7R1BUmkNDcHtowYmItuJDAVKGhFvXUg5IiMWuvKhHBNsr7yiMQm-3dpE3yxFOXUP2BAt4JOQhsvE-hK-kPy3TMarpFf15X3tfbtY7X-HePL0FjQ0Ip-FY/s320/c3+the+deer+set+off+towards+de-fence.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As we are close to Deep Dale Wood by now, we decide to walk towards the brow of the hill to see if we can see the river below. At the edge of the woods is a stile so we decide to see if we can get down to the river through the Wood. This is indeed possible, so we take an unexpected diversion down through Deep Dale Wood – and a beautiful woodland it is too -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAlS19g1C-UuG6Bz0rH668UcUhmy8G7CIVO2SjKNhcdaZTm552bBIsdMn7r65rw0isA5AOCQwxDjm2tmvNW0Azg0ylQp9NhYlr3QwCkwMOVIkjrwA6H3AAFdmo49DI_MrzUKPUQWMuKE/s1600-h/c4+Deep+Dale+Woods.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119412583712588146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAlS19g1C-UuG6Bz0rH668UcUhmy8G7CIVO2SjKNhcdaZTm552bBIsdMn7r65rw0isA5AOCQwxDjm2tmvNW0Azg0ylQp9NhYlr3QwCkwMOVIkjrwA6H3AAFdmo49DI_MrzUKPUQWMuKE/s320/c4+Deep+Dale+Woods.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- and eat our picnic by the flow of the Ribble and watch the huge salmon jumping in the pools further upstream...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQ_7XFpTYf6YNHZvMeipFGbXOsTNkv6APAIdXCEHX2vzAv631AleZTF22D057nGDSXn0ZlmjnmnGij3el9cS3RTInHZrqwdVp48GOVNhrFKHHdMayU4hq_hbpdTz5KISAa1WRTBeJfQg/s1600-h/c6+Ribble+at+Deep+Dale+Wood+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119412776986116482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQ_7XFpTYf6YNHZvMeipFGbXOsTNkv6APAIdXCEHX2vzAv631AleZTF22D057nGDSXn0ZlmjnmnGij3el9cS3RTInHZrqwdVp48GOVNhrFKHHdMayU4hq_hbpdTz5KISAa1WRTBeJfQg/s320/c6+Ribble+at+Deep+Dale+Wood+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After our lunch, we walk back up through Deep Dale Wood and rejoin the Ribble Way as it passes in a South-Easterly direction from the Wood to Middle Laith. (Our unexpectedly beautiful sojourn at Deep Dale must have been a good omen as our trip to the other Deepdale just 2 days later saw a 5-1 win over Southampton!)<br /><br />The route may be somewhat strong in the olfactory department, due to the slurry-spreading, but it is nonetheless made infinitely more pleasurable by the views and the fauna and flora we pass by on our way...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JUBtI9B-NXc5kVrGlEEiQ0q5T_65FMj1kkRoCGztq47IL6FRa-SuDP90-UY63StXDXOkHHWtIxALl-CQ044nNzP0loYtpPucPubgoSZC5Wnt94uOaihM_9q714VOVqp-FGVlJmg62QQ/s1600-h/c7+autumn+by+the+Ribble+at+Deep+Dale+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119414091246109154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JUBtI9B-NXc5kVrGlEEiQ0q5T_65FMj1kkRoCGztq47IL6FRa-SuDP90-UY63StXDXOkHHWtIxALl-CQ044nNzP0loYtpPucPubgoSZC5Wnt94uOaihM_9q714VOVqp-FGVlJmg62QQ/s320/c7+autumn+by+the+Ribble+at+Deep+Dale+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...from autumn tints in the trees...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybwzGbdol-9CMv6VXb2lQXpKXvPT8TMCRymK6k61CAy5Mw38nzO0Yy4oCyejSJjLGjiILWFDUdFIICv3Q9mOhkk4y_MkFhT-k6G93944NK5DQ99VnwHY8JTvPgHJCVTzbuqSt4X5DUQ4/s1600-h/c8+upland+wetlands+along+the+Ribble+valley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413983871926738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybwzGbdol-9CMv6VXb2lQXpKXvPT8TMCRymK6k61CAy5Mw38nzO0Yy4oCyejSJjLGjiILWFDUdFIICv3Q9mOhkk4y_MkFhT-k6G93944NK5DQ99VnwHY8JTvPgHJCVTzbuqSt4X5DUQ4/s320/c8+upland+wetlands+along+the+Ribble+valley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...to upland wetlands...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnCbtosDejn1_p4pRns1TeqQfa3qyTanzzNh95JvGK9ylah1isUIdwo8-qNjE88PHHXvkEA2JjopNYHyczjmm4EftRmYCSNHrLgHUNxs13CKdsEONJLVuRG8ncxw8TEwv5e8XtYPOXqY/s1600-h/c9+fungi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413863612842434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnCbtosDejn1_p4pRns1TeqQfa3qyTanzzNh95JvGK9ylah1isUIdwo8-qNjE88PHHXvkEA2JjopNYHyczjmm4EftRmYCSNHrLgHUNxs13CKdsEONJLVuRG8ncxw8TEwv5e8XtYPOXqY/s320/c9+fungi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and funghi...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4CXvrSSuxTyUlakHAw340pL4YF1POGVNF7chHn7thyKnbc5xjsvHk-p7y0_ZKjuuG6OZVv1MqTvsVnB9XL2MZKpKzfsl2GS_JONOPBnVT19ypJtSZmSkkLLTk_n62jF2jxDnx07uoXM/s1600-h/c7+Red+Campion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413739058790834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4CXvrSSuxTyUlakHAw340pL4YF1POGVNF7chHn7thyKnbc5xjsvHk-p7y0_ZKjuuG6OZVv1MqTvsVnB9XL2MZKpKzfsl2GS_JONOPBnVT19ypJtSZmSkkLLTk_n62jF2jxDnx07uoXM/s320/c7+Red+Campion.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...Red Campion...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeHPN4gj0J1I1Mrm8RFXXe0XqMakzeQkaYaCKXv29DG6ZuJxdnkKxOPpzqf6ZVrvlgbSf4kKlAeD4diZ0xNqwruSSl2p0h5uuncMErUhDvOCuhIjZKjTpP-NnlkQiv_RdsPHA8Z0UVZQ/s1600-h/c10+bee.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413618799706530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeHPN4gj0J1I1Mrm8RFXXe0XqMakzeQkaYaCKXv29DG6ZuJxdnkKxOPpzqf6ZVrvlgbSf4kKlAeD4diZ0xNqwruSSl2p0h5uuncMErUhDvOCuhIjZKjTpP-NnlkQiv_RdsPHA8Z0UVZQ/s320/c10+bee.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...bees still busy storing for the coming winter...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAIOqEZdvmb-NZ-bSwYo3A7SEaCj9GXKPA9SNLmTvDU27XGC8fzsFAqXfnPOBdyA-oQtqZpCrOFKqpGZV1BX1SqJGwLIcUdWkwoQa74KuUTKfGLR8lAjwzq-Fna6vX85K5hUPEf9fwgY/s1600-h/c12+Lapwings+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119413532900360594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAIOqEZdvmb-NZ-bSwYo3A7SEaCj9GXKPA9SNLmTvDU27XGC8fzsFAqXfnPOBdyA-oQtqZpCrOFKqpGZV1BX1SqJGwLIcUdWkwoQa74KuUTKfGLR8lAjwzq-Fna6vX85K5hUPEf9fwgY/s320/c12+Lapwings+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Lapwings sweeping gloriously across the fields.<br /><br />The Ribble Way just before Middle Laith has been diverted but it took us a good deal of wandering about to find the correct route: now, instead of passing to the right/South of Middle Laith Farm, the path follows the hedge towards the left/Northern edge of the farm, passing through two good accessible kissing gates to the North then the South-East of the farm and onto Brook Lane.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEvCZe1WlUdjXKbKgurAButt1bbXHPGGOsEs8_bpYjMbHBHKZpsCIx_AugZgOP9rpBN1bnUy_EXmOPKa4x2RCxFkm-SuxciSebp9B-AmgZwqDHnlNkZGO1CkqsSHVVJGgMyALvHgDpe4/s1600-h/c13+a+gate+at+Middle+Laith+between+Wigglesworth+and+Gisburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119415504290349554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEvCZe1WlUdjXKbKgurAButt1bbXHPGGOsEs8_bpYjMbHBHKZpsCIx_AugZgOP9rpBN1bnUy_EXmOPKa4x2RCxFkm-SuxciSebp9B-AmgZwqDHnlNkZGO1CkqsSHVVJGgMyALvHgDpe4/s320/c13+a+gate+at+Middle+Laith+between+Wigglesworth+and+Gisburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />What a real pleasure NOT having to haul the dog and ourselves over steep wall stiles or barbed wire fences!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZcaitW5bYTaHROKoFbyyTBKcEtiPJP9J6jFQ04dcNEewms-b9cEN6VIGAIHjzmM4E4z346jt1ku-n440tUSMlRJ_Fqj59WiWbSpK-Rs5HSsVmtHGlIl2TrkJemGPVDRRnZnX6zePn7g/s1600-h/c14+walking+the+Ribble+Way+from+Wigglesworth+to+Halton+West+above+Gisburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119416711176159810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZcaitW5bYTaHROKoFbyyTBKcEtiPJP9J6jFQ04dcNEewms-b9cEN6VIGAIHjzmM4E4z346jt1ku-n440tUSMlRJ_Fqj59WiWbSpK-Rs5HSsVmtHGlIl2TrkJemGPVDRRnZnX6zePn7g/s320/c14+walking+the+Ribble+Way+from+Wigglesworth+to+Halton+West+above+Gisburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Brook Lane on the Ribble Way at Low Scale.<br /><br />The views from the Ribble Way between Middle Laith and Ged Beck Laith, passing Halton West along the way, are <em>fabulous</em>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdvpjnKGOxORJiN4jQs1farPJ1X8OXC6Oqw63MRTbaehWwlBUL4zCROB8IsNTPib_d6YIPQEDAz2ZcFGZWibrCoaFY-o8B694bbp63X5KjBdVBKgWmX0uNg2P1T48tsWnHTPpqCeuHUE/s1600-h/c14+Ribble+Way+views+between+Wigglesworth+and+Halton+West+above+Gisburn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119416543672435250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdvpjnKGOxORJiN4jQs1farPJ1X8OXC6Oqw63MRTbaehWwlBUL4zCROB8IsNTPib_d6YIPQEDAz2ZcFGZWibrCoaFY-o8B694bbp63X5KjBdVBKgWmX0uNg2P1T48tsWnHTPpqCeuHUE/s320/c14+Ribble+Way+views+between+Wigglesworth+and+Halton+West+above+Gisburn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fgO4bttuOS5GRrTIiqdp5CaEEj8aUFXP2Wmdh8EySSvx4SmmC0Sy58DPb6UxWPaxMgj65GgrXhipHq5TCVtbxhJeS3J_1WIbTpc3iSoMjj7JqzVcOSyjftksDhYAL1SgPc8HyIXUKzg/s1600-h/c14+views+from+the+Ribble+way+at+Middle+Laith.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119416303154266658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fgO4bttuOS5GRrTIiqdp5CaEEj8aUFXP2Wmdh8EySSvx4SmmC0Sy58DPb6UxWPaxMgj65GgrXhipHq5TCVtbxhJeS3J_1WIbTpc3iSoMjj7JqzVcOSyjftksDhYAL1SgPc8HyIXUKzg/s320/c14+views+from+the+Ribble+way+at+Middle+Laith.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ_6BSMS_CjMnpOr3ny-a9WxJ8prIquvJJYo98KZN9Yh5OP8jJhkItKryI6KNr8xxvfrZS9PMenIu5gWVwmxcC7U1_hwBbAtSfj9lHpnfcf79AW3pXU3R5HPZ2kLYEvwSxAtvK68KplA/s1600-h/c15+Pendle+Hill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119416092700869138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ_6BSMS_CjMnpOr3ny-a9WxJ8prIquvJJYo98KZN9Yh5OP8jJhkItKryI6KNr8xxvfrZS9PMenIu5gWVwmxcC7U1_hwBbAtSfj9lHpnfcf79AW3pXU3R5HPZ2kLYEvwSxAtvK68KplA/s320/c15+Pendle+Hill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Pendle Hill creeping ever nearer...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlelUqitmK-sc1zng1yWNdqQOg2DnTE6E8SAyJe8i0x-rsvFQfmxZlNrEC2D_AyYVGLHLjDkPrCeqRV1sVh5HXmBXj3NqIBgDuw419ALcYGCrs01moHBGT1JKsZe5amAAx0FC1v3SZcDA/s1600-h/c15+local+resident+watches+Ribblesiders+near+Halton+West.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119415890837406210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlelUqitmK-sc1zng1yWNdqQOg2DnTE6E8SAyJe8i0x-rsvFQfmxZlNrEC2D_AyYVGLHLjDkPrCeqRV1sVh5HXmBXj3NqIBgDuw419ALcYGCrs01moHBGT1JKsZe5amAAx0FC1v3SZcDA/s320/c15+local+resident+watches+Ribblesiders+near+Halton+West.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the local residents are always as interested in us as we are in them -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoRYRl37dTNDJrs9UBNVM5U0juZvcNVGp7BpWw17o43IHDWktLyMiIrTpO-UPWeC1wDNbzZ_VoIa7ZPKypsDhlFvzqz0MJcl1qj3b1inpyCIz0xwCXWyv_lTNv3d42pjDWxRcpL_8tCY/s1600-h/c16+friendly+cows+at+Halton+West.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119418712630919778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoRYRl37dTNDJrs9UBNVM5U0juZvcNVGp7BpWw17o43IHDWktLyMiIrTpO-UPWeC1wDNbzZ_VoIa7ZPKypsDhlFvzqz0MJcl1qj3b1inpyCIz0xwCXWyv_lTNv3d42pjDWxRcpL_8tCY/s320/c16+friendly+cows+at+Halton+West.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />- sometimes alot more friendly than we have experienced in <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/10/ribble-way-part-4-stainforth-to.html">previous weeks on the Ribble Way</a> too!<br /><br />At Halton West, the Ribble Way passes along the road for a few dozen yards to the West before turning South again towards Ged Beck Laithe.<br /><br />This next section, between the road through Halton West and reaching Ged Beck Moor, again involves a good deal of wandering around trying to find the right way, which is really annoying. Consulting the map in minute detail eventually gets us in the right places, but there are few if any markers (apart from one very unhelpfully situated on a fence pointing vaguely towards a corner of a field where there is no means of exit), the gates we do have to pass through do not open, nor are there any stiles, nor any way of passing the dog beneath the gate, so we have to resort to climbing & lifting dogs & children over as usual.<br /><br />After crossing the first footbridge over Ged Beck, we cross a dilapidated old footbridge and force open a gate which has clearly not been opened for centuries before we realise the second footbridge we need to cross is back in the field we've just left but further round the Beck... where all the cows are... so we negotiate our way through the inquisitive cows - who suddenly set off at a rather alarming gallop but luckily in the opposite direction to ourselves - and we then try to avoid the boggiest of the bogs and cross the second footbridge onto Ged Beck Moor...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTlPogTUY7S-ZKYu2VuvyeLH45bU9hu3iYrv1OuXtluR7ntbmMuFRe8FRbr3GD5OXMGYyAsp2L6cb0NgtzM5TvFLxXSVOdeAOWVKluGwYN3oOwqhZo_kls9wHdLQ2XwdcVb6sbjqDN7E/s1600-h/c20+Ged+Beck+and+moor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119420396258099826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTlPogTUY7S-ZKYu2VuvyeLH45bU9hu3iYrv1OuXtluR7ntbmMuFRe8FRbr3GD5OXMGYyAsp2L6cb0NgtzM5TvFLxXSVOdeAOWVKluGwYN3oOwqhZo_kls9wHdLQ2XwdcVb6sbjqDN7E/s320/c20+Ged+Beck+and+moor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8BQAHTe6qHyr-1v8yORUPGkcs6hMFiv2rYT9v1-hL1Fbfu2ic_r_2xc0QEq8U-OGWRhIY6znS7JT2DwWHjZ9MeC8jADaMXbr4LSTudD9BDqA3KXka0HTLWCCL1JEvqlOE4ma3CP8ft8/s1600-h/c23+Ged+Beck+Moor+with+becks+and+bogs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119422238799069874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8BQAHTe6qHyr-1v8yORUPGkcs6hMFiv2rYT9v1-hL1Fbfu2ic_r_2xc0QEq8U-OGWRhIY6znS7JT2DwWHjZ9MeC8jADaMXbr4LSTudD9BDqA3KXka0HTLWCCL1JEvqlOE4ma3CP8ft8/s320/c23+Ged+Beck+Moor+with+becks+and+bogs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZXfsdH6a7R4AL0IQJBcOgaouEzxG-0fM45sWnQtLK9O8pXXlWOyEOYSRC7KPOWip_mcCmZiK5c4PfPJP8FPzjnebLG0dB15INnv0ucfxOCTZelYQ3iZm-8AZLkCycFiCI7D2iWm7l6U/s1600-h/c23a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119422797144818370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZXfsdH6a7R4AL0IQJBcOgaouEzxG-0fM45sWnQtLK9O8pXXlWOyEOYSRC7KPOWip_mcCmZiK5c4PfPJP8FPzjnebLG0dB15INnv0ucfxOCTZelYQ3iZm-8AZLkCycFiCI7D2iWm7l6U/s320/c23a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vRLUVOk0lXg0w0bCRBvwZEY7OjpJ2UOCmAwR7MSZSGYzXivjNmkSECf8Pi7dBMH1JJ75UsgGjOZUebJTG89psUd3h0WKA-TVdY-c1_mT9JJ4nLIHkBwRQF6Uj2-PMdtjX6bMVqjFGwY/s1600-h/c22+Pendle+Hill+from+Ged+Beck+Moor+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119422135719854754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vRLUVOk0lXg0w0bCRBvwZEY7OjpJ2UOCmAwR7MSZSGYzXivjNmkSECf8Pi7dBMH1JJ75UsgGjOZUebJTG89psUd3h0WKA-TVdY-c1_mT9JJ4nLIHkBwRQF6Uj2-PMdtjX6bMVqjFGwY/s320/c22+Pendle+Hill+from+Ged+Beck+Moor+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once we have crossed the second footbridge, we then find ourselves wandering in a hopeful direction across to Paythorne Moor – and wading through yet another field of slurry which leads to a comment about the problems of access to the Ribble when instead of being allowed to walk alongside a beautiful, clean, bubbling river we are forced to wade through fields of dung...<br /><br />After a hopeful wander in what the map suggests might be a good direction, we suddenly spot a way off Paythorne Moor, and find that the next series of fence boundaries are marked by NEW gates – which OPEN and everything! There are Ribble Way markers in all the right places, and a much easier route to get us down to Paythorne village. Have we passed into Lancashire perchance?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshigebtZ8V5-5bGNLew-pZFD5VzyMYnznAQ4J0vs8jf2jFxAmhJdNpyKmpkxXH4zeYoCjYtilUfqvgqfCTwPSPB860v2IafGUu1-CuDcHalZCtU7LKPfelsZEnwNTdvs4bbVLJ62UZPQ/s1600-h/c24+access+improves+dramatically+btwn+Halton+West+&+Paythorne.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119421263841493634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhshigebtZ8V5-5bGNLew-pZFD5VzyMYnznAQ4J0vs8jf2jFxAmhJdNpyKmpkxXH4zeYoCjYtilUfqvgqfCTwPSPB860v2IafGUu1-CuDcHalZCtU7LKPfelsZEnwNTdvs4bbVLJ62UZPQ/s320/c24+access+improves+dramatically+btwn+Halton+West+%26+Paythorne.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We find to our great relief that this much-improved access pretty much continues for most of the rest of today's journey. It will be interesting to see if access problems become less of an irritation over the coming weeks too…<br /><br />After a very pleasant and easy walk down to Paythorne, we reluctantly resist the very appealing-looking pub which faces the spot where the Ribble Way emerges onto the road through the village, turn left/south-east, and walk down to Paythorne Bridge.<br />Unfortunately, this is the point where my camera has suddenly re-set itself to taking super-megabyte photos which I have reduced as much as possible on my trusty old pc but will still take an AGE to upload onto the blog, so you will have to content yourselves with a few brief glimpses of the rest of our day on the Ribble Way - and I strongly urge you to go and see Paythorne Bridge and Castle Haugh (between Paythorne Bridge and Gisburn) for yourselves!<br /><br />Paythorne Bridge is a very attractive stone bridge across a slow meander of the River Ribble, and we pause for a while, leaning over to watch the Ribble lazily wending her way beneath us…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrDcJ0hSk6Co3uvaTn41_0mv-_GPbIX7ERtU6qPduaZYeZCGxh34chfXiLUObkoMvcqeXokwXO7TDADfSWSsGZt4mwHbmngR70QzuiyPhw5K0WdvLpDn-zY_s6C_D6XhEPSIljEUnBNQ/s1600-h/d5+paythorne+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119424274613568210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrDcJ0hSk6Co3uvaTn41_0mv-_GPbIX7ERtU6qPduaZYeZCGxh34chfXiLUObkoMvcqeXokwXO7TDADfSWSsGZt4mwHbmngR70QzuiyPhw5K0WdvLpDn-zY_s6C_D6XhEPSIljEUnBNQ/s320/d5+paythorne+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and on downstream to Gisburn.<br /><br /><br />Here we have a decision to make: do we stay on the Ribble Way to Gisburn, or do we take a significant diversion?<br /><br />Here at Paythorne Bridge, the Ribble Way leaves the road at the southern corner of Paythorne Bridge and moves in a southerly direction across Castle Haugh Hill (all well and good) but then meets the A682 then the A59 for about a mile and a half into Gisburn. It isn’t clear from the map whether the Ribble Way runs alongside these busy roads or along the road itself and none of us fancy walking along these roads as they’re very busy indeed. Either way, it will certainly be a lot noisier and a lot less pleasant.<br /><br />We study the map and debate whether to leave the Ribble Way to its southern run altogether and follow the public footpath which runs across the north side of the Ribble. This sets off in a westerly direction from the north side of Paythorne Bridge across Bank Close Laith, then turns south-west & then full south towards Gisburn on the north/west side of the Ribble, crossing through Moor House Farm and Windy Pike on the way, and entering Gisburn over Gisburn Bridge.<br /><br />But as we have set out to walk the Ribble Way, we are keen to continue to do so, and a good look at the map reveals a potential compromise: we could follow the Ribble Way from Paythorne Bridge and along the A682 for about half a mile then turn right/west and follow the public bridle path across Stock Beck and through Gisburne Park to Gisburn Bridge.<br />This would allow us to avoid walking along the A682 all the way into Gisburn – and avoid having to walk along the A59 at all – as well as allowing us an added glimpse of the Ribble at Gisburn Bridge whilst still following the Ribble Way across Castle Haugh and Castle Haugh Hill. This we decided to do – and were we glad we did. Castle Haugh is NOT to be missed!<br /><br />From Paythorne Bridge, the Ribble Way passes through the woods next to the River, climbing all the while up towards Castle Haugh. The woods soon thin out and we had a brilliant view across towards the west as we climbed. Before you pass through the top gate onto Castle Haugh Hill and the last field before the A682, you really must walk over the brow of the hill towards the river and take stock of this glorious view.<br /><br />The Ribble here curves in a delightful horseshoe bend just below Castle Haugh (presumably the site of an ancient settlement), and we sat down for a good while admiring the fantastic view of the river and woodlands and the landscape beyond which opened out in front of us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR9XBmVAJ4UzKpIZ1IqxythXLUnT002C5je7EczSKGNnqGVw00hoFh9fleofTuJwRds-SQ_iiVTtXo60m0ES3eWdoYIfn-9WLeTQzFQ3RvFt0KwWaIJt3IJG1IPF0Twta7w8hCyiEE80/s1600-h/d7+Ribble+at+Castle+Haugh.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5119427461479301858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR9XBmVAJ4UzKpIZ1IqxythXLUnT002C5je7EczSKGNnqGVw00hoFh9fleofTuJwRds-SQ_iiVTtXo60m0ES3eWdoYIfn-9WLeTQzFQ3RvFt0KwWaIJt3IJG1IPF0Twta7w8hCyiEE80/s320/d7+Ribble+at+Castle+Haugh.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The sun was also getting quite low on the horizon, and was lighting up the clouds in a deep golden glow - but I'm afraid you will have to content yourself with imagining how this looked - and go and see for yourself.<br /><br />After relaxing over the fabulous view, we set off back to the top/southern corner of the field, and head down towards the A682. As we meet the road (roaring with traffic), we find that most of the time the Ribble Way runs along the roadside edge of the fields themselves, only a small part so far is on the grass verge of the road itself. Nonetheless, we continue with our planned diversion through Gisburne Park, taking the entrance to the bridleway as it heads off the Ribble Way to the right/west at Little Painey, some yards after a huge bunker-like storage unit by the road.<br /><br />The bridleway passes into the woods at Gisburne Park, and the evidence of pheasant and grouse-rearing is very noisily everywhere. The path crosses Stock Beck on a lovely stone bridge, and the path eventually passes Gisburne Park hall (now a hospital) on the right, a very impressive Austen-esque building. The path eventually arrives at Gisburn Bridge, and again we while away a time on the bridge watching the Ribble go by before heading south and south-east down the road to Gisburn and the end of today’s Ribble Way adventures. We walked about 8 and a half miles today and had a great day with some really fantastic moments.<br /><br />Next week we will be walking the Ribble Way from Gisburn to Chatburn, taking in as much of the River Ribble as we can manage – but as the Ribble Way has been diverted in recent years due to the sensitive and thoughtful generosity of the landowner between Steep Wood and Sawley Lodge who has erected a deer fence across this public right of way to prevent public access and set up get orf signs all across this beautiful section of the Ribble Way, we will be forced to divert our walk over hills and dales and fields and fences, following the new Ribble Way diversion and otherwise…<br /><br />You can read more of our Ribble Way adventures by clicking on these links:<br />The Ribble Way<br /><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">Part 1, searching for the source of the River Ribble</a>;<br /><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-2-spot-ribble.html">Part 2, playing spot the Ribble from Ribblehead and Gearstones to Horton</a>;<br /><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-3-horton-to-stainforth.html">Part 3, Horton to Stainforth - Dry-Ski slopes and a swim at Selside</a>;<br /><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/10/ribble-way-part-4-stainforth-to.html">Part 4, Stainforth to Wigglesworth, a good soaking</a>.<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-66247157134683842162007-10-01T16:03:00.000+01:002007-11-07T15:36:17.606+00:00The Ribble Way Part 4, Stainforth to Wigglesworth: Soaked to the Skin, Voluntarily and Otherwise…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ym4dqOto-0fEQhHfC-r1tcS_T4rPw9jrnzJ-Yc32mK2YAnpup0BPbl9m2b8Nc630rufiqbI8MFBaKPuUJKxz15BEidmNSS0UvrN_VjSIt5eVI6x_yHzP8lL0shwHql31WwBgyjGhwYg/s1600-h/d7+Ribble+Way+marker.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115230426398233250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ym4dqOto-0fEQhHfC-r1tcS_T4rPw9jrnzJ-Yc32mK2YAnpup0BPbl9m2b8Nc630rufiqbI8MFBaKPuUJKxz15BEidmNSS0UvrN_VjSIt5eVI6x_yHzP8lL0shwHql31WwBgyjGhwYg/s320/d7+Ribble+Way+marker.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>A Ribble Way Day of Water, Weather, and Bovines – were we bovvered? Read on to find out…</strong><br /><br />The weather didn’t look too much like it would live up to the gloomy forecast for heavy rain as we set off up the A59 once more, as it was cloudy but bright. With today’s planned diversion being a swim at Stainforth Force, several members of the party were planning a jolly good soaking today anyway. As it turned out, we all got soaked to the skin by the end of the day – and we had yet more episodes to add to the growing saga of our Adventures Amongst Yorkshire Livestock! But a spontaneous diversion off the Ribble Way at Stackhouse proved to be one of the most memorable parts of today’s journey for all the right reasons…<br /><br />We would have liked to have taken in other diversions today – including to the famous Scaleber Force waterfall to the East of Settle, and to the Ebbing and Flowing Well (which mysteriously only produces water in a rhythmic ebb and flow, surprisingly, given its name!) to the North West, but we hope to get good views of <strong>Long Preston Deeps</strong> on the final half of the journey. <br /><br />This fantastic series of winding horse-shoe bends in the Ribble below Long Preston is a <em>sssi</em> site because of its unique floodplain habitat, very rare so high upriver. Here, the river’s water quality is very high, supporting unique aquatic flora and a healthy population of Salmon, Sea Trout, and Brown Trout as well as a large variety of coarse fish such as chub, roach, pike and lamprey eels. There was historically a large lake here but this was drained in the 1800s, leaving a wetland and marsh floodplain which supports wading birds such as Snipe, Redshank, Curlew, Oystercatcher and Lapwing, as well as numerous other bird species including Teal, Pink Footed Geese, Whooper Swan, and Black Tailed Godwit…<br />Long Preston Deeps also look fabulous when glimpsed from the A59, so a better look from walking the Ribble Way on the West side of the Deeps, albeit set well away from the river itself, is much anticipated...<br /><br /><br />We parked the first car at <a href="http://www.ploughinn.info/">The Plough Inn</a> at <a href="http://www.wigglesworthvillage.co.uk/index.htm">Wigglesworth</a> and, after throwing the girls in the stocks while we unpacked the rucksacks from the car…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WjTsV1uumLN1D5A_68zE1QueJTvpzzFSbZVktjG9DELGic0mXHz6yyBXJxWWsadlcd-VC656zKTCkYWL2T_0AKspePoFlmlbswi8hS40O-1b1HETAL6tjCX6meTYXJDKH3HYjeFoMvU/s1600-h/a1+Wigglesworth+stocks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113788597287030386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WjTsV1uumLN1D5A_68zE1QueJTvpzzFSbZVktjG9DELGic0mXHz6yyBXJxWWsadlcd-VC656zKTCkYWL2T_0AKspePoFlmlbswi8hS40O-1b1HETAL6tjCX6meTYXJDKH3HYjeFoMvU/s320/a1+Wigglesworth+stocks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…we all squeezed into the van for the drive up to Stainforth.<br /><br />At Stainforth, we left the car park and set off up the B6479 for a few yards before turning left/west onto the road to Dog Hill Brow and Little Stainforth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ML2acOkNn12QmcvuXIhUDaIvH0FNRgQYvWOHvvncI9i1800MvdplkEfPcDJgS0gAMiGLoXB3pWq9u_l21S-NXs2HdRiKAJkyhtBA1P474BkwDDzNHN2o8HW8Ksq07-TaM7IFTOe0eDI/s1600-h/a2+Dog+Hill+Brow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113788803445460610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ML2acOkNn12QmcvuXIhUDaIvH0FNRgQYvWOHvvncI9i1800MvdplkEfPcDJgS0gAMiGLoXB3pWq9u_l21S-NXs2HdRiKAJkyhtBA1P474BkwDDzNHN2o8HW8Ksq07-TaM7IFTOe0eDI/s320/a2+Dog+Hill+Brow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dog Hill Brow.<br /><br />We cross the Settle railway line and also pass a useful and somewhat portentous sign, as it turns out…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwASR0ps-wedRz0NZ3zDZcwo8nFw6abgwPfD1PHcrlR1Ih9LBgou8d_eIZymLDw424f5LyhTHnOob416VB_NwPCfjOG9dacMuYMd89xoIiQauLIsGklBFATg9pzMfloBiU3nJ-PpZROY/s1600-h/a3+a+useful+warning....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113788975244152482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwASR0ps-wedRz0NZ3zDZcwo8nFw6abgwPfD1PHcrlR1Ih9LBgou8d_eIZymLDw424f5LyhTHnOob416VB_NwPCfjOG9dacMuYMd89xoIiQauLIsGklBFATg9pzMfloBiU3nJ-PpZROY/s320/a3+a+useful+warning....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and then Stainforth Bridge over the Ribble – a bridge which looks delightful as you cross it...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zd-O8HTG7nJVkRhymZ4Fhkl8EUeOfj1JqrQi5Z9RAawGI4J_ZbCTHvnAZjkpOMrIyfeORY2KM3ch_0cl99vJuZegbmW5-eUolrGFvUMTb14WqXitO35oCUYxGYphDGw_VD75VLa9t38/s1600-h/a4+Stainforth+Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113788906524675730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Zd-O8HTG7nJVkRhymZ4Fhkl8EUeOfj1JqrQi5Z9RAawGI4J_ZbCTHvnAZjkpOMrIyfeORY2KM3ch_0cl99vJuZegbmW5-eUolrGFvUMTb14WqXitO35oCUYxGYphDGw_VD75VLa9t38/s320/a4+Stainforth+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and absolutely fantastic when you follow the Ribble Way path down to the river and see the bridge from there...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZRJLD_huGFRcrL17qddiJu4TBB8fre6ulEF30_Uy4_34yQ-dqFv9D7sdVftzcM3qZP6WlVlYE6uWFJMYR5IZXTDMRAnxAS5Qtw75AWHFt-q5hHrmF10ukQl66mJVMx4LHdkXyzcIRfc/s1600-h/a7+Stainforth+Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113789439100620466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZRJLD_huGFRcrL17qddiJu4TBB8fre6ulEF30_Uy4_34yQ-dqFv9D7sdVftzcM3qZP6WlVlYE6uWFJMYR5IZXTDMRAnxAS5Qtw75AWHFt-q5hHrmF10ukQl66mJVMx4LHdkXyzcIRfc/s320/a7+Stainforth+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Ribble at Stainforth Bridge is wonderful – and not surprisingly already very busy with other Ribblesiders by the time we arrive.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1wFWaM1Uy5EMk0biGr_5gEFmjryFsukUPxngax8wBqA0bfP0jUW-vTausCw4so2-ZsPMmeXZ5omaKnwF-pTaaVa-eJUzfzoQr1AjvqryGt153z_eTcom9tgRPZ7C3maA-s4chgBol3w/s1600-h/a6+The+Ribble+passing+downstream+from+Stainforth+Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113789731158396610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1wFWaM1Uy5EMk0biGr_5gEFmjryFsukUPxngax8wBqA0bfP0jUW-vTausCw4so2-ZsPMmeXZ5omaKnwF-pTaaVa-eJUzfzoQr1AjvqryGt153z_eTcom9tgRPZ7C3maA-s4chgBol3w/s320/a6+The+Ribble+passing+downstream+from+Stainforth+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-16WGH15AAPIYu7It3Gb8pWa1MQoGDgRoWxzFRWg156f6dpDYZnqyd7f4wxa1lbIf4yGbx3Atqo4ndAJWxoItkuWUB_bF7-e45Y7VASLflAhFA7FOVl7xWT2Ru0PLrooFiYQU8Nz2Vc/s1600-h/a11+Stainforth+Bridge+from+the+river+bedrock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113789971676565202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-16WGH15AAPIYu7It3Gb8pWa1MQoGDgRoWxzFRWg156f6dpDYZnqyd7f4wxa1lbIf4yGbx3Atqo4ndAJWxoItkuWUB_bF7-e45Y7VASLflAhFA7FOVl7xWT2Ru0PLrooFiYQU8Nz2Vc/s320/a11+Stainforth+Bridge+from+the+river+bedrock.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Bridge is an ancient and peculiarly organic structure (an organic use of stone which is exemplified much later on our journey…), looking almost “home-made” in its lack of airs and graces but beautiful geometry, structure, and sturdy usefulness. The River itself flows in a fairly wide, shallow bed beneath the Bridge, before suddenly dropping down a couple of steps and then falling over the edge and into the deep and impressive cavern it has carved into the limestone rock below the falls.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYJXfA7tiy5XB2tbhxPTLeI7zs0cD8jyIus8Md9FEUp-5FEvb1zRnar-rVud6n-ZouvovjOEOpBuNGDA5cYOyenyBBgA7j3nUrhawbNufmVhyphenhyphenwEBL_7WvvL7lVCNrLpSllkIBOZ5pePQ/s1600-h/a10+small+steps+at+Stainforth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113790237964537570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYJXfA7tiy5XB2tbhxPTLeI7zs0cD8jyIus8Md9FEUp-5FEvb1zRnar-rVud6n-ZouvovjOEOpBuNGDA5cYOyenyBBgA7j3nUrhawbNufmVhyphenhyphenwEBL_7WvvL7lVCNrLpSllkIBOZ5pePQ/s320/a10+small+steps+at+Stainforth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvFSDjNQZFXgvmtHbjAk7BbpNCoJHl4R2PSPlI95SRhf45GCcp7531WSLtzoQ4ARlwmWIBZm5eArGCEds0OB8xvZqyKI17_FO0a6O0uJ7NIt3jIsfKYDukLBetoB_UZoUHo5JnqS9XKE/s1600-h/a13+bigger+drops+into+deep+water.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113790371108523762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvFSDjNQZFXgvmtHbjAk7BbpNCoJHl4R2PSPlI95SRhf45GCcp7531WSLtzoQ4ARlwmWIBZm5eArGCEds0OB8xvZqyKI17_FO0a6O0uJ7NIt3jIsfKYDukLBetoB_UZoUHo5JnqS9XKE/s320/a13+bigger+drops+into+deep+water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The deep water in the cavernous pool is so deep it is black, and this is where Darren, Chris, Hattie and Rachel have all planned to join Muddy for a swim – but as it turns out, whilst Muddy may have started us all on an increasing enthusiasm for swimming in the Ribble during our adventures, on this occasion the poor dog could only stand and watch everyone else exploring the Ribble at first-hand as the high, steep sides and metal rung ladder prevented her from joining them!<br /><br />She would have happily taken a leaf from a number of other children already throwing themselves over and leaped over the edge herself, given half a chance, but then she would have had to swim quite a way downstream to stand any chance of ever getting out again, so she was forced to restrain herself. My excuse for not joining in with the swimming was that someone had to take the pictures, and Carol said <em>someone</em> had to hold the towels too, so we left the others to it...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKuJst-hib048oSLJ9A6j3TK9G10BPg1NFfMzTkso8vcMzG_jWSnUZXseTelEDNFEjEGDxTgOQjmO2_mRgVmmiyVFITzCWdTCtPvckd4yZUNHjMurNGCH1K3CX1pQ8F5vewPa1UgZLt0/s1600-h/a15+Darren+enters+the+dark+water.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113791298821459762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKuJst-hib048oSLJ9A6j3TK9G10BPg1NFfMzTkso8vcMzG_jWSnUZXseTelEDNFEjEGDxTgOQjmO2_mRgVmmiyVFITzCWdTCtPvckd4yZUNHjMurNGCH1K3CX1pQ8F5vewPa1UgZLt0/s320/a15+Darren+enters+the+dark+water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Darren enters the dark water first...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ye-OAIMWmFOls5df6BxOS6b5wxYIYzEx2EXR6I2NaCHI6lWMtPloXNmCUIYzqCeCC14PXYGQVjwbGz_63IXzUqzYRKuCaZkMcVbmhtoUcc09ztwK85Y4zGNoyrmzMiLVUe1iELq47Z4/s1600-h/a17+chris+ventures+in.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113791217217081122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ye-OAIMWmFOls5df6BxOS6b5wxYIYzEx2EXR6I2NaCHI6lWMtPloXNmCUIYzqCeCC14PXYGQVjwbGz_63IXzUqzYRKuCaZkMcVbmhtoUcc09ztwK85Y4zGNoyrmzMiLVUe1iELq47Z4/s320/a17+chris+ventures+in.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Chris ventures in after him - a bit worried about suddenly plunging into the icy cold depths!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfghrm-1oPx5Q6TKEKUpDpIn9eM8NHgqoitINba7gyOfVUxjkhKd7007Iw0ucbd5tJkTVQlSN3sgTDtu4WJUNzyjxPZ28Xly8adXpjzMOKfgEDEYcCM8GaUwugWinSz8Lm3CKY5642h78/s1600-h/a18+pale+dim+shapes+in+the+black+water.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113791096957996818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfghrm-1oPx5Q6TKEKUpDpIn9eM8NHgqoitINba7gyOfVUxjkhKd7007Iw0ucbd5tJkTVQlSN3sgTDtu4WJUNzyjxPZ28Xly8adXpjzMOKfgEDEYcCM8GaUwugWinSz8Lm3CKY5642h78/s320/a18+pale+dim+shapes+in+the+black+water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Both intrepid Ribblesiders swim for quite a while but are barely visible to the camera in the black water and gloomy depths of the cavernous pool...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03seagCg3g2zlIYmhopZ4GZhHtoozBcNspPFZcDFlfi_Rq6mKiq9NBimk7QGyQv4uK2gIAijSHXzwkCoDZpKfAj0vY-4wepdgGa_eUuqgdY_GkXAtcvCnCAhW_ZWs3EU0DtMQhSn_mio/s1600-h/a22+four+intrepid+Ribble+swimmers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113790955224076034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03seagCg3g2zlIYmhopZ4GZhHtoozBcNspPFZcDFlfi_Rq6mKiq9NBimk7QGyQv4uK2gIAijSHXzwkCoDZpKfAj0vY-4wepdgGa_eUuqgdY_GkXAtcvCnCAhW_ZWs3EU0DtMQhSn_mio/s320/a22+four+intrepid+Ribble+swimmers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The girls keep to the shallows...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxzibb6LkyuAP-M6jvOtahED9C1K5PDfslF1164LrKsySugS75Py3gMzuwGOKQ60Ww7ir_xO9ijnQsOg7o5WV02fcZuxnwlot6AJslXbP7kxhI9NUisZmFywky41-pWCacL6BU82NjwI/s1600-h/a24+Muddy+contemplates+the+drop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113792106275311426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxzibb6LkyuAP-M6jvOtahED9C1K5PDfslF1164LrKsySugS75Py3gMzuwGOKQ60Ww7ir_xO9ijnQsOg7o5WV02fcZuxnwlot6AJslXbP7kxhI9NUisZmFywky41-pWCacL6BU82NjwI/s320/a24+Muddy+contemplates+the+drop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Muddy has to content herself with watching!<br /><br />After a very rather bracing swim in that dark, deep water, they all clambered out and dried themselves on the usefully-held towels, then we set off along the Ribble Way towards Settle and Wigglesworth…<br /><br />The Ribble valley along from Stainforth to Settle is absolutely fantastic: the valley lush and green with numerous trees…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NA6Mixz9b_T3IOXWunTNXofCqHF8cQTO50Du_R01axHDNhId4SB6r5v48CV5eaDnn6FsMVaFe0DbTGX_YKe-OygrkxPoHJeD8APhDZL8qTlf9aKNzxDRDKIE4o_XM6R3QaZTfRLA6P4/s1600-h/a27+Ribble+valley+from+Stainforth+towards+Settle+on+the+Ribble+Way.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113792484232433490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NA6Mixz9b_T3IOXWunTNXofCqHF8cQTO50Du_R01axHDNhId4SB6r5v48CV5eaDnn6FsMVaFe0DbTGX_YKe-OygrkxPoHJeD8APhDZL8qTlf9aKNzxDRDKIE4o_XM6R3QaZTfRLA6P4/s320/a27+Ribble+valley+from+Stainforth+towards+Settle+on+the+Ribble+Way.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7lW_DRlKgKyWQZrRd3eOkhYdBmD29d7TCivUYI_Vdaa94T6gPiCPtUCGgR-Ks7S93UjfndQihxiMbcQ-OTCniTwHOId-AI25giRMJ-Fi9S_GsVbY_NAgEylr1K6cuReermh_7HCKKmI/s1600-h/a32+lush+river+valley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113793330340990834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7lW_DRlKgKyWQZrRd3eOkhYdBmD29d7TCivUYI_Vdaa94T6gPiCPtUCGgR-Ks7S93UjfndQihxiMbcQ-OTCniTwHOId-AI25giRMJ-Fi9S_GsVbY_NAgEylr1K6cuReermh_7HCKKmI/s320/a32+lush+river+valley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…the banks and slopes full of wildflowers (even in mid-September)…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1Nd8WFCz4oeT0GtQqjLLls6-YJrDeicWlqYPzgIRJqTlqXlNx-4iz8bVtChVxFEhyphenhyphenFYUV3WdeAygTisEwwwqG_LFiCpved-WzfQIZbYjTsnlMRt0vhCuCnm-J47zldHoj6TvVOQNWSI/s1600-h/a31+insects+busy+on+woundwort+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113794623126147026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1Nd8WFCz4oeT0GtQqjLLls6-YJrDeicWlqYPzgIRJqTlqXlNx-4iz8bVtChVxFEhyphenhyphenFYUV3WdeAygTisEwwwqG_LFiCpved-WzfQIZbYjTsnlMRt0vhCuCnm-J47zldHoj6TvVOQNWSI/s320/a31+insects+busy+on+woundwort+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Insects busy on the Woundwort...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_h81o8qrwbnzv95hAtihOlgyistBvJVHV1nBSQDNknKUSiM3uaPrqjlzF7EXFlo2gC9QddLH2reO0MEgeXkPuh4Aa93qvsn6QxO7Sx9SrsuR0Lc7nEpsomx-2k4FpTu_bAitlaa1-pw/s1600-h/a31+red+campion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113794459917389762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_h81o8qrwbnzv95hAtihOlgyistBvJVHV1nBSQDNknKUSiM3uaPrqjlzF7EXFlo2gC9QddLH2reO0MEgeXkPuh4Aa93qvsn6QxO7Sx9SrsuR0Lc7nEpsomx-2k4FpTu_bAitlaa1-pw/s320/a31+red+campion.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Red Campion...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh54pLatikwkBwC5uMaXhDtHLEJkk11MuHx8pH_orYlg63leb0QpPtqb-5b74UzAepMZWHgfmjfRPEk-eSJTpk1MjPQ1XRV5IebXUHWyzE6VnVQ_n4hQSkSPemcJ1CHD8sTwWM_JRf39s/s1600-h/a31+yarrow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113794382607978418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh54pLatikwkBwC5uMaXhDtHLEJkk11MuHx8pH_orYlg63leb0QpPtqb-5b74UzAepMZWHgfmjfRPEk-eSJTpk1MjPQ1XRV5IebXUHWyzE6VnVQ_n4hQSkSPemcJ1CHD8sTwWM_JRf39s/s320/a31+yarrow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Yarrow...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97DNYkULhy9jL1ojG5i6p0u1dI0t5zGMp4YQLmzh691qrziUps7zLsc4gm1gFOSZBV2XP83MevVS3Pnszsz7b-eDwa4UV3Tnp6lJXAadYfEgYDqZzscrwNd9cjgP_9eDSAjmEzMtxaKI/s1600-h/a31+meadow+cranesbill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113794275233796002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97DNYkULhy9jL1ojG5i6p0u1dI0t5zGMp4YQLmzh691qrziUps7zLsc4gm1gFOSZBV2XP83MevVS3Pnszsz7b-eDwa4UV3Tnp6lJXAadYfEgYDqZzscrwNd9cjgP_9eDSAjmEzMtxaKI/s320/a31+meadow+cranesbill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Meadow Cranesbill...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSf1nFncOn4jBVM1hp1_rYF7NoL5NHAarwQJFNPvPIM3PkVnkJsUA4Zq4giHxYfenjoTSBdT_JFb2EWhpXhyw2zZc1CZVYe1EW8DVEz0uysedqxkwKU70O-8QShvvg8e3v9N9Owf65TA/s1600-h/a31+ragwort.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113794193629417362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSf1nFncOn4jBVM1hp1_rYF7NoL5NHAarwQJFNPvPIM3PkVnkJsUA4Zq4giHxYfenjoTSBdT_JFb2EWhpXhyw2zZc1CZVYe1EW8DVEz0uysedqxkwKU70O-8QShvvg8e3v9N9Owf65TA/s320/a31+ragwort.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ragwort...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ec3k-3h1pBnuuHtVyHCOAKbrp29hw-i9mCKVoWI7nzu7Sg7_Uh2xDRER0Z_0v8H8thiz_YFMGBwJH-dQ4ippGyB5iKbn3dr0lP1DPdIbYoAIf5vsDSjHnXUsPX6f7NfUiK_VBuoiwN0/s1600-h/a31+fumitory.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113794081960267650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ec3k-3h1pBnuuHtVyHCOAKbrp29hw-i9mCKVoWI7nzu7Sg7_Uh2xDRER0Z_0v8H8thiz_YFMGBwJH-dQ4ippGyB5iKbn3dr0lP1DPdIbYoAIf5vsDSjHnXUsPX6f7NfUiK_VBuoiwN0/s320/a31+fumitory.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and Fumitory...<br /><br />…although many wouldn't keep still long enough for close-ups as there is quite a breeze today.<br /><br />The views are fantastic and ever-changing…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbFHdZGUYN31LPxlZWeLNaoWI3dWc7Wv-i5uFsMwFxvMiXPDNZ12hxE3elEuxPdJEg_A4s2uWZuFoI-NsQjCOXWv0Ao9pzviYUsdhXXK15pu_LIjN30xTHWGeHV3TSeFmZ2eQJpwv008/s1600-h/a36+wooded+riverbanks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113795769882415106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbFHdZGUYN31LPxlZWeLNaoWI3dWc7Wv-i5uFsMwFxvMiXPDNZ12hxE3elEuxPdJEg_A4s2uWZuFoI-NsQjCOXWv0Ao9pzviYUsdhXXK15pu_LIjN30xTHWGeHV3TSeFmZ2eQJpwv008/s320/a36+wooded+riverbanks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVQjohCNXBw85OMVazTaFKyPL1jFQ3eh2rFw0iV_Sf4Ew-rrTqlr1XQyJerKMSygdhhqHkzOCZ86UBavr-lr5DVlc6qm1px7q9nS61T4owPHAf94TSQghX24QyrCaavMq0mK12gOCqSU/s1600-h/a36+fabulous+woodlands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113795649623330802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVQjohCNXBw85OMVazTaFKyPL1jFQ3eh2rFw0iV_Sf4Ew-rrTqlr1XQyJerKMSygdhhqHkzOCZ86UBavr-lr5DVlc6qm1px7q9nS61T4owPHAf94TSQghX24QyrCaavMq0mK12gOCqSU/s320/a36+fabulous+woodlands.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta4B1JJJpKG_sZyJX4VZhiPSUKqF6i77ggQjT13eUKluZ6uyxPaT-bfYdead7I9xaiGLNDy7ZpjGxfD7Fk2Li3RrUKV37fv6P5JOLSs93vJwNK8I5QIZqWz8ZjMdAKY7wblK6QRy9cys/s1600-h/a36+ancient+woodlands+and+sparkling+waters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113794846464446434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjta4B1JJJpKG_sZyJX4VZhiPSUKqF6i77ggQjT13eUKluZ6uyxPaT-bfYdead7I9xaiGLNDy7ZpjGxfD7Fk2Li3RrUKV37fv6P5JOLSs93vJwNK8I5QIZqWz8ZjMdAKY7wblK6QRy9cys/s320/a36+ancient+woodlands+and+sparkling+waters.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and the river itself one minute babbling and rushing over mossy rocks and water-carved bedrock…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxpdk7uCTv700fiz_00_K4x_5JCEVjNLlz6BsWAY02kD-zvVwbssEWpp0rnhvMNOP77SCDFAuiqERAzd0bMj_G6NWf9veHU4fPKc85VmjrmvEepAVvfOuRa408vn2vR-sTpAgq_Gzn_8/s1600-h/a35+babbling+waters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113796040465354770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxpdk7uCTv700fiz_00_K4x_5JCEVjNLlz6BsWAY02kD-zvVwbssEWpp0rnhvMNOP77SCDFAuiqERAzd0bMj_G6NWf9veHU4fPKc85VmjrmvEepAVvfOuRa408vn2vR-sTpAgq_Gzn_8/s320/a35+babbling+waters.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…the next slowly moving through deep pools, and when we stop by one of these slow pools for our picnic lunch, Muddy soon finds somewhere <em>she</em> can swim - and promptly shakes herself all over us!<br /><br />There are occasional old mills along the river banks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOxZeRcp8miB4G6scQHnwJH2d8fTmcc6rxJIj2gyJjW7Dp3UY7Rj7gKu4N28ra__PPvwg69wJgstqMsSqlKIrd55pVZryMFaxmcZb-3eC7StjaBrqVlJseDolLM7tg42Uee0HK5XxdRk/s1600-h/a40+old+mill+on+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113796916638683170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOxZeRcp8miB4G6scQHnwJH2d8fTmcc6rxJIj2gyJjW7Dp3UY7Rj7gKu4N28ra__PPvwg69wJgstqMsSqlKIrd55pVZryMFaxmcZb-3eC7StjaBrqVlJseDolLM7tg42Uee0HK5XxdRk/s320/a40+old+mill+on+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and fabulous old trees...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ewnvBjOI_SJvKY_rDZUgvlOx92fEiKqP8mYhqcSmCxfa8WoF1Cl9uX-wUvDwRQz3cogyf_9HgDF9QHJD1O2bNy23Iov7wApxI8XENK6BmAGsj0isY1GwfNG06zXADz_1xHTgorS0LUQ/s1600-h/a37+fabulous+riverbank+trees.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113797453509595186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ewnvBjOI_SJvKY_rDZUgvlOx92fEiKqP8mYhqcSmCxfa8WoF1Cl9uX-wUvDwRQz3cogyf_9HgDF9QHJD1O2bNy23Iov7wApxI8XENK6BmAGsj0isY1GwfNG06zXADz_1xHTgorS0LUQ/s320/a37+fabulous+riverbank+trees.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and birds singing and cawing and twittering from the river and the trees all around us...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdcJAOoLkVGeJCMu43ZmfM4f1SvkqQWZtGzqHOwTkVs1YqqAv61Ve3RchHf_Rd_zQJNESVbPnS0FKJxC0n4aJiP_OjpGaEi-x4jS0VCMtnUK1BvY0ZkKCSWywL6V4ESIAG_ctY1EyB3g/s1600-h/a38+birds+calling+overhead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113798089164755010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdcJAOoLkVGeJCMu43ZmfM4f1SvkqQWZtGzqHOwTkVs1YqqAv61Ve3RchHf_Rd_zQJNESVbPnS0FKJxC0n4aJiP_OjpGaEi-x4jS0VCMtnUK1BvY0ZkKCSWywL6V4ESIAG_ctY1EyB3g/s320/a38+birds+calling+overhead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At Langcliffe, there is a substantial weir across the river, which, although being provided with a fish pass, clearly changes the navigable quality of the river here for migratory fish – and we were astounded to see a good-sized fish (probably a Trout) leap high into the air and hang for what seemed a moment frozen in time just below the weir before it splashed back into the pool below – and of course the camera was not at the ready!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lYBdRvoVZwBYl-IUj4wAoNQxxQrgGz78Kfkiq21UcZm7IHZi91wbjMNVQwLN_QcDFvEhWj4JW-o7eWKLfAi4V-oTBd17T2GLpdIQUAbyPHVok41fEOnwQA-y4s4IbNgcQUsm3HFQESY/s1600-h/b2+the+Ribble+weir+below+Stackhouse,+fish+pass+far+side.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113798741999784034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lYBdRvoVZwBYl-IUj4wAoNQxxQrgGz78Kfkiq21UcZm7IHZi91wbjMNVQwLN_QcDFvEhWj4JW-o7eWKLfAi4V-oTBd17T2GLpdIQUAbyPHVok41fEOnwQA-y4s4IbNgcQUsm3HFQESY/s320/b2+the+Ribble+weir+below+Stackhouse,+fish+pass+far+side.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here at the weir, the Ribble Way turns West away from the Ribble, to follow Stainforth Lane a short way past Stackhouse, before rejoining the Ribble again just above Settle. We are relieved that a handsome but very large bull is having a lie down as we pass…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5vci-4J1TseqC-g0LedO9J7yzBTANAg1taAmBNC8FVa_Qae0N0TEcBo6rs772qyeLvRi4c0sKeVWrgFAGeZ9vtWTphWfkAHRLArTguF-pkXUFBM8el42fQXQrOhmwDp_pgR0qpLJWdc/s1600-h/b5+let+sleeping+bulls+lie+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113799115661938802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5vci-4J1TseqC-g0LedO9J7yzBTANAg1taAmBNC8FVa_Qae0N0TEcBo6rs772qyeLvRi4c0sKeVWrgFAGeZ9vtWTphWfkAHRLArTguF-pkXUFBM8el42fQXQrOhmwDp_pgR0qpLJWdc/s320/b5+let+sleeping+bulls+lie+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and once up on the road, we decide to take a minor diversion onto the footpath going through the village of Stackhouse as its rather interesting architecture tempts us in…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl-bwZTr2zS6EPON2cj8rVaMDtsyPjLuEBJneMubee3n-uJsDK3HXnSNNBJ7aGQyAZBJYFx0Ynirz19IoTdCaUKMtCjuoyr8f99HQxUACQigWfAlszKw3Kkgmw8s8R19RSDXXPSm_k10/s1600-h/b6+at+Stackhouse+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113799339000238210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijl-bwZTr2zS6EPON2cj8rVaMDtsyPjLuEBJneMubee3n-uJsDK3HXnSNNBJ7aGQyAZBJYFx0Ynirz19IoTdCaUKMtCjuoyr8f99HQxUACQigWfAlszKw3Kkgmw8s8R19RSDXXPSm_k10/s320/b6+at+Stackhouse+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What we find is amazing. Stackhouse is an ancient village which seems unchanged by the centuries: there are no roads into the village, just a stony track between old stone walls which seem to grow out of the ground, and the whole village has the kind of unchanged and unchanging almost medieval air that is normally found in villages in the outer reaches of France or Spain, hundreds of miles off the beaten track.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6R1AjRNp3vLhmfsLFLUDUNhuVnd1Vl4xf7jp-OjeJjhsw0Smm7y-u720o7Is5h5d3qfC8WzHWwq6pEV02IfkjBwnGGmtkUJjD-amX82BRKxSIWCPxWbppmqbukVu0vFmprE8JJ6gaDI/s1600-h/b9+stackhouse+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113800034784940210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6R1AjRNp3vLhmfsLFLUDUNhuVnd1Vl4xf7jp-OjeJjhsw0Smm7y-u720o7Is5h5d3qfC8WzHWwq6pEV02IfkjBwnGGmtkUJjD-amX82BRKxSIWCPxWbppmqbukVu0vFmprE8JJ6gaDI/s320/b9+stackhouse+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitXHE6VtmSSt89UR8IcEfvOJqLM3GyVmmmLooYjfPZA3qZDzNvKS6tuv2G0J_r1uOec4Fe2NTlWQA2Z9_8V46r49h9qV4CEhefKSWlS2B4kzEZnGQWM8GX-8SeZ2No5tMbfVstB6tw78/s1600-h/b7+stackhouse+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113800382677291218" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitXHE6VtmSSt89UR8IcEfvOJqLM3GyVmmmLooYjfPZA3qZDzNvKS6tuv2G0J_r1uOec4Fe2NTlWQA2Z9_8V46r49h9qV4CEhefKSWlS2B4kzEZnGQWM8GX-8SeZ2No5tMbfVstB6tw78/s320/b7+stackhouse+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh9AmyS_lWk13MaucocsWHYwq7oooqkEs7x8NZE-sEGcPsAV71AlRmChqWcJL8MRET8qK2SNRJLrBvu80R_NSprsBz9XvePwJXlV2orDXgjomnOVJRB0eyVDM6WCbcTr0F4gh42TOmU4/s1600-h/b12+behind+stackhouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113799910230888610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh9AmyS_lWk13MaucocsWHYwq7oooqkEs7x8NZE-sEGcPsAV71AlRmChqWcJL8MRET8qK2SNRJLrBvu80R_NSprsBz9XvePwJXlV2orDXgjomnOVJRB0eyVDM6WCbcTr0F4gh42TOmU4/s320/b12+behind+stackhouse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The footpath passes behind the back of the village - enclosed behind its ancient walls like a medieval village...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aqw2-W-gQsCw2GLFbZoAAoSNSRYXn4cqOhiXIvDwvInu_MluCZESmzy435I4d1Q0_WlvGAE0z9XlovjYpVSb78Ycxxs4kVO8MqmbinZXzus8iLIQm_2Zqr5XkO3ucLK5rB5OZq2vTNE/s1600-h/b11+stackhouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113799789971804306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aqw2-W-gQsCw2GLFbZoAAoSNSRYXn4cqOhiXIvDwvInu_MluCZESmzy435I4d1Q0_WlvGAE0z9XlovjYpVSb78Ycxxs4kVO8MqmbinZXzus8iLIQm_2Zqr5XkO3ucLK5rB5OZq2vTNE/s320/b11+stackhouse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have fallen in love with the place. It’s absolutely fantastic.<br /><br />We leave Stackhouse reluctantly once we find ourselves back at the road again, but continue on the Ribble Way towards Settle, and begin to quicken our pace as we see the threatening clouds hard on our heels…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1FTtlhEqDb6UMhJBAbQaQs-SPxJyJopNfglJgxeE90Hp01KmmSM-KP1YuXGrLwj1ayb_4Zzwu8oZs-NFgi9VApducNxgFCDgK-Ky_0b2TxcqiGfA-266VCQ8m_GsoPZe67n7fM9UG2w/s1600-h/b18+between+Stackhouse+and+Settle+the+sky+is+darkening.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113801473598984418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1FTtlhEqDb6UMhJBAbQaQs-SPxJyJopNfglJgxeE90Hp01KmmSM-KP1YuXGrLwj1ayb_4Zzwu8oZs-NFgi9VApducNxgFCDgK-Ky_0b2TxcqiGfA-266VCQ8m_GsoPZe67n7fM9UG2w/s320/b18+between+Stackhouse+and+Settle+the+sky+is+darkening.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At Settle, the Ribble still retains its rocky bed, in some places forming small falls and staircases, in others smooth shallow flows of water, and is attractively flanked by the stone houses of Settle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPR9ZQfVmhG_9ERCDiTSgVvRxsbE5e17cCdSEP5IyyCoCQYFa8SpIqg9dYvC60PKKSkvgml2q5XahDZ6elXUgz0LuynEAU3ceglVBtj-LJRnke0vv65IreQplvDwxbpLVxEt1IzFo9sw/s1600-h/c3+Ribble+at+Settle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113801941750419698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPR9ZQfVmhG_9ERCDiTSgVvRxsbE5e17cCdSEP5IyyCoCQYFa8SpIqg9dYvC60PKKSkvgml2q5XahDZ6elXUgz0LuynEAU3ceglVBtj-LJRnke0vv65IreQplvDwxbpLVxEt1IzFo9sw/s320/c3+Ribble+at+Settle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoJd6ba-Nawjo36wckvcHFZbmD8JlpdCAcuMg8QksABdIqlpc2I2TZqz-2zG3Wc3EPEY2lCiVQZe9LlZUl6CIaS0g0lLfMvpEexQSjUeOGfNYLJoVKZ59fTPP6mQGIU7t5Y5vfIrPvlU/s1600-h/c9+riverbed+at+Settle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113802783564009778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoJd6ba-Nawjo36wckvcHFZbmD8JlpdCAcuMg8QksABdIqlpc2I2TZqz-2zG3Wc3EPEY2lCiVQZe9LlZUl6CIaS0g0lLfMvpEexQSjUeOGfNYLJoVKZ59fTPP6mQGIU7t5Y5vfIrPvlU/s320/c9+riverbed+at+Settle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vriUhLkFDh9pccjqt93HacPRtJX7vq6Rqcjj-_1NLOJc7k5SI2DZ4uO3X_h5IG-vMUJd0ifFQDFIQKl-ht0k7SzwKLZ3TOQlf3tjjhUjvaNTuHY_btM8Xfrtoeo51H671vR2D3eEd18/s1600-h/c6+Ribble+at+Settle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113802641830088994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vriUhLkFDh9pccjqt93HacPRtJX7vq6Rqcjj-_1NLOJc7k5SI2DZ4uO3X_h5IG-vMUJd0ifFQDFIQKl-ht0k7SzwKLZ3TOQlf3tjjhUjvaNTuHY_btM8Xfrtoeo51H671vR2D3eEd18/s320/c6+Ribble+at+Settle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjaAMwM4CZjQzXDG5oWSCT4oQD6pLUYinn2UTA_4yDblGuxH0KX6rOy-yNmVNsAGAOLAAJARYWYG04LgzXuiIetU-CMUlhhcxHZmT4hy01sIcCJpEmi7U29mRwpjLpYrjI3ITyb2dorU/s1600-h/c4+Ribble+at+Settle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113802444261593362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjaAMwM4CZjQzXDG5oWSCT4oQD6pLUYinn2UTA_4yDblGuxH0KX6rOy-yNmVNsAGAOLAAJARYWYG04LgzXuiIetU-CMUlhhcxHZmT4hy01sIcCJpEmi7U29mRwpjLpYrjI3ITyb2dorU/s320/c4+Ribble+at+Settle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And we even see a Heron...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaySl1o8cJlLAZrC_WnHSsHLphfts7s9cg2ZrfCNOxNLY7G_C_N-0rQNmtH2WY_dLNn7mTISSUXFAAUXgXJbSQf9MYF1M8ZgHzSC5lJfn3R0rkgVZAozu3o24HhhfRfhSo_b7wxSdOPw/s1600-h/c10+Heron+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113803260305379650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaySl1o8cJlLAZrC_WnHSsHLphfts7s9cg2ZrfCNOxNLY7G_C_N-0rQNmtH2WY_dLNn7mTISSUXFAAUXgXJbSQf9MYF1M8ZgHzSC5lJfn3R0rkgVZAozu3o24HhhfRfhSo_b7wxSdOPw/s320/c10+Heron+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...who watches <em>us</em> for a while before flying off...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBA1UJMTJPHpj1OlvCtxcLplQ1Q3N7lbyzXKur20JFEkcI6dC915HD8caQm-uobpi3P8Rx89uN5qCAeI2T_gvzXo8FzNX2fCvRqCvJ1_XoArEEPUfpFDKVlrIpB-O5UismlEOyL8sQL8/s1600-h/c10+Heron+at+Settle+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113803453578907986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWBA1UJMTJPHpj1OlvCtxcLplQ1Q3N7lbyzXKur20JFEkcI6dC915HD8caQm-uobpi3P8Rx89uN5qCAeI2T_gvzXo8FzNX2fCvRqCvJ1_XoArEEPUfpFDKVlrIpB-O5UismlEOyL8sQL8/s320/c10+Heron+at+Settle+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But the attraction of Settle is marred by the sight of pollution being washed into the river from nearby houses…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLjzpY3-Osw6PT32IoINQ1pu8yzUkVtx8gvwbjGUVct7mrmUggnPi6UvUWg0mI_TDgSrv8hRiZoPNnUBrOvSo_7bMES5HSACxOg7y8pxXgxJb4I_IEXte2uKVc4gJTu4K3HszBCiraBM/s1600-h/c2+Ribble+pollution+at+Settle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113802143613882626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLjzpY3-Osw6PT32IoINQ1pu8yzUkVtx8gvwbjGUVct7mrmUggnPi6UvUWg0mI_TDgSrv8hRiZoPNnUBrOvSo_7bMES5HSACxOg7y8pxXgxJb4I_IEXte2uKVc4gJTu4K3HszBCiraBM/s320/c2+Ribble+pollution+at+Settle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…showing that even people who live in an apparently harmonious setting like this can still ignorantly treat the Ribble as nothing more than a waste-channel into which they can dump their rubbish.<br /><br /><br />From below Settle, the Ribble Way follows the river for a relatively short while to Gildersleets and the A65 and rail bridges across the river, where the path leaves the river behind for the rest of the day. Before we leave the river behind, we pass through fields host to some impressively long-horned cattle - including a number of bulls -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm2MywYZkUJBznzRCXzHhcF5awRm_fNcVfY8VNWO6dTcrstkvWVACkl4zEa-n3nJzcoHlSJ3cl0D07aISxJElp-6qJ5i4_XQPchfxN-K5StuY3e7S5-qXeW4vOVP1dNbSb3pDBRxOOmg/s1600-h/c12+nice+horns....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113804608925110626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm2MywYZkUJBznzRCXzHhcF5awRm_fNcVfY8VNWO6dTcrstkvWVACkl4zEa-n3nJzcoHlSJ3cl0D07aISxJElp-6qJ5i4_XQPchfxN-K5StuY3e7S5-qXeW4vOVP1dNbSb3pDBRxOOmg/s320/c12+nice+horns....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- and I'm afraid some of the party walk right on the edge of the river bank here, preferring the idea of a quick wade across to the other side if the need arises than the alternative, should the bulls get shirty!<br /><br />As we carry on along the last part of the river here, the weather catches up with us. <br />A hard, driving rain is in our faces and sets the tone of misery which is to dog us for a large part of the next stage of the journey…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA-aS51srqXLarXlLL2Gjn6bLH4HszzgwTns7zujWP0b60CcyvsIq1UcpNmShz2_WVjKAUTGI40gVE6BKMhfoT9joAoIYGNMAU6-eNYxrGfzsJ0e8761iy48hsT8gcIMvOS9wmBP74WY/s1600-h/c15+driving+rain+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113805257465172370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioA-aS51srqXLarXlLL2Gjn6bLH4HszzgwTns7zujWP0b60CcyvsIq1UcpNmShz2_WVjKAUTGI40gVE6BKMhfoT9joAoIYGNMAU6-eNYxrGfzsJ0e8761iy48hsT8gcIMvOS9wmBP74WY/s320/c15+driving+rain+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Leaving the Ribble here, almost opposite Long Stream Barn, there are no Ribble Way signposts or markers pointing us in the right direction for the footpath itself or Holly Dene to where it heads next. There is just a wire fence with a broken stile which we have to cross somehow, complete with children and dogs and driving rain.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rJFMO7xpD7HfLYqGRdrCQzyXP1gQwLya55SaDfAGlIQL4yYnmxHmtJY8csxT3R_uweUmpQKJ9Egn6yqf3_Zd6_K2cGitEalcgnFlHTqYl09rBc6h3YJvYI4pImB0IzyXsQiCUX-w6-4/s1600-h/c16+broken+stile+between+Settle+and+Rathmell+near+Long+Stream+Barn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113805510868242850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rJFMO7xpD7HfLYqGRdrCQzyXP1gQwLya55SaDfAGlIQL4yYnmxHmtJY8csxT3R_uweUmpQKJ9Egn6yqf3_Zd6_K2cGitEalcgnFlHTqYl09rBc6h3YJvYI4pImB0IzyXsQiCUX-w6-4/s320/c16+broken+stile+between+Settle+and+Rathmell+near+Long+Stream+Barn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We survive the passage and spend a good while wandering around the field looking for the footbridge across the stream here. The rain is awful now, so cameras and maps are hidden in the deepest recesses of our coats, and the tide goes relentlessly in and out inside our boots with every step we take - the rain is <em>that </em>bad.<br />Eventually, we give up looking for the footbridge and throw children and each other over the stream as best we can. Then Darren spots the footbridge but we've already crossed the stream and are now looking for the next stile out of the field.<br /><br />After another wander around, we eventually spot a stile over the distant stone wall, over which we throw children and dogs once more, then soon find ourselves on the farm track to Holly Dene and Hollin Hall. Here there is a helpful Ribble Way marker and a rather long but narrow stile, but on the other side of the wall it is unclear exactly which way we are supposed to walk next...<br /><br />After retrieving the map and huddling over it with the rain running down our necks, we see from the map that the Ribble Way passes through the middle of the farm at the top of the hill, Green farm, so we follow the unmapped telegraph poles up the hill towards the farm. As we approach the gate, we realise that a herd of bulls and cows are huddled in the shelter of the farm and blocking our way. Given our now all-too-familiar experiences of Yorkshire Bovines this past few weeks, we are understandably undecided about the best way to proceed. This is decided for us when one young Bull detaches himself from the herd and sets off at a brisk pace in our direction.<br /><br />Slightly hysterical children are herded off at an acute angle towards the wall to our left so that we can throw them over if necessary, and we walk away from our intended course towards a gate in the wrong corner of the field. Bull still coming after us, we have no choice but to climb the gate, then the next wall with no stile of any kind to assist us - sort of rolling children and dog up the wall and down again on the other side - and then we have to back-track to the farm on the wrong side of the wall. Another look at the map shows an ordinary footpath passes through the back of the farm and crosses the Ribble Way, so we pursue this line.<br /><br />Finding ourselves crossing a stile into the back garden of the farm, we eventually find our way back onto the Ribble Way once more, a marker being on the relevant stile…<br /><br />Heading across the fields to Rathmell sees us having to heave wet dog over even worse stone wall stiles than we have so far encountered, these being very high with narrow stone “steps” to climb in driving rain with said wet dog in arms, and after several of these, we are not sure whether the wet and miserable adults, the wet and miserable children, or the wet and miserable dog are the most fed-up…<br /><br />A happy respite of the shelter of trees and a beautiful moss-covered footbridge between Rathmell and the farms at Cappleside gives us a small breather...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BCKU8HWK7XBsXjNIgPHEauADFfAnzCdD-fsVPRkVBQ4qyNp9AEYASEYPq57KyyA2NbRmfbvkoX1ud48RiuyRgD5rR5A3eWDYD5e0q08XDezRwKUyc6n8K1eNx2zJacwXhyphenhyphenwyEYJ1Ceo/s1600-h/c17+mossy+footbridge+at+Layhead+Fm+Rathmell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115226333294399970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BCKU8HWK7XBsXjNIgPHEauADFfAnzCdD-fsVPRkVBQ4qyNp9AEYASEYPq57KyyA2NbRmfbvkoX1ud48RiuyRgD5rR5A3eWDYD5e0q08XDezRwKUyc6n8K1eNx2zJacwXhyphenhyphenwyEYJ1Ceo/s320/c17+mossy+footbridge+at+Layhead+Fm+Rathmell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- along with brief glimpses of sunshine through the trees -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6n6mec35F1cOftt6NJ7x5sEqwaOlpe21a-MNOjmNLFRElBznTtSabekJrkQrsXJshlzetf_38ZamyCtkRwIxQQqI8A0uEGI-kVFVMBydtGIVXWBmdLcUBk_PKS8tP3HrKNBRSC3E6tSA/s1600-h/c17+sun+breaking+through.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113808242467443122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6n6mec35F1cOftt6NJ7x5sEqwaOlpe21a-MNOjmNLFRElBznTtSabekJrkQrsXJshlzetf_38ZamyCtkRwIxQQqI8A0uEGI-kVFVMBydtGIVXWBmdLcUBk_PKS8tP3HrKNBRSC3E6tSA/s320/c17+sun+breaking+through.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- before we find ourselves yards away from The Biggest Bull we have <em>ever</em> seen, lying luckily with his back to us as we theatrically tiptoe through Cappleside Farm past him…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmUscjo-k8Cj0CrKTAx7FQmrD9OeHR4Z72XMyvKkaBHwYIGXytNoy6WxWhcTFiyEivqT_9qusKzT7Kt3BprNHoFQvOxFfagMad-r_Hc3z2VWVMa5daMeQXZ-7GWmzjD5w3QgmRoeOQzo/s1600-h/c19+Cappleside+bull.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115226719841456626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmUscjo-k8Cj0CrKTAx7FQmrD9OeHR4Z72XMyvKkaBHwYIGXytNoy6WxWhcTFiyEivqT_9qusKzT7Kt3BprNHoFQvOxFfagMad-r_Hc3z2VWVMa5daMeQXZ-7GWmzjD5w3QgmRoeOQzo/s320/c19+Cappleside+bull.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Interesting items such as a charcoal burner divert our gaze as we tiptoe past the bull...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGI_wg2gsHwDGseGbRDc65iGr9HbWY7YJ92tkIHRF5RnICH1JyA-tCET3TCNzwH_N902yps9qMnQMxQVM4Z9xmKIuVsQvTNer8eCI_rR6Ab9fTxCfIRwzqStcH5NeEtGWBT9g3HTGDt4/s1600-h/c18+charcoal+burner+at+Cappleside+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115227140748251650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGI_wg2gsHwDGseGbRDc65iGr9HbWY7YJ92tkIHRF5RnICH1JyA-tCET3TCNzwH_N902yps9qMnQMxQVM4Z9xmKIuVsQvTNer8eCI_rR6Ab9fTxCfIRwzqStcH5NeEtGWBT9g3HTGDt4/s320/c18+charcoal+burner+at+Cappleside+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...then we have the absurd situation of trying to get ourselves through to Far Cappleside when the stone stile is blocked with huge chunks of stone...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rpVfZ05K4frS_9991CeMj7PfAv2ol3Eb2MUYdFB5qUdtox6NfJ6CqYrkWCNQQDg-WApqCnlWnWrmC4pYJJtugJhzE2MgsgFGXG34oX8btg9F2fNvm7J2-g0iprVAh6vCOaNsrmstiTM/s1600-h/c21+and+blocked+stile+cappelside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115227845122888242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rpVfZ05K4frS_9991CeMj7PfAv2ol3Eb2MUYdFB5qUdtox6NfJ6CqYrkWCNQQDg-WApqCnlWnWrmC4pYJJtugJhzE2MgsgFGXG34oX8btg9F2fNvm7J2-g0iprVAh6vCOaNsrmstiTM/s320/c21+and+blocked+stile+cappelside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...the gate is tied shut...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVvHB1_e54ur6PcnpvzQanxEwyoldq3h05LI6mtdFEFks5_ymQskX74TIPT6kr2zb8Oq2Rz40Fxo1L-hkfcyFZ3PSeToijA84i9i9slL6nQECFlG0z-XsVt07_A6hcWA0sVkDEgkXUxA/s1600-h/c21+another+locked+gate+cappleside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115227729158771234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVvHB1_e54ur6PcnpvzQanxEwyoldq3h05LI6mtdFEFks5_ymQskX74TIPT6kr2zb8Oq2Rz40Fxo1L-hkfcyFZ3PSeToijA84i9i9slL6nQECFlG0z-XsVt07_A6hcWA0sVkDEgkXUxA/s320/c21+another+locked+gate+cappleside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- and for good measure, the bottom of the gate is rendered useless for passing dogs underneath as it has been blocked with the uprooted Ribble Way signpost!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixJ-9Z5usHfpk0x9ULeSVRg6RQTZkFuL64gSwXW54hyphenhyphenzNbaddlB7xKIPsZYKnIAKXRBTuU9DNQkCrvPeiXUNlBoDjCOfmBmzSC9X2YsEFDLYjrGg31Ffxfpp7SZnY_TKta3rNTDLSuGg/s1600-h/c21+gate+blocked+by+Ribble+Way+signpost!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115227617489621522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixJ-9Z5usHfpk0x9ULeSVRg6RQTZkFuL64gSwXW54hyphenhyphenzNbaddlB7xKIPsZYKnIAKXRBTuU9DNQkCrvPeiXUNlBoDjCOfmBmzSC9X2YsEFDLYjrGg31Ffxfpp7SZnY_TKta3rNTDLSuGg/s320/c21+gate+blocked+by+Ribble+Way+signpost!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To cap it all, we are then unceremoniously herded off the farm by some very organic Bulls!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5EWs_rREYSVVpVcjNvX6TiHaj0gO-KtpezoQFm7nk8Fz7QOPrECgbuHlDKKuPR2OAfOQG07p0IJfSVq5I_Ybok_SZtuPU_8ImV1EynHMwC-3HdycFh-5kD4P244O6xQ7gIDbR6Nff4E/s1600-h/c22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115228691231445586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5EWs_rREYSVVpVcjNvX6TiHaj0gO-KtpezoQFm7nk8Fz7QOPrECgbuHlDKKuPR2OAfOQG07p0IJfSVq5I_Ybok_SZtuPU_8ImV1EynHMwC-3HdycFh-5kD4P244O6xQ7gIDbR6Nff4E/s320/c22.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbwuUYsH7cqJm3b1vVjWc91UNn2WmIYJ0XLLQJdIzUaFb6xq-7J0otmGwdbEvdHODWPoxjCPpE3UP6n-6CneWqiJEpONjFOIR2NXpaM5XA46pHMdHF4a28B79UpiWNuYNReCU5Zd1EwI/s1600-h/c22+we"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115228510842819138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbwuUYsH7cqJm3b1vVjWc91UNn2WmIYJ0XLLQJdIzUaFb6xq-7J0otmGwdbEvdHODWPoxjCPpE3UP6n-6CneWqiJEpONjFOIR2NXpaM5XA46pHMdHF4a28B79UpiWNuYNReCU5Zd1EwI/s320/c22+we%27re+going!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />ok, we're going!<br /><br />After walking down the road a short distance, the Ribble Way then goes through a gate marked “Beware of Cows with Calves” (I kid you not)… we seriously consider carrying on down the road – which goes straight to Wigglesworth and our destination – but we have come to Walk the Ribble Way, so Walk the Ribble Way we will!<br /><br />We enter the field and walk on, crossing into another field and walking along the fence towards Hollow Gill Bridge, and as we reach the brow of the hill, said cows with large calves see us and immediately set off in pursuit!<br />Reaching the next stile before they do, we throw children, dog and ourselves over, then I have the leisure to photograph said cows, the leader of which feels that, Job Done, a snack is in order...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmlnkgRewU9sKBAr_q7sj09VCzeJfVAxamcAarGDP5mJDSfSFEqeEfivqbVo4BHMSYmsDIbsksoxha9rqjWVSdPHIilMwwK0mJFlXuoTrhYSSNhc1U14z1QpH_qEwEuFVNRhOg1yLBBE/s1600-h/c24+not+again!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115229163677848162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmlnkgRewU9sKBAr_q7sj09VCzeJfVAxamcAarGDP5mJDSfSFEqeEfivqbVo4BHMSYmsDIbsksoxha9rqjWVSdPHIilMwwK0mJFlXuoTrhYSSNhc1U14z1QpH_qEwEuFVNRhOg1yLBBE/s320/c24+not+again!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />There is a marker on the stile, pointing out the Ribble Way is in a Westerly direction, so we walk along to the next gate and find ourselves approaching the road. Double-checking the map, it appears that the Ribble Way in fact heads in a South-Easterly direction, roughly following the line of the road, to Wigglesworth Hall Farm, so we back-track and follow the trees down the steep hill, climb across a footbridge, almost gallop up the steep slope on the other side in the hope that the cows massing in <em>this</em> field will calculate that we’re likely to beat them to the next stile, we eventually pass onto Rake Head Laithe.<br /><br />Here, another cow-free breather is in order, and the rain has finally stopped, the sun is emerging, and we have fantastic views of the rain-washed clouds and fells all around us…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dJKQf7MycVukGevtPZYXouMXRengQj1eNlv34aFXVkXCcYWFkaEkiQBfAs4pyAN3ezl03OxnLT-CctCaMY-kvcyI06-Hwj9WQJIA1mqImmk_u_XFSigh3FdiKkZdRXEW450wChemU6o/s1600-h/c26+clearing+beautifully.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115229700548760178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dJKQf7MycVukGevtPZYXouMXRengQj1eNlv34aFXVkXCcYWFkaEkiQBfAs4pyAN3ezl03OxnLT-CctCaMY-kvcyI06-Hwj9WQJIA1mqImmk_u_XFSigh3FdiKkZdRXEW450wChemU6o/s320/c26+clearing+beautifully.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ2wG_N-CMvIG2OMVzBgQEZU_I32f4VcuLQFn8bUBUvuP5qSatPwVo1uotJz0pKN3k7TfPD-Q1kRuyKxoQSY3qYs0m_BRoTLJI2ediSlrr2ZoDzGUSTdDnonwP75oJ-3Gmm1fvML_Ch0/s1600-h/d8+Ribble+valley+woodlands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115229941066928770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJ2wG_N-CMvIG2OMVzBgQEZU_I32f4VcuLQFn8bUBUvuP5qSatPwVo1uotJz0pKN3k7TfPD-Q1kRuyKxoQSY3qYs0m_BRoTLJI2ediSlrr2ZoDzGUSTdDnonwP75oJ-3Gmm1fvML_Ch0/s320/d8+Ribble+valley+woodlands.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38AaPHipPdoMJHqwqJQ3DAGTn2X9qNpvGTf8tT-eeW0k96pTWfIoRXgmfJb7t736IPYejVwyNkmAjgA71efRti59bW3AbIV6r8r_Ww-NJLp4Vc3MOAwILVGu7ptWdnDVru8IyRGobB_4/s1600-h/d9+a+day+with+everything.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115230327613985426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38AaPHipPdoMJHqwqJQ3DAGTn2X9qNpvGTf8tT-eeW0k96pTWfIoRXgmfJb7t736IPYejVwyNkmAjgA71efRti59bW3AbIV6r8r_Ww-NJLp4Vc3MOAwILVGu7ptWdnDVru8IyRGobB_4/s320/d9+a+day+with+everything.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Try as we might, there is no view whatsoever of the Ribble on this second part of the journey – of particular disappointment as we were so looking forward to seeing the beautiful winding curves of Long Preston Deeps, which look so fantastic from the fleeting glimpses you can see as you drive up on the A59 - and look marvelous on the map!!<br /><br />After taking the time to admire the fabulous views, we set off through Wigglesworth Hall Farm – passing through yet another herd of cows but luckily they were only just coming back into their field after milking, and were all busy looking up the hill at their colleague busy giving birth!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGmf6SR4-ASNI2FLfovPsUfoQoD_ztA0Hepn9P2I548WRs5fyNn7extnmxKD6Id0VFozvYfxFOrd-_a0eOg4LIXunnwHfmDgu4YeszBTJbmYxk_BKRvJZYExQLCFRJnJdUxPP7k9-xLI/s1600-h/d13+bovine+adventures+of+another+kind....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115230782880518834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGmf6SR4-ASNI2FLfovPsUfoQoD_ztA0Hepn9P2I548WRs5fyNn7extnmxKD6Id0VFozvYfxFOrd-_a0eOg4LIXunnwHfmDgu4YeszBTJbmYxk_BKRvJZYExQLCFRJnJdUxPP7k9-xLI/s320/d13+bovine+adventures+of+another+kind....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />At Wigglesworth Hall Farm, we leave the Ribble Way for the day, taking a permissive footpath away to the South-West behind the Hall itself (now a rather enormous barn) – and find ourselves in the hilarious situation of being pursued out of the field by a herd of the widest-headed Rams we’ve ever seen!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kot5jaeIvmAgOPGstGiWm5XqcRBCLqQT0O9L60dex4dC0nMf3ZIA8K1u2rL_bkYSgVi0n0sNzvR64OS-DHNwpm4J8kkeJ-ejdUqRw8b4PmE5Xmt2LTQgA_p94Qq66dnQP5wsYgiYt7c/s1600-h/d14+Wigglesworth+Hall+Fm+sheep.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115231053463458498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kot5jaeIvmAgOPGstGiWm5XqcRBCLqQT0O9L60dex4dC0nMf3ZIA8K1u2rL_bkYSgVi0n0sNzvR64OS-DHNwpm4J8kkeJ-ejdUqRw8b4PmE5Xmt2LTQgA_p94Qq66dnQP5wsYgiYt7c/s320/d14+Wigglesworth+Hall+Fm+sheep.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We finally get to the village of Wigglesworth - or more appropriately Gigglesworth as we are laughing so much over our day of Livestock Pursuits we can barely put one foot in front of the other.<br />Chris and Darren drive up for the car while the rest of us pile into the Plough Inn for a truly fabulous pot of tea, and 2 fabulous hot chocolates for the girls, who <em>almost</em> feel it was worth while getting <em>so</em> wet and miserable, particularly when reminded that feisty cows produce feisty milk - which is what made their hot-chocolate drinks <em>so</em> delicious!<br /><br />We walked a total of 9 or so miles today, which would have seemed half the distance without the rain and the awful stiles (let alone the Bovine Adventures), but we still managed to have another Grand Day Out on the Ribble Way – although not as much of the Ribble itself as we'd have liked as we didn't see the beautiful series of horseshoe bends of the Ribble's Long Preston Deeps at all - just a beautiful view of the valley through which they wind...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2hWb9YPwLE-M1Uqfj4ZP1RUgYHEb4hd0WggHlOr-5Lvob5ygHZlnpHEZajhzgAy07p8voT9Ol9fh2PaKcCvrJk1fnbcqjII5b9hmYSVr0fYC3w2JOu_62Hd-zwfvnkFhx-BCJlB07Fo/s1600-h/d5+long+preston+deeps+somewhere....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115232956133970642" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2hWb9YPwLE-M1Uqfj4ZP1RUgYHEb4hd0WggHlOr-5Lvob5ygHZlnpHEZajhzgAy07p8voT9Ol9fh2PaKcCvrJk1fnbcqjII5b9hmYSVr0fYC3w2JOu_62Hd-zwfvnkFhx-BCJlB07Fo/s320/d5+long+preston+deeps+somewhere....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />You can <strong>Walk The Ribble Way </strong>with us without taking a step by clicking on these links:<br /><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/10/ribble-way-part-5-wigglesworth-to.html">The Ribble Way Part 5 - Wigglesworth to Gisburn</a>;<br />The Ribble Way <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">Part 1 - Searching for the Source</a><br /><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-2-spot-ribble.html">Part 2 - Spot The Ribble: Ribblehead to Horton-in-Ribblesdale</a><br /><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-3-horton-to-stainforth.html">Part 3 - Dry-Ski Slopes and a Swim at Selside: Horton to Stainforth</a>.<br /><br />You can email me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-79576266829629194122007-09-24T09:45:00.001+01:002007-11-07T15:31:35.905+00:00The Ribble Way Part 3: Horton to Stainforth, Dry-Ski Slopes and A Swim at Selside<strong>From Horton-in-Ribblesdale to Stainforth - with a detour to Selside for a spot of Ribble-dipping, and an unexpected diversion on a dry ski-slope at Horton...</strong><br /><br />Today we set off on the now familiar journey up the A59 with the September weather looking reasonably clear if a little cloudy, but not threatening rain. Before we begin the next stage of our Ribble Way adventures <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-2-spot-ribble.html">where we left off last week</a>, at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, we drive back up to Selside near Alum Pot - but this time our detour will be down to the confluence of Cam Beck with Gayle Beck below Selside Moss. Our detour’s destination is only a short distance away from our unplanned shirty bull induced detour along Cam Beck the previous week, but this time, we’ll be the other side of the River, and continuing downhill as far as the confluence itself, which is where the river “officially” becomes the Ribble…<br /><br /><strong>As one of our planned detours the previous week was to </strong><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-2-spot-ribble.html"><strong>Ribblehead</strong></a><strong>, where Gayle Beck cuts a fantastic limestone gorge through the fell before emerging out onto the valley floor, we are keen to see if such an impressive place can be matched or even beaten by the Gayle Beck – Cam Beck confluence, or whether we remain satisfied in our own minds that, for us (and many others), Ribblehead marks the true beginning of the River Ribble proper…<br /></strong><br />Parking on the track to Alum Pot, we head East, walking down the road a short distance to Foss Barn where we turn left onto the footpath through the farm which leads down to the river. You can’t miss the footpath as the converted barn right on the road here has a floor-to-roof glass window, allowing an unrestricted view straight into one of the tidiest kitchens I’ve ever seen (well, you <em>would</em>, wouldn’t you…).<br /><br />The path down to the river runs roughly east following a similar line down as Selside Beck, running around the southern edge of Hornsey Hill, and is a pleasant walk down between two drystone walls…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcvqSS4BUphuzeBoZz_CitLFdlxlIjNc3N0JDLCEOpYSIzhbLDksW7AkQaL5cfkeFpLpfM7Gq_87d7Q66reAo6reu2cZ0qEk2wUFSQf7KefJQiFp__eb1qoRQ5wh55Nk5tCSBwq7sluM/s1600-h/1l+heading+down+towards+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113712803999157826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcvqSS4BUphuzeBoZz_CitLFdlxlIjNc3N0JDLCEOpYSIzhbLDksW7AkQaL5cfkeFpLpfM7Gq_87d7Q66reAo6reu2cZ0qEk2wUFSQf7KefJQiFp__eb1qoRQ5wh55Nk5tCSBwq7sluM/s320/1l+heading+down+towards+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The fairly steep descent down to the Ribble allows fantastic views of the valley and the fells beyond…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f3ttfkXvoWmJVMxnGrhyphenhyphen20LeBBz9OSXtSq0SlAa6fjW565_GpnraUjgeCX4KEm0Q4N56rI3NyvItyjLyZIjvtgSrkofmv4vshXqzmp4NO8oOiKclQJlwAsK_ETRYUqKmi1f9IZ_-loo/s1600-h/1d+Pen-y-ghent+from+Selside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113707512599448978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f3ttfkXvoWmJVMxnGrhyphenhyphen20LeBBz9OSXtSq0SlAa6fjW565_GpnraUjgeCX4KEm0Q4N56rI3NyvItyjLyZIjvtgSrkofmv4vshXqzmp4NO8oOiKclQJlwAsK_ETRYUqKmi1f9IZ_-loo/s320/1d+Pen-y-ghent+from+Selside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Pen-y-ghent from Selside.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw0JkvQunNoHf8dH1bkkOOc2cuYuzipVdWQ5kwxoGpvoq2Rlo4_pLllAz5duQwVlvg508S-kNNWW41EzmElLxOV8rWO9Nd_Z7uZBlW91lWKiX0XkFILm1ugpuieV2DYhL4yOA6lMk2DA/s1600-h/1g+upland+moors.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113707435290037634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw0JkvQunNoHf8dH1bkkOOc2cuYuzipVdWQ5kwxoGpvoq2Rlo4_pLllAz5duQwVlvg508S-kNNWW41EzmElLxOV8rWO9Nd_Z7uZBlW91lWKiX0XkFILm1ugpuieV2DYhL4yOA6lMk2DA/s320/1g+upland+moors.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Upland moors...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQTRcAOv0ZVamfMZCmPQJ3f2HhlA8C_YBfPUJ5VU5Q_79Z0vtpQzePU_rfwIwjAnA8QOU2A1-uR6psX-sJkaSUll7LKlWXYW7EYvT0KEqeQZtjhEN4FgzvPInUaXb957qBKeY_Cnp98I/s1600-h/1f+meet+lush+Ribble+valley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113707353685658994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQTRcAOv0ZVamfMZCmPQJ3f2HhlA8C_YBfPUJ5VU5Q_79Z0vtpQzePU_rfwIwjAnA8QOU2A1-uR6psX-sJkaSUll7LKlWXYW7EYvT0KEqeQZtjhEN4FgzvPInUaXb957qBKeY_Cnp98I/s320/1f+meet+lush+Ribble+valley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...meet lush Ribble Valley...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTLq_naYkVEZgCXqY0Ujh9G-64dpr7b-QSiOkRnL9Wzw8FGsMLjoFmOuU634LUPIqij_Yuzp3h1HmWdya0GE6EbFb2Q7Q3z9_JJkRX-YGsFlAzwMfpq3MPA0PMIY96qpq-am3rN3pfxM/s1600-h/1q+local+Selsiders.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113707920621342114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTLq_naYkVEZgCXqY0Ujh9G-64dpr7b-QSiOkRnL9Wzw8FGsMLjoFmOuU634LUPIqij_Yuzp3h1HmWdya0GE6EbFb2Q7Q3z9_JJkRX-YGsFlAzwMfpq3MPA0PMIY96qpq-am3rN3pfxM/s320/1q+local+Selsiders.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />…and the local Selsiders are as interested in us as we are in them.<br /><br />At the bottom of the path, just a short trek across a sheep field on the east side of Hornsey Hill brings you to a footbridge over the Ribble, which takes the footpath over the river and alongside Coppy Gill up to High Birkwith, but we intend to leave Dismal Hill to its own devices today, and stay here below Selside Moss to explore the Ribble…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77sBwHrr5Q4x_5qYSvg1CzpuqyChqH1vK0AWkMtgs3tUBpIX9eC3evx8vPaOJcjvySYVzwle4aPVCO7Ox7cY6ap87UlCF8SbpicUrfOCkG_JkER7yCYIpvkRsX1hjPLIo5OLg7fQo8S8/s1600-h/1zb+Ribble+at+Selside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113708186909314482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77sBwHrr5Q4x_5qYSvg1CzpuqyChqH1vK0AWkMtgs3tUBpIX9eC3evx8vPaOJcjvySYVzwle4aPVCO7Ox7cY6ap87UlCF8SbpicUrfOCkG_JkER7yCYIpvkRsX1hjPLIo5OLg7fQo8S8/s320/1zb+Ribble+at+Selside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The River Ribble at Selside footbridge.<br /><br />We go back through the gate on the west side of the Ribble and following the line of the river upstream along the wall of the field and through the gate to meet the confluence of Cam Beck with Gayle Beck below Selside Moss and the official launchpad of the River Ribble…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxXXeMqfQh-smTxoqtYFUCDniJHC_Bogjs8MHR8mfsdAMm2DNHWDK_gS7291-76F3US1mlgP4BRzlkG4Ty4wEG4vZMeO383Ia475D1c-s4KKGkX9KQCpCgMFnMDPZBxuKbbxCBhBuMyU/s1600-h/1zt+where+Gayle+meets+Cam+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113708917053754818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxXXeMqfQh-smTxoqtYFUCDniJHC_Bogjs8MHR8mfsdAMm2DNHWDK_gS7291-76F3US1mlgP4BRzlkG4Ty4wEG4vZMeO383Ia475D1c-s4KKGkX9KQCpCgMFnMDPZBxuKbbxCBhBuMyU/s320/1zt+where+Gayle+meets+Cam+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We find the confluence is a pleasant if rather bare spot, but it’s clear that the landowners are planning a much more interesting shaded “grotto” with the newly-planted saplings of several species of native tree thickly dotted in protective tubes all around the head pool of the river. Once mature, the mixture of Rowan, Hawthorn, and Oak amongst several other species will give a much more pleasant and more impressive setting to the place where the Ribble gathers itself before setting off on the next stage of its long journey down to the Irish Sea (and the trees will also help to prevent erosion of the riverbanks).<br /><br />Gayle Beck on the left, having left Ribblehead and wended its way around the West side of Cam Fell, is by far the bigger of the two flows as it enters the deep pool formed here…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiNkbnwR2VBc8HGUe_63GwWHlov8dE6JoUiOXH4ekIQXXsr3dE0qW5ufYNlGNvNrBJ1FhGWALkkfLVQUWO125jaEQbcuHbbndME83F2cRBPLZygOThPc1mXpWXj4ohnmyYpiPFa8MdfE/s1600-h/1zzs+Gayle+Beck+down+from+Ribblehead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113709428154863058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiNkbnwR2VBc8HGUe_63GwWHlov8dE6JoUiOXH4ekIQXXsr3dE0qW5ufYNlGNvNrBJ1FhGWALkkfLVQUWO125jaEQbcuHbbndME83F2cRBPLZygOThPc1mXpWXj4ohnmyYpiPFa8MdfE/s320/1zzs+Gayle+Beck+down+from+Ribblehead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…meeting Cam Beck as it joins from the right of the pool, having flowed down from the East side of Cam Fell, and can be seen as a small gravelly patch at the centre of the picture here…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeWzho0CayoqPzYoRWeqREGnJ1RlQucMjp7Ng-4kKrwAoqf8n_vEcrpQC5c4HNJCqCM5z2YvjMBoMpyxFBbN3epPPOflz_S4ySEcDVWqSynnrfm8FlvFQTy9WdwFSY4PyvDGuOm_4igg/s1600-h/1zzt+met+by+the+Cam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113709788932115938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeWzho0CayoqPzYoRWeqREGnJ1RlQucMjp7Ng-4kKrwAoqf8n_vEcrpQC5c4HNJCqCM5z2YvjMBoMpyxFBbN3epPPOflz_S4ySEcDVWqSynnrfm8FlvFQTy9WdwFSY4PyvDGuOm_4igg/s320/1zzt+met+by+the+Cam.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and the huge difference in size of these two bodies of water alone confirms us in our already-held opinion that Gayle Beck is <em>already </em>the River Ribble, and has been so since leaving the limestone gorge at Ribblehead a couple of miles upstream. This, alongside the less impressive meeting point of these two bodies of water at Selside, encourages our opinion to become more entrenched, though I daresay subjective aesthetics probably shouldn’t be a deciding factor in answering the question When is a Ribble Not a Ribble…<br /><br />Nonetheless, this is another stage on the Ribble’s journey, and one Muddy can’t resist celebrating in her own way…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtLzx6IH7bHyGR0W9nFah2FIqHJ4ELdOAHVLmr6f19Z5iL7F3bx2SB0Wbu2Lwfpouak_p-kU_ViVxrzAqkZDymXP9Xc_ge6rQJfA9tBYi6rKKk-l9rd81GokWiHMpg6NHMB7TiP_Y-0s/s1600-h/1zzzc+Mudge+swims+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113710166889238002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtLzx6IH7bHyGR0W9nFah2FIqHJ4ELdOAHVLmr6f19Z5iL7F3bx2SB0Wbu2Lwfpouak_p-kU_ViVxrzAqkZDymXP9Xc_ge6rQJfA9tBYi6rKKk-l9rd81GokWiHMpg6NHMB7TiP_Y-0s/s320/1zzzc+Mudge+swims+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />..though this time not such an “inimitable” way as Darren decides to join her for a swim!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw7LbFzVqNlw4ittWJ8a7CnHPsnS7AY3cUwSEI8-VHQ7sbhJVdpvQE6_3z-Rz2cnFA5XJ39vFk-7Gi_MH2KGIhr7adVzNshFZlw_0gU29wElRWiF7nKVIImBhJLiCJV7KI7f1JdpOUuI/s1600-h/1zx+joined+by+Darren+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113711103192108562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw7LbFzVqNlw4ittWJ8a7CnHPsnS7AY3cUwSEI8-VHQ7sbhJVdpvQE6_3z-Rz2cnFA5XJ39vFk-7Gi_MH2KGIhr7adVzNshFZlw_0gU29wElRWiF7nKVIImBhJLiCJV7KI7f1JdpOUuI/s320/1zx+joined+by+Darren+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Darren confirms that the water is indeed very cold...<br />...but after Muddy performs an encouraging swim-by, he takes the plunge.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoSkKHRYElxwMoW_fN0xhtu661gJwV10z-Ii31mqvRmeljNDuDx78MgqxOZ2zp-TdXZw786y3FvNWcqd7QZ28gQyUVcsqe5xATRc70jkIueoJ4KZUN_4DN3L7BrxcZA3ArAAdtf3MPsY/s1600-h/1zza+come+on,+like+THIS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113710420292308482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoSkKHRYElxwMoW_fN0xhtu661gJwV10z-Ii31mqvRmeljNDuDx78MgqxOZ2zp-TdXZw786y3FvNWcqd7QZ28gQyUVcsqe5xATRc70jkIueoJ4KZUN_4DN3L7BrxcZA3ArAAdtf3MPsY/s320/1zza+come+on,+like+THIS.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a jolly good swim, Daz decides he's done his stint and leaves Muddy to it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5GM-R97dN7OASsy4SrHc5cmg3ZaXpbUCKpt3HAS2X-TSmvV05NO_L51PdHuowqRFACUcjmv5rAGsYl9mHLNncTFmTTbqHoTxKJTeNZlZHU1XaGG0Avb9ku2FsgLM_Y0eOzApGz3YpOQ/s1600-h/1zzr+out+for+the+towel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113711223451192866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5GM-R97dN7OASsy4SrHc5cmg3ZaXpbUCKpt3HAS2X-TSmvV05NO_L51PdHuowqRFACUcjmv5rAGsYl9mHLNncTFmTTbqHoTxKJTeNZlZHU1XaGG0Avb9ku2FsgLM_Y0eOzApGz3YpOQ/s320/1zzr+out+for+the+towel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After some concern that the towel may not be up to the job, Darren dries off, and we spend a little longer exploring the pool…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY_PK1W1gxOIaeO9QaNc65LgfSNo9VEexWr7isXVzB5bej-7DUlkZ0c8JfbfTaH82o2PCSHjkkd2aB6nffJ1ZCxN9oyoR8hsfeAAGpk-O0VESwf_Jb-pCuhmIuRPYJhZs9HaEdPJstvI/s1600-h/1zzzr+Muddy+tries+to+show+the+best+way+to+expore....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113711996545306162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCY_PK1W1gxOIaeO9QaNc65LgfSNo9VEexWr7isXVzB5bej-7DUlkZ0c8JfbfTaH82o2PCSHjkkd2aB6nffJ1ZCxN9oyoR8hsfeAAGpk-O0VESwf_Jb-pCuhmIuRPYJhZs9HaEdPJstvI/s320/1zzzr+Muddy+tries+to+show+the+best+way+to+expore....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…before setting off back to Selside.<br /><br />The Ribble bubbles and gurgles over the stony bed as it leaves the pool at Selside and heads off downstream towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where we finished the previous leg of our journey last week so will be the starting point of today’s Ribble Way walk.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEoS_rZ7JDhtCRCzMadCZrAFUgpkZIzgtCNZIxmTrfp0S6sXGyZTgdI6BSbFN_tvTIZKDTelnVyfMwlzvuIjpBjDZfW23Y2ubFL3fCgk5_tD8K9jD-81t2PW_WzHVzPq3dryz6Kd4DuY/s1600-h/1zm+bubbling+and+rushing+over+the+rocks.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEoS_rZ7JDhtCRCzMadCZrAFUgpkZIzgtCNZIxmTrfp0S6sXGyZTgdI6BSbFN_tvTIZKDTelnVyfMwlzvuIjpBjDZfW23Y2ubFL3fCgk5_tD8K9jD-81t2PW_WzHVzPq3dryz6Kd4DuY/s320/1zm+bubbling+and+rushing+over+the+rocks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113720586479898194" /></a><br /><br /><br />On the way back up to Selside, we enjoy the further delights that nature has to offer:<br /><br />…Swallows keeping still enough to capture on camera twittering away above our heads…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWQUGXniZXm0oM5UuoM_8QtyqA4AS3lwVM33kjB14iH6eoRMMl2sj8ZRU8il58-R5y66ftV8a3KKT7Sv6emTtHnHSv8bOVOndy2H3G3A4_DPnnwlAOp83pTkV0SfbP0-k76eaDdfP7mg/s1600-h/2c+Swallows.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113706009360895266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWQUGXniZXm0oM5UuoM_8QtyqA4AS3lwVM33kjB14iH6eoRMMl2sj8ZRU8il58-R5y66ftV8a3KKT7Sv6emTtHnHSv8bOVOndy2H3G3A4_DPnnwlAOp83pTkV0SfbP0-k76eaDdfP7mg/s320/2c+Swallows.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…wildflowers all around us…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4EH7-sXVkXQcEedN4ucAMPOEnKjDSj5pJno53tE6-16w3389lMnKZ_p2yb8P4mIFR1e_HAg28Gwbw4ssQEx8Y-9xX7140GePSe5zrvR1r9nXqOZsrdDSv4GoYRHhoFplwfptkTE4-3k/s1600-h/4zf+Devil"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113706198339456322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4EH7-sXVkXQcEedN4ucAMPOEnKjDSj5pJno53tE6-16w3389lMnKZ_p2yb8P4mIFR1e_HAg28Gwbw4ssQEx8Y-9xX7140GePSe5zrvR1r9nXqOZsrdDSv4GoYRHhoFplwfptkTE4-3k/s320/4zf+Devil%27s+Bit+Scabious.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaCloumxTZJz774foBCUvimmTPdjq1ZiOsNol_z6BHXdp__GiRG2KxakrKTHHXVQ7OXeEZHKqFC9Ajd3uRG_Zh4fRLdrn-ckC4tQU9rQxmpaZ8vFrr3w5KrXTYKMTzC3Tg9BQOydg5Xk/s1600-h/2b+flowers+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113706374433115474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaCloumxTZJz774foBCUvimmTPdjq1ZiOsNol_z6BHXdp__GiRG2KxakrKTHHXVQ7OXeEZHKqFC9Ajd3uRG_Zh4fRLdrn-ckC4tQU9rQxmpaZ8vFrr3w5KrXTYKMTzC3Tg9BQOydg5Xk/s320/2b+flowers+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nsPHr3PfXbfgpkpKbcpbDeA-i7Quw4LBee2Z4G4_0mT9mpcRssXAcIZbeumJm7sJWvVHoe-O4ma2MC1tvTVwBZYWGYIhI97RiM0NYjuaDjh6JA0_V7p0nR5GE0rQXKdYcg8ImHZknys/s1600-h/2a+flowers+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113706086670306610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9nsPHr3PfXbfgpkpKbcpbDeA-i7Quw4LBee2Z4G4_0mT9mpcRssXAcIZbeumJm7sJWvVHoe-O4ma2MC1tvTVwBZYWGYIhI97RiM0NYjuaDjh6JA0_V7p0nR5GE0rQXKdYcg8ImHZknys/s320/2a+flowers+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and the drystone wall alongside offering fascinating arrays of mosses and plants to admire, blooming in the damp shade beneath the trees …<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM1WLdjathiwpigXesAXXEwtFnSW8_EZ-LisLfIGdc7c7t8fzb-DoRfMncqwNubzfCDthAxZfjg0it8AhQe9CVoGaWRm7ftcN-IFvV9G6lDG50PBMafBKnLNFoWRmWZTl41KL27cSKj8/s1600-h/2j+Selside+stone+walls+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113705871921941778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM1WLdjathiwpigXesAXXEwtFnSW8_EZ-LisLfIGdc7c7t8fzb-DoRfMncqwNubzfCDthAxZfjg0it8AhQe9CVoGaWRm7ftcN-IFvV9G6lDG50PBMafBKnLNFoWRmWZTl41KL27cSKj8/s320/2j+Selside+stone+walls+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Back at Selside, we picnic on the limestone rocks called Top Cow Pasture Rocks, but luckily there are no cows here to bother us this week (although our Bovine Adventures on the Ribble Way are FAR from over…) while we munch our way through pies and butties and crisps and strawberries and home-made Pennine-Honey-and-Yorkshire-butter flapjacks and explore the fascinating delights of a limestone ecosystem…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdtlSfs_yiaCJsJJ9G41dY8bKaqF_7BU-LaJT687aeaYpcDyf8qZ9oxpNsjVSuxdF763KPwWpg1J-RQqSJF6P9XRKleo4K5UswAaMON92fnFwxftDaPvxNMT3qtnN0IK0C1AKiJERw50/s1600-h/3b+picnic+near+Alum+Pot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113702650696469666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdtlSfs_yiaCJsJJ9G41dY8bKaqF_7BU-LaJT687aeaYpcDyf8qZ9oxpNsjVSuxdF763KPwWpg1J-RQqSJF6P9XRKleo4K5UswAaMON92fnFwxftDaPvxNMT3qtnN0IK0C1AKiJERw50/s320/3b+picnic+near+Alum+Pot.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc-WP0rN7hRAHiAhjcuyVw4nSJYco_Oq0_8NlVkNwT_QQ8hpNIwOprTEydnBCh9l-_RYAtfYAiCTrYK7rvV4wYIZPyKdU_TkA10BByWaxxezjMTUxHBj_L7cosG3Vt_3qx_egMYd41T0/s1600-h/3f+limestone+lichen+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113702478897777810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIc-WP0rN7hRAHiAhjcuyVw4nSJYco_Oq0_8NlVkNwT_QQ8hpNIwOprTEydnBCh9l-_RYAtfYAiCTrYK7rvV4wYIZPyKdU_TkA10BByWaxxezjMTUxHBj_L7cosG3Vt_3qx_egMYd41T0/s320/3f+limestone+lichen+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...interesting lichens grow on the limestones themselves...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWnWCUrArTib1amY6FXgMAiPtN42yGZcnBOKGBNIMQW9Paa4koCbiqzzBJk1_XXDYLYsdjDbgIVhnf3W1P8YbEQVb0fnYck6_MIIsumStlIu4UekBsdkPSNI4-l4kbs6GykPzErcYVjo/s1600-h/3g+limestone+lichen+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113702371523595394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWnWCUrArTib1amY6FXgMAiPtN42yGZcnBOKGBNIMQW9Paa4koCbiqzzBJk1_XXDYLYsdjDbgIVhnf3W1P8YbEQVb0fnYck6_MIIsumStlIu4UekBsdkPSNI4-l4kbs6GykPzErcYVjo/s320/3g+limestone+lichen+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...aswell as numerous wildflowers...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTJ_mII0aZFEtF9Pj7gjfqz2wuupigEJzwP9gQ8aoaHkQGWYx9NP5BD5ekX7z-FvlHvI1-aIiKH4GVurAH8pbRzc5K-NeudabLuft8uN6PnyCUi39aEKe1xcwmLmadgwbakq-GdRygnU/s1600-h/3e+eyebright.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113702264149412978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTJ_mII0aZFEtF9Pj7gjfqz2wuupigEJzwP9gQ8aoaHkQGWYx9NP5BD5ekX7z-FvlHvI1-aIiKH4GVurAH8pbRzc5K-NeudabLuft8uN6PnyCUi39aEKe1xcwmLmadgwbakq-GdRygnU/s320/3e+eyebright.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...including Eyebright...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhfLbm4OBTwbtoh9F_hvTi-dMExnE_EO4pURRQOm8pxwVBimewo9dk1y4zoiaPoILHp61J1aD8Yc9NAW502mLXrMUKE5x1zSA0WjHNmx8uqVgbQx9WfsbwsQUryqu5q15aiCgRWKDBm8/s1600-h/3i+self-heal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113702152480263266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhfLbm4OBTwbtoh9F_hvTi-dMExnE_EO4pURRQOm8pxwVBimewo9dk1y4zoiaPoILHp61J1aD8Yc9NAW502mLXrMUKE5x1zSA0WjHNmx8uqVgbQx9WfsbwsQUryqu5q15aiCgRWKDBm8/s320/3i+self-heal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Self-Heal, growing between the rocks.<br /><br /><br />After our picnic, we drive down to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and begin the next instalment of the Ribble Way, walking from Horton down to Stainforth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cTFSTCQnaLdFyQqbfImD4s-pgw2mSetFi1H52V-vLyylOAtkFioTx7kAH3JcOByebkIfh9aaveL0tf8U5C5xI-uV1G4LD1S9GUDS-vWEyORePfa-DPqA-534vXiEEZGvj0GQPHHSwHY/s1600-h/4a+Ribble+at+Horton+towards+selside+and+Ribblehead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113703445265419442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cTFSTCQnaLdFyQqbfImD4s-pgw2mSetFi1H52V-vLyylOAtkFioTx7kAH3JcOByebkIfh9aaveL0tf8U5C5xI-uV1G4LD1S9GUDS-vWEyORePfa-DPqA-534vXiEEZGvj0GQPHHSwHY/s320/4a+Ribble+at+Horton+towards+selside+and+Ribblehead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Ribble at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, looking upstream towards Selside.<br /><br />The riverbanks and lush green Ribble valley are instantly beautiful as the Ribble wends on her way down towards Stainforth and Settle...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcxsQOvep4gRDu4Szoh1PfyCkn2rngd9gCnXVpG8An8RHtu1kXAEjeTaX1IxAn-l319ixB7WkQKwzTYYAfmRWA6kvkF0_3K9hWbK98FEJd1CrhZ1jxMUT9zFPIxPE4m-7TeqHvddc74Y/s1600-h/4i+Ribble+at+Horton+towards+Stainforth+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113705304986258674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcxsQOvep4gRDu4Szoh1PfyCkn2rngd9gCnXVpG8An8RHtu1kXAEjeTaX1IxAn-l319ixB7WkQKwzTYYAfmRWA6kvkF0_3K9hWbK98FEJd1CrhZ1jxMUT9zFPIxPE4m-7TeqHvddc74Y/s320/4i+Ribble+at+Horton+towards+Stainforth+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03z2x5OAbfVrlfdxIYrhLxmjs19RAGMcfiV3pUL4kgPnwc9FS_EKP1MElpO9D4Li7r__9xhlxwgiaaetS6-IkWNSBHZ0Q4NmtSkhrI2O4D4-DmitFyZrdBiR1hzSPbhR-6J8YlSNOvSs/s1600-h/4s+River+views.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113705425245342978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03z2x5OAbfVrlfdxIYrhLxmjs19RAGMcfiV3pUL4kgPnwc9FS_EKP1MElpO9D4Li7r__9xhlxwgiaaetS6-IkWNSBHZ0Q4NmtSkhrI2O4D4-DmitFyZrdBiR1hzSPbhR-6J8YlSNOvSs/s320/4s+River+views.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...although we are soon met with an unexpected riverside attraction as we leave Horton village behind - a "dry-ski slope"!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktyVDmGWuxIYR6RpxDjy-L-ZjZidEQ2VqjxEKJyhG0ths1uJy0IR-mr-o4nW2iPABsAKwMNtlwoCuyaO0qwT0L4HtvM03YPrZiYY48aNYayDbYu3Agt_HnwAeOM4hmgkIMfnrTaIaVgg/s1600-h/5g+The+Horton+Ski-slope.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113704287079009506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktyVDmGWuxIYR6RpxDjy-L-ZjZidEQ2VqjxEKJyhG0ths1uJy0IR-mr-o4nW2iPABsAKwMNtlwoCuyaO0qwT0L4HtvM03YPrZiYY48aNYayDbYu3Agt_HnwAeOM4hmgkIMfnrTaIaVgg/s320/5g+The+Horton+Ski-slope.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />of course, we all have to try it out - including the dog!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiftaiAoJoy94_hyphenhyphen6EFzMIq244XBLUdLh41Wa2iLu918N6v98eVntQBO45f6PbISLYxqtcLy322IV2jOPRn9NwQd5nHDLHtVS2I_nZThw8-UlutTlQDGcgfoFRJm3XzJuIPw5LaR_OjyE/s1600-h/5u+mudge+has+a+go.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113704192589728978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiftaiAoJoy94_hyphenhyphen6EFzMIq244XBLUdLh41Wa2iLu918N6v98eVntQBO45f6PbISLYxqtcLy322IV2jOPRn9NwQd5nHDLHtVS2I_nZThw8-UlutTlQDGcgfoFRJm3XzJuIPw5LaR_OjyE/s320/5u+mudge+has+a+go.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and it's difficult to tear the children away - of all ages - but after a good half an hours fun, we tear ourselves away at last and carry on along the Ribble Way.<br /><br />The first half of the journey, as far as Helwith Bridge, is along the Ribble itself, barring one or two places where the path strays away slightly, and the views of the river are fabulous, and the surrounding river valley and more distant fells spectacular…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpVxOfKMgjEF-z7bOJEhtVJDlwBZIRy1wzO6LqV2sJrae2HbXwrM1gROjDtsf4Uia9riiU0fR-ieehWvQ7QMWV3aZukPquy_7dUsg1OxUFeoswODxAq_Dvhvxp5fAxV2-UBa5s7_K104/s1600-h/8o+even+a+dog+knows+a+good+view.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113698622017145826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpVxOfKMgjEF-z7bOJEhtVJDlwBZIRy1wzO6LqV2sJrae2HbXwrM1gROjDtsf4Uia9riiU0fR-ieehWvQ7QMWV3aZukPquy_7dUsg1OxUFeoswODxAq_Dvhvxp5fAxV2-UBa5s7_K104/s320/8o+even+a+dog+knows+a+good+view.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Even a dog knows a good view when she sees one!<br /><br />The river is ever-changing: sometimes a stony bed with a fast-moving, gurgling river hurrying over itself and a delight to the ear as well as the eye…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3iW34GTzV1A8FybLeMdAW02Hd_L_O4w0bw0nhQosqVyt0BtSeeEYU_HPfsGr8uVZ3qtNqh-9J_5JShe2dC348pCXThuuj25AH0sPvw88bwgjCkt17id-_2oah9hKktfyjAfBY7nLjok/s1600-h/4zi+mossy+black+rocks+and+running+water.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113700902644780114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3iW34GTzV1A8FybLeMdAW02Hd_L_O4w0bw0nhQosqVyt0BtSeeEYU_HPfsGr8uVZ3qtNqh-9J_5JShe2dC348pCXThuuj25AH0sPvw88bwgjCkt17id-_2oah9hKktfyjAfBY7nLjok/s320/4zi+mossy+black+rocks+and+running+water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…sometimes slowing into deep pools where fish jump (always when the camera isn’t ready!)…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRT7jyZl6F9tKPlUWS7jDbR2Gg1KwLpE23CtMzzgKbsBZ25Cx1Vn-85zRlkhNqaoivda8Q7qLAIqkkGGYiWEAE0iNjY5SFyJ0uZM1iC-gfy-IBKriklh6B-gwseq1XHNBRMnmO-Bz6cA/s1600-h/6m+and+deep+fish+pools.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113700675011513410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRT7jyZl6F9tKPlUWS7jDbR2Gg1KwLpE23CtMzzgKbsBZ25Cx1Vn-85zRlkhNqaoivda8Q7qLAIqkkGGYiWEAE0iNjY5SFyJ0uZM1iC-gfy-IBKriklh6B-gwseq1XHNBRMnmO-Bz6cA/s320/6m+and+deep+fish+pools.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…sometimes shaded by the beautiful trees along its banks…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuWKv0lNdJ8HDyQuW8E7pSLviQMZEb0njTHkcjnk_PFIhUYIZYJgsVfAoki9VH14lky2OXMIEaXvzySW3pMeUQl82TmyjU985o1PNa001OcX5jW3wWTP_F8zDzzgALKaGIG4yGNAarh4/s1600-h/7s+and+leafy+glades.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113700271284587570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuWKv0lNdJ8HDyQuW8E7pSLviQMZEb0njTHkcjnk_PFIhUYIZYJgsVfAoki9VH14lky2OXMIEaXvzySW3pMeUQl82TmyjU985o1PNa001OcX5jW3wWTP_F8zDzzgALKaGIG4yGNAarh4/s320/7s+and+leafy+glades.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…other times the banks are open to the sunshine and are thick with grasses and plants and wildflowers…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K97qG9J-BjO9AOosdhFwu_Gl__q7N9_If3wMBbI8CmuCxREybvfpYbD3oQ-rXsWeJkj6zYdPoM93I2L97wpry0LHXyCX0iWDmmQEltVv8APaO91Clnj1a0LjBm8DzP0CoZWsn9UujaQ/s1600-h/7t+Riverbank+habitats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113700108075830306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0K97qG9J-BjO9AOosdhFwu_Gl__q7N9_If3wMBbI8CmuCxREybvfpYbD3oQ-rXsWeJkj6zYdPoM93I2L97wpry0LHXyCX0iWDmmQEltVv8APaO91Clnj1a0LjBm8DzP0CoZWsn9UujaQ/s320/7t+Riverbank+habitats.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6EP7oKmJY0JJ6skLsmqGwm7Z7CHlBi_HR7GLvKrR9SNZPd2NKHsdbjOuor3suXItUgzB-VI-VkVv6SKjbZq3UdDqrlO7ogIS6KM5OJmuD8DnHA3fEaeu_QHCIxFo4Wm2XSdIPPxS9V0/s1600-h/8n+golden+meadow+grasses+with+the+quarrying+of+Moughton+beyond.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113699708643871746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6EP7oKmJY0JJ6skLsmqGwm7Z7CHlBi_HR7GLvKrR9SNZPd2NKHsdbjOuor3suXItUgzB-VI-VkVv6SKjbZq3UdDqrlO7ogIS6KM5OJmuD8DnHA3fEaeu_QHCIxFo4Wm2XSdIPPxS9V0/s320/8n+golden+meadow+grasses+with+the+quarrying+of+Moughton+beyond.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and always there are breath-taking views of the broader valley and the fells beyond…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFwTEjHJ4l_0NuhDxaKfepIPH6q2RteEDDdH98tMAoTJSy3SeAP-rgogrFVoFhG0D6ZF7YdVyXxHv4gBPgcIgAsqg1ozwVs83eIIT2jJ7qLSEKCulihd3HfOfzHuAXK0s9Z3ELw0H9Po/s1600-h/7zd+crags+and+woodland.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113699889032498194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFwTEjHJ4l_0NuhDxaKfepIPH6q2RteEDDdH98tMAoTJSy3SeAP-rgogrFVoFhG0D6ZF7YdVyXxHv4gBPgcIgAsqg1ozwVs83eIIT2jJ7qLSEKCulihd3HfOfzHuAXK0s9Z3ELw0H9Po/s320/7zd+crags+and+woodland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXls30Tq6uaes809i5G62euMvr2TpTIoGwSW9WDUgWEAO4R2MF5LNpNDF4bxN63FD7xZN_wOZx7wXwWw6WD16Vr4wWVjeauxfdgVWqbQQ9KiNnJyXTfdVe8I21T3APsvTjSaJnFe56Geo/s1600-h/8l+and+pen-y-ghent+of+course.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113698402973813714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXls30Tq6uaes809i5G62euMvr2TpTIoGwSW9WDUgWEAO4R2MF5LNpNDF4bxN63FD7xZN_wOZx7wXwWw6WD16Vr4wWVjeauxfdgVWqbQQ9KiNnJyXTfdVe8I21T3APsvTjSaJnFe56Geo/s320/8l+and+pen-y-ghent+of+course.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOPzEOR76D4fE7Pw8WzPAqImdMh8TcpOGGEye5ma5Oja0VxuMdqVd1NbDzD9vzF7X2g2XkUAEEMpTG7Yzg5gyE3FVCPgBSe32UUuhfQzE5k-DxrtheRoFgT4RyC-7lNDnYYLq1X33fmI/s1600-h/8j+fell+views.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113698213995252674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfOPzEOR76D4fE7Pw8WzPAqImdMh8TcpOGGEye5ma5Oja0VxuMdqVd1NbDzD9vzF7X2g2XkUAEEMpTG7Yzg5gyE3FVCPgBSe32UUuhfQzE5k-DxrtheRoFgT4RyC-7lNDnYYLq1X33fmI/s320/8j+fell+views.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf4l8iQcfRT3o8NL3skiM6rEspg-a0QiVm-A97dt_Rz3CIL5gP-bOeMQVkGuU4kQjFD-czGqrM_HH6EFDPAcGxzUlDk6LZpJNXaj7BJcUK4nHY7HswudWTBkrUTX51a8mHJiVeijIM-A/s1600-h/8k+and+craggy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113698931254791154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTf4l8iQcfRT3o8NL3skiM6rEspg-a0QiVm-A97dt_Rz3CIL5gP-bOeMQVkGuU4kQjFD-czGqrM_HH6EFDPAcGxzUlDk6LZpJNXaj7BJcUK4nHY7HswudWTBkrUTX51a8mHJiVeijIM-A/s320/8k+and+craggy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One sight is rather unpleasant as a stream entering the Ribble along this stretch is thick with a grey-white sludge - whether from the nearby sewage works or something to do with the run-off from the quarries above us on Moughton we're not sure...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaCOUeoUoKJGaI8ST1NDYFuAmONIHW5rlttQ1TJ4KXZYrpgzCAOPNAURbiUE_aEjaSyUXISkT_EeRWuosQl74aZHEDdgY3deplJDK4086d8Bl9SPMWnHwp3s_95zTo5pawgaxTHstrmw/s1600-h/7c+thick+grey+sludge.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgaCOUeoUoKJGaI8ST1NDYFuAmONIHW5rlttQ1TJ4KXZYrpgzCAOPNAURbiUE_aEjaSyUXISkT_EeRWuosQl74aZHEDdgY3deplJDK4086d8Bl9SPMWnHwp3s_95zTo5pawgaxTHstrmw/s320/7c+thick+grey+sludge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113738870155677282" /></a><br /><br />After a number of jokes about certain local councils hitting on this idea as a way of "prettifying" the Ribble's "unsightly mudflats", we continue on our way.<br /><br />At Cragg Hill Farm, the river suddenly deepens and it looks as though the river’s course has been engineered into a channelised stretch…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaKDu5KuVEo53yFlRShAT9gatA8yIewtzr7shzegTACFeWU9TQ-iRQgB7Lh6i5aZ6ebQbreLg1N1QDePonHJSMP5bddme0zaCsX5v-MzJGc4jmVYVY6JAh4kVw5comIw9cCjqzPt7MwE/s1600-h/8d++Ribble+at+Craghill+Fm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113697952002247602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaKDu5KuVEo53yFlRShAT9gatA8yIewtzr7shzegTACFeWU9TQ-iRQgB7Lh6i5aZ6ebQbreLg1N1QDePonHJSMP5bddme0zaCsX5v-MzJGc4jmVYVY6JAh4kVw5comIw9cCjqzPt7MwE/s320/8d++Ribble+at+Craghill+Fm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…before it flows round a beautiful set of hairpin curves towards Helwith Bridge…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5Ab9q_hCIwIkuqKvDn11PSwJVwdlGivVDgwnZSFaIL8TOC84_yAAAk8SVCWeVXwVRNTdVWfHtov8T5JfN20WcV2ILd7ARs4mDapFlZ3gFUZhZX65UhNXuUFg6mx-Ol_ejLvFVNSd4iU/s1600-h/8h+downriver+views+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113697367886695314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5Ab9q_hCIwIkuqKvDn11PSwJVwdlGivVDgwnZSFaIL8TOC84_yAAAk8SVCWeVXwVRNTdVWfHtov8T5JfN20WcV2ILd7ARs4mDapFlZ3gFUZhZX65UhNXuUFg6mx-Ol_ejLvFVNSd4iU/s320/8h+downriver+views+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Just before we reach Helwith Bridge, the Ribble Way passes a field of beautiful cows – who immediately take umbridge at us and the dog, and proceed to literally charge the fence and having several of us convinced the rage of one in particular will take her through the fence and into the narrow lane with us - which now begins to feel more like a human pen and we try to get through as quickly as possible!!<br />At a safe distance, we turn and marvel at the snorting and wild-eyed herd she has shepherded to the gate to see us off her patch, and we are convinced we KNOW who <em>her</em> father is - he lives just up the road above Nether Lodge!<br /><br />The adrenaline gets us and the dog over yet another unhelpful turnstile remarkably quickly, and we head off down to Helwith Bridge at a brisk pace. Darren later complains that the journalist in the party should have taken a picture of the shirty cow - as she should the raging bull the previous week - but I was far too busy herding my own panicking calf out of harms way (let alone my own ass) to start angling for the most dramatic shot!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRQzvOdxVqLWd1BO4_FJq-UjiExAfcRBid7RuTaqfImTywStpW5poFsKQ9xjw3dmDxj-bpKW0qLl7Au_AHHd7XASXKlBRITciWlkeTvmxzabilQkRwRBuVrrZWHhU_P5oN2OmJ0CblHs/s1600-h/8w+stile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113696483123432322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRQzvOdxVqLWd1BO4_FJq-UjiExAfcRBid7RuTaqfImTywStpW5poFsKQ9xjw3dmDxj-bpKW0qLl7Au_AHHd7XASXKlBRITciWlkeTvmxzabilQkRwRBuVrrZWHhU_P5oN2OmJ0CblHs/s320/8w+stile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dog-juggling and High Wire acts are called for even on the smallest of the unhelpful stiles...<br /><br /><br />Once we meet Helwith Bridge, we spend a few minutes on the bridge admiring the Ribble with one ear out for traffic as we say goodbye to the Ribble for the rest of the journey.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuHfa3olYJ0bfn42gviLnRAB4RXF-_4GVN8cuP-ZkoQZP5x07DU_Obquahob-AdhAT-odD4UHP_s2G-m_aM2a_yddTe-so-Qcz_6s2wwpgUqLWmxIBnAa3EHXwzCw7PueJHxy9cGX77w/s1600-h/8za+River+Ribble+from+Helwith+Bridge+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113695972022324082" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuHfa3olYJ0bfn42gviLnRAB4RXF-_4GVN8cuP-ZkoQZP5x07DU_Obquahob-AdhAT-odD4UHP_s2G-m_aM2a_yddTe-so-Qcz_6s2wwpgUqLWmxIBnAa3EHXwzCw7PueJHxy9cGX77w/s320/8za+River+Ribble+from+Helwith+Bridge+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />From Helwith Bridge towards Stainforth.<br /><br />Here the Ribble Way leaves the riverbank to climb up onto the South West of Overdale, travelling roughly east and south east up towards Little Moor Head before turning to the south and crossing between Bargh Hill and Hesley down to Stainforth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqacf4f02e62E-hQ8kFZ4fmVwJnWvi8a7fWT-bdMwhduI8sUnaLqFFUfNcKv7JbCFy6COj6SeYXE8CRAVfhC0zeFDtlGjLaJFPEOaiZd72F4MfgI3NOKZZosfil_lMUdsNhhw6KgSP50/s1600-h/9b+Back+towards+Helwith+Bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113695267647687522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqacf4f02e62E-hQ8kFZ4fmVwJnWvi8a7fWT-bdMwhduI8sUnaLqFFUfNcKv7JbCFy6COj6SeYXE8CRAVfhC0zeFDtlGjLaJFPEOaiZd72F4MfgI3NOKZZosfil_lMUdsNhhw6KgSP50/s320/9b+Back+towards+Helwith+Bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Leaving Helwith Bridge behind us as we climb.<br /><br />Again the views across and around the Ribble's valley are fabulous...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvjXxCbtRc51mIv6fLqJJQGh7du8PsIq4Qh30i0gVTjLomEE3uypJyMknAxg6bwrky1T2HpNH75UowVxgTA0AKm6YPFaexkJ53Ejbs-UC3zWoTEm8NEOFqWJxNACHYCKuReTtToe7Ruc/s1600-h/9e+brooding+weather+over+brooding+fells.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111242538909189346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvjXxCbtRc51mIv6fLqJJQGh7du8PsIq4Qh30i0gVTjLomEE3uypJyMknAxg6bwrky1T2HpNH75UowVxgTA0AKm6YPFaexkJ53Ejbs-UC3zWoTEm8NEOFqWJxNACHYCKuReTtToe7Ruc/s320/9e+brooding+weather+over+brooding+fells.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the brooding weather lends drama even as it lessens the clarity of the distant views...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiyNcB3eVm5ti-wSgX5-GfRbUDt97DHsXqgep7mnyScnK9ClRV7q4LIcbY48_COwrIjQRN9HgvVCyvt0n5VLJ2Dx6pzZoJAhkwnvecKKJ4J6G9vFKj9UkNTOc1Ebsmae1VEQ2Z-n8MeU/s1600-h/9f+and+pen-y-ghent+of+course.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111242440124941522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuiyNcB3eVm5ti-wSgX5-GfRbUDt97DHsXqgep7mnyScnK9ClRV7q4LIcbY48_COwrIjQRN9HgvVCyvt0n5VLJ2Dx6pzZoJAhkwnvecKKJ4J6G9vFKj9UkNTOc1Ebsmae1VEQ2Z-n8MeU/s320/9f+and+pen-y-ghent+of+course.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...including of the ever-lurking Pen-y-ghent...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQr21jZ1M1WZY2yxxaAcaJY4KvKI7VTkmEpJuPnxxibw0qbYpBIsvMWQCv7gfHAgGw8eqJHcMpTcqpXHyvpoQZp_2CDa3ir42C53j1tNUYb2juVU3oMRXw0aWt28wCc2CxwXs0QZH2KE/s1600-h/9h+intrepid+Ribblesiders.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111242272621216962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQr21jZ1M1WZY2yxxaAcaJY4KvKI7VTkmEpJuPnxxibw0qbYpBIsvMWQCv7gfHAgGw8eqJHcMpTcqpXHyvpoQZp_2CDa3ir42C53j1tNUYb2juVU3oMRXw0aWt28wCc2CxwXs0QZH2KE/s320/9h+intrepid+Ribblesiders.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...yet it is pleasantly warm as we intrepid Ribblesiders pass across the fells, only offering us a brief shower of rain as we cross the highest point...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbc3TXBPF4KJxJ0P02YP2Z1OATnn0hODvCdaJhJEz6q7qt_bg-l9rxtoVoFaGwkuQ-lgrhO66fX1vu41hCI8heuhNW4XByUiJJOLaRibR8jo6K-ZeuHl2YLt8-x2ygeh6neTmdRB2Cg0/s1600-h/9j+fells.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111241886074160306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbc3TXBPF4KJxJ0P02YP2Z1OATnn0hODvCdaJhJEz6q7qt_bg-l9rxtoVoFaGwkuQ-lgrhO66fX1vu41hCI8heuhNW4XByUiJJOLaRibR8jo6K-ZeuHl2YLt8-x2ygeh6neTmdRB2Cg0/s320/9j+fells.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...marvelling at the moors and bogs...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOyrqMD2-JLq3CoLOBHlOeuQWdQ7o8RJxZgnHNAzysKBXBet7YKnGNLQWUDKVZcwKBI4gXXH5kJ8FHiOa0iwwU1fWXquRoPxhuF7BJMorfII1Pnk_pw1rC4RxLf6g3O5k44_5XgmAf74/s1600-h/9i+numerous+springs+leave+these+fells+to+join+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111241782994945186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOyrqMD2-JLq3CoLOBHlOeuQWdQ7o8RJxZgnHNAzysKBXBet7YKnGNLQWUDKVZcwKBI4gXXH5kJ8FHiOa0iwwU1fWXquRoPxhuF7BJMorfII1Pnk_pw1rC4RxLf6g3O5k44_5XgmAf74/s320/9i+numerous+springs+leave+these+fells+to+join+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...streams and gills...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNRZC1cfrxmWiUk1R4U7VvW2TS9YdehoIslYCKZ2zQJbUAcaEZAybf5FIeXUUTzskeZtGnLUDvQUq9VL_3GeGbxekKokaOxZYTN-zyaJMeXPDMdOChcN7e6LylYExI5b9xuhVwc-r79E/s1600-h/9p+spring+from+on+lower+slopes+of+Overdale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111241606901286034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNRZC1cfrxmWiUk1R4U7VvW2TS9YdehoIslYCKZ2zQJbUAcaEZAybf5FIeXUUTzskeZtGnLUDvQUq9VL_3GeGbxekKokaOxZYTN-zyaJMeXPDMdOChcN7e6LylYExI5b9xuhVwc-r79E/s320/9p+spring+from+on+lower+slopes+of+Overdale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the springs emerging from their limestone source beneath our feet...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirckW53S4lrRYUhBWX7dXfw7uEGft3KyNaOPRHbwFzljTTuRNv01ZyjZfbA-by5dVzlBj7HywjPTyOPc1lyPBzxS-Ns0mjDrV1BB97RPVO1epUne-Xi86rqY41WkRtKvwStd67z-gilwU/s1600-h/9n+Pendle+Hill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111241456577430658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirckW53S4lrRYUhBWX7dXfw7uEGft3KyNaOPRHbwFzljTTuRNv01ZyjZfbA-by5dVzlBj7HywjPTyOPc1lyPBzxS-Ns0mjDrV1BB97RPVO1epUne-Xi86rqY41WkRtKvwStd67z-gilwU/s320/9n+Pendle+Hill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and Pendle Hill grows slowly nearer, albeit shrouded in mist as usual.<br /><br />There are, of course, a number of walls, still mostly with locked gates nearby so we are really getting fed up with hauling the poor dog over, putting her as well as us at risk of sprained ankles in trying to negotiate safe passage...<br /><br />Another impassable stile for an old dog...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6WNcL8fs0N9z-1q_ekljt4PWGeCixIiTj_P1cfnse4fvMVlypLppQ-jQj-A2qUBYPoYZbAiPSVpY6QHY3smqsh6yVvK1KPNYSFYMFoVqc3DmQbses7l3NdYJQWcWRl6rW1AMWmvbfjA/s1600-h/9r+trying+to+teach+an+old+dog+new+tricks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111232385606501474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6WNcL8fs0N9z-1q_ekljt4PWGeCixIiTj_P1cfnse4fvMVlypLppQ-jQj-A2qUBYPoYZbAiPSVpY6QHY3smqsh6yVvK1KPNYSFYMFoVqc3DmQbses7l3NdYJQWcWRl6rW1AMWmvbfjA/s320/9r+trying+to+teach+an+old+dog+new+tricks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...who's <em>trying</em> to learn new tricks!<br /><br />The last part of today's walk along the Ribble Way opens out before us: Stainforth just below the hill is today's destination, and Settle can be seen in the middle distance as the Ribble carries on beyond Stainforth towards our destination next week: Wigglesworth!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6k4aYvI3LD4NijvHPVzDBDTmU9WV74AGYybc7M7eUY4IX5HAq5zUj-lys3SYj5pygYrjDJyv9rS0lwy5zzy0ml-LjoFN_dnX2X-MgxzgcRHZGEPN-MUlm4esU3ZADuHrkPzw8EH1RTU/s1600-h/9t+the+last+leg,+Stainforth+below+with+Settle+in+the+middle+distance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111232192332973138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6k4aYvI3LD4NijvHPVzDBDTmU9WV74AGYybc7M7eUY4IX5HAq5zUj-lys3SYj5pygYrjDJyv9rS0lwy5zzy0ml-LjoFN_dnX2X-MgxzgcRHZGEPN-MUlm4esU3ZADuHrkPzw8EH1RTU/s320/9t+the+last+leg,+Stainforth+below+with+Settle+in+the+middle+distance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Whilst we have passed sections of fell which have been replanted with native trees...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3KcO1_1r41FHa1ggXms50OW3RLbc8EcJg7bIj6z2ZuC_-4jAWCD0pNErILVvdxFQWLkGnm7MovkPF0VyAVO0uzgwSTPouawdp3WFgkrgpEDXzwWI9G_UdDJp97ohQFvqMJhq8cYiHqg/s1600-h/9q+reforestation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111240485914821746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3KcO1_1r41FHa1ggXms50OW3RLbc8EcJg7bIj6z2ZuC_-4jAWCD0pNErILVvdxFQWLkGnm7MovkPF0VyAVO0uzgwSTPouawdp3WFgkrgpEDXzwWI9G_UdDJp97ohQFvqMJhq8cYiHqg/s320/9q+reforestation.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...many of the fells above the Ribble are cultivated almost to the tops, mainly for sheep grazing...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl-AlFx_2Xfj8ILBFjIZGV0efP4JqIkQOx_As_gd_sp-8U-J7-fEXooeyQwr06HiCSo02ojHYmy1EELfTQ2L6OAcxzAA6g6zeDEu_ImhlqdjNK9xOsf_yulPLnlzzuVc5MRu-myiMMpU/s1600-h/9u+cultivated+landscape.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111232084958790722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcl-AlFx_2Xfj8ILBFjIZGV0efP4JqIkQOx_As_gd_sp-8U-J7-fEXooeyQwr06HiCSo02ojHYmy1EELfTQ2L6OAcxzAA6g6zeDEu_ImhlqdjNK9xOsf_yulPLnlzzuVc5MRu-myiMMpU/s320/9u+cultivated+landscape.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...although pockets of the ancient woodlands which used to cover the entire area still remain...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBPCt9mEPr-yfoQJkzcF3qO-YQwwTUSQYGcUipDOoJ3H8MszN7aKzJUdthhZVTbNUcjPsMYuxmHNZ7t8CIZToHnDLTkfyZa-urfu3-ZnvveMDcSK5ipzgTx4UjAjM8-CDqZIz2y0Dbag/s1600-h/9v+pockets+of+ancient+woodland+survive.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111231977584608306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBPCt9mEPr-yfoQJkzcF3qO-YQwwTUSQYGcUipDOoJ3H8MszN7aKzJUdthhZVTbNUcjPsMYuxmHNZ7t8CIZToHnDLTkfyZa-urfu3-ZnvveMDcSK5ipzgTx4UjAjM8-CDqZIz2y0Dbag/s320/9v+pockets+of+ancient+woodland+survive.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...usually in those difficult-to-reach places for human or sheep!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZvrIY_4uwlWsSlIDzXtbt74e6ME-Eca7WhiX6iUqpUl2d0lEZa4MZHcHlgndr68Y5Y4QWJsuSetRQurONK6P-YyuPojTnyn6pfT7FrH4Bf8mBRucevSrKaDaWhEisKzeznUAiFak1l8/s1600-h/9w+where+geography+restricts+cultivation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111231891685262370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZvrIY_4uwlWsSlIDzXtbt74e6ME-Eca7WhiX6iUqpUl2d0lEZa4MZHcHlgndr68Y5Y4QWJsuSetRQurONK6P-YyuPojTnyn6pfT7FrH4Bf8mBRucevSrKaDaWhEisKzeznUAiFak1l8/s320/9w+where+geography+restricts+cultivation.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Although the Ribble itself is often bordered by woodlands, both ancient and more recent...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNIQpOoRmHrajbMZoWmHyRc_38gFF5JHq4mSOpH5GDLvr7I7TEmeFyFU7iRoVuYJjcALusRlcgcGCu-NSX2D0g7ZuWpq6TiZvh1xM0jvSUa3tVixCVbwBOA5PhxQE1wtWuJn3nAI-SRY/s1600-h/9x+especially+by+the+Ribble+itself.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111231775721145362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNIQpOoRmHrajbMZoWmHyRc_38gFF5JHq4mSOpH5GDLvr7I7TEmeFyFU7iRoVuYJjcALusRlcgcGCu-NSX2D0g7ZuWpq6TiZvh1xM0jvSUa3tVixCVbwBOA5PhxQE1wtWuJn3nAI-SRY/s320/9x+especially+by+the+Ribble+itself.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and this is true right into South Ribble and Preston, as we'll see later on in the year, when we'll get a closer look at some of the ancient woodlands which still run alongside the Ribble as they have for countless centuries.<br /><br />In the meantime, Stainforth and Settle lie in an incredibly beautiful valley on the Ribble...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmhyphenhyphen2HbHnVYVbFsy-EaEIS299hfEHHbYpTm2qHkVouSNPZyfue9__zTVETt7_Mb2F6808p9XxgPbUAMSnNEZfw0qtKGQzFXxt9Uq90LH6qgWZ-a90bvrH-kfL0qkuDwJ519WjVC-Hb40/s1600-h/9y+Stainforth+&+Settle+in+the+beautiful+Ribble+valley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111231629692257282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmhyphenhyphen2HbHnVYVbFsy-EaEIS299hfEHHbYpTm2qHkVouSNPZyfue9__zTVETt7_Mb2F6808p9XxgPbUAMSnNEZfw0qtKGQzFXxt9Uq90LH6qgWZ-a90bvrH-kfL0qkuDwJ519WjVC-Hb40/s320/9y+Stainforth+%26+Settle+in+the+beautiful+Ribble+valley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and we pause to enjoy this marvelous vista before continuing on down the hill.<br /><br />The last stile of the day is an unusual one...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJOehLIemv91mtr8uBnZyCKudwOq5ElDkvlVJaHXtmcFVE78yh19qwqhiqOUr72jutU0NBrlUkUGlpRrlBpikrNbIzZtcAWjRNQC0e3swKnVih-e1ZeXmNiQUFbUQK4vz6wGWTyyEyHI/s1600-h/9z+an+unusual+stile.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111230783583699954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJOehLIemv91mtr8uBnZyCKudwOq5ElDkvlVJaHXtmcFVE78yh19qwqhiqOUr72jutU0NBrlUkUGlpRrlBpikrNbIzZtcAWjRNQC0e3swKnVih-e1ZeXmNiQUFbUQK4vz6wGWTyyEyHI/s320/9z+an+unusual+stile.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... which Muddy is particularly pleased with, but which presents its own challenges...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjtqPC3venXE9HU7DWo2MawNMcg3lwgT3YmmJDQxqB7ZtOEldnAkWCu8Mtika3wAx98hLmsKkJypH_I6DlVoPGYgTfbPULmsdOEeZLW2kdQ9gaiXAUWldCmsPGW5SFdrRu3MuYxPcfpQ/s1600-h/9z+creates+different+challenges.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111230663324615650" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjtqPC3venXE9HU7DWo2MawNMcg3lwgT3YmmJDQxqB7ZtOEldnAkWCu8Mtika3wAx98hLmsKkJypH_I6DlVoPGYgTfbPULmsdOEeZLW2kdQ9gaiXAUWldCmsPGW5SFdrRu3MuYxPcfpQ/s320/9z+creates+different+challenges.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And only after we've all crawled through and set off down the final few hundred yards to the gate to the village do we turn and see a huge gap in the wall further along where we could all have ambled through quite happily!<br /><br />Still, at least the gate into the village was easy to open...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjWcDlqAaO7sTimCychnWVNxnNWh8WtLjOp3ffyY4vqPVUkpXQ1XdBYqAg9hvzFV5jMzc3B2ykKG8efxdZQEXYf9fniNoXKhtnW-NbclDW9VnIGO5P378w_-hvcVl5O8xVBzv3bbU5z8/s1600-h/9z+Stainforth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111229675482137554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjWcDlqAaO7sTimCychnWVNxnNWh8WtLjOp3ffyY4vqPVUkpXQ1XdBYqAg9hvzFV5jMzc3B2ykKG8efxdZQEXYf9fniNoXKhtnW-NbclDW9VnIGO5P378w_-hvcVl5O8xVBzv3bbU5z8/s320/9z+Stainforth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Stainforth at last.<br /><br />We have only walked about 6 miles along the Ribble Way today but it has been a Grand Day Out once again...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13M7kL3IkjauKcOgoXapUn6cIl5hQ_YBFtf22iZUMWJRRpkHh1M8VYNX839CvHciyldij9JsEOROdNe53D0Li2Sx9uZ4ZryZwR8JyldQIhCjJYvUOQo0_qcCqrPvCg5Ah8tb1duCcd1M/s1600-h/9z+let+sleeping+dogs+have+a+well-earned+rest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5111229417784099778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13M7kL3IkjauKcOgoXapUn6cIl5hQ_YBFtf22iZUMWJRRpkHh1M8VYNX839CvHciyldij9JsEOROdNe53D0Li2Sx9uZ4ZryZwR8JyldQIhCjJYvUOQo0_qcCqrPvCg5Ah8tb1duCcd1M/s320/9z+let+sleeping+dogs+have+a+well-earned+rest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the dog has had her day!<br /><br />You can read our previous Adventures on <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">The Ribble Way Part 1: Search for the Source</a>...<br />... and <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-2-spot-ribble.html">Part 2, From Gearstones to Horton: "Spot The Ribble"</a><br /><br />and you can continue your journey on the next part of our Ribble Way adventures - <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/10/ribble-way-part-4-stainforth-to.html">from Stainforth to Wigglesworth</a>!<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-71202112247789062882007-09-10T23:50:00.000+01:002007-10-10T09:57:50.291+01:00The Ribble Way Part 2: Spot the Ribble.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpJMjmCahBOkc2eECW9T6LUQ8IxK3Pg11hssOwlgH5PAWdGLssfkpD-8RQqeMCYvofVxSeuTFsyZSgjbtHW07zoql6qJrFeOuDRvvnnlg5aVTc0Yvmd4x6rP97Oj_UELOTnOL4bLLhO8/s1600-h/1r+Ribble+Way+from+Gearstones+to+Horton+in+Ribblesdale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108734910980957586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpJMjmCahBOkc2eECW9T6LUQ8IxK3Pg11hssOwlgH5PAWdGLssfkpD-8RQqeMCYvofVxSeuTFsyZSgjbtHW07zoql6qJrFeOuDRvvnnlg5aVTc0Yvmd4x6rP97Oj_UELOTnOL4bLLhO8/s320/1r+Ribble+Way+from+Gearstones+to+Horton+in+Ribblesdale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Ribble Way from Gearstones to Horton-in-Ribblesdale.<br /><br /><strong>As we head back up to Ribblehead to begin the second part of our Ribble Way adventures in the first week of September, the weather is considerably less promising than the previous week’s walk to find </strong><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html"><strong>the source of the Ribble</strong></a><strong>. It is raining quite enthusiastically and the clouds are low and grey, promising neither a pleasurable walk nor spectacular views…<br /></strong><br />Even as we pass Pendle Hill on our way up the A59, we have to remind ourselves that this significant geological presence IS somewhere beneath a shroud of low cloud which completely hides it from view.<br /><br />We park one car at Horton-in-Ribblesdale and all squeeze in to the van for the drive up to Gearstones at Ribblehead: the start of stage 2 of our journey down the Ribble Way. On the way up the B6479 we stop at Alum Pot for the first of our planned two diversions (although the day ends with two other unexpected diversions, one of which narrowly avoids resulting in an unpleasant injury of a delicate nature…)<br /><br />First stop Alum Pot: we pile out of the van and trudge up the path through rain and grey clouds, and half way along I realise my camera is still in the van. I decide not to return to get it, not at all in relief at having thereby avoided the necessity of peering too far over the edge to get a good shot of the drop into the Pot, <em>honest</em>…<br /><br />It is a pleasant few minutes walk up the track and across the moor to Alum Pot - although the walk introduces us to the first of a series of stile problems which plague us for the rest of the day: the stile here is a narrow stone gap in the wall which the dog is unceremoniously bundled through with much laughter and spraying of pureed sheep poo all over those of us foolish enough to try to help her…<br /><br />At Alum Pot, the stile is practically non-existent, so the dog is secured to the safe side of the wall and the rest of us clamber over the wall one at a time: the children, the blasé, and the petrified amongst the party warn one another about the steep drop and very slippery rocks and tree roots lining the drop into the Pot…<br />One by one we edge our way along the lower path to peer into the Pot before realising we’d get a better and safer view from the higher path which follows the wall along to the right, so we all shuffle back again and climb back up to the higher ledge, where we kneel on the roots and cling one at a time to the reassuringly large tree overhanging the drop to peer over as far as we dare. An impressive but wholeheartedly scary sight meets our eyes as the water roars down into the wet, dark and VERY deep chasm below us.<br /><br />On the way back down to the van we pass a party of cavers heading up to the Pot and congratulate ourselves on our collective and totally sane preference for the freezing wind- and rain-lashed open fells rather than squeezing ourselves into those limestone straightjackets and underground sumps…<br /><br />That said, we all damply compress ourselves back into the van and head up to Gearstones to park where we left off last week. Voting to picnic in the van before setting off doesn’t make us softies either – we might prefer the great outdoors to squeezing ourselves into tight-fitting limestone coffins in the bowels of the earth but we all stoically endured the ordeal of hard-boiled eggs in a tightly-packed van and emerged blinking into the rain and fresh air feeling we had discovered extra resources in our character we hadn’t realised we possessed.<br /><br />The rain eased off quite a bit as we set off down the Ribble Way from Gearstones, and we quickly arrive at Gayle Beck as it carries on its way to becoming the River Ribble.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04_mAOFWXIOqfEvOL6Z18CLVhjJrZEssOfh8ZqFDp1B-NbXwV-s9w6eyABNFeD9XY3pUiVa6M5BAqXYTTSgk8D0G-xySGsYQB-utur0iU0i_Jv4TIxwTADj-fUhQUqyKOANHKUeWVbs4/s1600-h/1c+Gayle+Beck+at+Gearstones,+looking+upstream+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108734318275470706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04_mAOFWXIOqfEvOL6Z18CLVhjJrZEssOfh8ZqFDp1B-NbXwV-s9w6eyABNFeD9XY3pUiVa6M5BAqXYTTSgk8D0G-xySGsYQB-utur0iU0i_Jv4TIxwTADj-fUhQUqyKOANHKUeWVbs4/s320/1c+Gayle+Beck+at+Gearstones,+looking+upstream+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Walking across Gayle Beck even at low water below Gearstones is a tricky business as the sculptured limestone rock of the riverbed is treacherously slippery...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHWbS65CzUO6X1gKmH63QswqlP7QniD4vHiXlkk61K6pv1KIRmJiolT95Eu42OwHBhyphenhyphenUdoxCFqF3sV3ESXwsdUJDFFZ4b1ejb7_HGPnzuVcj0knW5dktKhECgRmunHezkLE3iBrmQJuI/s1600-h/1d+watch+your+step.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108734636103050626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHWbS65CzUO6X1gKmH63QswqlP7QniD4vHiXlkk61K6pv1KIRmJiolT95Eu42OwHBhyphenhyphenUdoxCFqF3sV3ESXwsdUJDFFZ4b1ejb7_HGPnzuVcj0knW5dktKhECgRmunHezkLE3iBrmQJuI/s320/1d+watch+your+step.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and only after we have safely crawled over by wedging fingers, toes, knees, and teeth into any hand-hold we can do we turn and see the footbridge which crosses over the Beck just a few yards downstream. Well, you can’t SEE the bridge until you’ve crossed over as it’s around the corner of the wall running below the farm. Mind you, it looks a little untrustworthy too, so Ribble Way walkers here are rather stuck between a rickety bridge and a slippery rocky place…<br />We walk up across and round the Western edges of Thack Pot Ridge and Middle Hill, and the Ribble Way then curves down to what’s left of a small settlement of farm buildings in a beautiful little grove at the Eastern side of High Flat Hill.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHlRAT_RnQVknH7uA6XFwZ4vKC8oubVLCYKzcacPBQ5bLeiA3DvXeGAR7Tf1fNfICNyaUSkqjM0XWyeC4muZyrwwvpmWNBHvmwPG3oXW9pRMbFa8xsNLmOftzvVB7zC3vnpePTMVQkvk/s1600-h/1u+wet+fells.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108735198743766466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHlRAT_RnQVknH7uA6XFwZ4vKC8oubVLCYKzcacPBQ5bLeiA3DvXeGAR7Tf1fNfICNyaUSkqjM0XWyeC4muZyrwwvpmWNBHvmwPG3oXW9pRMbFa8xsNLmOftzvVB7zC3vnpePTMVQkvk/s320/1u+wet+fells.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's still wet and overcast, but the fells look beautiful whatever the weather...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPy0yeKUOH3F5V1IN6UzML1lIGN-Jo0wETfxmDYmuoq8MJpqi4fxG10sJ6yUosRKVRIPmfhU8vJEM_kRtXztfqqPZht-_lbW6Y_irF9ZAOaNLJAPM4ZKIWnXEb7DEuZXx3hK89yt-N-o/s1600-h/1t+wet+and+rather+bleak.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108735108549453234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPy0yeKUOH3F5V1IN6UzML1lIGN-Jo0wETfxmDYmuoq8MJpqi4fxG10sJ6yUosRKVRIPmfhU8vJEM_kRtXztfqqPZht-_lbW6Y_irF9ZAOaNLJAPM4ZKIWnXEb7DEuZXx3hK89yt-N-o/s320/1t+wet+and+rather+bleak.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqEIv1-mzW26lE6jzDhxiUHGjx2Ghm3mLxmpp6dDoInZA3jmaKusG2DmeNTMXC0MKq1Nn7L2hXjZ_PnVKuYRhd8_8oeQ6QOqpEFEQHUODXkNEEm3daaNxKyVYqlIHh-gaw_vckI702a8/s1600-h/1o+Ribblehead+viaduct+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108734975405467042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqEIv1-mzW26lE6jzDhxiUHGjx2Ghm3mLxmpp6dDoInZA3jmaKusG2DmeNTMXC0MKq1Nn7L2hXjZ_PnVKuYRhd8_8oeQ6QOqpEFEQHUODXkNEEm3daaNxKyVYqlIHh-gaw_vckI702a8/s320/1o+Ribblehead+viaduct+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and you get a good view of the viaduct from this first section of the journey.<br /><br />Most of the buildings near high Flat Hill have pretty much fallen into rubble although those which still have walls and roofs look to have been in use in more recent decades. Here the Ribble Way takes a sharp turn to the South East at the side of the first building on the left, but we are heading straight-on Westwards for our second planned diversion from the Ribble Way…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKZOkwJWU859t3nHA1DABnflyh18txHX00_I0Zjruq9778VlcHpkEJecVBx-6PB5W5Ygd1k-uZ71Dwon9DMzDczHPhmEjzPh0pxjTEVpYzwSmzpEeSqncjrNgisS3QQjwRDCkjlzqkF0/s1600-h/2g+glimpses+of+Whernside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108735950363043282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKZOkwJWU859t3nHA1DABnflyh18txHX00_I0Zjruq9778VlcHpkEJecVBx-6PB5W5Ygd1k-uZ71Dwon9DMzDczHPhmEjzPh0pxjTEVpYzwSmzpEeSqncjrNgisS3QQjwRDCkjlzqkF0/s320/2g+glimpses+of+Whernside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...which gives glimpses of Whernside when the low cloud allows it!<br /><br />Following the footpath which heads full West to cross Gayle Beck here, we pass to the North of High Flat Hill and cross what is initially rolling green moor strewn with sheep and the remains of several old buildings before it becomes rolling green moor strewn with incongruous limestone boulders, left here for us to marvel over by the last glacier to pass this way…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdw75PgITSh56tphC8RH2kv-ibTlGITJIgospxH7hEEEq0xtZJF41HCPgCWDUFWczbu8Ly0zRCuYmXddTgJewekmlYNHos2isOlb1A0w9PG926-y15yjyqsTSCC7-0Q3h2KkHrB88-iQM/s1600-h/2zzx+limestone+boulders+above+Ribblehead+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108737479371400722" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdw75PgITSh56tphC8RH2kv-ibTlGITJIgospxH7hEEEq0xtZJF41HCPgCWDUFWczbu8Ly0zRCuYmXddTgJewekmlYNHos2isOlb1A0w9PG926-y15yjyqsTSCC7-0Q3h2KkHrB88-iQM/s320/2zzx+limestone+boulders+above+Ribblehead+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Continuing to head West, we reach Gayle Beck after only half a mile where the footpath is carried over the water by the remaining small stone arch of a tiny footbridge, perched impossibly in the air above the Beck.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ertzo0j7t8p0sdOhW51cm19qrXfXT-IAKbbDV91iyp_60s8dYlwRj9ZUu8eV_TBfVp56Io1xlJ77rD8iWpNyMYfoZcDhJGRQvSXn9KLCZenhecvzGvPgw8BSDQxG1z0BrIRQWFDCldQ/s1600-h/2v+Gayle+Beck+cutting+through+to+Ribblehead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108736422809445858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ertzo0j7t8p0sdOhW51cm19qrXfXT-IAKbbDV91iyp_60s8dYlwRj9ZUu8eV_TBfVp56Io1xlJ77rD8iWpNyMYfoZcDhJGRQvSXn9KLCZenhecvzGvPgw8BSDQxG1z0BrIRQWFDCldQ/s320/2v+Gayle+Beck+cutting+through+to+Ribblehead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzBiVdAc3H5Wf3toSYX2heMO1-iEw18OipULwDFRPXgg6WCIBjaivbWgaZ8FM45Q6PAolW5aGORQXbYQTEWY10MHcHOxw72uI73GFm1k2nxBPpqnn_gQqVDCUxmVpgLDRoi2-NtHmJuY/s1600-h/2r+old+arch+of+bridge+over+Gayle+Beck+at+ribblehead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108737152953886210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzBiVdAc3H5Wf3toSYX2heMO1-iEw18OipULwDFRPXgg6WCIBjaivbWgaZ8FM45Q6PAolW5aGORQXbYQTEWY10MHcHOxw72uI73GFm1k2nxBPpqnn_gQqVDCUxmVpgLDRoi2-NtHmJuY/s320/2r+old+arch+of+bridge+over+Gayle+Beck+at+ribblehead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Gayle Beck has cut a fantastic gorge through the limestone rocks here, giving pause for thought about the forces of the Ribble’s waters even at this early stage in its life – before it is even officially named the Ribble proper.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUDvuOQubbIahR9Xh-TkYy2PVhNW2-wolVYvGsCv0TzHjcNkYmrp81K_3jKnw4fbJT3svz8FSPBAjy534jc5vMylg75qCRm5ElG5dXMNzQCPeVgQT7rFm16PfQD72VamIeEmQwmpVu4A/s1600-h/2y+Gayle+Beck+cuts+a+limestone+gorge+to+Ribblehead+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108736723457156594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUDvuOQubbIahR9Xh-TkYy2PVhNW2-wolVYvGsCv0TzHjcNkYmrp81K_3jKnw4fbJT3svz8FSPBAjy534jc5vMylg75qCRm5ElG5dXMNzQCPeVgQT7rFm16PfQD72VamIeEmQwmpVu4A/s320/2y+Gayle+Beck+cuts+a+limestone+gorge+to+Ribblehead+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We leave the footpath and follow the Beck further downstream a few metres until it finds its way out of the gorge onto the valley bottom.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhEr1y53RizrDQMptRq7JSm3hVFa5LzaafYZy1NGlHgC0Re9h7zxN4nuWz66YslezfqFbsO52Adb5fxEtVn9pYZ89i_HkcHLa23guuCxynKxXRDukx4jf532zvXEy7W4cwJybj2WgTHg/s1600-h/2zx+Gayle+Beck+emerges+into+a+wide,+deep+pool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108737767134209570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhEr1y53RizrDQMptRq7JSm3hVFa5LzaafYZy1NGlHgC0Re9h7zxN4nuWz66YslezfqFbsO52Adb5fxEtVn9pYZ89i_HkcHLa23guuCxynKxXRDukx4jf532zvXEy7W4cwJybj2WgTHg/s320/2zx+Gayle+Beck+emerges+into+a+wide,+deep+pool.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Gayle Beck emerges into a wide and very deep pool -<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixswtHq0cIxCANE5MM6jag1eOm8-C5KqeZSUqTLBJc8kuD5q0xsIj4kqiCFhebAwR87qAc_rTBfdFCU295r_6VpNMcu7kIuH17BX273p8SbF8dL7f3HAgULaS6Bym0Gprt0J2OuhNvjko/s1600-h/2zzg+Muddy+at+Ribblehead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108738480098780738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixswtHq0cIxCANE5MM6jag1eOm8-C5KqeZSUqTLBJc8kuD5q0xsIj4kqiCFhebAwR87qAc_rTBfdFCU295r_6VpNMcu7kIuH17BX273p8SbF8dL7f3HAgULaS6Bym0Gprt0J2OuhNvjko/s320/2zzg+Muddy+at+Ribblehead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />-which Muddy just can't resist!<br /><br />This is just below Ribble Head House, about a mile away from the old Ribblehead settlement, and we feel we can’t be alone in seeing this water as the beginning of the River Ribble proper as it flows out from its limestone gorge into the river valley which opens out before it…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapC4kSHSvYk00raYYOVw66zwjQmQ11BHRblzk_uSvw2fsJI6N4FUdLX_jhCf763VuhthqfEbeddWBW69uHXHFcft2l8x2K8SZEGd3e6H7RgYhXaUYmVFo-SJoQD86tg_Fy2W0yttJfmI/s1600-h/2zzp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108738162271200818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapC4kSHSvYk00raYYOVw66zwjQmQ11BHRblzk_uSvw2fsJI6N4FUdLX_jhCf763VuhthqfEbeddWBW69uHXHFcft2l8x2K8SZEGd3e6H7RgYhXaUYmVFo-SJoQD86tg_Fy2W0yttJfmI/s320/2zzp.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We spend a good while exploring and marvelling over the area before we head back the way we came to rejoin the Ribble Way once more…<br /><br /><strong>It is a great shame that the Ribble Way doesn’t follow this route as the gorge and Gayle Beck/the Ribble here at Ribblehead is truly beautiful, and well worth a diversion.<br /></strong><br />Back on the Ribble Way, it now passes in a South-Easterly direction across Back Hools Hill, Thorns Moss, and below Crutchin Gill Rigg and Lings Gill Rigg to Nether Lodge, with our party having to negotiate a number of difficult stiles as well as good map-reading skills due to the lack of Ribble Way signs and obvious stiles along the way.<br /><br />We find ourselves playing Spot The Ribble from here on as the River Ribble (in pre-pubescent Gayle Beck form or otherwise) proves a rare sight for the rest of the day as the Ribble Way leaves the water behind to scale the heights of the Western moors of Plover Hill and Pen-y-ghent.<br /><br />The party have mixed feelings about the Ribble Way leaving the waters we have come to explore so far behind them on some parts of our route – and for the vast majority of today’s journey! Some of us feel that it is nowt but an irritation to be diverted up hill and over dale (not to mention over the most awkward stiles ever devised by mischievous imps who clearly wish nothing more than an overwhelming urge that none shall pass!) whilst some of the party feel the Ribble Way necessarily includes the Ribble valley... and it is true that passing across the fells all along the Ribble Way from Gearstones to Horton we do get some spectacular views – even despite the less-than-perfect weather…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7qjY1UWE_KgybqbzcgW6ET72tNzqxqw5EJ8DhjpYP5ucp4w66kBaPk5VLvUiYzjhG1UZ4tafQFBT2bWJpAxwLdtA0Q8M-_9UJFnfyWlvmkVhgwCZM22fcAgO_fNaUDhlp5y1XKsJaIM/s1600-h/3h+The+Ribble+as+Gayle+Beck+makes+its+way+down+the+valley+bottom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108739686984590946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7qjY1UWE_KgybqbzcgW6ET72tNzqxqw5EJ8DhjpYP5ucp4w66kBaPk5VLvUiYzjhG1UZ4tafQFBT2bWJpAxwLdtA0Q8M-_9UJFnfyWlvmkVhgwCZM22fcAgO_fNaUDhlp5y1XKsJaIM/s320/3h+The+Ribble+as+Gayle+Beck+makes+its+way+down+the+valley+bottom.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Ribble - as Gayle Beck still - makes its way down the valley...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6gRzDq0f1kNIxyHJDwuFxVt7E1GfZ989_yBUqynYgfwFYvOA8FXU2MTAwmlaQGasveQYNU5Z3J55gXYMh8WBd-xK6AwHP9els6ik7bsAxHCUXo_vBZwhY-B6iq6J0flcBmJj1IMYw0U/s1600-h/3i+heading+towards+Selside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108739768588969586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6gRzDq0f1kNIxyHJDwuFxVt7E1GfZ989_yBUqynYgfwFYvOA8FXU2MTAwmlaQGasveQYNU5Z3J55gXYMh8WBd-xK6AwHP9els6ik7bsAxHCUXo_vBZwhY-B6iq6J0flcBmJj1IMYw0U/s320/3i+heading+towards+Selside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...towards Selside and its meeting with Cam Beck...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXlnAmP4rJ9mcnxWVtBhfIGoHY0agJQf_mTJqefvYd4_lU4-8NGoOVmtEEwE8Y6_v4-94HrD_hEVHJ8h-F6_gYCZaeslPcgFRoZabcYhAj0_GxPT9idoPUGyXutSErrbswpupGpiOemY/s1600-h/3b+brief+glimpse+of+Pen-y-ghent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108739493711062610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXlnAmP4rJ9mcnxWVtBhfIGoHY0agJQf_mTJqefvYd4_lU4-8NGoOVmtEEwE8Y6_v4-94HrD_hEVHJ8h-F6_gYCZaeslPcgFRoZabcYhAj0_GxPT9idoPUGyXutSErrbswpupGpiOemY/s320/3b+brief+glimpse+of+Pen-y-ghent.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...running between Pen-y-ghent...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZiUp5Rt3kmveRIdH6vR6qigNDCDC-xUpG06tl-Evonz5zI3pWLrQVXOtfK4zt5YsHJZZYDKVUBY68edexwNdIDFAUk9vGmDP-BMGxIaogzLVYt0gKbCSiEzwgpKrUNfl-BsXwDNq-TM/s1600-h/5g+Ingleborough.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108733863008937314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ZiUp5Rt3kmveRIdH6vR6qigNDCDC-xUpG06tl-Evonz5zI3pWLrQVXOtfK4zt5YsHJZZYDKVUBY68edexwNdIDFAUk9vGmDP-BMGxIaogzLVYt0gKbCSiEzwgpKrUNfl-BsXwDNq-TM/s320/5g+Ingleborough.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Ingleborough.<br /><br />At Nether Lodge the welcome sight of Cam Beck with a nice new footbridge crossing is a relief to us as well as the dog, who is doubtless as fed up at the unceremonious heaving over and through numerous unfriendly stiles as we are fed up with having to stagger up and over everything from 2 metre high over-wall ladder stiles to rickety wire-covered wooden structures whilst clutching walking sticks and heavy wet dog.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ik6yu1YNJMTAuqLxS8qj0hqpcwOVePQdh8W20fNOWm8g7UROI2cJL7bIY8kYDQhXMS7mooBemyyjzL8TPU9VK-gMkfq0sDL5Ubno-1eiWu7SgO5bYC29gcfQAPtDy-h1PnVexXpozw/s1600-h/4b+Cam+Beck+at+Nether+Lodge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108739983337334402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ik6yu1YNJMTAuqLxS8qj0hqpcwOVePQdh8W20fNOWm8g7UROI2cJL7bIY8kYDQhXMS7mooBemyyjzL8TPU9VK-gMkfq0sDL5Ubno-1eiWu7SgO5bYC29gcfQAPtDy-h1PnVexXpozw/s320/4b+Cam+Beck+at+Nether+Lodge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Why are most of the gates padlocked? Why do none of the stiles have dog-friendly access? Why do none of the stiles have dodgy-knee-with-a-walking-stick friendly access???<br /><br /><strong><em>Unfortunately access problems are about to get a lot worse…<br /></em></strong><br />We cross Cam Beck (which appears to undergo an identity crisis according to the map as it flows down from Cam Fell as Cam Beck, disappears underground North-East of Nether Lodge where it appears to become Ling Gill Beck, before becoming Cam Beck once more somewhere around Nether Lodge…) and head up the well-gravelled path across Cow Close towards God’s Bridge… little realising just how Close those "cows" will be!<br />As we approach the crest of the moor just before Brow Gill Beck, we hear a loud bellowing from up ahead which becomes louder and rather more intimidating as we grow steadily nearer and nearer… then as we reach the crest we all stop dead as one, stopped in our tracks by the somewhat intimidating sight of 2 huge bulls, one of which is bellowing and charging around in a rather disconcerting fashion. After several minutes wondering whether it’s possible – let alone wise! – to attempt to negotiate a safe passage, and having visions of having to flap the map like a matador’s cape at the bull while everyone else legs it, we reluctantly but sensibly turn back towards Nether Lodge.<br /><br />Here we take what turns out to be an initially very pleasant if unplanned detour, following Cam Beck as it flows South to meet Gayle Beck and officially become the Ribble at last…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEh6UbbHYK7P1PjBSXqL2cfFtA3-nAGKH8U_SvnKa0u0jgbC5mUVxlLDh3dhC7YlpgGGW8EDSjQLd0opxryzNRt9Z_qN3Ie0XJFqdKmNAH4I8dwKcEDnA6wEc3vDZVV8SuImSQflfqtw/s1600-h/4e+this+gate+by+Cam+Beck+below+Nether+Lodge+less+of+a+problem.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108740949704976018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEh6UbbHYK7P1PjBSXqL2cfFtA3-nAGKH8U_SvnKa0u0jgbC5mUVxlLDh3dhC7YlpgGGW8EDSjQLd0opxryzNRt9Z_qN3Ie0XJFqdKmNAH4I8dwKcEDnA6wEc3vDZVV8SuImSQflfqtw/s320/4e+this+gate+by+Cam+Beck+below+Nether+Lodge+less+of+a+problem.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…but this week we do not pass as far down as the Ribble, but follow Cam Beck for over a mile as it wends its way before our footpath curves away from Cam Beck towards Coppy Gill.<br /><br />At Coppy Gill we turn North-East and follow the footpath up to High Birkwith to rejoin the Ribble Way below Dismal Hill.<br />Some aspects of this part of our journey become very Dismal indeed as this section from Coppy Gill to above High Birkwith proves to be “interesting” for all the wrong reasons…<br /><br />First of all, an adult in the party, whose life-time ambition of keeping all his bodily parts well and truly attached nearly came a cropper when the stile crossing the wire fence just below High Birkwith proved to be completely unattached to its frame, collapsing beneath him and bringing the wire of said fence uncomfortably close…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NzMagotGB6pSbVJfsgm5FFuptDLUsKSdyNzExih6dieIzJDZUHZlG7tGwu8x5cYshf1zgGUvKh-PTANsnAMkKNCRu6tSGDR32mg8ducTSMrF2D9RXC821y7lRPy7NtxGQl9AXXecMdI/s1600-h/5b+boobytrap+stile+on+footpath+below+High+Birkwith.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108733231648744770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NzMagotGB6pSbVJfsgm5FFuptDLUsKSdyNzExih6dieIzJDZUHZlG7tGwu8x5cYshf1zgGUvKh-PTANsnAMkKNCRu6tSGDR32mg8ducTSMrF2D9RXC821y7lRPy7NtxGQl9AXXecMdI/s320/5b+boobytrap+stile+on+footpath+below+High+Birkwith.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then a 10 year old in the party had her life-time’s ambition to see a fox in the wild fulfilled in the worst possible way as we were met with the sight of a beautiful young fox strung up on the gate at High Birkwith.<br /><br />Dismal Hill began to feel really dismal...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs7Z4p9NYjiumAUg9sZL4gwONcM409BfBwI8dY4IiFoohYA7mrvXxxRKvBLdrWqOPYDBJagd28eGhP8F-Oh7n-BAafojKF2pbXgFwOcMdk8ECdb0K5IT727v5GRaoe0NxVvfKBk5s0Zo/s1600-h/5e+Dismal+Hill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108733661145474386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs7Z4p9NYjiumAUg9sZL4gwONcM409BfBwI8dY4IiFoohYA7mrvXxxRKvBLdrWqOPYDBJagd28eGhP8F-Oh7n-BAafojKF2pbXgFwOcMdk8ECdb0K5IT727v5GRaoe0NxVvfKBk5s0Zo/s320/5e+Dismal+Hill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and to cap it all, our relief at rejoining the Ribble Way just below Dismal Hill also suffered a set-back as the route did not appear to be signposted and we found ourselves heading East towards Birkwith Moor instead of South along the Ribble Way.<br /><br />So after negotiating a crossing over the deeply-crevassed limestone pavement South of Dismal Hill (yes, having to carry the rusty-hipped dog part of the way), we finally found ourselves back on the Ribble Way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrekTBptP9fGfR3_b4r43dwa2r0NPWxHJHSxPj2iPRRY6lgr-cs9iRk4ladHcyyCwCTUBl0HuP0cFILSrgib58nlVYaw9Lw9I4UA9MDbAW2G2xy-OPTrKlV6pxqd9Q9hWT1VycOw2spk/s1600-h/6a+limestone+assault-course+rather+than+pavement+but+worth+getting+lost+for.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108732875166459186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrekTBptP9fGfR3_b4r43dwa2r0NPWxHJHSxPj2iPRRY6lgr-cs9iRk4ladHcyyCwCTUBl0HuP0cFILSrgib58nlVYaw9Lw9I4UA9MDbAW2G2xy-OPTrKlV6pxqd9Q9hWT1VycOw2spk/s320/6a+limestone+assault-course+rather+than+pavement+but+worth+getting+lost+for.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>Fantastic</strong></em> limestone pavement though...<br /><br />The views of the valley from up here really are excellent, Pen-y-ghent looking very intimidating indeed from up here –<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zzo4idadXWpo839rqh0znK-KmclEVJYX3-X4hCSfGPEzErQQBUVlJpbIq82q-JfnfpZrFKGoHJmLGa1OT3o_2SbkTUsCYPVMNPfanYyPoA2E8MTNsiPUBFDMtWRKrj27PhwZz4ODa-k/s1600-h/5l+the+summit+of+pen-y-ghent+appears+through+the+low+cloud+looking+dark+and+foreboding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108731861554177314" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zzo4idadXWpo839rqh0znK-KmclEVJYX3-X4hCSfGPEzErQQBUVlJpbIq82q-JfnfpZrFKGoHJmLGa1OT3o_2SbkTUsCYPVMNPfanYyPoA2E8MTNsiPUBFDMtWRKrj27PhwZz4ODa-k/s320/5l+the+summit+of+pen-y-ghent+appears+through+the+low+cloud+looking+dark+and+foreboding.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- although we are still limited to very occasional and very brief glimpses of the Ribble far away below us, and can only see it well through the zoom lens (and it IS the Ribble now, of course, whether you take the confluence of the Gayle and Cam Becks at Selside or the emergence of Gayle Beck at Ribblehead to be where the River Ribble begins her adult journey.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kMH6CGIZuhIJIzHoXxISjLWearommXLPXGHJNfUXTEmvda7y8pr_he_UcS0uuzjhpL-7ApwxtdfkVmoHunuNM95lYLpDowQozetTTVmZHABaU9OvncYK-XK1JcdhnMi1QYswcc0dkx0/s1600-h/6g+zoom+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108731685460518162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kMH6CGIZuhIJIzHoXxISjLWearommXLPXGHJNfUXTEmvda7y8pr_he_UcS0uuzjhpL-7ApwxtdfkVmoHunuNM95lYLpDowQozetTTVmZHABaU9OvncYK-XK1JcdhnMi1QYswcc0dkx0/s320/6g+zoom+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We suffer yet more inaccessible stiles, although the further we get, the more gates we find helpfully NOT padlocked, and we enjoy the sights of the fells, the occasional spring...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs-sM52X7fR9mWj9GmRbKxUuLa5e6CokiB_SkyofLr0l76NoYppNNaCofIjTMJqIcbfTGUAeU6cr-9kuj_BqI58AkkyU63mfYvhoUnv9fJT6oQpbO8N2sU_Xy-FX4XYil1hxbH8M-T44/s1600-h/6n+not+so+much+a+Spring+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108731139999671538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs-sM52X7fR9mWj9GmRbKxUuLa5e6CokiB_SkyofLr0l76NoYppNNaCofIjTMJqIcbfTGUAeU6cr-9kuj_BqI58AkkyU63mfYvhoUnv9fJT6oQpbO8N2sU_Xy-FX4XYil1hxbH8M-T44/s320/6n+not+so+much+a+Spring+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and even a rabbit determined not to be put off the best patch of grass on the whole fell by <em>us</em>…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYXI-3wo0JyyghStC6QIMcfyeL25VmdvWjwasUBP9po84L_GmIkZlWZQUTgH1oEtDbu1VR-Th2QLuyX2UJX82VRNPI-buLBRyej_kg-dbW4bXOjk-3oo44nEGjTTgt6r3CmfCuerhz9c/s1600-h/6k+a+bit+wide-eyed+but+do+I+look+bovvered.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108731376222872834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYXI-3wo0JyyghStC6QIMcfyeL25VmdvWjwasUBP9po84L_GmIkZlWZQUTgH1oEtDbu1VR-Th2QLuyX2UJX82VRNPI-buLBRyej_kg-dbW4bXOjk-3oo44nEGjTTgt6r3CmfCuerhz9c/s320/6k+a+bit+wide-eyed+but+do+I+look+bovvered.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Am I bovvered?<br /><br />..as well as a glimpse of The Tarn on the valley bottom, meaning we are exactly opposite Alum Pot on the far side of the valley…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoKoyGX1SrE5PD0BQEXn69bKd8kuNPNnOu_-ZrCoexf9wTiuf0nfCpC13inS8P8B-mAZ3ujs5Cm9-CNMNNfjLl5iD5Jyl29A74iUjdADBbXrzmXJS49cpa9QtJIqYJKJjqKdoxRSQerc/s1600-h/6p+The+Tarn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108730856531829986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoKoyGX1SrE5PD0BQEXn69bKd8kuNPNnOu_-ZrCoexf9wTiuf0nfCpC13inS8P8B-mAZ3ujs5Cm9-CNMNNfjLl5iD5Jyl29A74iUjdADBbXrzmXJS49cpa9QtJIqYJKJjqKdoxRSQerc/s320/6p+The+Tarn.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and as we slowly descend, the glimpses of the Ribble become slightly more frequent, and we eventually join the Pennine Way (and the first Ribble Way marker we have seen since entering the Ribble Way at Gearstones hours ago!) which passes by Sell Gill Holes and a couple of intrepid cavers getting all their ropes and kit on ready for a descent into the gloomy depths below…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUlQc4yK2JgSmTLiuRSE5HT4ueuSnCE9VRh9DkaEa4WXx4kTrB4vCMoikAcHOyp9RzSuhcpfJqyKECxGdGcrpoMlt0PQDM2qRDaIsr0u1N5bvJAIFtUWX26gj2Ay7-ge0RRkr_IOxdgI/s1600-h/7c+Sell+Gill+holes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108730538704250066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUlQc4yK2JgSmTLiuRSE5HT4ueuSnCE9VRh9DkaEa4WXx4kTrB4vCMoikAcHOyp9RzSuhcpfJqyKECxGdGcrpoMlt0PQDM2qRDaIsr0u1N5bvJAIFtUWX26gj2Ay7-ge0RRkr_IOxdgI/s320/7c+Sell+Gill+holes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />… how weird out on the wide-open and scarcely populated fells to think that there are lots of people crawling through the limestone beneath our feet…<br /><br />As we descend more steeply towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale, the valley becomes greener and less wild...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7-HR0GqeYnmb4UrRAIzaC8C-eTjIOu4sa2TCOtY4-ZP7AIDvkUNogbAGxWkQocIXnd2dgsAIBMllDJOcKaI7sQAm9kTM7kSCstiVuYq3NRpOhgtKxAvc52yFI511jwjXeOHdoQByaSs/s1600-h/8s+Horton-in-Ribblesdale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108727987493676098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7-HR0GqeYnmb4UrRAIzaC8C-eTjIOu4sa2TCOtY4-ZP7AIDvkUNogbAGxWkQocIXnd2dgsAIBMllDJOcKaI7sQAm9kTM7kSCstiVuYq3NRpOhgtKxAvc52yFI511jwjXeOHdoQByaSs/s320/8s+Horton-in-Ribblesdale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...with Spot the Ribble becoming much easier to play…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgIZp-80Tpjc5cdNqD3PYbmXAVw4uy6thCUEQ-nDhWAhUZkUeNCEnCDtKIelePhNljFJQgEFRSnsHq1Ki4EKBA7V6mSgOqp4SU2S2Gt1-QMKfsRm9GZzXXojNxOIaXX_0lPquM4Mv5ic/s1600-h/8zb+Ribble+heads+towards+Horton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108727197219693602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgIZp-80Tpjc5cdNqD3PYbmXAVw4uy6thCUEQ-nDhWAhUZkUeNCEnCDtKIelePhNljFJQgEFRSnsHq1Ki4EKBA7V6mSgOqp4SU2S2Gt1-QMKfsRm9GZzXXojNxOIaXX_0lPquM4Mv5ic/s320/8zb+Ribble+heads+towards+Horton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…and the quarry, seen from as far away behind us as Cam Fell, looms ever larger over the village…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyENrK0LarvDRb24R4CN12vjcVcmaAwQGI16SjfmyfqQBdKPiHT-4dHY5h4syg2ZfqajD2qDCQXcCwZSC72yP4UEto2GKjj9z1rLtPsGX4AU0A2Ssq6w8h1AdClKUNCIxe8MdVMoV7bI/s1600-h/8za+the+quarry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108727562291913778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyENrK0LarvDRb24R4CN12vjcVcmaAwQGI16SjfmyfqQBdKPiHT-4dHY5h4syg2ZfqajD2qDCQXcCwZSC72yP4UEto2GKjj9z1rLtPsGX4AU0A2Ssq6w8h1AdClKUNCIxe8MdVMoV7bI/s320/8za+the+quarry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…although the abundance of wildflowers is a more pleasant sight!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGF8aO0yJCQbEUa_Ns20ztdqHC8Y5myFOk6y6f9oHQ1fjII-8NINCVT9SPZ86ge25Gy5PkB21CHJ_gGknlJX0ypNWwY_hGJfgmn6Q3_KkdZv0tXDv-QGwgqByT52ECTtKH4Gc2Xh5NUw0/s1600-h/8b+tormentil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108728846487135410" style="CURSOR: 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cYncj7JwIwQKeYoQdsUHj7kVgWU8Wg32Rf1cZQ2U1je4clf72pqGGSJ03fCtcY-gseJAyyGhzNe5Iywv1etclt9k-WqYjH7WQoJgKKoKL2B5xy49Ec9jUPE5XaXjYAG8R7XP2Bq1t10/s1600-h/8e+white+clover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108728683278378130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cYncj7JwIwQKeYoQdsUHj7kVgWU8Wg32Rf1cZQ2U1je4clf72pqGGSJ03fCtcY-gseJAyyGhzNe5Iywv1etclt9k-WqYjH7WQoJgKKoKL2B5xy49Ec9jUPE5XaXjYAG8R7XP2Bq1t10/s320/8e+white+clover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvAHQfXNPgcu97O0FYtWEczR35NXHLb0UVMMrZt4hFgVtT1LNP2lo8n1ZOfFuZKJw-FSlBkxPN9tvv32fbq7JoZvfHoCywabRS4SK_EmKp_MB1vX5hR7uEE7dkDCgoheL1xB0eAfzbC4/s1600-h/8h+Harebell+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108728588789097602" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvAHQfXNPgcu97O0FYtWEczR35NXHLb0UVMMrZt4hFgVtT1LNP2lo8n1ZOfFuZKJw-FSlBkxPN9tvv32fbq7JoZvfHoCywabRS4SK_EmKp_MB1vX5hR7uEE7dkDCgoheL1xB0eAfzbC4/s320/8h+Harebell+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcw2y0nIy4jmbwxwdGPRoCHH864a9tmbyuZadjDgFodiBbXW2PEjaWUyPb8_6UOBptq_RjX7ABwqhS9ACgSSeLfjj2gZr5_OdzhRV0k48zPWjTkctF-FrtunbNeaTOKLb4PfyS_qp9o8/s1600-h/8i+Speedwell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108728442760209522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcw2y0nIy4jmbwxwdGPRoCHH864a9tmbyuZadjDgFodiBbXW2PEjaWUyPb8_6UOBptq_RjX7ABwqhS9ACgSSeLfjj2gZr5_OdzhRV0k48zPWjTkctF-FrtunbNeaTOKLb4PfyS_qp9o8/s320/8i+Speedwell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6YGusK8_NL8RFUatfgvtcUio5yLznBD-WlTL3tOH-aLrtIqLGzZO38rGOg721j0kgpvxWZTF4irrc6OIymiXKdSZPsCRrFYHkTe3cPzx_NJFlVWPD7af5ETdir6-cwyHMoQUlwr4r3s/s1600-h/8m+flashes+of+white.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108728369745765474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6YGusK8_NL8RFUatfgvtcUio5yLznBD-WlTL3tOH-aLrtIqLGzZO38rGOg721j0kgpvxWZTF4irrc6OIymiXKdSZPsCRrFYHkTe3cPzx_NJFlVWPD7af5ETdir6-cwyHMoQUlwr4r3s/s320/8m+flashes+of+white.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn_A9UYe2u5PR3vM9f9crw_RjEIl51eO2Ju08SFlxkO_3aLRP38u933IOoEMaaKDNNRE8oHwumNfxY13pl04Z_njbKkDHqjC0kSBYOopuY4_4jQnV5JRbx0BIhRz4CF5zxP6R7uMOpYw/s1600-h/8j+Thistle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108728258076615762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn_A9UYe2u5PR3vM9f9crw_RjEIl51eO2Ju08SFlxkO_3aLRP38u933IOoEMaaKDNNRE8oHwumNfxY13pl04Z_njbKkDHqjC0kSBYOopuY4_4jQnV5JRbx0BIhRz4CF5zxP6R7uMOpYw/s320/8j+Thistle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The view of Pen-y-ghent as we arrive at Horton is an impressive sight...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j-X2XsQYf3YLZh32ZYwhrXBmO9oGuRszo9GXPqukA8BbkQ_87xDI7gqzMSJTT8ThJncDeemPLqcfe_wHNOx3Fwxrfl-8QUTBsDuLyW3ELw3O0gs7pf9l_eszAguZ2E-NkJBagTkQ_EQ/s1600-h/9j+Pen-y-ghent+emerges+from+her+shroud.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108729941703795906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j-X2XsQYf3YLZh32ZYwhrXBmO9oGuRszo9GXPqukA8BbkQ_87xDI7gqzMSJTT8ThJncDeemPLqcfe_wHNOx3Fwxrfl-8QUTBsDuLyW3ELw3O0gs7pf9l_eszAguZ2E-NkJBagTkQ_EQ/s320/9j+Pen-y-ghent+emerges+from+her+shroud.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and as we finally reach Horton-in-Ribblesdale, approximately an 8 mile trip today including diversions (planned and otherwise), the sight of the River Ribble running through the village is well-worth the journey!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMIfho1mQmrNS6WsNdzw83wean-Mn5J-QeOKkLlLWSV8rKIAMDpG7Cft-8GQ7KmO72ZwDNWhqOYui0kUGzKUZ79PK-Veq7MeMcRL-Xm5x28zyS4qtFiPLe3okKeTx116NdEyliTnkggw/s1600-h/9h+The+Ribble+bridge+at+Horton-in-Ribblesdale+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108726548679631858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMIfho1mQmrNS6WsNdzw83wean-Mn5J-QeOKkLlLWSV8rKIAMDpG7Cft-8GQ7KmO72ZwDNWhqOYui0kUGzKUZ79PK-Veq7MeMcRL-Xm5x28zyS4qtFiPLe3okKeTx116NdEyliTnkggw/s320/9h+The+Ribble+bridge+at+Horton-in-Ribblesdale+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Ribble is joined by Brant’s Gill at Horton...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKht1L37DmHlfNXSSdkN8KpPpvRKqjmT04cowchWrg8u8MTwWVwHsbzqK1lCV40B-uoBZ1E2g5CYe1DxTd5IcwDM9MuKT3FSgX4mLfltqYzpCs02NTnpc5aF3i9jBP49d5SsdGtw3UX8E/s1600-h/9f+The+Ribble+is+joined+by+Brants+Gill+at+horton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108726918046819346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKht1L37DmHlfNXSSdkN8KpPpvRKqjmT04cowchWrg8u8MTwWVwHsbzqK1lCV40B-uoBZ1E2g5CYe1DxTd5IcwDM9MuKT3FSgX4mLfltqYzpCs02NTnpc5aF3i9jBP49d5SsdGtw3UX8E/s320/9f+The+Ribble+is+joined+by+Brants+Gill+at+horton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... and looks so familiarly the Ribble already, wending its way through the trees and across the pebbles of the riverbed…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G5rjNdJFrIH2Zv8Aghpjh-VTuoGNcvYwta9N5qB6jYr4XkRapvDpFCj6Yy1O-lzlfXQqnqucF90FBEdUpxpB-Sks4HhZ6KWjQM1jUfIBkHIEDGjrlrch1x5FQ5XicNyODNWmnQk00w8/s1600-h/9b+The+Ribble+arrives+at+Horton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108726746248127490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4G5rjNdJFrIH2Zv8Aghpjh-VTuoGNcvYwta9N5qB6jYr4XkRapvDpFCj6Yy1O-lzlfXQqnqucF90FBEdUpxpB-Sks4HhZ6KWjQM1jUfIBkHIEDGjrlrch1x5FQ5XicNyODNWmnQk00w8/s320/9b+The+Ribble+arrives+at+Horton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />…as it heads down the valley towards Stainforth…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc07Td7JAQRKPpZZWLD0Z4rustXWTF58Mbw02YvSedxHZNMRCtc6DGW0mvZKohtNa9NJHmuomSW74jw89sUiWt4jMOyIDHvckhufPzMB9ZLddOeuJnt0gvBufImMc-BiGnlLhbqiJ4mY/s1600-h/9i+The+Ribble+flows+through+Horton+towards+Stainforth,+6+miles+away+as+the+River+flows....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108726329636299746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsc07Td7JAQRKPpZZWLD0Z4rustXWTF58Mbw02YvSedxHZNMRCtc6DGW0mvZKohtNa9NJHmuomSW74jw89sUiWt4jMOyIDHvckhufPzMB9ZLddOeuJnt0gvBufImMc-BiGnlLhbqiJ4mY/s320/9i+The+Ribble+flows+through+Horton+towards+Stainforth,+6+miles+away+as+the+River+flows....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the next part of our journey.<br /><br />Next week, we will walk from Horton to Stainforth, taking in yet another diversion along the way: a trip down to the confluence of Gayle Beck and Cam Beck at Selside: the “official” start of the River Ribble proper – although today’s diversion to where Gayle Beck emerges out of her limestone gorge at Ribblehead has convinced us that the Ribble reaches her incarnation as the River Ribble at that point, but we will see if Selside persuades us otherwise.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aW3C9pFqZiK5lbI9T3I60aIaocK813e2zKCwPxT1Bhh7aLQp6Q33I44QdwIgYSyGQAlZzXgaI1R02vgKOS_NVK2qw7voGaBRjpzrWHUdP9If-jswAjEOxPbjuV_pl0K2plp2ZWv7w5A/s1600-h/a+dog+has+had+enough+for+one+day....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108725947384210386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aW3C9pFqZiK5lbI9T3I60aIaocK813e2zKCwPxT1Bhh7aLQp6Q33I44QdwIgYSyGQAlZzXgaI1R02vgKOS_NVK2qw7voGaBRjpzrWHUdP9If-jswAjEOxPbjuV_pl0K2plp2ZWv7w5A/s320/a+dog+has+had+enough+for+one+day....jpg" border="0" /></a><br />An old dog has had enough for one day...<br /><br />You can read our next installment, <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-3-horton-to-stainforth.html">The Ribble Way Part 3, Horton to Stainforth</a>;<br />and the beginning of our Ribble Way adventures where, <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-1-searching-for-source.html">in Part 1, we explore the source of the Ribble on Cam Fell</a>.<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-32295075860401214982007-09-03T16:26:00.000+01:002007-10-10T09:57:01.874+01:00The Ribble Way: Part 1 - Searching for the Source of the Ribble<strong>It’s a beautiful sunny day at the wrong end of August for Summer to finally show her face and we head up the A59 from Preston, following the route we will be walking down section by section over the next few weeks as we walk the Ribble Way from the Source to the Sea. </strong><br /><strong>We’re lucky with the weather today as this summer has been pretty appalling with the unprecedented levels of rainfall we’ve had all over the country, but today promises warm sun on our backs and hopefully some spectacular views to go with it…<br /></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOysnOCjXOToVwNyO6DMdWAsLt97c53vVhKyVnkaudd0yDYncjJMjLtHSg1Z9yrBBahM6epDPFkBG7S1SgD6WOPyXLuIRjMDbl2Bb_lzpR0c3YtxyaMh2rnlrByhPO6V7K0ZjVNfQQeiw/s1600-h/1a+Gayle+Beck+and+the+Roman+Road++(Dales+Way-Pennine+Way)+across+Cam+Fell+from+Gearstones.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106092097344644018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOysnOCjXOToVwNyO6DMdWAsLt97c53vVhKyVnkaudd0yDYncjJMjLtHSg1Z9yrBBahM6epDPFkBG7S1SgD6WOPyXLuIRjMDbl2Bb_lzpR0c3YtxyaMh2rnlrByhPO6V7K0ZjVNfQQeiw/s320/1a+Gayle+Beck+and+the+Roman+Road++(Dales+Way-Pennine+Way)+across+Cam+Fell+from+Gearstones.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Cam Fell with Gayle Beck at its foot from Gearstones.<br /><br />The River Ribble begins its long journey to the Irish Sea above Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales. Forming in the horse-shoe-shaped bowl of North Yorkshire fells above Ribblehead created by Blea Moor below Whernside, Wold Fell below Great Knoutberry Hill, and Cam Fell. The first two of these fells have little or nothing to do with forming the Ribble’s headwaters, however, Cam Fell performing this honour with Gayle Beck and Cam Beck. Of course, the beginnings of the River Ribble are in the merging of the numerous springs and gills and becks which make their way down to the valley floor from the limestone fells in this part of North Yorkshire, particularly from the West and Eastern faces of Cam Fell, with contributions from Blea Moor, Park Fell on the North-East side of Ingleborough, and eventually yet more from the West and Southern sides of Pen-y-ghent – many of these gills dropping below ground into the labyrinth of pot holes and caves which weave beneath these limestone fells, only to emerge again elsewhere (some apparently bizarrely, as noted by Ron Freethy in his book “The River Ribble”, telling the tale of the geologists who dropped green dye into Alum Pot to see where it fed into the Ribble only to find it emerging out of Tarn Dub, showing that it had actually passed beneath the Ribble to get there!)<br /><br />Gayle Beck forms on the Western face of Cam Fell and Cam Beck on the East, and the question of which is the Ribble’s true source is to a large extent academic as both feed the start of the Ribble at Selside, and both are formed by springs which emerge from their eons percolating through the limestone crags at the summit of Cam Fell and both are fed by the water which drains from the blanket bog which literally forms a blanket over the fell. The gills which spring from the Western face above Gayle Moor denote the headwaters of the Ribble – Jam Syke, Shivery Gill, Long Gill, Mares and Far Mares Gill, and Lat Gill, with Jam Syke and Shivery Gill as the foremost sources as these Springs emerge on Little Wold at the highest point below the summit and are never dry, thus officially mark the source of the Ribble’s headwaters.<br /><br />Here on the Western face of Cam Fell, these springs and gills wend their way across Gayle Moor to form Gayle Beck, which then flows South-West to meet Cam Beck below Selside Moss where it officially becomes the River Ribble.<br /><br />Yet, for those who have visited the point where Gayle Beck strengthens and widens and cuts its way through the limestone of Cam Fell to finally emerge into the valley floor at High Flat Hill below Gearstones, this spot seems to be the point where the River proper begins. We can’t be the only people to think so as the nearest settlement is called Ribblehead and the emergence of this body of water occurs near a house called Ribblehead House…<br /><br />Labelling Nature with our own names is probably more often a personal preference than a scientific process, but if map-makers and official agencies name the River Ribble from the point where Gayle Beck and Cam Beck meet, who are we to argue…? Nonetheless, our own journey down the Ribble Way will include a sideways trip to where Gayle Beck cuts its path through to the valley floor at High Flat Hill as one of a number of interesting diversions…<br /><br />But the question of where Gayle Beck becomes the River Ribble is for the second and third parts of our journey: today we are on a quest for the source of the Ribble’s headwaters on Gayle Moor…<br /><br /><br />We park at Gearstones, just East of Ribblehead, planning to creep up on the source on Gayle Moor from behind by walking to the top of Cam Fell from the South-West and round anti-clockwise to the East then Northwards on the old Roman Road. This route forms part of the Dales Way then also the Pennine Way as it follows the ridge of Cam Fell. At the summit we’ll leave this path and turn to the West across the top of Cam Fell to the Western side of the summit and Gayle Wolds – the limestone crags just below the limestone pavement summit of Cam Fell and the start of the headwaters of the Ribble down to Gayle Beck. The source also marks the beginning of the Ribble Way (as you’d expect!) which starts its own journey at Gavel Gap, just below Gayle Wolds.<br /><br />Through the first gate onto the Dales Way...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v2MTVU0AyfWHymY4lcUHBIDCbU0pY3VIhLmuo0iXl0fLKcaFX1MvYLpsx107WEghDC7e7Tz_xkkKuAV5CUTSPe5VIvL8hup1TFM4P2CLxw9aiZPPhy_xNkbJOD5JXEfUmh0ZSlE6UlY/s1600-h/1+first+part+of+journey+at+Gearstones.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106089567608906626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9v2MTVU0AyfWHymY4lcUHBIDCbU0pY3VIhLmuo0iXl0fLKcaFX1MvYLpsx107WEghDC7e7Tz_xkkKuAV5CUTSPe5VIvL8hup1TFM4P2CLxw9aiZPPhy_xNkbJOD5JXEfUmh0ZSlE6UlY/s320/1+first+part+of+journey+at+Gearstones.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...takes us past a few of the locals...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmO_eIZ_aXTTyrV8Eyy8tsn7-dG1SiqBomBkvoGzp2w1BM-Sg0D_vS7wunepxS4r_rUXJrFpxWThVrPaSm_QNkJ3BdKkDZ1ayMWzRv_MBPMNTLxq3phF2n64nf5EeaLFbypRbPVu3JxE/s1600-h/2a+local+Ribblesiders+below+the+source+at+Gearstones.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106089782357271458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmO_eIZ_aXTTyrV8Eyy8tsn7-dG1SiqBomBkvoGzp2w1BM-Sg0D_vS7wunepxS4r_rUXJrFpxWThVrPaSm_QNkJ3BdKkDZ1ayMWzRv_MBPMNTLxq3phF2n64nf5EeaLFbypRbPVu3JxE/s320/2a+local+Ribblesiders+below+the+source+at+Gearstones.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and Gayle Beck, the Ribble’s source waters already a substantial size having gathered the momentum of Jam Syke and all of her sisters as it has made its way down from Gayle Moor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ_0vrwWXtv5hAvJ5fbt7LmhfpHE5nN9fERigEvAn3HWl0EjZ5nnMg9YZn4eDPAHuAozhnSZimusF74pLh-sSTQQ3ygjg2kVUV92Dul8Tt1dRHRPaZkfFNNcYCf0vWwy2BFD14luiKPI/s1600-h/3a+crossing+Gayle+Beck+on+the+way+up+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106089292730999634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ_0vrwWXtv5hAvJ5fbt7LmhfpHE5nN9fERigEvAn3HWl0EjZ5nnMg9YZn4eDPAHuAozhnSZimusF74pLh-sSTQQ3ygjg2kVUV92Dul8Tt1dRHRPaZkfFNNcYCf0vWwy2BFD14luiKPI/s320/3a+crossing+Gayle+Beck+on+the+way+up+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Gayle Beck at the foot of Cam Fell...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuawDqx2zc9GeKRMyutVai3-JPjUDiTa-3LmXo-V4J_JqTLwqorBXdaIw9bPWWiSnnsimXfPxOxit7pNK5k2vAA5jVHdrqDKTzTsgP35gDG9PgaXpDwDm-EiYogwLSJLMMiqoYt41d8aI/s1600-h/1b+Serious+poses+contemplating+Gayle+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106089374335378274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuawDqx2zc9GeKRMyutVai3-JPjUDiTa-3LmXo-V4J_JqTLwqorBXdaIw9bPWWiSnnsimXfPxOxit7pNK5k2vAA5jVHdrqDKTzTsgP35gDG9PgaXpDwDm-EiYogwLSJLMMiqoYt41d8aI/s320/1b+Serious+poses+contemplating+Gayle+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...promotes some serious contemplation.<br /><br />There is a bridge running alongside a ford over Gayle Beck and onto the Dales Way, the waters low enough to flow beneath the stones of the ford and leaving the path across easily dry enough to cross...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26TqvNy-MAuMwfXfRN4tvVHbjb1x2jfPijNNdD9NdUkLEgMqyYTYz7bW4rHIjSTyjcBjBrSMaulW7aKwFb841-kn8DciVp8t3XyGdikk91OzAXlxcTrpopu8ti1pd2TTrJBKCtMRVG5w/s1600-h/1+Roman+Road+(Dales+Way+-+Pennine+Way)+&+Gayle+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106089498889429874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26TqvNy-MAuMwfXfRN4tvVHbjb1x2jfPijNNdD9NdUkLEgMqyYTYz7bW4rHIjSTyjcBjBrSMaulW7aKwFb841-kn8DciVp8t3XyGdikk91OzAXlxcTrpopu8ti1pd2TTrJBKCtMRVG5w/s320/1+Roman+Road+(Dales+Way+-+Pennine+Way)+%26+Gayle+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Dales Way is an old Roman Road, the eroded causeway showing its anatomy and its incredible longevity as we make our steady way up towards Cam End and where it meets the Pennine Way at the beginning of the walk up the ridge to the summit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XLIUb9NZJm8l4P4kWOn3SrWYgrGG4NAqfbFPnGqcCLNbUPqKq9U34sDldlWG1CktuRqW4S09F7PKEVxg18E6liIs8hTum0pOWqshY7za4eaq_EwjIVj3jdH9_Ya4BCqEZnzo8Sr0uLo/s1600-h/3b+a+well-trodden+path+the+Roman+Road+now+Dales+Way+and+Pennine+Way+across+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106086737225458466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XLIUb9NZJm8l4P4kWOn3SrWYgrGG4NAqfbFPnGqcCLNbUPqKq9U34sDldlWG1CktuRqW4S09F7PKEVxg18E6liIs8hTum0pOWqshY7za4eaq_EwjIVj3jdH9_Ya4BCqEZnzo8Sr0uLo/s320/3b+a+well-trodden+path+the+Roman+Road+now+Dales+Way+and+Pennine+Way+across+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Dales Way onto Cam Fell as it leaves Gayle Beck.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pkyr8bGKLduV7o7Nt_5tV-pMWFtQ5rJzLG1h7HbZRMqmieSaMcT8wetzjPuD90GEkwxrU7pKVwic-0YQNner19E_0dl7bNwjsYv2oRg5V3tDjOoYmuRK4ZxuKlWdp3SIIKYNnBb7AiM/s1600-h/6+best+feet+forward....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106086359268336386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pkyr8bGKLduV7o7Nt_5tV-pMWFtQ5rJzLG1h7HbZRMqmieSaMcT8wetzjPuD90GEkwxrU7pKVwic-0YQNner19E_0dl7bNwjsYv2oRg5V3tDjOoYmuRK4ZxuKlWdp3SIIKYNnBb7AiM/s320/6+best+feet+forward....jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Best feet forward...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej1Mbtv-F_SKjd57ituNHsuTOiNVPBd31ZsYK77_AX4uUc72D_OoWvwYCJ_2WdBh6Me6GCKnwKWswPWD6ANBpZ-XUi8FmbxJewfJJf5_PfG8T8lyhv55-0eFfN5w2c1k1X5aZRyGmaCU/s1600-h/4+race+you+to+the+top.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106086187469644530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgej1Mbtv-F_SKjd57ituNHsuTOiNVPBd31ZsYK77_AX4uUc72D_OoWvwYCJ_2WdBh6Me6GCKnwKWswPWD6ANBpZ-XUi8FmbxJewfJJf5_PfG8T8lyhv55-0eFfN5w2c1k1X5aZRyGmaCU/s320/4+race+you+to+the+top.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...race you to the top!<br /><br />The intimate details of Cam Fell and the surrounding fells reveal themselves as we climb...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvUoNOTE1R_rM0ljkfGL-AjfvII95vxdDW68T0PZcCtmKGDg9SKMHmk52PwHt3dJjCAOcXH8w5aWJvGu7WlHdE1Ml4chcKm4LH0yOMavLKJLZ_XgwphsLb5zJuiUlHGgeWG2V0SsKdzw/s1600-h/4+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106087673528329010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvUoNOTE1R_rM0ljkfGL-AjfvII95vxdDW68T0PZcCtmKGDg9SKMHmk52PwHt3dJjCAOcXH8w5aWJvGu7WlHdE1Ml4chcKm4LH0yOMavLKJLZ_XgwphsLb5zJuiUlHGgeWG2V0SsKdzw/s320/4+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Grasses and peaty mud soon give way to gills, pools and blanket moss as we climb...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSypMeHKz-muhjOuFyghOaG1cctmEwooYlNfnHrrb5hTrbyTY7MI-p1BbjTJ1-we67qQOwIHTU1c9BtraqzrsiCDnWRzRFmomu5bMcxtqD5j1irMXfcPgIsfilFnvAOnj8q-XgZAtbYxc/s1600-h/4+Gills+&+bogs+on+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106083868187304658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSypMeHKz-muhjOuFyghOaG1cctmEwooYlNfnHrrb5hTrbyTY7MI-p1BbjTJ1-we67qQOwIHTU1c9BtraqzrsiCDnWRzRFmomu5bMcxtqD5j1irMXfcPgIsfilFnvAOnj8q-XgZAtbYxc/s320/4+Gills+%26+bogs+on+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The gills and bogs and blanket bog are a fantastic upland wetland habitat...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6oG7epAPrCWBokwqrKl7vvRtLCD2ltdOWKl9EC8T8JnyxbTFF1L2MIlAjqlV4jjyha0-Gc0xB-a7nuL6oo8tnfMm8rHzue5Tr5THsgy-7_N7nfiJ0kkG9ZxpSINN9KMKFhQpzl0xFWM/s1600-h/4+hidden+gills,+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106083739338285762" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6oG7epAPrCWBokwqrKl7vvRtLCD2ltdOWKl9EC8T8JnyxbTFF1L2MIlAjqlV4jjyha0-Gc0xB-a7nuL6oo8tnfMm8rHzue5Tr5THsgy-7_N7nfiJ0kkG9ZxpSINN9KMKFhQpzl0xFWM/s320/4+hidden+gills,+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and there are hidden gills too...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS58rHFeMnpDkMcVg8zZqZM7WUMLMc_amigzoCed7SjvsFIGL8gjmEdOYL4K0_B-bgObuCAjYrcUGgmFU2mwiNQne91lGmnyS0G8jzVK_B2zT8549oFQefWbzRvWbxMQbzuGYKZLry6CM/s1600-h/6+watch+your+step.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106083254006981298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS58rHFeMnpDkMcVg8zZqZM7WUMLMc_amigzoCed7SjvsFIGL8gjmEdOYL4K0_B-bgObuCAjYrcUGgmFU2mwiNQne91lGmnyS0G8jzVK_B2zT8549oFQefWbzRvWbxMQbzuGYKZLry6CM/s320/6+watch+your+step.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...so you have to watch your step if leaving the path as the ground can be sodden.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimarFwJIcuShYuotUXNiPOVgjzRuIvbJ-Hls5YWREwA3zyWmI26iIiEp7g6tlv81JCaIZYdb2tqz9epTfMNAfpFTsBUgm7nE-kqBgXo2Mb2qGl4jEBNG_Df3JXvAGQBMVggRjHI0DDxig/s1600-h/5+blanket+bog+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106083000603910802" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimarFwJIcuShYuotUXNiPOVgjzRuIvbJ-Hls5YWREwA3zyWmI26iIiEp7g6tlv81JCaIZYdb2tqz9epTfMNAfpFTsBUgm7nE-kqBgXo2Mb2qGl4jEBNG_Df3JXvAGQBMVggRjHI0DDxig/s320/5+blanket+bog+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Blanket bog mosses...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQBTxEiJEuPPu2SG2LsH6bJyFHWYTymsDjoKN0buGNfL1aHn5ii-cvMOqa-aR6WtI3P7wGap8x_oK4YFpiTr0itOGORxFkMkliR-6XUofp_GAqCvrYu4XyEj8BmgsXoJ5fpH5n0HSRh4/s1600-h/5+blanket+bog+mosses+up+close.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106082828805218946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQBTxEiJEuPPu2SG2LsH6bJyFHWYTymsDjoKN0buGNfL1aHn5ii-cvMOqa-aR6WtI3P7wGap8x_oK4YFpiTr0itOGORxFkMkliR-6XUofp_GAqCvrYu4XyEj8BmgsXoJ5fpH5n0HSRh4/s320/5+blanket+bog+mosses+up+close.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...are well worth getting soggy knees to get a closer look!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHekXHaa5ZeF9rXsrOkZwMmiQd_lfBpzAhyphenhyphenA9ADp11PxyOaCCVbK_v9MNqT1_Y_qNReHHTGW6fRhJnI0lQh0ndog5rYVRA9GjkOnfys7nZG1NkORxvxWmI_zeIbvwhV9tbTr1W7Be-QY/s1600-h/7+back+end+of+Pen-y-ghent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106082175970189890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHekXHaa5ZeF9rXsrOkZwMmiQd_lfBpzAhyphenhyphenA9ADp11PxyOaCCVbK_v9MNqT1_Y_qNReHHTGW6fRhJnI0lQh0ndog5rYVRA9GjkOnfys7nZG1NkORxvxWmI_zeIbvwhV9tbTr1W7Be-QY/s320/7+back+end+of+Pen-y-ghent.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The back end of Pen-y-ghent...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ep-j6hjVqYXqFYXOdbqyMEBcldVp4c62K5OFJLCY_MISADubywCFs7qdn5hxU3JSeBm3TbteECkHRsyL6NcjRrQbgMIKLij-_wthhFxLjht6_JV5JuK1jKnI4iB5l3httZGnM-p8ssQ/s1600-h/7+view+back+down+towards+Gayle+Beck+&+Whernside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106076601102639522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ep-j6hjVqYXqFYXOdbqyMEBcldVp4c62K5OFJLCY_MISADubywCFs7qdn5hxU3JSeBm3TbteECkHRsyL6NcjRrQbgMIKLij-_wthhFxLjht6_JV5JuK1jKnI4iB5l3httZGnM-p8ssQ/s320/7+view+back+down+towards+Gayle+Beck+%26+Whernside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and the view back down towards Cam Beck and Whernside.<br /><br />Cam Fell is covered with blanket bog, an increasingly rare and precious habitat which manages and stores our water resources where they begin, and also prevents flash floods into the valleys below as well as providing a rich and diverse habitat for countless flora and fauna…<br /><br />There are numerous species of wildflowers up here too...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MM0SYWJ1y32DbgFxeSK2fhzYDlPOeXDNkVaim_n1SMk6aUMGG5dLZSR4LVV4QZNlbVrn6gc3pT1AWyzXRabK4NrJXh6UW_1YIgUnoiKir07fKBQMyoe3I6sm6h-AKIN-EXbHmpfyqLY/s1600-h/6+Fairy+Flax+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106082704251167346" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MM0SYWJ1y32DbgFxeSK2fhzYDlPOeXDNkVaim_n1SMk6aUMGG5dLZSR4LVV4QZNlbVrn6gc3pT1AWyzXRabK4NrJXh6UW_1YIgUnoiKir07fKBQMyoe3I6sm6h-AKIN-EXbHmpfyqLY/s320/6+Fairy+Flax+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...including Fairy Flax (I think!)...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqWE2bsB57_ibpi9olgiQwVDW19FNXd6UBiRiCnh3crYvJ-kYDul7s3ho6Q_5D0JfmVBV8r0MT4rT7eL8Z1iG6jP5G4ObbgUDuKaIyX5FvSWi4R-zvh-ano_1wNgqHr6cteJ827aL6hw/s1600-h/6+self-heal.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106082558222279266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqWE2bsB57_ibpi9olgiQwVDW19FNXd6UBiRiCnh3crYvJ-kYDul7s3ho6Q_5D0JfmVBV8r0MT4rT7eL8Z1iG6jP5G4ObbgUDuKaIyX5FvSWi4R-zvh-ano_1wNgqHr6cteJ827aL6hw/s320/6+self-heal.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Self-Heal...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAoJy1zPUcNPgWEgd1BxVX2cnnAmMYbtrrpQxv1RDdipIXQNQDJcDhXwhVXu7x5emXQFXmw9Y4bvmLJQgBftJjv2HVMpcHk3uKhfgO_vbAVGYoE6vCuV8iHHnb7osG9ijmtiWehXAG2s/s1600-h/6+wildflowers+on+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106082468027966034" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAoJy1zPUcNPgWEgd1BxVX2cnnAmMYbtrrpQxv1RDdipIXQNQDJcDhXwhVXu7x5emXQFXmw9Y4bvmLJQgBftJjv2HVMpcHk3uKhfgO_vbAVGYoE6vCuV8iHHnb7osG9ijmtiWehXAG2s/s320/6+wildflowers+on+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...amongst many other species.<br /><br />These upland moors are also home to important numbers of bird species, including Merlin and Golden Plover. We saw a couple of Plover and several Grouse (mainly disturbed beneath our feet when we left the path to explore the bogs a little more), as well as Skylarks and other small birds, no doubt doing very well on a diet of the Crane Fly (“Daddy Long Legs”) which flourish here.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVkjJvY3CDJjMUghIaalN7wNCIyzJLNInrM41T9VJWthOaWTE3ub1dyXn4_dZyzcFdEIUJKiLkm1G7s10Ie1zeqIcWNJKtg8BPIuc8EP7YiAxw0AJAYV650ME2RH2rWGYEL6EzUaCtXs/s1600-h/8+possibly+a+moth+larvae.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106088970608452418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheVkjJvY3CDJjMUghIaalN7wNCIyzJLNInrM41T9VJWthOaWTE3ub1dyXn4_dZyzcFdEIUJKiLkm1G7s10Ie1zeqIcWNJKtg8BPIuc8EP7YiAxw0AJAYV650ME2RH2rWGYEL6EzUaCtXs/s320/8+possibly+a+moth+larvae.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Insect larvae on the mosses.<br /><br />The views were as spectacular as the weather promised...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MT03ztaPRCmqqE3MX_2qFxFkFRewILulVbYYhtbK8iNEx_OQRWtGPSmiIeTFodrQ65B2YlkHhNNapId8rmIk2bB3pZo4kIr3tXyjsNigkShflNn6FtnEdEQIdDn_7R4AhD4k6q1C1Gw/s1600-h/5+Dales+Way+and+Pennine+Way+6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106086479527420690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MT03ztaPRCmqqE3MX_2qFxFkFRewILulVbYYhtbK8iNEx_OQRWtGPSmiIeTFodrQ65B2YlkHhNNapId8rmIk2bB3pZo4kIr3tXyjsNigkShflNn6FtnEdEQIdDn_7R4AhD4k6q1C1Gw/s320/5+Dales+Way+and+Pennine+Way+6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and we had glorious views of Whernside first of all, then Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent as we moved round to the ridge path all the way to the top of Cam Fell, as well as a hazy view of Pendle Hill in the distance…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFzivBb5bPgx2WzN8BmEpwZtJpSKB8PL9q166YWOmCO5U_dgMrZSSU9qKTk0-pVx_iJnpZBLh_Y_QyruzfGmllhRcdwEqeKvcyvDGRu8haCKFXnBFcyh0IQ7sCVwFv8aQbCMrmPB2KQY/s1600-h/7+Cam+Fell+towards+Ingleborough.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106079491615629858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFzivBb5bPgx2WzN8BmEpwZtJpSKB8PL9q166YWOmCO5U_dgMrZSSU9qKTk0-pVx_iJnpZBLh_Y_QyruzfGmllhRcdwEqeKvcyvDGRu8haCKFXnBFcyh0IQ7sCVwFv8aQbCMrmPB2KQY/s320/7+Cam+Fell+towards+Ingleborough.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Towards Ingleborough from Cam Fell as we climb the Dales Way and Pennine Way...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFEYkFXsPpZ44Y-zZCmO0hPtgasUbXBhHuiD2aXcInVWyGZKLDzRGiECDubFEZH8H_BuvivktAvSwvmMWH31fYaIhwaOzJ25rIuJTyagw0RpG97dkqoCz-R_OXLoazQngnPEnmGvwn-c/s1600-h/7+Ingleborough+and+Park+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106079100773605906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFEYkFXsPpZ44Y-zZCmO0hPtgasUbXBhHuiD2aXcInVWyGZKLDzRGiECDubFEZH8H_BuvivktAvSwvmMWH31fYaIhwaOzJ25rIuJTyagw0RpG97dkqoCz-R_OXLoazQngnPEnmGvwn-c/s320/7+Ingleborough+and+Park+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...Ingleborough and Park Fell...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnGu9tUJgiLPmnbfaIN8Mni1ZUFVuPpgDdmSl3Su4bUOIbdJ5nrVY9ttBoACr8E-Q0Ip0fX2xohTmsKj9cMwfZDWhf0-mgR6-C09fShJrLHcR6N7WgCivltfImsCIIuKsBSMJaw7ReS8/s1600-h/7+Pen-y-ghent+from+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106078898910142962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnGu9tUJgiLPmnbfaIN8Mni1ZUFVuPpgDdmSl3Su4bUOIbdJ5nrVY9ttBoACr8E-Q0Ip0fX2xohTmsKj9cMwfZDWhf0-mgR6-C09fShJrLHcR6N7WgCivltfImsCIIuKsBSMJaw7ReS8/s320/7+Pen-y-ghent+from+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...Pen-y-ghent...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZagRnjLjhSJPySD9bQ5wwRRTuL6gMOLCkdmh6-_sGoH09Poq8T-_Bun6JoAdzX14ZhjXn4hdGXWaiOOtsOtFvjiLfFsxPTED9WnjiR289MyJycMN0Ql76j6H1jZvYzYdfCm5_8ZMmdw0/s1600-h/7+Pendle+Hill+from+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106078997694390786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZagRnjLjhSJPySD9bQ5wwRRTuL6gMOLCkdmh6-_sGoH09Poq8T-_Bun6JoAdzX14ZhjXn4hdGXWaiOOtsOtFvjiLfFsxPTED9WnjiR289MyJycMN0Ql76j6H1jZvYzYdfCm5_8ZMmdw0/s320/7+Pendle+Hill+from+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Pendle Hill.<br /><br />It’s a shame the route doesn’t also afford a view of Wold Fell and Widdale above Cam Fell but the path is below the top of the ridge – although this is no doubt a blessing in a North wind when Gayle Moor undoubtedly lives up to its name from what we hear of the winds up here!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwXMeowkYDBSYX_D2WGmbXBxaMNMaveE-mIuXGfi8h4WO8_ujBggjh5arogBTN2uZCgzI0mNhM6QfxDUV83XPMg9CJS3om7n5GulmO5DLa9TUq0sSpWOaUuwgWmexhlAWsZvvo3OB3rc/s1600-h/7+swathes+of+trees+felled+by+the+wind+on+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106078447938576866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwXMeowkYDBSYX_D2WGmbXBxaMNMaveE-mIuXGfi8h4WO8_ujBggjh5arogBTN2uZCgzI0mNhM6QfxDUV83XPMg9CJS3om7n5GulmO5DLa9TUq0sSpWOaUuwgWmexhlAWsZvvo3OB3rc/s320/7+swathes+of+trees+felled+by+the+wind+on+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Swathes of trees in Cam Woodland have been felled by the wind which sweeps across these fells.<br />We stopped half way along the ridge walk (now the Pennine Way as well as Dales Way) above Cam Woodlands for an unbeatable view whilst munching our way through our packed lunches…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4dQl_Xrl8d0Ku-EcPldyz3c1e9Te7D0U2HeAEu-p5ohstQGI-qvAspWg3qgyqOr0Oq3j_JpQh7rUg_uaotLCtz7OIgaX5en5Y-Qyvzn6wJdpwGMwaRdgokkLoX-qFWQyQm6KeK8gDb8/s1600-h/7+Cam+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106080479458107954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4dQl_Xrl8d0Ku-EcPldyz3c1e9Te7D0U2HeAEu-p5ohstQGI-qvAspWg3qgyqOr0Oq3j_JpQh7rUg_uaotLCtz7OIgaX5en5Y-Qyvzn6wJdpwGMwaRdgokkLoX-qFWQyQm6KeK8gDb8/s320/7+Cam+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Cam Beck...<br /><br />Cam Beck emerges from the Eastern slopes of Cam Fell, and meets the Ribble a few miles downstream of Ribblehead below Selside Moss, but other springs from the Eastern side of Cam Fell as this curves round to the East below Dodd Fell Hill move in a different direction entirely. These springs and gills follow a slightly different camber to travel East instead of South-West, becoming Oughtershaw Beck, then the River Wharfe and then flowing into the River Ouse and finally the Trent before draining into the Humber Estuary and the North Sea on the East coast of Northern England - almost parallel with the Ribble Estuary on the West coast – yet these springs emerge only a few metres away from those which feed Cam Beck and the Ribble’s waters before heading in the opposite direction towards the Irish Sea.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjZyCgE-fXmyWI5tWbaC2mU5yKKCtvUf5wQ3yw4wV73QidIVIfql1IKqfSCDKQwT9-DoD_wS6HJzymwDK6rfLZTI-KK2QB-Ik5QpR9825l_Nhioku0t1Hs4jZbDnaQ1iumiOgoQs5Z8A/s1600-h/5+emergency+repairs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106085745088013026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjZyCgE-fXmyWI5tWbaC2mU5yKKCtvUf5wQ3yw4wV73QidIVIfql1IKqfSCDKQwT9-DoD_wS6HJzymwDK6rfLZTI-KK2QB-Ik5QpR9825l_Nhioku0t1Hs4jZbDnaQ1iumiOgoQs5Z8A/s320/5+emergency+repairs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We also took time to instigate a few emergency repairs to heels in new boots...<br /><br />...then refreshed and replete, we set off again, and pass our first spring which emerges suddenly from beneath the mosses…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYhNEwRV03DsMF8Kv9CdmH0KufkdtAirugW_otUIm3ZbrK0TlkcgXj9xHmm3ZbaF3Fsz9YgXGv-xQkTHpLXxMm3TK6f7DQa_f2gjwDGrUtNplvzYGKUL1UJC3EetVIJQUQ4nRqniCODY/s1600-h/8+spring+from+East+Cam+Fell+summit,+drain+down+to+Cam+Beck+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106076334814667154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYhNEwRV03DsMF8Kv9CdmH0KufkdtAirugW_otUIm3ZbrK0TlkcgXj9xHmm3ZbaF3Fsz9YgXGv-xQkTHpLXxMm3TK6f7DQa_f2gjwDGrUtNplvzYGKUL1UJC3EetVIJQUQ4nRqniCODY/s320/8+spring+from+East+Cam+Fell+summit,+drain+down+to+Cam+Beck+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As we move beneath the summit of Cam Fell we take a small diversion and climb the steep mossy slope to the top to explore the limestone pavement here…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFkkFj7yApnQ3QVy10Jg5WWUr6gVXkdbImB6RfR8tzBkvTnDqLwKgYyq9FpxstMBg_YacKK0yR-19HxR5ae5hOz6hnMPYi7gwO1Cg8b8Kwtwq-AYIBvvBXfWGEvqLV401I8wVGG2XCLk/s1600-h/8+limestone+pavement,+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106075883843101058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFkkFj7yApnQ3QVy10Jg5WWUr6gVXkdbImB6RfR8tzBkvTnDqLwKgYyq9FpxstMBg_YacKK0yR-19HxR5ae5hOz6hnMPYi7gwO1Cg8b8Kwtwq-AYIBvvBXfWGEvqLV401I8wVGG2XCLk/s320/8+limestone+pavement,+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Limestone pavement on Cam Fell.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeQLfgACcIi4NlnLVQ1Rkt6xvrQmd7KPqBSk89PW7wGiNM36XpdQ7A4L9L7xcys9bIxLIDbrgbzXRnFuwfGP9rD29C8urIwp9p29LbhxVfNYa3JE4xQR4MAi8uMwucnlN0vQtfz7HJr8/s1600-h/8+mosses+on+the+limestone+pavement,+Cam+Fell+summit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106075733519245682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeQLfgACcIi4NlnLVQ1Rkt6xvrQmd7KPqBSk89PW7wGiNM36XpdQ7A4L9L7xcys9bIxLIDbrgbzXRnFuwfGP9rD29C8urIwp9p29LbhxVfNYa3JE4xQR4MAi8uMwucnlN0vQtfz7HJr8/s320/8+mosses+on+the+limestone+pavement,+Cam+Fell+summit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The mosses which thrive on the limestone pavement.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF23eRxLiZboKd_s_jBOe70GB5rPJIIFiB1_CEVHiHiJqdOitQmWzl0PhrmWgdFqdLpEStBnD2829zmY3K-0sKEdUrHUU94EG9A-cpwkhXZGWSyYVzF09FmEu6oOwvUYtNDGzpCzrZNY/s1600-h/8+Cam+Fell+summit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106076678412050866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF23eRxLiZboKd_s_jBOe70GB5rPJIIFiB1_CEVHiHiJqdOitQmWzl0PhrmWgdFqdLpEStBnD2829zmY3K-0sKEdUrHUU94EG9A-cpwkhXZGWSyYVzF09FmEu6oOwvUYtNDGzpCzrZNY/s320/8+Cam+Fell+summit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />At the top of Cam Fell.<br /><br />As we emerge from the gate to Camm Farm (Cold Kell Gate), we press ahead as far as the signpost at Kidhow Gate before realising we should have turned sharp left at Cold Kell Gate to cross the summit over towards Gayle Moor, but the mistake turned out to be well worth it as the limestone along here is so bare and well-worn that we marvel over the clearly visible remains of the myriads of fossilised sea-creatures which have formed this fantastic mountain landscape…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0bzCqXj46tgxfeZ5G0Y5PiklMKzy0nPfMkUUyeBnn5Zkw3zagriOW1rR1zrZrlWXPut8Z07hoH58tykOdPZawSexB2ofXIQzMxuyJ8Zr0LtbwR3G5KNxaolLC0XVQwmf4fd8KKjLATo/s1600-h/8+limestone+fossils,+cam+fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106075411396698466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0bzCqXj46tgxfeZ5G0Y5PiklMKzy0nPfMkUUyeBnn5Zkw3zagriOW1rR1zrZrlWXPut8Z07hoH58tykOdPZawSexB2ofXIQzMxuyJ8Zr0LtbwR3G5KNxaolLC0XVQwmf4fd8KKjLATo/s320/8+limestone+fossils,+cam+fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cutting back across the Northern face of the limestone pavement summit of Cam Fell, we get views across Snaizeholme Fell, Widdale Fell, Great Knoutberry Hill and Wold Fell before finally finding our goal: Gavel Gap, the start of the Ribble Way and marking our quest for the Ribble’s source…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqBeZA3z7ZRoS18r-Aw8mTyA80P0Vmh9Ss0XsXigLZ2R91AEL0DfD5CE1Oxmi1ZSAWe70dNlbhKgv1v6UP5mhZsi6LntCIOm_zhqwaHf6JvWf0zqrH1jy2G_MGpr5fxXcndEC9_R8Ah8/s1600-h/9+now+where"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106077455801131458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqBeZA3z7ZRoS18r-Aw8mTyA80P0Vmh9Ss0XsXigLZ2R91AEL0DfD5CE1Oxmi1ZSAWe70dNlbhKgv1v6UP5mhZsi6LntCIOm_zhqwaHf6JvWf0zqrH1jy2G_MGpr5fxXcndEC9_R8Ah8/s320/9+now+where%27s+the+source.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />At Gavel Gap, the beginning of the Ribble Way. Now, where's that source...?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEARcmsv2Vc_2oW2wBpoZVrTxCNOAcPoWGqoNFbsgD2y2NR4lrcexgYU_egUOYd67HRxfsizTrjglLjnPHLwaJFhMZ0YqUgCxWJ4FDQczyFrg7Rmxi-mj8I202YV-qFyxEWwQ5d_Te3I/s1600-h/The+source+of+the+Ribble.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106101799675765698" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px" height="216" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEARcmsv2Vc_2oW2wBpoZVrTxCNOAcPoWGqoNFbsgD2y2NR4lrcexgYU_egUOYd67HRxfsizTrjglLjnPHLwaJFhMZ0YqUgCxWJ4FDQczyFrg7Rmxi-mj8I202YV-qFyxEWwQ5d_Te3I/s320/The+source+of+the+Ribble.bmp" width="320" border="0" /></a><br />Just up from the gate at Gavel Gap is Little Wold, the source of Jam Syke... our steps quicken as we search for the source of the Ribble…<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCWk91DZ5VteGQxrZbxviYck1p02byk7BD_nHf-PdIW5oGD1Qn7pUZMDaaAFL34F-kzMxKX9fg65fUwlzyJ0mdEeE1R_SR6G_nHpxKFhY_orStJa9hZ8zqWTd6UDZT5WSTtp7G2P2Zq4/s1600-h/9+Eureka!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106074513748533570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCWk91DZ5VteGQxrZbxviYck1p02byk7BD_nHf-PdIW5oGD1Qn7pUZMDaaAFL34F-kzMxKX9fg65fUwlzyJ0mdEeE1R_SR6G_nHpxKFhY_orStJa9hZ8zqWTd6UDZT5WSTtp7G2P2Zq4/s320/9+Eureka!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Eureka!!<br /><br />We find the spring of Jam Syke very quickly and are genuinely amazed at how beautiful it is: a steady trickle of fresh, clear, sparkling water, emerging from a crack in the limestone and flowing across a flat step before trickling down through the mosses into its blanket bog lined gill.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV2EHllUGMsGbxKc6-LdYrtA51zNfOaDeNaYSvBdDdjuaQzM9NpZuBw60JXBvD3kto8VLDix1GbsJbTW93NIm5_QQBYxFrIAyhXlexZ1-75RM7dI-P1ZG-JwksKw8gTID7dr3Tiye_JM/s1600-h/9+Jam+Syke+Spring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106073598920499490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSV2EHllUGMsGbxKc6-LdYrtA51zNfOaDeNaYSvBdDdjuaQzM9NpZuBw60JXBvD3kto8VLDix1GbsJbTW93NIm5_QQBYxFrIAyhXlexZ1-75RM7dI-P1ZG-JwksKw8gTID7dr3Tiye_JM/s320/9+Jam+Syke+Spring.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdl7BYkI0cuNdInYG38TUl1ZgDiHNLzINRXBqlFtXASaqnG7sFV-XLVEK2yzSt7ZYAsTUbXYYlgJgsvHF_VHHYjyAvhVrf4PJ83vfWM7vg_szPrrOrq3w6cR26sXLaC7kF1pCFFIAb3s/s1600-h/9+The+Ribble+source.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106073113589195026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdl7BYkI0cuNdInYG38TUl1ZgDiHNLzINRXBqlFtXASaqnG7sFV-XLVEK2yzSt7ZYAsTUbXYYlgJgsvHF_VHHYjyAvhVrf4PJ83vfWM7vg_szPrrOrq3w6cR26sXLaC7kF1pCFFIAb3s/s320/9+The+Ribble+source.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The only way to celebrate is to fill our water bottles from this steady flow and toast the River Ribble! As we fill the first bottle the inevitable joke “oops, Ribble suddenly runs dry at Preston” causes merriment, and we inspect the water in the bottles – removing the accidental wriggly creature dislodged from the mosses – and marvel at the clear water we hold in our hands before toasting the Ribble and drinking the cold and quite delicious water.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyUyQFXJ6nmClEERfOq7Sn9T7yAkNNJung6c-uYak5I9d7K087GPT_ZegKDwrEXMiFci2NOQyeQGdEYuvFKksH0US8ReA0IqJpdxLJrfA3dIfjiou0pi4vkQ2zUYNcQCo_8oN67lP3hE/s1600-h/9+Gayle+Wolds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106074805806309714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqyUyQFXJ6nmClEERfOq7Sn9T7yAkNNJung6c-uYak5I9d7K087GPT_ZegKDwrEXMiFci2NOQyeQGdEYuvFKksH0US8ReA0IqJpdxLJrfA3dIfjiou0pi4vkQ2zUYNcQCo_8oN67lP3hE/s320/9+Gayle+Wolds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Gayle Wolds: the source of the Ribble.<br /><br />After celebratory chocolate biscuits, washed down with more Ribble water and digested with a fabulous view over Gayle Moor towards Blea Moor and Whernside rising behind the Ribble viaduct...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCA91QI54JCJWdGQDY4lkpOWAdPyjjI0kImvCpQHLLLFksJMwwbNBfKvquooPMVfa_MWRAqTSrYBDm_qPiXEh9hs3RYsQ4xcjlQao4A_OAOTZj_aF8pgpwNyKcgajsfQZGj7RZdaYESfQ/s1600-h/9+Ribblehead+Viaduct+&+whernside+from+Cam+Fell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106078147290866130" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCA91QI54JCJWdGQDY4lkpOWAdPyjjI0kImvCpQHLLLFksJMwwbNBfKvquooPMVfa_MWRAqTSrYBDm_qPiXEh9hs3RYsQ4xcjlQao4A_OAOTZj_aF8pgpwNyKcgajsfQZGj7RZdaYESfQ/s320/9+Ribblehead+Viaduct+%26+whernside+from+Cam+Fell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...we follow Little Wold round the West of the summit towards the other limestone blocks which form the rest of Gayle Wolds...<br /><br />Shivery Gill comes from Little Wold as Jam Syke does, and it too is a splendidly clear spring, albeit more densely dressed in its mosses than Jam Syke.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1HGbV2EzcCdISmprVvlFe0rOIDXtAn9baJKkVC5fyroyRYVYoRA4bzHSfWJn2-FKk1dQjepqv4_8QUHfGK-ZSmU8gVwlNhDwDEgmNoHgVT95VfgHSjtRMDPAcHZ1xLh4rs8H6Ucdq78/s1600-h/9+Shivery+Gill,+Gayle+Wolds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106072731337105666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1HGbV2EzcCdISmprVvlFe0rOIDXtAn9baJKkVC5fyroyRYVYoRA4bzHSfWJn2-FKk1dQjepqv4_8QUHfGK-ZSmU8gVwlNhDwDEgmNoHgVT95VfgHSjtRMDPAcHZ1xLh4rs8H6Ucdq78/s320/9+Shivery+Gill,+Gayle+Wolds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Shivery Gill emerges from its mossy source.<br /><br />We walk back round to Jam Syke, and the sun is shining on the gill...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZMhdQfSZrymytTKywgNlb4LG8pA2XMD55E42bIE9AUgd1owtqZEDo4X8FkUbVDa7HWHdAY5h2mg3esXGV0DpCvjymsIDcIgJyxSozuVPSXlFtguKwaXkk9BTessplXoljeSiBUEwAeI/s1600-h/9+Reigh+Belisama"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106071734904692978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZMhdQfSZrymytTKywgNlb4LG8pA2XMD55E42bIE9AUgd1owtqZEDo4X8FkUbVDa7HWHdAY5h2mg3esXGV0DpCvjymsIDcIgJyxSozuVPSXlFtguKwaXkk9BTessplXoljeSiBUEwAeI/s320/9+Reigh+Belisama%27s+Shining+Waters+already+promised+in+Jam+Syke.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...as it flows down to meet its sisters in Long Gill and then Gayle Beck...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf0jjxvDBUVJi9q3_XsGFf8KSOputnAkB5A8Pi4u3JFq4MBSJunIo7cSwHOuvEZ7yB6b5q_ne0AMSUdQFck4mvh3_c1cCgfokEad1lqnn6qUagaCqnwnpfOQDBXhbOtTfO2BEPCRibmU/s1600-h/9+Jam+Syke+becomes+Long+Gill,+&+continues+down+towards+Gayle+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106073916748079410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicf0jjxvDBUVJi9q3_XsGFf8KSOputnAkB5A8Pi4u3JFq4MBSJunIo7cSwHOuvEZ7yB6b5q_ne0AMSUdQFck4mvh3_c1cCgfokEad1lqnn6qUagaCqnwnpfOQDBXhbOtTfO2BEPCRibmU/s320/9+Jam+Syke+becomes+Long+Gill,+%26+continues+down+towards+Gayle+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and we set off down the first part of the Ribble Way path as it makes its way down Gayle Moor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLeB6TyAwWvgziinw6CMuE7W8XpjicKulFrRhDAkOd4eT2QP9KJSagkhUIxUsP0JGKjVzsubFXdhLze95WXi0L6uI5EYkgeCdDrINAvXRU3WpxT2NusLVlpJr_6zI4bN_4z7JOM57GVY/s1600-h/9+The+Ribble+Way+down+from+Gayle+Wolds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106070154356728002" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLeB6TyAwWvgziinw6CMuE7W8XpjicKulFrRhDAkOd4eT2QP9KJSagkhUIxUsP0JGKjVzsubFXdhLze95WXi0L6uI5EYkgeCdDrINAvXRU3WpxT2NusLVlpJr_6zI4bN_4z7JOM57GVY/s320/9+The+Ribble+Way+down+from+Gayle+Wolds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Ribble Way down from Gayle Wolds, following Jam Syke and then Long Gill before turning towards Blea Moor.<br /><br />Jam Syke eventually joins with Long Gill...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJdD3U2YM4RctJFVglXPUdUdXiocYRpQ3IhJLyUe3Kao7N4rOYHH8KjVW82DK-Dsisn449cITJW9cX5TTyJnUeeYqbRE86rqjO6uW7yRmLmU4EHOWK0RGniMgdQkCiiX2Kh6e6DDB49c/s1600-h/9+Long+Gill+flowing+towards+Gayle+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106071099249533154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJdD3U2YM4RctJFVglXPUdUdXiocYRpQ3IhJLyUe3Kao7N4rOYHH8KjVW82DK-Dsisn449cITJW9cX5TTyJnUeeYqbRE86rqjO6uW7yRmLmU4EHOWK0RGniMgdQkCiiX2Kh6e6DDB49c/s320/9+Long+Gill+flowing+towards+Gayle+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Long Gill.<br /><br />...as does Shivery Gill, Far Mares Gill, Mares Gill, Lat Gill, High Springs, and White Earth Gill, and by this time they have all become Gayle Beck and are making their way down towards Ribblehead.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYvsw1Eawb7VpBV6Eqc9i21qNfVYUYGZ_X9_ARmqVIJ0m1zhkN2cN9mJe4QNlZMP-MvOOqroOt_aLRDUCdKV9lMr1HejgzFB2ccUMhxXYZysk-slDpC2xB8i9FpGFpP2S3lfRGZzB7nE/s1600-h/9+other+springs+join+Long+Gill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106070751357182162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYvsw1Eawb7VpBV6Eqc9i21qNfVYUYGZ_X9_ARmqVIJ0m1zhkN2cN9mJe4QNlZMP-MvOOqroOt_aLRDUCdKV9lMr1HejgzFB2ccUMhxXYZysk-slDpC2xB8i9FpGFpP2S3lfRGZzB7nE/s320/9+other+springs+join+Long+Gill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Another spring joins with Long Gill on its way down to join Gayle Beck.<br /><br />We follow Jam Syke then Long Gill towards the West then South-West down Gayle Moor to White Rake, but then the Ribble Way turns slightly North to Newby Head Moss and on to the next stage of our journey which sees the Ribble’s source waters left making their way to the valley floor in a South-South Westerly direction while we set off across to the West and the opposite slopes of the valley on Blea Moor.<br /><br />Once on Blea Moor, the Ribble Way takes a sharp left turn where it meets with the Dales Way once again...<br /><br />...and we enjoy a ramble along the mainly gentle slopes of Blea Moor...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH2oqOF89BDsiDOAYhVoa3I3vpflO_84xkei5nN5vhOtJgcnzkKElO21T0wCOFl8WLsb818vtey__7YusXLdcF5NlVRwQe3r84Dm7rMF4u8a16bhMSOnHBALop5J44qrLH5RyMWWtPvM/s1600-h/92+Stonechat+or+Whinchat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106066190101913746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH2oqOF89BDsiDOAYhVoa3I3vpflO_84xkei5nN5vhOtJgcnzkKElO21T0wCOFl8WLsb818vtey__7YusXLdcF5NlVRwQe3r84Dm7rMF4u8a16bhMSOnHBALop5J44qrLH5RyMWWtPvM/s320/92+Stonechat+or+Whinchat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...even encountering a few small birds with an unusual sound which we think were either Whinchat or Stonechat...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjzaBHZpOwCsKA9cKhtjtG61P8Qw9bAobN-z-X24Y_6tuW5WjMrf8ZF28po1SzXhy6IJEvzdS-A1U8Kvs9espXbX8uhXbg_FZ9Ej76rKKouw4E3hsLd0F1DTS_guAHDxHnSaA1pFGcK4/s1600-h/92+Cam+Fell+showing+the+Gayle+Wolds+and+the+route+of+the+gills+towards+Ribblehead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106067504361906338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjzaBHZpOwCsKA9cKhtjtG61P8Qw9bAobN-z-X24Y_6tuW5WjMrf8ZF28po1SzXhy6IJEvzdS-A1U8Kvs9espXbX8uhXbg_FZ9Ej76rKKouw4E3hsLd0F1DTS_guAHDxHnSaA1pFGcK4/s320/92+Cam+Fell+showing+the+Gayle+Wolds+and+the+route+of+the+gills+towards+Ribblehead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...with great views over to Gayle Moor and Cam Fell where the Ribble's waters begin their long journey...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpGuu3bEAxe8Qf5hJE6iOSd90YrqGef7_rqTMwZ4SW3XxTbwQeu9YoYHD4FkEisS-pLARayiRdggZRfMLI7VYmBipBHGES_rmgSMDV00_ePsErQ4S3txKWPZOcGghDu81waINFqWw-yg/s1600-h/92+Gayle+Wolds+from+the+Ribble+Way.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106069918133526706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpGuu3bEAxe8Qf5hJE6iOSd90YrqGef7_rqTMwZ4SW3XxTbwQeu9YoYHD4FkEisS-pLARayiRdggZRfMLI7VYmBipBHGES_rmgSMDV00_ePsErQ4S3txKWPZOcGghDu81waINFqWw-yg/s320/92+Gayle+Wolds+from+the+Ribble+Way.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and with increasingly fabulous views down the valley as Blea Moor curves gently round towards Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aJV-Q4kz0nRi33vungb72_LwL4-SSS3Ea_3BxdMfTXgkOyOcCduMp9hi7OSV7HHCFGIxmMQG5eGKxKWxqVRdU955RPBZYwS1yOYkrv1p9jge4LKejeRsadPd8GriESiRWWOq9Db4OJE/s1600-h/92+Ouster+Gill+below+Blea+Moor+Moss+flows+down+to+Gayle+Beck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106010415656607858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aJV-Q4kz0nRi33vungb72_LwL4-SSS3Ea_3BxdMfTXgkOyOcCduMp9hi7OSV7HHCFGIxmMQG5eGKxKWxqVRdU955RPBZYwS1yOYkrv1p9jge4LKejeRsadPd8GriESiRWWOq9Db4OJE/s320/92+Ouster+Gill+below+Blea+Moor+Moss+flows+down+to+Gayle+Beck.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ouster Gill wends its way down from Blea Moor to join Long Gill and Gayle Beck.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEqUfjY95EDobkMz7C6Z1EiGuPlSSvgGASk9tawq3mFN8cMAIyx2xftSVGHxvdX8UdglJQBPEXXu5fw1xpu4Der-72g0V7avVPaRbxmm8t4i-9BNj3PELxVP5MGKYMtASczJqBoE4gVk/s1600-h/92+pen-y-ghent+from+the+Ribble+Way+at+the+lower+end+of+Blea+Moor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106012322622087298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEqUfjY95EDobkMz7C6Z1EiGuPlSSvgGASk9tawq3mFN8cMAIyx2xftSVGHxvdX8UdglJQBPEXXu5fw1xpu4Der-72g0V7avVPaRbxmm8t4i-9BNj3PELxVP5MGKYMtASczJqBoE4gVk/s320/92+pen-y-ghent+from+the+Ribble+Way+at+the+lower+end+of+Blea+Moor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Pen-y-ghent from the Ribble Way at the lower end of Blea Moor.<br /><br />The Ribble Way and Dales Way on Blea Moor follows the line of Long Gill at the foot of Gayle Moor (although they can't be seen from here) as we make our way South across the lower East slope of Blea Moor down towards Gayle Beck at Gearstones, back to the beginning of today’s journey seeking the Source of the River Ribble...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqLNBDbUyWDVY9zHnLqpXXt3m9fTkRxSrbjYsc-X2OpP4spW8M3HJxh4X3QFtW95C7425YZ5U0x0nuQjBWWTs8yj2FpZSbO0Nd0q5n1X46Tt4_HTbzbWIZSyFSkN7P3Wecf8fr6tlMjY/s1600-h/1+Gayle+Beck+below+West+side+Cam+Fell,+&+Dales+Way-Pennine+Way+Roman+Road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106006833653882978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqLNBDbUyWDVY9zHnLqpXXt3m9fTkRxSrbjYsc-X2OpP4spW8M3HJxh4X3QFtW95C7425YZ5U0x0nuQjBWWTs8yj2FpZSbO0Nd0q5n1X46Tt4_HTbzbWIZSyFSkN7P3Wecf8fr6tlMjY/s320/1+Gayle+Beck+below+West+side+Cam+Fell,+%26+Dales+Way-Pennine+Way+Roman+Road.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Looking over Gayle Beck back towards Cam Fell at the beginning and the end of this circular walk.<br /><br /><br />We walked about 8 or so miles in total today – a good achievement for the three members of the party between the ages of ten and twelve – 2 children keen to amble along at their own leisurely pace and one dog with rusty hips!<br /><br />We plan the next stage before setting off home: this will be from Gearstones to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, with one particular diversion: a trek off the beaten track down to Gayle Beck at High Flat Hill – a spot which declares itself a serious contender as one of the most beautiful sections of the Ribble, as well as instilling many locals and visitors with the conviction that this section should be named the River Ribble from this point on…<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-2-spot-ribble.html">Part 2 of our Ribble Way adventures</a> will be blogged next week as we play "Spot the Ribble"...</strong><br />... and <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/09/ribble-way-part-3-horton-to-stainforth.html">Part 3 of The Ribble Way</a> involves Dry-Ski Slopes and a Swim at Selside!<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-3212534459903831182007-08-27T13:50:00.000+01:002007-08-27T15:30:16.869+01:00August: Late Summer Ribbleside RamblesDespite the inclement weather for much of this summer, we have managed to spend a good many hours messing about by the River, wandering around the Ribbleside green spaces, and generally enjoying our natural treasures...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGbl7BCZz4qytCR7EPaYwCvRTUH4Cg90iJ4zYMvNbmVrY8oamVxX5uAscQWJfzNu8kqxc5hjWcg3NagO4mef54QSOhciu748Kn05cp7u4Tt3GVLMAFe3JXOzulFhn7K-wsKEcqhXSr0k/s1600-h/Ribble+summer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103368108826435634" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGbl7BCZz4qytCR7EPaYwCvRTUH4Cg90iJ4zYMvNbmVrY8oamVxX5uAscQWJfzNu8kqxc5hjWcg3NagO4mef54QSOhciu748Kn05cp7u4Tt3GVLMAFe3JXOzulFhn7K-wsKEcqhXSr0k/s320/Ribble+summer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...the Ribble lifts the heart whatever the weather, her shining ever-changing waters and lush banksides...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uTM_N84Fl2wMnIFoih6dT-6E0WQ54a4v9QpzKR7AViEseHHGBYI0bDwRCHtuqyFrvcxvFdpBjgRw7VOc_UlgXfkCxFALWLyx71MRsvKlbQkrqB8CVw4VwpLnKAt8Rec-U0Oeg_-thoI/s1600-h/Ribbleside+wildlife.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103368186135846978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uTM_N84Fl2wMnIFoih6dT-6E0WQ54a4v9QpzKR7AViEseHHGBYI0bDwRCHtuqyFrvcxvFdpBjgRw7VOc_UlgXfkCxFALWLyx71MRsvKlbQkrqB8CVw4VwpLnKAt8Rec-U0Oeg_-thoI/s320/Ribbleside+wildlife.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...offering endless places to roam, whatever your size!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktJ9SD0o3EBSFzrk0pc4B7jgpCw6yclzkgNSllrTzMHvyf72127EpKGkeHMewRTlLMe8ESWA1icssbIG6-NcReb3wc3NO2VfNKgnZ6I61jI_4tfrcG2dz2IBgdR1p4P2lpKgRzc3hRc8/s1600-h/Housemartin+chicks+fly+the+nest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365879738408962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktJ9SD0o3EBSFzrk0pc4B7jgpCw6yclzkgNSllrTzMHvyf72127EpKGkeHMewRTlLMe8ESWA1icssbIG6-NcReb3wc3NO2VfNKgnZ6I61jI_4tfrcG2dz2IBgdR1p4P2lpKgRzc3hRc8/s320/Housemartin+chicks+fly+the+nest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The House Martin chicks have now flown the nest but are still based in their Ribble-mud homes beneath our eaves, from whence they fly out and skim across the Ribble's waters for flies as skilfully as their parents...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGnxyBeuISoXEUpeGQibgXQmpBfdG6hLDDykzYeyB7oUItBeNBR-XNmuneyTmbqGKIs532rkFaXP65We7ol-dKl4ZZw0ybVdOoFDdSXm03dXzAsQCW0ULTgzgzVaoigfrbQzm-RGdV50/s1600-h/low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103367030789644322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGnxyBeuISoXEUpeGQibgXQmpBfdG6hLDDykzYeyB7oUItBeNBR-XNmuneyTmbqGKIs532rkFaXP65We7ol-dKl4ZZw0ybVdOoFDdSXm03dXzAsQCW0ULTgzgzVaoigfrbQzm-RGdV50/s320/low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and low tides always offers food for thought...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxH6sCbnP19f0_84RQwWQL-xaKFCc7L-DBZ-WHBt7ZGsrEqhlQQdeO_ndllljyUXQmxtC0Idc8Q3jBkb190Rk7YSp7rEDF_825h4BY4JPr2rPwYMGC-YAgcYp8ZLM9GiObLeUHsDAk_Z4/s1600-h/Ribble+wildlife+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103366395134484498" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxH6sCbnP19f0_84RQwWQL-xaKFCc7L-DBZ-WHBt7ZGsrEqhlQQdeO_ndllljyUXQmxtC0Idc8Q3jBkb190Rk7YSp7rEDF_825h4BY4JPr2rPwYMGC-YAgcYp8ZLM9GiObLeUHsDAk_Z4/s320/Ribble+wildlife+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...as does the endlessly biodiverse range of plant species which line the banks of the Ribble and the many different habitats of the Ribbleside green spaces...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-wX8JR3QwHgZXoP12jKVuCwCJidkgS1zbDbR4XqLS5-dbCRsryLaxork3_drtipqu2vDSv7vwZKwiPlGHwCR0Q77J242KzG9NG5JcwR9cYOoN5SVkAdh8hYvsKcBguNP7CgvxrAGaKU/s1600-h/Cinnebar+moth+caterpillers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365518961156066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-wX8JR3QwHgZXoP12jKVuCwCJidkgS1zbDbR4XqLS5-dbCRsryLaxork3_drtipqu2vDSv7vwZKwiPlGHwCR0Q77J242KzG9NG5JcwR9cYOoN5SVkAdh8hYvsKcBguNP7CgvxrAGaKU/s320/Cinnebar+moth+caterpillers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Cinnabar Moth caterpillars enjoying the Ragwort...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCtBDUca3IxgGKTKxe9y3tf9cvuT0qDn39bZl6NfKGBxC_aBSfTnLnZQo3iQlbVUc2zehHR37VXR9Nx7nfwdXTwr0mVZb1HNU_YxwZsdMFJOBr-JnJDw5k7MDr7B_Hl1ml8A5CfwhO0U/s1600-h/busy+bees+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365445946712018" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCtBDUca3IxgGKTKxe9y3tf9cvuT0qDn39bZl6NfKGBxC_aBSfTnLnZQo3iQlbVUc2zehHR37VXR9Nx7nfwdXTwr0mVZb1HNU_YxwZsdMFJOBr-JnJDw5k7MDr7B_Hl1ml8A5CfwhO0U/s320/busy+bees+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Bees busy in the Tufted Vetch in the meadows...<br /><br />The Ribbleside wildflowers are numerous and plentiful, whether on wet marsh, meadows, or woodlands, or along the Ribble's banks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yfsmMlX94sadOmnc8p7T_1QMdAnRBGF5k6BO3vOiD-j6uzzZEEm7mzseQDUyD8oqRQU44RikJJNeFT3RQIQnjgLuk03tR-CPumdbQIHPZ-Kf9kElCb7NBtZouR-CUZCVxMMswUK_MAc/s1600-h/Birds+Foot+Trefoil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365364342333378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yfsmMlX94sadOmnc8p7T_1QMdAnRBGF5k6BO3vOiD-j6uzzZEEm7mzseQDUyD8oqRQU44RikJJNeFT3RQIQnjgLuk03tR-CPumdbQIHPZ-Kf9kElCb7NBtZouR-CUZCVxMMswUK_MAc/s320/Birds+Foot+Trefoil.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...including Birds Foot Trefoil...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxRJNeb-YX1UemAe8KWv2-bfOEjnjXVwdxGF4z-7Kj7ySy82qtbdqFzzdHjfcs4ozj22bbz82IgvTTeFkjUTNeoQmwrGPkxMzyX-CvQt32e874KAdBQ52giAEvUI0D-ofQuR_PRvoA6E/s1600-h/Rosebay+Willowherb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365166773837746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxRJNeb-YX1UemAe8KWv2-bfOEjnjXVwdxGF4z-7Kj7ySy82qtbdqFzzdHjfcs4ozj22bbz82IgvTTeFkjUTNeoQmwrGPkxMzyX-CvQt32e874KAdBQ52giAEvUI0D-ofQuR_PRvoA6E/s320/Rosebay+Willowherb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...Rosebay Willowherb...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT-ETGyxB8Pe-iRLhkPWC5bclx0-GpEhs3LbZbqOYuSNzkliod_em9Uj4FWnE4pVTY-82ZJCQy6vT7juPWu5BqzS-63bdL7HW3zCwL0YsSemZBgJzMTA88Jz1eSYLhERJnDB2cnIDhQg/s1600-h/Tufted+Vetch.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365063694622626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT-ETGyxB8Pe-iRLhkPWC5bclx0-GpEhs3LbZbqOYuSNzkliod_em9Uj4FWnE4pVTY-82ZJCQy6vT7juPWu5BqzS-63bdL7HW3zCwL0YsSemZBgJzMTA88Jz1eSYLhERJnDB2cnIDhQg/s320/Tufted+Vetch.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...Tufted Vetch...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGCkaRtbOyn3f7EB4Duh6PtRnKTjsseowTlwkzUjBP9ByO2qFUj5a2LTH5B6kxkidGtxGuifPKyvGjNR1mkSCM7TIs-W4PW7AAgDc_ijHUHiCe_t3-CB6d2_uz-ImPPAdgKWpU45_mHU/s1600-h/Yarrow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364582658285378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGCkaRtbOyn3f7EB4Duh6PtRnKTjsseowTlwkzUjBP9ByO2qFUj5a2LTH5B6kxkidGtxGuifPKyvGjNR1mkSCM7TIs-W4PW7AAgDc_ijHUHiCe_t3-CB6d2_uz-ImPPAdgKWpU45_mHU/s320/Yarrow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...Yarrow...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg02aS5BIrR93Kx9RiE-lI_dtu7IgHFQDpVWnpMCYR7ifs40MXX8n6LXB6wodKXTYjDTbpxCqpbJcBj68uTID1-BgHtHfDWXci2tadeTKqULz-86lbWA_pzimDJ0pFqQPzUwj3py_5O0/s1600-h/Meadow+Cranesbill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364458104233778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJg02aS5BIrR93Kx9RiE-lI_dtu7IgHFQDpVWnpMCYR7ifs40MXX8n6LXB6wodKXTYjDTbpxCqpbJcBj68uTID1-BgHtHfDWXci2tadeTKqULz-86lbWA_pzimDJ0pFqQPzUwj3py_5O0/s320/Meadow+Cranesbill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and my personal favourite, Meadow Cranesbill...<br /><br />...there are a wealth of flower species all through the summer months until well into Autumn...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fZRMOLkpAAaJkL3nwYzosWdPARxCkXsJwDKXN9VTa4-qDVBGlQ50TPg3op-YCZE3OfW2jsF7spIE7vJPFHI1FFKHFEcGTeWcKu48BSQYCet8XmiMDrg8KpWeU38apTV6MaAPfSzSVdA/s1600-h/wildflowers+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364994975145874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fZRMOLkpAAaJkL3nwYzosWdPARxCkXsJwDKXN9VTa4-qDVBGlQ50TPg3op-YCZE3OfW2jsF7spIE7vJPFHI1FFKHFEcGTeWcKu48BSQYCet8XmiMDrg8KpWeU38apTV6MaAPfSzSVdA/s320/wildflowers+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0R09M0q88t2JTIJ4m6gVpjfP_rdrZX3ggXckOya8nNYmgLuLE6-BrrtejhTIOqoMrPC2vAM1KugKPEgujcE45wHUFn4t5xyNcVTb9GBF0o8dHGonJKZIvLJe3VItWbhTBFV5DBATwwA/s1600-h/wildflowers+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364913370767234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0R09M0q88t2JTIJ4m6gVpjfP_rdrZX3ggXckOya8nNYmgLuLE6-BrrtejhTIOqoMrPC2vAM1KugKPEgujcE45wHUFn4t5xyNcVTb9GBF0o8dHGonJKZIvLJe3VItWbhTBFV5DBATwwA/s320/wildflowers+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGjuk9rMN8Z948MO3Dss2mavmhl_t_CSVnpZGmcurBf7wWNinitxaD2M-EjqR3D65sN1bCRJw0OrX62Sk9yu3snZppSBKWDIR5fGGTg4108jy_fskfwqvKyqcNQPzhC8rW6TU9hl4D4g/s1600-h/wildflowers+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364840356323186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGjuk9rMN8Z948MO3Dss2mavmhl_t_CSVnpZGmcurBf7wWNinitxaD2M-EjqR3D65sN1bCRJw0OrX62Sk9yu3snZppSBKWDIR5fGGTg4108jy_fskfwqvKyqcNQPzhC8rW6TU9hl4D4g/s320/wildflowers+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD0IrDAvOFe6gxMcAq6TwJwioXh2o6dhgerLUSHDz5Bj8UsU-tRpo2snKapClb_PMCa33TQhm_xG6Cj7ezhZb9y9Jp94WgHahdOVx3FL0oXKA64DjAsuPs_1EOqnoQvICFt7dOqoyVG8/s1600-h/wildflowers+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364750162009954" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD0IrDAvOFe6gxMcAq6TwJwioXh2o6dhgerLUSHDz5Bj8UsU-tRpo2snKapClb_PMCa33TQhm_xG6Cj7ezhZb9y9Jp94WgHahdOVx3FL0oXKA64DjAsuPs_1EOqnoQvICFt7dOqoyVG8/s320/wildflowers+5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbmQMwJepq8qY5zP8VgZJlCMfv_V0AeqSeNl4g8wHA1qmd3aHqYctDLdgCR5MLGJ8w5zu9TcsqnYw_rkDJWd_rTLYruBhNpY-KAp2AyUBxWwu3y8MkB32T_-5Eo_t2Z4MyVF5P3PgFlY/s1600-h/wildflowers+6a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364647082794834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbmQMwJepq8qY5zP8VgZJlCMfv_V0AeqSeNl4g8wHA1qmd3aHqYctDLdgCR5MLGJ8w5zu9TcsqnYw_rkDJWd_rTLYruBhNpY-KAp2AyUBxWwu3y8MkB32T_-5Eo_t2Z4MyVF5P3PgFlY/s320/wildflowers+6a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...offering a wealth of beauty and diversity.<br /><br />The Penwortham Green Belt includes diverse habitats...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI2nAHcLzrCX4IRZ4OrB-jskEgjVw9aKwA1-33aIz1q1tRtBDlNn02kJ_usrTM8bItY0qYTqjhaN-6n33WnDhyZWSh2WcvcJkaQEIcMibwD4HL7GamnKPthkMgJdHPk8Qr6WZoX3hO3s/s1600-h/Floodplain+grazing+marsh,+Penwortham+Green+Belt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364243355868962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfI2nAHcLzrCX4IRZ4OrB-jskEgjVw9aKwA1-33aIz1q1tRtBDlNn02kJ_usrTM8bItY0qYTqjhaN-6n33WnDhyZWSh2WcvcJkaQEIcMibwD4HL7GamnKPthkMgJdHPk8Qr6WZoX3hO3s/s320/Floodplain+grazing+marsh,+Penwortham+Green+Belt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...including Floodplain Grazing Marsh, an increasingly rare habitat which is one of the UK's <a href="http://www.ukbap.org.uk/default.aspx">Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats</a>.<br /><br />Aswell as various meadows, some grazed, some not, there are many woodland walks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6o5THuvnJHEcNDPeOiSlp5ScNOc-9a1H9_cmSDX-b5iFrGzjiwuBZOGG7Ow9LclpC9w_dPH9tChrpl-HlO-A5fgmsq1azv-uzKFhaVsXupE9W56vCbUMBjoJauhnSlS-1eaKiSs9MU0/s1600-h/woodland+walks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103363685010120434" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6o5THuvnJHEcNDPeOiSlp5ScNOc-9a1H9_cmSDX-b5iFrGzjiwuBZOGG7Ow9LclpC9w_dPH9tChrpl-HlO-A5fgmsq1azv-uzKFhaVsXupE9W56vCbUMBjoJauhnSlS-1eaKiSs9MU0/s320/woodland+walks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and sunlit glades...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZXTJc6zBycV2lUb_U377G5xaUGfWEIyUUb8nnCZy8YDt0Aoc01ma2xa01OvANPCFdcyIHi9Fn87WYJjSLmiiiCE2ds2bw3_DF1BfhRNGQAHHMDZKDhKmWr2Jj6MnTZ2wQDcoot8Q7hY/s1600-h/sunlit+glades.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103364024312536850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZXTJc6zBycV2lUb_U377G5xaUGfWEIyUUb8nnCZy8YDt0Aoc01ma2xa01OvANPCFdcyIHi9Fn87WYJjSLmiiiCE2ds2bw3_DF1BfhRNGQAHHMDZKDhKmWr2Jj6MnTZ2wQDcoot8Q7hY/s320/sunlit+glades.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and now in late August, some trees are already showing the first tints of Autumn...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y-gqPVwRWHlc-d16gERxORkRSjQSzEIiVeFKUHZ4_ig1zilyxB9j90-DgUM7uWHCpHitWkadHy7XzlghTj0oFSvJFCbCnfTkBCtGXDXx4X0jFpOGeKBhiA8M4Ertnh7j128eSRWr0bU/s1600-h/first+Autumn+tints.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103363899758485250" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y-gqPVwRWHlc-d16gERxORkRSjQSzEIiVeFKUHZ4_ig1zilyxB9j90-DgUM7uWHCpHitWkadHy7XzlghTj0oFSvJFCbCnfTkBCtGXDXx4X0jFpOGeKBhiA8M4Ertnh7j128eSRWr0bU/s320/first+Autumn+tints.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and there are already ripe blackberries...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lQsKJNP48yxMjAFMUUXdNIQo49H59LeaWnw3y2NJwdiNfoawHPx0EuPvVtas2Ocl0ecS6wSCFRnSaHQ89lqLPt3HqPTSgDnobERm3iuqiwRNVpHqs3bm10ku_N8DdpVRdrbCbL51yPw/s1600-h/blackberries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103365613450436594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lQsKJNP48yxMjAFMUUXdNIQo49H59LeaWnw3y2NJwdiNfoawHPx0EuPvVtas2Ocl0ecS6wSCFRnSaHQ89lqLPt3HqPTSgDnobERm3iuqiwRNVpHqs3bm10ku_N8DdpVRdrbCbL51yPw/s320/blackberries.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...aswell as Rowan berries, Elder Berries, and other fruiting trees all across the area - even a couple of apple trees!<br /><br />Another clear sign that Autumn is approaching is that the football games have moved on from the summer "friendlies" and are now taking place in earnest...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKpTDnkZF5DNv9WmUJsXKU1jY7eq3hk9-qOdR9jbjU7MLp2BkBsBfAXk5T_-n2HUGAhI7a32wsMHTKvN106XCQ9PpYdgf82qwg-xHzgFY0ZLsTOVmW-RLiscbL26D0Adw18Id_QDGrvY/s1600-h/sports+pitches.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103376488307630162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKpTDnkZF5DNv9WmUJsXKU1jY7eq3hk9-qOdR9jbjU7MLp2BkBsBfAXk5T_-n2HUGAhI7a32wsMHTKvN106XCQ9PpYdgf82qwg-xHzgFY0ZLsTOVmW-RLiscbL26D0Adw18Id_QDGrvY/s320/sports+pitches.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Other "fruits" on offer are the views, which are always fantastic, and even include spectacular glimpses of the Lancashire Fells...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdVPZpeb5Q41rR7-LqElN-nCSdaXlds8uSwOVL7dTZrAazg-HZdWjNpxSyGa4Y54lfRK6MtkPSt9XbRAf_QdDt-OR0z48_x1Ft7320kEmXfN4Th73HqEgabeP9fCWLXh1MMFkVjGy3yQ/s1600-h/views+of+fells.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103363556161101538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdVPZpeb5Q41rR7-LqElN-nCSdaXlds8uSwOVL7dTZrAazg-HZdWjNpxSyGa4Y54lfRK6MtkPSt9XbRAf_QdDt-OR0z48_x1Ft7320kEmXfN4Th73HqEgabeP9fCWLXh1MMFkVjGy3yQ/s320/views+of+fells.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...seen through the trees next to the Ribble in Penwortham.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhUYhjIYCvnuVi88CW6bbeUo9HwOU5agkx8FryrF49gTW92bw3p54248Lvb2TZkBG6Mqb3d8HpTBFU_zwmt9W8L3FrjpvuYk4AJPgm83L2zusxp3WioX4l_MXBJnh3xtCE9XCVKm1XPk/s1600-h/Pendle+Hill.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103363083714698962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhUYhjIYCvnuVi88CW6bbeUo9HwOU5agkx8FryrF49gTW92bw3p54248Lvb2TZkBG6Mqb3d8HpTBFU_zwmt9W8L3FrjpvuYk4AJPgm83L2zusxp3WioX4l_MXBJnh3xtCE9XCVKm1XPk/s320/Pendle+Hill.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The top of Pendle Hill...<br /><br /> - I know you can't see the top of Pendle Hill quite <em>THAT WELL</em> from the Ribble in Penwortham! - <strong><em>But you CAN see the River Ribble at Preston and Penwortham AND the Ribble Estuary from the top of Pendle Hill...</em></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUideL4TTdhVFMl376EXwaJYLgbHlciTZvrBCxpuMKU8ZK1cBRCl9-iZc4FN928fiFAXlaU40r3Tzh3QQlnCu7DxzfC_ZcYj2VxCvCTNaNuQDOVpd3EYPFHSFu5i6IeCQvRIKipmwYKRA/s1600-h/Ribble+&+Estuary+from+Pendle+Hill+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103362246196076210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUideL4TTdhVFMl376EXwaJYLgbHlciTZvrBCxpuMKU8ZK1cBRCl9-iZc4FN928fiFAXlaU40r3Tzh3QQlnCu7DxzfC_ZcYj2VxCvCTNaNuQDOVpd3EYPFHSFu5i6IeCQvRIKipmwYKRA/s320/Ribble+%26+Estuary+from+Pendle+Hill+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...<strong><em>and you can ALSO see where the Ribble begins from the same spot, just by turning your head about 120 degrees towards Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent...</em><br /></strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPQvxdvQv38a1DE5O_DVGs2U2y5Rsu-aCiz6TP4_O38QJjaIcSfRC1hOZa8INQi7QdZeRXbBmTGq8F1u6bAlMyi8dyKVAiHiqWOa9GfDJJUdRpGvcpl1UW6f5sh1XFWAh-oD_tdN_ItA/s1600-h/Ingleborough+&+Pen-y-ghent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103362327800454850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPQvxdvQv38a1DE5O_DVGs2U2y5Rsu-aCiz6TP4_O38QJjaIcSfRC1hOZa8INQi7QdZeRXbBmTGq8F1u6bAlMyi8dyKVAiHiqWOa9GfDJJUdRpGvcpl1UW6f5sh1XFWAh-oD_tdN_ItA/s320/Ingleborough+%26+Pen-y-ghent.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>And YOU can enjoy a fine time messing about by the River Ribble with your friendly neighbourhood Ribble Cycle Diarist as I begin walking the Ribble Way from the source of the Ribble high in the Yorkshire Dales through to the Estuary and the Irish Sea, <em>beginning with a quest for the Ribble's source waters next week</em>...<br /></strong><br />In the meantime, you can see <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/08/tales-and-pictures-from-riverbank.html">more pictures of the Ribble here</a><br /><br />Contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-3287306265548363462007-07-18T14:15:00.000+01:002007-07-20T09:11:02.269+01:00July: A Ribble Summer of Many MoodsBefore you spend a leisurely time browsing along the riverbanks below, please TAKE ACTION - <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2006/10/ribble-events_20.html">Marine Reserves NOW!</a> <br />- and Register YOUR Open Spaces to <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2006/12/central-lancashire-city-public-forum.html">protect them from development</a>!<br /><br />This summer on the Ribble has shown the River in all her many moods and all her glory, and the ever-present rain has ensured that we have had many days over several weeks where even low tide has seen quite high water levels travelling at speed between Preston and South Ribble...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF04OvqNNWlvVqJVTZDFiVctQPCW1cUiMNzazKcFqg27b2ivPA_KBZaxSmwY1kaWIp3nUeYk5-bAKu6NeBW7J47XGXKkYr-5AsDOHI2DjueTlWPLyVzH7qvWVi8E2Vk4jFDI4kQhvEyM/s1600-h/unusual+scenes+at+low+tide.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLF04OvqNNWlvVqJVTZDFiVctQPCW1cUiMNzazKcFqg27b2ivPA_KBZaxSmwY1kaWIp3nUeYk5-bAKu6NeBW7J47XGXKkYr-5AsDOHI2DjueTlWPLyVzH7qvWVi8E2Vk4jFDI4kQhvEyM/s320/unusual+scenes+at+low+tide.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088532867980353346" /></a><br /><br />Some days we have seen the sunshine, however, and occasionally several days have passed with no rain, leaving the Ribble's waters crystal-clear and sparkling - and a more usual level at low tide...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfGcnDw3vGau3YFLoifRMQHL0NHXc93B3mzw31VODS1minyVPI-9PKJ840bLhNFX-v8TvwYvi3SoTA9t9C8XBrgZs8yH_HXQrK5hiYUignMUbRw2aWQM_867qxycLh3MWbLhGV5XPSxM/s1600-h/but+the+Ribble+never+recedes....jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfGcnDw3vGau3YFLoifRMQHL0NHXc93B3mzw31VODS1minyVPI-9PKJ840bLhNFX-v8TvwYvi3SoTA9t9C8XBrgZs8yH_HXQrK5hiYUignMUbRw2aWQM_867qxycLh3MWbLhGV5XPSxM/s320/but+the+Ribble+never+recedes....jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088531381921668866" /></a><br /><br /><br />The River Ribble is an endlessly-changing body of water, from tide to tide, day to day, mood to mood, the still waters of high tide since the beginning of June have more often than not been patterned by rain...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDczFIjzFcWNbEWa5nm9kFndWavBvtPG01v4uV3gbVI3NKf_oVhhgKWB0R02B8Pi0iJIJJPkjPjnmGkQ35DZWosVeX_Q_y5Ji1vLhf-EHiLwhWxI57wCTe6xbwRgvucKrisYaK0tkMwYA/s1600-h/to+pattern+the+Ribble+once+more.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDczFIjzFcWNbEWa5nm9kFndWavBvtPG01v4uV3gbVI3NKf_oVhhgKWB0R02B8Pi0iJIJJPkjPjnmGkQ35DZWosVeX_Q_y5Ji1vLhf-EHiLwhWxI57wCTe6xbwRgvucKrisYaK0tkMwYA/s320/to+pattern+the+Ribble+once+more.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088532936699830098" /></a><br /><br />Whatever the mood and season, however, the Ribble is never silent, either running and plashing with a music which defies description and takes some beating in terms of the sheer pleasure that we get from listening to the water's playful voice as it runs over itself and the stones of the river bed... <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDqrUd0fhW-HcEM5tJwQluU00-vGpsKGXg7Gcm5cWN3YqeilY2jjX10MBKXMPpzRMaG6kmVeDfh0ODOa4dhHSPtRPlshBGbEmy25FOgIj27eSO6WQ0NDhS7wG3ZB8S8ZIVK1Hf1VCUT8/s1600-h/a+gentler+flow.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDqrUd0fhW-HcEM5tJwQluU00-vGpsKGXg7Gcm5cWN3YqeilY2jjX10MBKXMPpzRMaG6kmVeDfh0ODOa4dhHSPtRPlshBGbEmy25FOgIj27eSO6WQ0NDhS7wG3ZB8S8ZIVK1Hf1VCUT8/s320/a+gentler+flow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088532202260422434" /></a><br /><br />...or crashing by with the many millions of gallons of rainwaters which have fallen in the Ribble corridor...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkWp3kpx9GOQmhCl1-7aptrshmEF0kgxO0_aTNZ5g9c2UsWbnt2-S58sVjJgJd4TURUO8yVy0b71TNiPwSA8qSlLimu6tq3iBVJ8ka5gidfFRQucyEgkpvOtrLAEdPWHqHBfS8sg5bgc/s1600-h/3+summer+spates+1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkWp3kpx9GOQmhCl1-7aptrshmEF0kgxO0_aTNZ5g9c2UsWbnt2-S58sVjJgJd4TURUO8yVy0b71TNiPwSA8qSlLimu6tq3iBVJ8ka5gidfFRQucyEgkpvOtrLAEdPWHqHBfS8sg5bgc/s320/3+summer+spates+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088531278842453746" /></a><br /><br />...carrying huge trees and other debris in its path...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nBfZCfKaXcRiUXVnsQcjXcR__iJkZFJY84fJlHUyHS4EFo8d0mt_MZYQ5-KshXgPEsZ51KlCLMwhTvCoCoDNzIIrTDajnxcLgy65orpr7PAxOmgk_n2c6WCOLE44Ggsh7ZvB7FYg4aA/s1600-h/5+trees+sail+by.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nBfZCfKaXcRiUXVnsQcjXcR__iJkZFJY84fJlHUyHS4EFo8d0mt_MZYQ5-KshXgPEsZ51KlCLMwhTvCoCoDNzIIrTDajnxcLgy65orpr7PAxOmgk_n2c6WCOLE44Ggsh7ZvB7FYg4aA/s320/5+trees+sail+by.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088531154288402130" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfUy9r1A6nnwoMX4qOXU14iCUdjAiOH1jCGAyb-WMT1it1qcbZuK_7hM2Gm6YPV0AJfjFYScSDpVuDIuJ8jMy0UIqtIL7iDwFHrgITxdNXj6MFxHQcb_K9jRx09FT1R8TuBFdsqfZyU8/s1600-h/flotsam+surges+past.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfUy9r1A6nnwoMX4qOXU14iCUdjAiOH1jCGAyb-WMT1it1qcbZuK_7hM2Gm6YPV0AJfjFYScSDpVuDIuJ8jMy0UIqtIL7iDwFHrgITxdNXj6MFxHQcb_K9jRx09FT1R8TuBFdsqfZyU8/s320/flotsam+surges+past.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088532451368525618" /></a><br /><br />...and tonnes of rich silts wash downstream in the maelstrom...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKH6j6pvNXpaMHqg3H3N6r1Ac9X7T4jUAlb0Y2dIBCkN-3Z4V7vBBuToMU-08CZitFQZ6V8TAeczjG0ruOVmfhGJNZcRTIvC0_bqhLWVQwp8Yf3jdW2wR7VmvhqXLYI1kAmCImdh8Fr8/s1600-h/4+summer+spates+10.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKH6j6pvNXpaMHqg3H3N6r1Ac9X7T4jUAlb0Y2dIBCkN-3Z4V7vBBuToMU-08CZitFQZ6V8TAeczjG0ruOVmfhGJNZcRTIvC0_bqhLWVQwp8Yf3jdW2wR7VmvhqXLYI1kAmCImdh8Fr8/s320/4+summer+spates+10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088531223007878882" /></a><br /><br /><br />...as the Ribble passes between its banks and beneath its bridges with a tremendous roar...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEsfHjeT_BpYeNDwvYyXqZltZFhzAlPGdhC7qVrDpTnfJ9ETcABqSEorq6QU54dtrCZGQKrtkVxtBGK25M_EHRikacagT9eNqUudzW5Gjyx-sWsb71U9j6lPnf60duoQKpvvausXt748/s1600-h/7+trees,+speed+and+a+tremendous+roar.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEsfHjeT_BpYeNDwvYyXqZltZFhzAlPGdhC7qVrDpTnfJ9ETcABqSEorq6QU54dtrCZGQKrtkVxtBGK25M_EHRikacagT9eNqUudzW5Gjyx-sWsb71U9j6lPnf60duoQKpvvausXt748/s320/7+trees,+speed+and+a+tremendous+roar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088531055504154306" /></a><br /><br />Only when it is seen can the speed and turbulence of the waters be appreciated...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXbyQ0iC6IMhejEuRT1X9XktkeTNJB-ZTY-qBdjYjuklme7p9EFi3QS0GEdw3ZcYZMFNXA0cnncUW6_Twl2jllHDqu9EpJlFi3hizxtsAJepyODaZfK2OZ3atW17Zi0Bl8-LY-nI-_ug/s1600-h/8+a+sense+of+movement.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXbyQ0iC6IMhejEuRT1X9XktkeTNJB-ZTY-qBdjYjuklme7p9EFi3QS0GEdw3ZcYZMFNXA0cnncUW6_Twl2jllHDqu9EpJlFi3hizxtsAJepyODaZfK2OZ3atW17Zi0Bl8-LY-nI-_ug/s320/8+a+sense+of+movement.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088530961014873778" /></a><br /><br />...as well as their awesome power...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqROTXaOMvgP8w_goR0C4Y0s4I3q8SgmR-0KM545mFVzocdmBsKzuVuEj0IqKRin-MXkOKcyLS05ExpIp5-fK-gsOjV9gtkXuQgdUhIWCbhhwIPbRU1cPfueK5wvUXCVQwWwkxyPjYkrA/s1600-h/82+and+power.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqROTXaOMvgP8w_goR0C4Y0s4I3q8SgmR-0KM545mFVzocdmBsKzuVuEj0IqKRin-MXkOKcyLS05ExpIp5-fK-gsOjV9gtkXuQgdUhIWCbhhwIPbRU1cPfueK5wvUXCVQwWwkxyPjYkrA/s320/82+and+power.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088530896590364322" /></a><br /><br />And even in those all-too-brief spells of sunshine...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5Or6mVQraXjMw5E0UxkbNm4oYBHD4NbA4p-c3d9_C2uEGhAiOt55_S1P35_-9kZRUJIowACkzkMD2cgYz-yOVS87w1vdYzKMSmSwM-9Vk_pq9lkPvPtIqWZjbA_TluhvjHpolAqtB48/s1600-h/91+a+brief+spell+of+sunshine.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5Or6mVQraXjMw5E0UxkbNm4oYBHD4NbA4p-c3d9_C2uEGhAiOt55_S1P35_-9kZRUJIowACkzkMD2cgYz-yOVS87w1vdYzKMSmSwM-9Vk_pq9lkPvPtIqWZjbA_TluhvjHpolAqtB48/s320/91+a+brief+spell+of+sunshine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088530552992980626" /></a><br /><br />...the Ribble rushes past...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnOp_t87fXMBGtidtLIJAxQrDPvf_Zrx7Sq30lV-mEyey8jYIMO2wBOD9uCGmnZJ3yYaH6YYUw7bg0Ql3C4n8Ymzz_-eUk83Q9mEIl4uDeLcsjjJMf4bSgnwK1MFums757LsYS7YALYw/s1600-h/92+as+the+Ribble+speeds+by.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnOp_t87fXMBGtidtLIJAxQrDPvf_Zrx7Sq30lV-mEyey8jYIMO2wBOD9uCGmnZJ3yYaH6YYUw7bg0Ql3C4n8Ymzz_-eUk83Q9mEIl4uDeLcsjjJMf4bSgnwK1MFums757LsYS7YALYw/s320/92+as+the+Ribble+speeds+by.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088530471388601986" /></a><br /><br />Ribble wildlife carries on regardless, from House Martins rearing their chatting young in Ribble-mud nests beneath our eaves...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzLfxi3yCAWhXbxrmSJtvpjGoU7PBb58cNUWmv9jVzwB8iuFlW8ZU1Xsz6CUM53El1wMAWzX8DUaNBqF9TxINN2JZLq59VDKdPYkpYtqj79K2Z3f9y_lDklyosRuFTxFTV6NVEseYMzU/s1600-h/housmartins.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzLfxi3yCAWhXbxrmSJtvpjGoU7PBb58cNUWmv9jVzwB8iuFlW8ZU1Xsz6CUM53El1wMAWzX8DUaNBqF9TxINN2JZLq59VDKdPYkpYtqj79K2Z3f9y_lDklyosRuFTxFTV6NVEseYMzU/s320/housmartins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088530187920760418" /></a><br /><br />...to the Herons and other birds who wait patiently for low water - and thus their feeding window - to return from their useful vantage points...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO7Em9wgoIfkx_EjPISgBGTEgLnSdifR7bqbJtz6VHmjgBrqgde0LJkHTlLKZ5rsFkrkA1O0aDIstY9DmuL9uiCM6a_MP0Mwl6oNhU5EigJFm4IT94yunrDfidr-wwmJNY9OyN31h99A/s1600-h/Heron+waits.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO7Em9wgoIfkx_EjPISgBGTEgLnSdifR7bqbJtz6VHmjgBrqgde0LJkHTlLKZ5rsFkrkA1O0aDIstY9DmuL9uiCM6a_MP0Mwl6oNhU5EigJFm4IT94yunrDfidr-wwmJNY9OyN31h99A/s320/Heron+waits.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088530076251610706" /></a><br /><br />The Ribble Swans seem unconcerned whether the waters are high and fast...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-3vXKqVUFhUVRB3vHWISfJzerANlzU4dlrjMi41xBpOEh-Muw48kZ2qkPxMjOv4ixRp-yf9tcyHsUhjd3h7LkdOf2KQgmjhMOhon1r8PhV6YfvCH4PyVBaUFCb_7gGCwnx-HCspwXYQ/s1600-h/93+Ribble+Swans+at+high+water.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-3vXKqVUFhUVRB3vHWISfJzerANlzU4dlrjMi41xBpOEh-Muw48kZ2qkPxMjOv4ixRp-yf9tcyHsUhjd3h7LkdOf2KQgmjhMOhon1r8PhV6YfvCH4PyVBaUFCb_7gGCwnx-HCspwXYQ/s320/93+Ribble+Swans+at+high+water.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088529938812657218" /></a><br /><br />...or low and more gentle...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl4k18HAUCrt_s90DC0sU9Q_5P2J-fmIn0-fdGWZl8wPdlbwvdGCqrTDWdfAShFYtjKz-qtleXNnp2stabz6MdgOjnd4vTocDMriSuDzxlsCS9KFYZgprdABWQ18W4r2jfR53Of-fAGY/s1600-h/95+and+low.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl4k18HAUCrt_s90DC0sU9Q_5P2J-fmIn0-fdGWZl8wPdlbwvdGCqrTDWdfAShFYtjKz-qtleXNnp2stabz6MdgOjnd4vTocDMriSuDzxlsCS9KFYZgprdABWQ18W4r2jfR53Of-fAGY/s320/95+and+low.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088529861503245874" /></a><br /><br />...when the waters swirl and ripple as they travel on their endless journey...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-a3BkQYyDIntIEFmeAheChCAiQZozf0POS1NhSstWbXPLqs0AboRf_zg0ELEihw-Bmdw4HlBWWYOSMTPSl6V-HhHE6Ba5kMm3mdTHNIBFnwEofiABrOUM5DUyTro8Hds2z2cX9yNOYs/s1600-h/and+swirling+rather+than+raging+waters.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-a3BkQYyDIntIEFmeAheChCAiQZozf0POS1NhSstWbXPLqs0AboRf_zg0ELEihw-Bmdw4HlBWWYOSMTPSl6V-HhHE6Ba5kMm3mdTHNIBFnwEofiABrOUM5DUyTro8Hds2z2cX9yNOYs/s320/and+swirling+rather+than+raging+waters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088529754129063458" /></a><br /><br />...and don't mind the enormous trees their more powerful incarnation has left behind...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIoeOD7B0B_w3umkBEcVs4rfNAtTHGOIJ-FLXEeDb5Cu9x19DlAMRLgMNhbBJCLoXb-oP795E34nEGMHHDjBhKAfJceXtUpr_bb6VH57W58_LN9mQUTWw6izrZsTGf5bhSJ6K78RyH7M/s1600-h/trees+jammed+in+the+Tram+Bridge.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIoeOD7B0B_w3umkBEcVs4rfNAtTHGOIJ-FLXEeDb5Cu9x19DlAMRLgMNhbBJCLoXb-oP795E34nEGMHHDjBhKAfJceXtUpr_bb6VH57W58_LN9mQUTWw6izrZsTGf5bhSJ6K78RyH7M/s320/trees+jammed+in+the+Tram+Bridge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088530346834550386" /></a><br /><br />The Ribble is beautiful whatever the weather or water or tide or season...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQStFapshyphenhyphenjbPShe9-ZFwtiQD9z7pnJXoh9PfByuzbylu876u-8i8TEwLJulqCi7o40EL1p1bFjFe66tGXTk3mdkJyU9kBPBtbI6R4URKwREneRe2_4xxtIY_bA_RiPKhdf-nLRlUWUzg/s1600-h/Ribble+beauty+3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQStFapshyphenhyphenjbPShe9-ZFwtiQD9z7pnJXoh9PfByuzbylu876u-8i8TEwLJulqCi7o40EL1p1bFjFe66tGXTk3mdkJyU9kBPBtbI6R4URKwREneRe2_4xxtIY_bA_RiPKhdf-nLRlUWUzg/s320/Ribble+beauty+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088529565150502418" /></a><br /><br />...and Ribblesiders are always out of doors enjoying the sights and sounds and fresh air...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GYqOhrCpEgZKdBycqAlmda_c0XbSkUDxuXUaHIdfXACA5VEQJtt5vSzF31mSbVMEzcVsh9Kstvl4MadW5p_fG4FORbIToH1UFuCJs0AXWTZwlKyy3Dx-Gp6o53FHzk7B4BJuR10M6Jo/s1600-h/Ribblesiders+4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GYqOhrCpEgZKdBycqAlmda_c0XbSkUDxuXUaHIdfXACA5VEQJtt5vSzF31mSbVMEzcVsh9Kstvl4MadW5p_fG4FORbIToH1UFuCJs0AXWTZwlKyy3Dx-Gp6o53FHzk7B4BJuR10M6Jo/s320/Ribblesiders+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088529032574557698" /></a><br /><br />The views across the Ribble from Preston to Penwortham take some beating...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-cwgfynAAaZYEji_v0kvFFSIl3FtwYizdguYHBATV36_yxEPV27uq-Zh4dxJccRm5i7XSHp_8zKP_51X6nbs9Z-4Ar6qPle8xlGBvTFfi-Cufi7JyJ6YMt48YbuYieOVp3qQz87W4s/s1600-h/View+across+to+Penwortham+from+Avenham+%26+Miller+Parks.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-q-cwgfynAAaZYEji_v0kvFFSIl3FtwYizdguYHBATV36_yxEPV27uq-Zh4dxJccRm5i7XSHp_8zKP_51X6nbs9Z-4Ar6qPle8xlGBvTFfi-Cufi7JyJ6YMt48YbuYieOVp3qQz87W4s/s320/View+across+to+Penwortham+from+Avenham+%26+Miller+Parks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088528877955735026" /></a><br /><br />...and we are still only 5 minutes walk from Preston City Centre!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_l3Wk3OmjZQmhUeSeiBhZfbrCWcxdbgzvAvcz8wSrhcfTPnve1_6UtjEKKiMtP-1s8MUi_gwNPHgjvDCBDM6MSpdRLvtQgqQHVluCn6ubCFmhNGxyigjIBav_6JQA8G0Me_Di4MqSso/s1600-h/and+only+5+minutes+walk+from+Preston+City+Centre.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_l3Wk3OmjZQmhUeSeiBhZfbrCWcxdbgzvAvcz8wSrhcfTPnve1_6UtjEKKiMtP-1s8MUi_gwNPHgjvDCBDM6MSpdRLvtQgqQHVluCn6ubCFmhNGxyigjIBav_6JQA8G0Me_Di4MqSso/s320/and+only+5+minutes+walk+from+Preston+City+Centre.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088528482818743778" /></a><br /><br />There are endlessly fascinating creatures and plants everywhere we look...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjaqfWBa-mPu_sC3a7QAW3lGtS0-E5pbYnxuE_J9DbADgKqfx1F9NTPpsGZ1x1PAxdC7oUqElJugZeBJZ71qEJJ0YUUhbVPgINGpAWh3PlCykgPvisvkYn1bgr6d5-TYmJ1KaWEuNJOI/s1600-h/fabulous+caterpiller.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjaqfWBa-mPu_sC3a7QAW3lGtS0-E5pbYnxuE_J9DbADgKqfx1F9NTPpsGZ1x1PAxdC7oUqElJugZeBJZ71qEJJ0YUUhbVPgINGpAWh3PlCykgPvisvkYn1bgr6d5-TYmJ1KaWEuNJOI/s320/fabulous+caterpiller.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088528280955280850" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprkUCiEvRfeI1zdJKuzr_Jd006V7YRtZ0_de7deKl3h7cGppC8f7rhwWLhqszW-1JsptkbX7TXq3YjEQFXKvzobPxXH_pIHCPsDe7P2vZ2vEIymKnnWWf8VqSyvS8ZKAkp2BfpDsbssg/s1600-h/Ribbleside+banks.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprkUCiEvRfeI1zdJKuzr_Jd006V7YRtZ0_de7deKl3h7cGppC8f7rhwWLhqszW-1JsptkbX7TXq3YjEQFXKvzobPxXH_pIHCPsDe7P2vZ2vEIymKnnWWf8VqSyvS8ZKAkp2BfpDsbssg/s320/Ribbleside+banks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088527473501429138" /></a><br /><br />The rare treat of sunshine lights them to excellent effect!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO3t8HULnG2255BtNlmn0wTv04ExyJVhlgjTq9ZENeYgGJnAX37C8NG5UczXryUn4Yd7wV6R30PQ2A8LP23B6KGVOepqzuEzwJpbeoQE0LUPzE_XfW9EITSTo8QljFcuNNO4KxA7Q480/s1600-h/Cranesbill.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO3t8HULnG2255BtNlmn0wTv04ExyJVhlgjTq9ZENeYgGJnAX37C8NG5UczXryUn4Yd7wV6R30PQ2A8LP23B6KGVOepqzuEzwJpbeoQE0LUPzE_XfW9EITSTo8QljFcuNNO4KxA7Q480/s320/Cranesbill.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088528023257243074" /></a><br /><br />The insects carry on regardless of the audience...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjLVgwkKxLUcSTYWCA-mlBIOY5OiRa83LFmYVRVtbIM4JTFH2K_mB_l3G8M4DM_cOv6boGxDcGcDTRtHET2q6EaOTNyH-vTKIU4rN9EDeUJlNFFJKh8GwdALhFMdexnIZSe_MzuKYD2s/s1600-h/Yarrow+and+insect+life+carry+on.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjLVgwkKxLUcSTYWCA-mlBIOY5OiRa83LFmYVRVtbIM4JTFH2K_mB_l3G8M4DM_cOv6boGxDcGcDTRtHET2q6EaOTNyH-vTKIU4rN9EDeUJlNFFJKh8GwdALhFMdexnIZSe_MzuKYD2s/s320/Yarrow+and+insect+life+carry+on.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088527555105807778" /></a><br /><br />...and the Ducks never seem to mind...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrncRYtl5_r21GgwDF9QWpb0J-9BQfNnm8qKcmVxxClGL5h05nNai5UHi8d8B2Sqgaw_zV4F9ZJMUVyYa6uPKdF-8gHD5yIQmQN3pPLWKTakFdMXY_jdPBOiyzHJFsPUU0djFJsQqvQg/s1600-h/and+the+Ducks+don%27t+mind.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrncRYtl5_r21GgwDF9QWpb0J-9BQfNnm8qKcmVxxClGL5h05nNai5UHi8d8B2Sqgaw_zV4F9ZJMUVyYa6uPKdF-8gHD5yIQmQN3pPLWKTakFdMXY_jdPBOiyzHJFsPUU0djFJsQqvQg/s320/and+the+Ducks+don%27t+mind.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088527666774957490" /></a><br /><br />Horse Chestnuts by the Ribble in the late evening sun...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-vg3uKOHilkWHBnLEcJGebHXjE52SAH7JpDbSUjs4tuCBP8WT3wd3oibVMgAV767NwEJYq5nuaugrb3YgDce7jM7TsIiO2DiRUm1gEstBRfB394szzHaEPo-YlZIsOPoWWdhAXXKU58/s1600-h/Ribbleside+Chestnuts+in+the+evening+sun.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-vg3uKOHilkWHBnLEcJGebHXjE52SAH7JpDbSUjs4tuCBP8WT3wd3oibVMgAV767NwEJYq5nuaugrb3YgDce7jM7TsIiO2DiRUm1gEstBRfB394szzHaEPo-YlZIsOPoWWdhAXXKU58/s320/Ribbleside+Chestnuts+in+the+evening+sun.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088527280227900802" /></a><br /><br />...which shines over the Penwortham Green Belt...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF6O98V1rn8bIODtW3Ceme8VYobfnIBPKZ_D3o6gN4J7rjvYX6c-l5Lu5Foa2zAtbphG2L0QIZDRS2RHk-PPT7BYywfb5Ji_5ZmIr0ODQyQxBkfFvtDNFSPRpkSSvii8uE2q5vUiTNZ4/s1600-h/Penwortham+Green+Belt+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF6O98V1rn8bIODtW3Ceme8VYobfnIBPKZ_D3o6gN4J7rjvYX6c-l5Lu5Foa2zAtbphG2L0QIZDRS2RHk-PPT7BYywfb5Ji_5ZmIr0ODQyQxBkfFvtDNFSPRpkSSvii8uE2q5vUiTNZ4/s320/Penwortham+Green+Belt+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088526382579735906" /></a><br /><br />...while the storm clouds begin to gather once more...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQHELHlmOeOXoY934lN3x9z6TA78FQAwX9k37yMlZevvmyiq36VxGPjBiAA0k1DWG3CIR_VfHozR79y72V1321wPbxroyQXuXJaVAHIP7oVB2eOFEAfqW5WhhfyUyy5792iMbxR-7mPA/s1600-h/the+storm+clouds+gather+over+the+Ribble.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQHELHlmOeOXoY934lN3x9z6TA78FQAwX9k37yMlZevvmyiq36VxGPjBiAA0k1DWG3CIR_VfHozR79y72V1321wPbxroyQXuXJaVAHIP7oVB2eOFEAfqW5WhhfyUyy5792iMbxR-7mPA/s320/the+storm+clouds+gather+over+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088526545788493170" /></a><br /><br />Watching these clouds almost seeming to "boil" as they whirl and build...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKgN7Q-qsMrrShUu_4Q9eDMc3PvJSt_j2D1N0n6JSzlfNMLRDQTpzIUnjSNuISXwkGjn7m9aN0fu1zkprvVIuU1P5IRWHBPq11bJCZ1Zb8z5QANDgBVizUBUhi_0pn7jZc-4jXYjufbo/s1600-h/stormclouds+1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKgN7Q-qsMrrShUu_4Q9eDMc3PvJSt_j2D1N0n6JSzlfNMLRDQTpzIUnjSNuISXwkGjn7m9aN0fu1zkprvVIuU1P5IRWHBPq11bJCZ1Zb8z5QANDgBVizUBUhi_0pn7jZc-4jXYjufbo/s320/stormclouds+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088525592305753426" /></a><br /><br />...is an equally fascinating sight...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66sMjPKcrz4sABtt4nzzSzYNxXOCywmmvN_zzngDHzL83XP5VQ_5By1OEadOI6oe5VdqqKMZinKHV_5koVkw7mQCUmsTT7FydQ_VZFX_NjiPzbFHDKU8EESlMF8prohwCSPbajoRfOAg/s1600-h/stormclouds+11,+just+about+to+break.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66sMjPKcrz4sABtt4nzzSzYNxXOCywmmvN_zzngDHzL83XP5VQ_5By1OEadOI6oe5VdqqKMZinKHV_5koVkw7mQCUmsTT7FydQ_VZFX_NjiPzbFHDKU8EESlMF8prohwCSPbajoRfOAg/s320/stormclouds+11,+just+about+to+break.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088525476341636418" /></a><br /><br />...and the summer rains return to the Ribble once more...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYkdmh18l6IYCR6xMZBMvQ7ch7vJs9BzpGjWK5Kk1nDVwPQ137rh56yv9x7OHvbNwJ6s_4sv1ovGQp07_A5cfS3xNcOLBWI_qgFH0te93k96KzOHtNoI710F1oJ2iSvX0Os-MDLgbeF8/s1600-h/as+the+rains+return.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYkdmh18l6IYCR6xMZBMvQ7ch7vJs9BzpGjWK5Kk1nDVwPQ137rh56yv9x7OHvbNwJ6s_4sv1ovGQp07_A5cfS3xNcOLBWI_qgFH0te93k96KzOHtNoI710F1oJ2iSvX0Os-MDLgbeF8/s320/as+the+rains+return.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088525274478173490" /></a><br /><br />Fancy spending a fantastic day by the Ribble? Come on a <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/07/ribble-coast-wetlands-walking-festival.html">Ribble Way Walk to Brockholes</a> on Saturday 4th August for a glorious day on the riverbank...<br /><br /><a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-74340749792627644792007-06-18T16:34:00.001+01:002007-06-22T18:39:45.038+01:00June: A Riverbank Walk to BrockholesOn a hot sunday in early June (luckily before the awful cold and wet weather we've had since!) we walked from Penwortham Old Bridge upriver to <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/06/brockholes-wetland-wonderland.html">Brockholes Wetland</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWipkTPnRZaE8CaUzPLrElfcUgNNlFZNkWI4rtqYsi7c_pxC5X-IVS_0JzWvo2_uux1jaNv3d2CuJDUiZm7OZULqH-hTVdx8hYxnM6NF6mQNB6D0pTk1YczvWrM8-DF_ihfxWnIwxCBk/s1600-h/early+June+low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077433553423085330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWipkTPnRZaE8CaUzPLrElfcUgNNlFZNkWI4rtqYsi7c_pxC5X-IVS_0JzWvo2_uux1jaNv3d2CuJDUiZm7OZULqH-hTVdx8hYxnM6NF6mQNB6D0pTk1YczvWrM8-DF_ihfxWnIwxCBk/s320/early+June+low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The tide was out and very low, the beautiful contours of the prehistoric riverbed clearly visible in the clear waters...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ0sjMiejFFRqNSxRUuQLhzqkwiGxly6fEtzGO-otKk-rmRJtzvW1pxQJHveg9-1z9GDEL0ZWEPhgIqJpy5VabgHkXv1G83-iMj2hC8f3ZHTRmqEl2J1FcChbaCOi_m8Om25SQ6kXd2I/s1600-h/Ribblesiders.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077433828300992290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQ0sjMiejFFRqNSxRUuQLhzqkwiGxly6fEtzGO-otKk-rmRJtzvW1pxQJHveg9-1z9GDEL0ZWEPhgIqJpy5VabgHkXv1G83-iMj2hC8f3ZHTRmqEl2J1FcChbaCOi_m8Om25SQ6kXd2I/s320/Ribblesiders.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />... large numbers of assorted Riversiders are out enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the Ribble riverbanks as we pass along the Penwortham Green Belt...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW7XnXoU1uzr8VNv46cEY1lUgazvejBOcdbM23IDLrA6rUeXyDyLf4Mz51RgxUL8egmmd1wLGIw9l30pGA4WRezARhE4W2fxLGYtC0h6m400aDoiudTHxlrmqK_pYPMFqCEa7VRxzMeo/s1600-h/lazing+by+the+riverbank.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077433342969687794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW7XnXoU1uzr8VNv46cEY1lUgazvejBOcdbM23IDLrA6rUeXyDyLf4Mz51RgxUL8egmmd1wLGIw9l30pGA4WRezARhE4W2fxLGYtC0h6m400aDoiudTHxlrmqK_pYPMFqCEa7VRxzMeo/s320/lazing+by+the+riverbank.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />... and a large number of riversiders are right down by - and even in - the water, relaxing and playing as the Ribble's cool waters flow by...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c6cZheQl1ZyNkF3F8ou53xuESQEDv9tNCJP3oAxFs9HNRLvuXu___VIlkIrJgOj_xMwXH0UaMBC9LnE1PkoXTUY7tRxXquCA4sUkj_jmH4i6PnX4iqaKTNWYfQ8Dqb8fp9NBmAKGJag/s1600-h/Walton+le+Dale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077434253502754626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7c6cZheQl1ZyNkF3F8ou53xuESQEDv9tNCJP3oAxFs9HNRLvuXu___VIlkIrJgOj_xMwXH0UaMBC9LnE1PkoXTUY7tRxXquCA4sUkj_jmH4i6PnX4iqaKTNWYfQ8Dqb8fp9NBmAKGJag/s320/Walton+le+Dale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...at Walton le Dale the Ribble's waters sparkle in the hot sunshine, and there are numerous birds singing all around...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRxxEoGeXIJRGRvoHO0xjK_0N5jw8gHPWs4S3BigcJAtV7y5CYR4Do4fbKwyd6qIGTsbqVgzPHNoN-mWHBQDPiHTdfg2LqelzG5imo4E0x-PNOIQEp46fLQktYvncpolBm0cOfqcSIIk/s1600-h/other+Ribblesiders+take+an+interest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077432793213873858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRxxEoGeXIJRGRvoHO0xjK_0N5jw8gHPWs4S3BigcJAtV7y5CYR4Do4fbKwyd6qIGTsbqVgzPHNoN-mWHBQDPiHTdfg2LqelzG5imo4E0x-PNOIQEp46fLQktYvncpolBm0cOfqcSIIk/s320/other+Ribblesiders+take+an+interest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and we negotiate a passage through the other riverside residents who come over for a chat.<br /><br />One of the many spectacular things this stretch of the Ribble - from the Shawes Arms at London Road (A6) right through to Brockholes and for miles beyond - are the huge numbers of Sand Martin colonies in the soft riverbanks. These graceful but incredibly fast birds are all around us, skimming over our heads and across the water catching small insects for their chicks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHlubyuiH4K_2iWyJaL_cH795yNbHrESbfs_Cev8fwTDIKo6pUU-XtFS-VwtZQiFCnuAxJGD37-kryOrTJ7bVW31tGncjM4k7w_CX3daCH5Dkqoz9jO2VpGPZoJ77aMbQCx2mA9EpeZo/s1600-h/Sand+Martin+colonies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077432458206424754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHlubyuiH4K_2iWyJaL_cH795yNbHrESbfs_Cev8fwTDIKo6pUU-XtFS-VwtZQiFCnuAxJGD37-kryOrTJ7bVW31tGncjM4k7w_CX3daCH5Dkqoz9jO2VpGPZoJ77aMbQCx2mA9EpeZo/s320/Sand+Martin+colonies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and all along the river we meet a variety of wildlife, all enjoying the range of habitats the Ribble provides, from fish moving lazily in the shallow pools or jumping for flies on the surface of the water, to birds flying overhead, or feeding and snoozing on the river...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyshrfHVubNc49_AYLniZA-wgHM9zgGGA1BOQRKn4EyFzJFcSpOq68o4aPv3ppwcmOuMBoNz8C3OSQn_0Fc1HtOGa-3hXLkryg1XiXBemIulWhGsi8ZstPmzHDygav4vGCTqbJlrnFYy0/s1600-h/upriver+towards+Brockholes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077432312177536674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyshrfHVubNc49_AYLniZA-wgHM9zgGGA1BOQRKn4EyFzJFcSpOq68o4aPv3ppwcmOuMBoNz8C3OSQn_0Fc1HtOGa-3hXLkryg1XiXBemIulWhGsi8ZstPmzHDygav4vGCTqbJlrnFYy0/s320/upriver+towards+Brockholes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The view up towards Brockholes at Mete House is glorious - and resonant of old paintings of the Ribble, showing how remarkably unspoilt the Ribble's valley is...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispniymSpbTqddQ2wzt4XB_vMTof5TNjzXSp-wTY6qj8ibWBOGE5Yvg1KmG3YWPwZL97u2ija-sZaZsQD3xXmlUHyu0tShURk0NcQQl9V7R03TeymJBPkzmn56GVFL_Uru3rlSIPZg7Uo/s1600-h/at+Mete+House,+upriver+towards+Brockholes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077432080249302674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispniymSpbTqddQ2wzt4XB_vMTof5TNjzXSp-wTY6qj8ibWBOGE5Yvg1KmG3YWPwZL97u2ija-sZaZsQD3xXmlUHyu0tShURk0NcQQl9V7R03TeymJBPkzmn56GVFL_Uru3rlSIPZg7Uo/s320/at+Mete+House,+upriver+towards+Brockholes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmEwsALbq1l9R1EWEvYRg9mt6OY8sAKQGGZPUmUB9zpIyFZ4XIkDs3BtS8Cdtc1a4ZG-s7zqsyhJ2zvWoe1uTWt4fvFEuYmvo9d361KBO5LsGVWb-A-ymLDnGO3sfUmnlhAB2gywrC_8/s1600-h/Lynch,+Thomas+c1862,+Ribble+detail.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmEwsALbq1l9R1EWEvYRg9mt6OY8sAKQGGZPUmUB9zpIyFZ4XIkDs3BtS8Cdtc1a4ZG-s7zqsyhJ2zvWoe1uTWt4fvFEuYmvo9d361KBO5LsGVWb-A-ymLDnGO3sfUmnlhAB2gywrC_8/s320/Lynch,+Thomas+c1862,+Ribble+detail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078944467083243634" /></a><br />River Ribble circa 1862 by Thomas Lynch.<br /><br />...we are lucky enough to catch glimpses of several Kingfishers all the way along the walk, although, like the Martins, Swallows, and Swifts, they are so difficult to catch on camera...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtcfRaI1ptdrpMJYSknrMM83Ess4di1WADO2gVgUU2_SRvv61CQ7ES5WHfao5tIFjhFD1JKZy8WnamwJMDEialQhu1NE-W7tz_UwH0YHdCAX80FjsfrKvUTDq-DdGTH1bl6klPSmj2bY/s1600-h/Kingfisher+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077431968580152962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtcfRaI1ptdrpMJYSknrMM83Ess4di1WADO2gVgUU2_SRvv61CQ7ES5WHfao5tIFjhFD1JKZy8WnamwJMDEialQhu1NE-W7tz_UwH0YHdCAX80FjsfrKvUTDq-DdGTH1bl6klPSmj2bY/s320/Kingfisher+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />but if you click on this picture to enlarge it, you'll see a flash of blue where one is sitting in the bare branches above, on the right of the picture.<br /><br />Out of the hot sunshine and into the dappled shade of Mellings Wood is a great pleasure...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QlOx_Ktur7Zwn9MaVIosOkQL1d7ivic4HYO7tvPtQaRrm6iElCHOXBFAJkD-xg1MXcjWiq7-cMC6WVqEfJBShpZyXMHeMfSxaS3l_WMFbrF79DimiP685Na4qnVoeJ7je2gy2wwxKrE/s1600-h/welcome+dappled+shade+in+Mellings+Wood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077432900588056274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QlOx_Ktur7Zwn9MaVIosOkQL1d7ivic4HYO7tvPtQaRrm6iElCHOXBFAJkD-xg1MXcjWiq7-cMC6WVqEfJBShpZyXMHeMfSxaS3l_WMFbrF79DimiP685Na4qnVoeJ7je2gy2wwxKrE/s320/welcome+dappled+shade+in+Mellings+Wood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and out the other side we see a couple of Herons, one of whom is just as interested in us...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vforUvdlJfvsPRF9MsM4mgWosrn79UjTz7Xmgh5B_aqkBcYKhz1eY80CmTpYBwAR80phaxmEal_zhzHkGTFNNPnuc2IlG2GIoFnPjxz97IRPDzTHEU7BWxxKOi65VebbS_qhBHNLhVo/s1600-h/Heron+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077431689407278690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vforUvdlJfvsPRF9MsM4mgWosrn79UjTz7Xmgh5B_aqkBcYKhz1eY80CmTpYBwAR80phaxmEal_zhzHkGTFNNPnuc2IlG2GIoFnPjxz97IRPDzTHEU7BWxxKOi65VebbS_qhBHNLhVo/s320/Heron+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Once we reach the section of the Ribble Way which runs through the centre of the new reserve at Brockholes Wetland (Higher Brockholes Farm, as was), we are blown away by the vast numbers of Damselflies who are literally all around us...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kbRr_U-RypMolFreVKI6ApFOv7bPU1hoq0dZao6FFebiC7YG8RJ-I4wY-1mBPp_Nja9aecs6D6zw9krvZCq-egLV8_jVIjtzN1l0ayOH4ipGqgwuDfskW-IJ0TbEOW9k7UEcFSpNLbM/s1600-h/Damselfly+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077431569148194386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kbRr_U-RypMolFreVKI6ApFOv7bPU1hoq0dZao6FFebiC7YG8RJ-I4wY-1mBPp_Nja9aecs6D6zw9krvZCq-egLV8_jVIjtzN1l0ayOH4ipGqgwuDfskW-IJ0TbEOW9k7UEcFSpNLbM/s320/Damselfly+5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We feel that this part of the Ribble Way should be renamed Damselfly Way!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGVqUeNIK-hV_DKnxnOo9pjf3MoIQ7JlbOV4_wsCD2fTK6DdsTvqiWcIZBhvmQ6YUAJurL8AyA9C11wV3WT-brQ51fXTB53hMbm5HiWE_MSaI-fvOTZG7gbcjhEICrohMdoYZz2tG7ZU/s1600-h/Damsel+Way!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077431388759567938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGVqUeNIK-hV_DKnxnOo9pjf3MoIQ7JlbOV4_wsCD2fTK6DdsTvqiWcIZBhvmQ6YUAJurL8AyA9C11wV3WT-brQ51fXTB53hMbm5HiWE_MSaI-fvOTZG7gbcjhEICrohMdoYZz2tG7ZU/s320/Damsel+Way!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We stop and sit on a grassy bank overlooking the largest lake on Brockholes Wetland (which is also the oldest of the quarried lakes here so its habitats are becoming well established).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYkRy02HLCKsNDCw3w3EUDiHoGJ_Cik7G668BGH09ACoEc1cXcPBytuG_VAiDqZvTFG9E29hkdLQneHDU5ZNJdTM2sL3DVQGAplI9gHSAcrVa7xs6u_VU4_ihWIAre5QPlW9t6dXhuYY/s1600-h/Brockholes+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077428601325792578" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYkRy02HLCKsNDCw3w3EUDiHoGJ_Cik7G668BGH09ACoEc1cXcPBytuG_VAiDqZvTFG9E29hkdLQneHDU5ZNJdTM2sL3DVQGAplI9gHSAcrVa7xs6u_VU4_ihWIAre5QPlW9t6dXhuYY/s320/Brockholes+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We are surrounded by various caterpillars so have to be careful where we sit!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zLW-Cylmgy3RY1xhqsUe89kfCH1S1yxx3zYwIoVVfFcScYqHYfq20sNSb9YT_E6CFq30IqygGAxe9KHj0YmPTjYQEb9pTLPZiMRFeEXxI-98rbgGhkSbowZEvrEwS5Bd8RSoAw2KIoQ/s1600-h/-+possibly+fritillary+butterfly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077431749536820850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zLW-Cylmgy3RY1xhqsUe89kfCH1S1yxx3zYwIoVVfFcScYqHYfq20sNSb9YT_E6CFq30IqygGAxe9KHj0YmPTjYQEb9pTLPZiMRFeEXxI-98rbgGhkSbowZEvrEwS5Bd8RSoAw2KIoQ/s320/-+possibly+fritillary+butterfly.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Brockholes Wetland is already a fantastic place, so it will be amazing when the Wildlife Trust have improved its habitats. This wetland is also bordered by the ancient woodlands of Red Scar Wood and Boilton Wood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGkNoV7P28N-r46Ll0-gE7FBAaG1u0I4ipi4dN0cuauc1dfNDt_AgqO_Raip281tEhpnuWOMILlpaTsGZv3w61GZYwblvHIaE44ql4VArSGdgunvE1IVz6OPzQYurCBHws0FB9bxRLNY/s1600-h/Brockholes+Wetland+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077431199781006898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGkNoV7P28N-r46Ll0-gE7FBAaG1u0I4ipi4dN0cuauc1dfNDt_AgqO_Raip281tEhpnuWOMILlpaTsGZv3w61GZYwblvHIaE44ql4VArSGdgunvE1IVz6OPzQYurCBHws0FB9bxRLNY/s320/Brockholes+Wetland+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a good long relaxing rest and the copious amounts of the water we brought along, studying the many insects, Damselflies - and even tiny furry creatures scuttling through the long grasses - we stir ourselves and head back downriver, knowing that the journey back home will be just as brilliant.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa8hBXf9jzNya52B1129en7dRihGM2YLL9sVA2aslg7cHJENpX5eAQNfxLpPXR1o-NUo5M0SNRDMB7kfUIJ4KwO4wD9h0wjYuPDrW9voXJ4nmAoT3OoX_hE_80nMTeWhsKChLnJwbTyM/s1600-h/Lower+Brockholes+Farm+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077430873363492370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa8hBXf9jzNya52B1129en7dRihGM2YLL9sVA2aslg7cHJENpX5eAQNfxLpPXR1o-NUo5M0SNRDMB7kfUIJ4KwO4wD9h0wjYuPDrW9voXJ4nmAoT3OoX_hE_80nMTeWhsKChLnJwbTyM/s320/Lower+Brockholes+Farm+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We pass back through Lower Brockholes Farm, a beautiful ancient farmland bordered by species-rich wet grasslands and the ancient deciduous woodlands of Brockholes Wood.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFV0i1MPq4QLPPIvUns0f10qKE0AkzObUaMWKU-cyzzFIbb4wKU1DsLU4FqqTcWF8hDP0zOejtsGNu741EXK11EvJKNsDXY8HSwBc8lxRIbffgtW8r4FRjX5I3MmXVB-grLCrfNNmOIM/s1600-h/Farmhouse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077430735924538882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFV0i1MPq4QLPPIvUns0f10qKE0AkzObUaMWKU-cyzzFIbb4wKU1DsLU4FqqTcWF8hDP0zOejtsGNu741EXK11EvJKNsDXY8HSwBc8lxRIbffgtW8r4FRjX5I3MmXVB-grLCrfNNmOIM/s320/Farmhouse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAiJHO1QAcw5z9g91WT5Nz3V58VSA2CvBDUMI8dHn5kig34LIlxtMVLJa3PYKb8yddjKrpuDHhxhSXSKu2hMwdqRKCnj-YicgsdNpisMLNxdgXBVIkn42umfc8CwBcSrhQJRh8r2sQoI/s1600-h/Speedwell.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077430568420814322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAiJHO1QAcw5z9g91WT5Nz3V58VSA2CvBDUMI8dHn5kig34LIlxtMVLJa3PYKb8yddjKrpuDHhxhSXSKu2hMwdqRKCnj-YicgsdNpisMLNxdgXBVIkn42umfc8CwBcSrhQJRh8r2sQoI/s320/Speedwell.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Speedwell glows amongst the long meadow grasses at Lower Brockholes Farm.<br /><br />Unfortunately, however, this is the last days for Lower Brockholes Farm as it too is to be quarried for aggregate, so this landscape will soon change forever...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvJ6pVM66Qafv1wzntUD6CtGVaImUK9oZhPePvkYnm2KEyriC2tKBcN37-fLXEVjaPddQ1ss3_56qTfuLsZN4SKIiFem_hLkgp2FXy5vtxk0E2-b6rh-XOAtfqwLk01h4wGrXjZwcZtE/s1600-h/final+days+for+Lower+Brockholes+farmland.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077430989327609378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvJ6pVM66Qafv1wzntUD6CtGVaImUK9oZhPePvkYnm2KEyriC2tKBcN37-fLXEVjaPddQ1ss3_56qTfuLsZN4SKIiFem_hLkgp2FXy5vtxk0E2-b6rh-XOAtfqwLk01h4wGrXjZwcZtE/s320/final+days+for+Lower+Brockholes+farmland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If its afteruse can also eventually complement the Ribble's wetland habitats, then it won't be so bad, so we hope that this will indeed be the case.<br /><br />We pass other riversiders on the way back downriver too...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4uHPnWge5KHuJR07jys1FBsyEf9aYhWcwBAz27sHSoznpuqwX5-t4O7o9z7N17mY90XoCUcpGuq2RxToyFpJ1djHzqeG_dw_wkRVC6799XV7j16kvghpJ2Mn9raa3cvq6KLBsYHoG-E/s1600-h/fishing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077430327902645714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4uHPnWge5KHuJR07jys1FBsyEf9aYhWcwBAz27sHSoznpuqwX5-t4O7o9z7N17mY90XoCUcpGuq2RxToyFpJ1djHzqeG_dw_wkRVC6799XV7j16kvghpJ2Mn9raa3cvq6KLBsYHoG-E/s320/fishing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Ribble is recovering from many years of misuse and pollution to become one of the best Salmon and Trout rivers in Britain,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaHAhgI8yKrK1KRq7MKmMLKpwriFxTQd2dFPE1wA76ch5Yc-ZYTP4qPmmYcZ6sRu0S06_iBQCYIPVUM_vlay6dj09PnK7h-MM3qtuPOkhyphenhyphenLtQ0bZGI1B6lo-FSJI0FoHK8e42Jvu8gZM/s1600-h/fish+spawning+pools+and+more+Sand+Martin+colonies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077430207643561410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaHAhgI8yKrK1KRq7MKmMLKpwriFxTQd2dFPE1wA76ch5Yc-ZYTP4qPmmYcZ6sRu0S06_iBQCYIPVUM_vlay6dj09PnK7h-MM3qtuPOkhyphenhyphenLtQ0bZGI1B6lo-FSJI0FoHK8e42Jvu8gZM/s320/fish+spawning+pools+and+more+Sand+Martin+colonies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and spawning pools in the numerous gravelly shallows of the riverbed are one of the reasons why.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVwL0or_W6Kmj9ukT6nx_CgKFu5FEvYF5uwBeXXwK9sCuBH3_9V6nMHc_A4b5YMB5Ogb5CG8A8jaYIogJSkU2qVs9JKveqG_IG-hLmOmpIp_hvm4_Sbkj4dHPAqTPdDguuj57iGcdAuE/s1600-h/Ribble+habitat+Sand+Martins+and+gravel+beds+for+fish+spawing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077429829686439330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVwL0or_W6Kmj9ukT6nx_CgKFu5FEvYF5uwBeXXwK9sCuBH3_9V6nMHc_A4b5YMB5Ogb5CG8A8jaYIogJSkU2qVs9JKveqG_IG-hLmOmpIp_hvm4_Sbkj4dHPAqTPdDguuj57iGcdAuE/s320/Ribble+habitat+Sand+Martins+and+gravel+beds+for+fish+spawing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In some areas these spawning pools have been deliberately recreated to make up for insensitive bankwork and dredging during past years - this pool, on the left of the far bank, has yet more Sand Martin colonies crowning the riverbanks above...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWQbnvpILQUWE75WxpN11S4EAR8nMa-znZcsQa9OEMy1IcuSKFugai8-hR_CFfwxJXEMRTCNA0LdGjvGVxv7j9eyqShf-28qlyboxYC7aXYclWDPnS3RtfUPn0assTqMBVn-q_Gezg24/s1600-h/Cuerdale+Hall+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077429980010294706" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWQbnvpILQUWE75WxpN11S4EAR8nMa-znZcsQa9OEMy1IcuSKFugai8-hR_CFfwxJXEMRTCNA0LdGjvGVxv7j9eyqShf-28qlyboxYC7aXYclWDPnS3RtfUPn0assTqMBVn-q_Gezg24/s320/Cuerdale+Hall+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Ribble is also steeped in history, and historic dwellings along the Ribble's banks include the 17th Century Cuerdale Hall, the site of the discovery of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/cuerdale_01.shtml">Cuerdale Hoard</a> of Viking treasure in 1840, and therefore evidence of a much older settlement at this spot.<br /><br />The views along the Ribble valley are stunning in every direction, for miles and miles, and all within minutes walk of Preston city centre...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz5fSOImcOgUK0TWy04xfE9XIKVZh5_F3C0NHg_IXErEMt07S7Z3nFRewhq3UEifh4BMOMJJ3ga8OrJoh04q5pj-VdhsM-im4TUXyjwiuvPkVtdpu70PrypDDkzptcEPJsqm_2GuSAZ0/s1600-h/Ribble+Valley+downriver+towards+Mellings+Wood.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077429645002845586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbz5fSOImcOgUK0TWy04xfE9XIKVZh5_F3C0NHg_IXErEMt07S7Z3nFRewhq3UEifh4BMOMJJ3ga8OrJoh04q5pj-VdhsM-im4TUXyjwiuvPkVtdpu70PrypDDkzptcEPJsqm_2GuSAZ0/s320/Ribble+Valley+downriver+towards+Mellings+Wood.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Downriver towards Mellings Wood...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToMCN5tj9cjPUw0G2GEcmPrZg4-gxrssr4-OqLrPoHqI_qWHRTWHFfYkTrNUAoNg57xE1efKxtEIPxh8pKMYza-F3LAbSYRvjWLJfGaSgu64qSlBNm2ekHQHN_jSo3qgXTZ8CPORwIXg/s1600-h/view+downriver+at+Mete+House.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077429516153826690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToMCN5tj9cjPUw0G2GEcmPrZg4-gxrssr4-OqLrPoHqI_qWHRTWHFfYkTrNUAoNg57xE1efKxtEIPxh8pKMYza-F3LAbSYRvjWLJfGaSgu64qSlBNm2ekHQHN_jSo3qgXTZ8CPORwIXg/s320/view+downriver+at+Mete+House.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />and downriver towards Walton le Dale from the lower side of Mellings Wood at Mete House.<br /><br />We decide to take the Ribble Way Cycle route from here, and where the river valley opens up towards Walton le Dale, the river is completely hidden from view once you move away from the riverbank path...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoB976UOxzsafRsE4GVdgmVWf11BEPQkMfdgPG6AOJIPgN3Sqou2Frq4ml4fRuS51Nuw_bGq9o621QXlLdfRkglUIMpXe-8SexLVO8gHVwXtW46-vdLaLl0PwmCiSY6COQVfE-uVvvqA/s1600-h/secret+river+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077434116063801138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoB976UOxzsafRsE4GVdgmVWf11BEPQkMfdgPG6AOJIPgN3Sqou2Frq4ml4fRuS51Nuw_bGq9o621QXlLdfRkglUIMpXe-8SexLVO8gHVwXtW46-vdLaLl0PwmCiSY6COQVfE-uVvvqA/s320/secret+river+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />but again the views are priceless...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yBwL6V-P4W2KTdRmchwk2nXDtPBuU4Vn2S3hdPjonHCaWkWSOz4sdUwQ_mg_NjdJWlbZ8sOj-m8U8C-oMHM-idjs0w3Wwlb1IBjMTIrMGmGvOvUdXy6QOnrJRYpQWgEuKcZcJmUyh74/s1600-h/secret+river+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077429245570887026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yBwL6V-P4W2KTdRmchwk2nXDtPBuU4Vn2S3hdPjonHCaWkWSOz4sdUwQ_mg_NjdJWlbZ8sOj-m8U8C-oMHM-idjs0w3Wwlb1IBjMTIrMGmGvOvUdXy6QOnrJRYpQWgEuKcZcJmUyh74/s320/secret+river+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />both on the macrocosmic scale...<br /><br />...and the microcosmic...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW2WyiJ2FGxVmvCu4GETj0tMQ_5OlzoR0ToEUIKswqCLHuzJyMZnH-yjZA2QFlRVGIkjT5ueio6xmGXCL5FgN4SH_6mz2wuTa2G5D3MReVAghiDndGx93JFpmTK6v91UzTe3_Q4dCBNE/s1600-h/glorious+buttercups.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077430491111402978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW2WyiJ2FGxVmvCu4GETj0tMQ_5OlzoR0ToEUIKswqCLHuzJyMZnH-yjZA2QFlRVGIkjT5ueio6xmGXCL5FgN4SH_6mz2wuTa2G5D3MReVAghiDndGx93JFpmTK6v91UzTe3_Q4dCBNE/s320/glorious+buttercups.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This whole river floodplain is one of Nature's important wetland habitats, with both wetland grazing and drainage culverts offering diverse wetland wildlife habitats...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkyL5BK58VfkplFx7-j0v9XELkMvgenDv9x_KzZCkqxWeaE45vyXPIABSwCmRE03_4gCCgVUEUDS2ru79kCOGmdRqPoHMxeCuliHNsmsVoIrVA_Hi1DFK_wenk0siwXzG9m41itPJ4nA/s1600-h/Ribble+farmland+wetlands.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077428962103045458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkyL5BK58VfkplFx7-j0v9XELkMvgenDv9x_KzZCkqxWeaE45vyXPIABSwCmRE03_4gCCgVUEUDS2ru79kCOGmdRqPoHMxeCuliHNsmsVoIrVA_Hi1DFK_wenk0siwXzG9m41itPJ4nA/s320/Ribble+farmland+wetlands.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and a fabulous landscape for us to enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iG8yOi2YkrNEyJzkVc0TCmhutmy7L-TiPK5cOqrVI_SeV0813tPk3fleTTNUrCnafndEqowDnVaxx3SXUkO4Lfc4iUP9oOwswEdQsOIzzQSm4uyfxbTKJMf24Vmk5df5Dyxk6xYxWrA/s1600-h/Ribble+farmland+wetlands+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077429112426900834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iG8yOi2YkrNEyJzkVc0TCmhutmy7L-TiPK5cOqrVI_SeV0813tPk3fleTTNUrCnafndEqowDnVaxx3SXUkO4Lfc4iUP9oOwswEdQsOIzzQSm4uyfxbTKJMf24Vmk5df5Dyxk6xYxWrA/s320/Ribble+farmland+wetlands+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><em><strong>Long Live the Ribble Wild!</strong></em><br /><br /><a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-20175681054194450702007-06-12T15:13:00.000+01:002007-06-12T16:18:03.955+01:00Ribble ABC<strong>Save The Ribble Campaign are organising a “Ribble ABC” - an alphabet for the Ribble –which will create a picture of distinctiveness about the River Ribble and its local environment.<br /></strong><br />From <strong><em><span style="color:#999900;">Atlantic Salmon</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#006600;">Allotments</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#ff9900;">Butterflies</span></em></strong>, Tidal <strong><em><span style="color:#000066;">Bore</span></em></strong>, and <strong><em>Bridges</em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">Cycling</span></em></strong> and <strong><em>Curlews</em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#993300;">Ducks</span></em></strong>, <span style="color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>Dragonflies</em></strong>,</span> and <strong><em>Deep Water</em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#336666;">Eels</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#ffcc33;">Evening Primrose</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">Forget-Me-Nots</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#006600;">Frogs,</span></em></strong> <strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">Gravel</span></em></strong> and <span style="color:#009900;"><strong><em>Green Belt</em></strong></span>, <strong><em><span style="color:#000066;">High Tides</span></em></strong> and <strong><em>Hodde</em></strong>r, <strong><em><span style="color:#000066;">Incoming Tide</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#ffcc00;">Iris,</span></em></strong> <strong><em>Jays</em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#666666;">Jumping Fish</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Kingfishers</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">Knapweed</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">Low Tide</span></em></strong> and <strong><em>Lostock</em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">Mudflats</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Meanders</span></em></strong>, to <strong><em>Nature</em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#666600;">Natterjack Toads</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">Otters </span></em></strong>and <strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">Orchids</span></em></strong>, <strong><em>Peace</em></strong> and <strong><em>Quiet</em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Ribble Way</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">Redshank</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#000066;">Spate Waters</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#996633;">Silts</span></em></strong>, and <strong><em><span style="color:#cc9933;">Speckled Wood Butterflies</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#000099;">Tides</span></em></strong> and <strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">Tufted Vetch</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#006600;">Undergrowth </span></em></strong>and <strong><em><span style="color:#000066;">Undercurrents</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#663300;">Voles</span></em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#009900;">Willows</span></em></strong>, <strong><em>eXcitement</em></strong>, <strong><em><span style="color:#330033;">Yachting</span></em></strong>, and <strong><em>Zest</em></strong>, <strong><em>what is it about <span style="color:#000099;">the Ribble</span> that grabs YOU?<br /></em></strong><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q1T1e4ibWcotsUXUxkIPxF5kXtDPmUv9rAYNCPOiCxv8GGFM2iH0r02y9Yp9OE5A5TW3GTKQ7C_Th601u6_wTRm-9Pii09PiWugt4LlTKdWikOx8unfJ3XH59Nje4o6P4q5x9WE_f-Y/s1600-h/Ribble+at+Walton+le+Dale.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075186349224405858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Q1T1e4ibWcotsUXUxkIPxF5kXtDPmUv9rAYNCPOiCxv8GGFM2iH0r02y9Yp9OE5A5TW3GTKQ7C_Th601u6_wTRm-9Pii09PiWugt4LlTKdWikOx8unfJ3XH59Nje4o6P4q5x9WE_f-Y/s320/Ribble+at+Walton+le+Dale.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Sparkling Waters</em></strong> bubbling over stones...?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0F2k0Gxy5ccnbMBbaqYGsaDWFb9IxfvvpFrnLnaUYIe_uvYGvl6y4Evqb6n2MJgSaaQfN3ClgIkt13mfFHzzjoHqBpxFjztlyGCdA4avGw7qYXPae0i6SkHXHiMQvLVFFLMiAba8Bnk/s1600-h/Ribble,+4th+June+07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075186233260288850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr0F2k0Gxy5ccnbMBbaqYGsaDWFb9IxfvvpFrnLnaUYIe_uvYGvl6y4Evqb6n2MJgSaaQfN3ClgIkt13mfFHzzjoHqBpxFjztlyGCdA4avGw7qYXPae0i6SkHXHiMQvLVFFLMiAba8Bnk/s320/Ribble,+4th+June+07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The changing <strong><em>Tides</em></strong>...?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzcVvT4vZHSf-JBWDGBT8VTUTHQg_PU4dAcv7o6Pgma0xI8naT6X8sBxM3VUPWwoT1_NEbv3bnwEkhqJpeSYQb1N_oFE9YFPLzwDglzDRP5CSsC5rRp_lKdz9KRrvOdDOt7tZkQkf97I/s1600-h/Speckled+Wood+butterfly+2+on+oak+sapling.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075182363494755026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzcVvT4vZHSf-JBWDGBT8VTUTHQg_PU4dAcv7o6Pgma0xI8naT6X8sBxM3VUPWwoT1_NEbv3bnwEkhqJpeSYQb1N_oFE9YFPLzwDglzDRP5CSsC5rRp_lKdz9KRrvOdDOt7tZkQkf97I/s320/Speckled+Wood+butterfly+2+on+oak+sapling.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The huge variety of<strong><em> Butterflies</em></strong>...?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9uKlGH3tnIGc797P9t2gDsDQW0sI1fdJy6iCls-WKCyDmlMxIIg5HeAyQ3a4qrXxRU957k2u9-4xJfv2qiMzUYcj802XvaU06BjxvRb-rsz_eNgHUoWPRx_KiyFaWnmH0fl7yCds0VE/s1600-h/Ribble+silts+washing+downstream+through+penwortham.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075184665597225698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9uKlGH3tnIGc797P9t2gDsDQW0sI1fdJy6iCls-WKCyDmlMxIIg5HeAyQ3a4qrXxRU957k2u9-4xJfv2qiMzUYcj802XvaU06BjxvRb-rsz_eNgHUoWPRx_KiyFaWnmH0fl7yCds0VE/s320/Ribble+silts+washing+downstream+through+penwortham.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The endlessly changing <strong><em>Waters</em></strong> and <strong><em>Silts</em></strong>...?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-re6di9jkdS9ImPbKEqXK6iDGexX8KOBF9LawCfFXJMb5XjXdyAnsIVI8kwB0_7A3rKUFvtvinqRIJzjOrRyO6cwjGPEXskq6znz_9byJaLh_2BYpbHuMpavcqWyWqnlwdhOeNPyYmNQ/s1600-h/fabulous+Beech.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075184957655001858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-re6di9jkdS9ImPbKEqXK6iDGexX8KOBF9LawCfFXJMb5XjXdyAnsIVI8kwB0_7A3rKUFvtvinqRIJzjOrRyO6cwjGPEXskq6znz_9byJaLh_2BYpbHuMpavcqWyWqnlwdhOeNPyYmNQ/s320/fabulous+Beech.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Walking </em></strong>beneath <strong><em>Beech Trees</em></strong> on the <strong><em>Riverbank</em></strong>...?<br /><br /><strong>Send in YOUR words and pictures which make the Ribble <em>special</em> for you.</strong><br /><br />“<a href="http://www.england-in-particular.info/gateway/gw-index.html">Common Ground</a>” are using the <strong>ABC</strong> format to celebrate “England in Particular” – what makes our local environment special and distinctive – and Save The Ribble's <strong><em>Ribble ABC</em></strong> will follow a similar format, and will be published on the <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com">Save The Ribble</a> and <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com">The Ribble Cycle Diaries</a> blogs.<br /><br />In the long term, it may eventually be published as a leaflet. <strong>The Ribble ABC</strong> will involve both words and pictures, so if you'd like to contribute, or find out more, contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a> and let me know what makes the Ribble special for you.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1eRhToDu94u-wTH2G8ySuG0CnRnyTG8EkGBTJXYGHcY-zVE96bC9nYOVrpN57T0ETO8l5AnAuhpdNzoAgapbcL0pWqTv_I7uV4ND6i8pZSh9mVG6pIeCJwNCmVMewcQQ8vQXjJQsbCo/s1600-h/Ribble+Estuary+wetlands+Marshside.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075185683504474946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1eRhToDu94u-wTH2G8ySuG0CnRnyTG8EkGBTJXYGHcY-zVE96bC9nYOVrpN57T0ETO8l5AnAuhpdNzoAgapbcL0pWqTv_I7uV4ND6i8pZSh9mVG6pIeCJwNCmVMewcQQ8vQXjJQsbCo/s320/Ribble+Estuary+wetlands+Marshside.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><strong>Saltmarsh</strong></em> on the <em><strong>Estuary</strong></em>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu7I1to2vSJka5d3j1lEj4XUyoG2nNK-KCA3b-I29HtjQ7scLxpZrGHXO4Jz9N4wpY29TZRCRGjb9YNS7dNyxsUQx6gftIxu7eJHtzbR6ZteoP86FuDpuzdL0MSvVcaEJovqOyJasyuA/s1600-h/Ribble+Green+Belt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075185550360488754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu7I1to2vSJka5d3j1lEj4XUyoG2nNK-KCA3b-I29HtjQ7scLxpZrGHXO4Jz9N4wpY29TZRCRGjb9YNS7dNyxsUQx6gftIxu7eJHtzbR6ZteoP86FuDpuzdL0MSvVcaEJovqOyJasyuA/s320/Ribble+Green+Belt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><strong>Green Belt</strong></em>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLi2PRNYNb-_k77xs2MBLu2IaVsfl-vzP3Gbf3Z33lI2diRZJ0eNdbgchfSrSj4PZyuQKwbtZOWHlodgWWZDNxmO1xpVkWZx-Wc6BTeprmbl0p6hqje8bKSSIQfQLxgzeKzmtkOD2Fhk/s1600-h/arriving+from+Iceland.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075185425806437154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLi2PRNYNb-_k77xs2MBLu2IaVsfl-vzP3Gbf3Z33lI2diRZJ0eNdbgchfSrSj4PZyuQKwbtZOWHlodgWWZDNxmO1xpVkWZx-Wc6BTeprmbl0p6hqje8bKSSIQfQLxgzeKzmtkOD2Fhk/s320/arriving+from+Iceland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><em><strong>Pink Footed Geese</strong></em>...<br /><br />Common Ground’s “England in Particular” can be viewed online <a href="http://www.england-in-particular.info/gateway/gw-index.html">here</a> and their ABC ideas can be seen <a href="http://www.england-in-particular.info/abc/ab-abc-a.html">here</a>, and the importance of our rivers and streams <a href="http://www.england-in-particular.info/particular/e-rules03.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW0W0LsatiW6I8-n8eck2Dd2JkKWZx0V8iiaHa-d2e8QvBviwsQOW2bInV2Qb20bFa-uG3WTrYF-Horr2aZU8gYspTve4L5xlhX-BFJ38hcii59vmrvKjVZXLuSibTGebhL_D3UpIhe0/s1600-h/ab-leaflet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075196794584869746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJW0W0LsatiW6I8-n8eck2Dd2JkKWZx0V8iiaHa-d2e8QvBviwsQOW2bInV2Qb20bFa-uG3WTrYF-Horr2aZU8gYspTve4L5xlhX-BFJ38hcii59vmrvKjVZXLuSibTGebhL_D3UpIhe0/s320/ab-leaflet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Please contact Jane Brunning at </strong><a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk"><strong>savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</strong></a><strong> if you would like to contribute to the Ribble ABC, or would like more information. </strong>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-14208301121502001042007-06-06T10:12:00.001+01:002007-06-06T11:29:37.503+01:00May Ribbling in SouthportA May trip to Southport finds a rare sight - the tide is in!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBBm1C6tFpsIBmJGxcL25DiF-dmgQTw71CX4WlyVPN-bjRJVGfAUR4ib8Wdkb7ZDm2jm3B1DEo2fbDPeK0DWrZc2pWiOGbxjKlOa581R0yf_YMo0CoLOxixH5Su2B94Hmk2HnVzc9okA/s1600-h/tide+is+in,+Southport.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072880080635471714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBBm1C6tFpsIBmJGxcL25DiF-dmgQTw71CX4WlyVPN-bjRJVGfAUR4ib8Wdkb7ZDm2jm3B1DEo2fbDPeK0DWrZc2pWiOGbxjKlOa581R0yf_YMo0CoLOxixH5Su2B94Hmk2HnVzc9okA/s320/tide+is+in,+Southport.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Muddy can't wait to get in that water!<br /><br />It is already on the turn, however, and goes out as quickly as it comes in across this hugely long but shallow beach. We make it onto the end of the Pier before the waters have receded fully though, and get a clear view right across the Ribble's waters to Blackpool...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArWmF02X7aAXWAuXSWu638f3ALvH890nn5XX2XYEMSYMdjFQxOkgbkhztRcfuVXMIgjEbHFAC3jvYLmSkSZcmz4aaXi7c-bguoJDIbSmxsLW2midSCoUdjkgzvGtV5b4sX3k2W8PfGlE/s1600-h/the+main+Ribble+channel+between+Southport+and+Blackpool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072882764990031794" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArWmF02X7aAXWAuXSWu638f3ALvH890nn5XX2XYEMSYMdjFQxOkgbkhztRcfuVXMIgjEbHFAC3jvYLmSkSZcmz4aaXi7c-bguoJDIbSmxsLW2midSCoUdjkgzvGtV5b4sX3k2W8PfGlE/s320/the+main+Ribble+channel+between+Southport+and+Blackpool.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Just below the Blackpool seafront, the waves at the edge of the Ribble's main channel can clearly be seen, and the water moving down the channel towards the open sea can be seen moving much more quickly than the receding tide.<br /><br />There are also a number of ships sailing by...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuZtSNT9c5c70NjfEmF3xnMVZxKwL232DQFwi5cMFj1Fn8u16Nr0UOFPsYp94xgi0xUhl7Vcb_ADU8IzxN1boBxmc-aZpM-9DbY2-pz0DNCZR8pBiXYCf4fLpphj6bVPuUDSK6NbJqaU/s1600-h/shipping+channel.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072882283953694626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuZtSNT9c5c70NjfEmF3xnMVZxKwL232DQFwi5cMFj1Fn8u16Nr0UOFPsYp94xgi0xUhl7Vcb_ADU8IzxN1boBxmc-aZpM-9DbY2-pz0DNCZR8pBiXYCf4fLpphj6bVPuUDSK6NbJqaU/s320/shipping+channel.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and an acrobatic stunt pilot looping the loop over our heads as we stand on Southport Pier...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzavbt13FfmIB-Jn2ZDyd4DIkHbbg9TP0BTmLgU_qX2pSABdMx4Tm5a4sToZBplZ3hTsFk4lr91jjGqGluOFEh9ixRgdcMKdXmRbbDEYjMh67KtAZy6g9GMdx0la1hQ6ylOVkGtltBp3U/s1600-h/looping+the+loop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072881850161997714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzavbt13FfmIB-Jn2ZDyd4DIkHbbg9TP0BTmLgU_qX2pSABdMx4Tm5a4sToZBplZ3hTsFk4lr91jjGqGluOFEh9ixRgdcMKdXmRbbDEYjMh67KtAZy6g9GMdx0la1hQ6ylOVkGtltBp3U/s320/looping+the+loop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />By the time we get back onto the beach, the tide has almost fully receded, leaving wet sandflats and mudflats, pockets of saltmarsh, and pools everywhere on the flats - which can be treacherous, even walking close to the shore our feet get sucked into the wet sand...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IFfyEOR0W05quvEpJglVrv3KWyLviBzAi9551mmDZiFfm4QNJSgqQfpRDGl_5whrgsZDJBxQcCEOAiXCeLczRRVqwwkp-7O3dYTGUzvqBEVJk-ENGfoTTQbK01YcvgPgwcSEtALf1CI/s1600-h/tide+recedes+at+Southport.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072880295383836530" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IFfyEOR0W05quvEpJglVrv3KWyLviBzAi9551mmDZiFfm4QNJSgqQfpRDGl_5whrgsZDJBxQcCEOAiXCeLczRRVqwwkp-7O3dYTGUzvqBEVJk-ENGfoTTQbK01YcvgPgwcSEtALf1CI/s320/tide+recedes+at+Southport.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Flocks of birds begin feeding as soon as the tide recedes, the Ribble having replenished <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-ribble-works.html">the rich silts and nutrients upon which the river's wildlife depends</a>...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkt-slIceFHQZ3FrGZgBvJApz8MqjY7jXR2EUfcUGdeSwaWC_d_Cj1dt2lhsq21QWiKanOvJ7QgmUcR_BPzXVf6cKU0EMkAXf6NYeE7l3qEiAXEj9ImKMZf-RSyEK9V3ERDieQ_lFg9U/s1600-h/birds+feeding+as+soon+as+the+tide+recedes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072879749922989890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkt-slIceFHQZ3FrGZgBvJApz8MqjY7jXR2EUfcUGdeSwaWC_d_Cj1dt2lhsq21QWiKanOvJ7QgmUcR_BPzXVf6cKU0EMkAXf6NYeE7l3qEiAXEj9ImKMZf-RSyEK9V3ERDieQ_lFg9U/s320/birds+feeding+as+soon+as+the+tide+recedes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAALzvcokrfnhAxK7PGzWFxr0hHnE91FXtIT6PzFZ7ulysgCrzpaK6X4Zp-C47Vo5Yk6tlYy9G__FFZPVxNrJ2sld0RmywYvrMqypt7tX90LiFuTwZf7IfFdel03TIsn-RYQZJFkX9eo/s1600-h/Blackpool+in+the+distance.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072879676908545842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAALzvcokrfnhAxK7PGzWFxr0hHnE91FXtIT6PzFZ7ulysgCrzpaK6X4Zp-C47Vo5Yk6tlYy9G__FFZPVxNrJ2sld0RmywYvrMqypt7tX90LiFuTwZf7IfFdel03TIsn-RYQZJFkX9eo/s320/Blackpool+in+the+distance.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and already the stretch to Blackpool looks deceptively close, almost walkable, the Ribble having retreated to her main channel - which has begun to revert to its old meandering course since dredging the shipping channel to Preston Docks ceased a couple of decades ago.<br /><br />Some brave souls are happy to follow the river back to her low water mark...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaeKMswMJDI7m3X9Iw8gqJ3EikxAQm3qzsnc0isLCreyv7EMRmPKuLayWr0ShXhdzYUmk_x7ev97oZ5bNdZMPZuj9b8REQqEw0R0dNiUJF_X4FgmPAZPooiHHFrzf_N9Z0zRdfuKOWkI/s1600-h/walking+by+the+Ribble,+tide+receding,+Southport.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072880441412724610" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicaeKMswMJDI7m3X9Iw8gqJ3EikxAQm3qzsnc0isLCreyv7EMRmPKuLayWr0ShXhdzYUmk_x7ev97oZ5bNdZMPZuj9b8REQqEw0R0dNiUJF_X4FgmPAZPooiHHFrzf_N9Z0zRdfuKOWkI/s320/walking+by+the+Ribble,+tide+receding,+Southport.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But others, walking the Ribble Way or Trans-Pennine Trail perhaps, stick somewhat closer to shore...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjtfwbnmugwonEOKtr3suczzL65s8LkT7_TCPJR9KS_CEcy5ocZ-ckg5Xa64cv2iCOiOMgZ4Ek7cbnAFauWbKPL_oDZHvvOpqn0TTy7zWNTc4ZZBK7cUU4d-0zOcU16u-hzmdCDoGUEk/s1600-h/walking+through+Southport.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072879865887106898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjtfwbnmugwonEOKtr3suczzL65s8LkT7_TCPJR9KS_CEcy5ocZ-ckg5Xa64cv2iCOiOMgZ4Ek7cbnAFauWbKPL_oDZHvvOpqn0TTy7zWNTc4ZZBK7cUU4d-0zOcU16u-hzmdCDoGUEk/s320/walking+through+Southport.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Ribble is now home to a growing number of walking and cycling routes, many of which are either under construction or have been here for ages and are now being interlinked with one another, providing a fantastic network all along the Ribble from source to the sea, and on both sides:<br />-the Lancashire Coastal Way (some of which is already open), the North West Coastal Path and the Sefton Coastal Path (again, some already completed), the Regional Coastal Trail, a foot/cycle/bridle bridge over the River Douglas, the Burscough to Banks Wetland Walk, the RCW Regional Park Cycleway, the Fylde Coast Cycleway, Lancashire Cycleway, the Trans Pennine Trail, and the Preston Guild Wheel (which will also link in to several other walking and cycling routes), all linking in with the Ribble Way, the Douglas Way, existing footpath networks, and the Southport to Preston National cycling route. All of these will provide a fantastic contribution to the <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/03/ribble-coast-wetlands.html">Ribble Coast & Wetlands Regional Park</a> and will be the ONLY way you can see much of the fantastic scenery, habitats, and wildlife the Ribble supports...<br /><br />The Trans-Pennine Way Marker at Southport is one of the many interesting sculptures and artworks that line Southport's Promenade...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCby8muQtltjuUfF70-nyb_0Fib_8tpJmkyjBQ9L7LYb_9GoJvqFBxbU7GO9vmV26hyxYY-2ZUW_0urTcRd7i8vik47sWBqEhITNVdkRNlOi0JwWik2MvC8cmMoyRFI-wckame72bA8g/s1600-h/Trans-Pennine+Way+marker,+Southport.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072879475045082914" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCby8muQtltjuUfF70-nyb_0Fib_8tpJmkyjBQ9L7LYb_9GoJvqFBxbU7GO9vmV26hyxYY-2ZUW_0urTcRd7i8vik47sWBqEhITNVdkRNlOi0JwWik2MvC8cmMoyRFI-wckame72bA8g/s320/Trans-Pennine+Way+marker,+Southport.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This unusual species of Southport fish are particularly good...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTu4TVnY9he_RM2iwVceTikbcs_5nTaBCNbVlG2SewLkLazOFVuJnd6Vuh1ImKfaPQIQGH_1rYokvadpQFxp1gsLJOCAr3lNQP3TqONLq8P6OguUi6h7WRKV28xdsXp2rqxv6tqG8xZ8/s1600-h/Southport+variety+of+fish.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072878792145282834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTu4TVnY9he_RM2iwVceTikbcs_5nTaBCNbVlG2SewLkLazOFVuJnd6Vuh1ImKfaPQIQGH_1rYokvadpQFxp1gsLJOCAr3lNQP3TqONLq8P6OguUi6h7WRKV28xdsXp2rqxv6tqG8xZ8/s320/Southport+variety+of+fish.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We walk downriver a little further to one of Southport's many interesting Nature Reserves, part of Southport's contribution to the Regional Park , this one - the Jubilee Trail - is home to Natterjack Toads, though we don't expect to see or hear any as they are usually only active at night!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbs7tWlMlPaSjmB4QLFtbrr8jLtl-Ctw4bKbjskp22U7Sexr9A1JMl-Q1vwYNo9SuX9Vyc7vPA7jNtBR0Tuqqt37kZEIA6C2XQ5qFTsziG6d9PB3h7z2Rp0nCwnGs8RyhbZuIFiFLzF0/s1600-h/Natterjack+toad+habitat,+Southport+Jubilee+Trail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072878478612670210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbs7tWlMlPaSjmB4QLFtbrr8jLtl-Ctw4bKbjskp22U7Sexr9A1JMl-Q1vwYNo9SuX9Vyc7vPA7jNtBR0Tuqqt37kZEIA6C2XQ5qFTsziG6d9PB3h7z2Rp0nCwnGs8RyhbZuIFiFLzF0/s320/Natterjack+toad+habitat,+Southport+Jubilee+Trail.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It is a beautiful Reserve though, ancient dunes which have been colonised by a huge number of native plant species - aswell as Natterjack Toads - and there are wooden walkways across the wetland areas...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuvXJSX6TXX7TnGSlJ4jZ4CmwEn5naevKFTYxKurV2xoGKUMYYyxElMIycy5YlKK6p_yBoC4Z5_5L1_3wm_f3JM8mKfwiyopE4UajgZj7LZlSN014shOnaWlIdrjhqk1-_O-Tm6QZIqY/s1600-h/Jubilee+Trail.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072878362648553202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuvXJSX6TXX7TnGSlJ4jZ4CmwEn5naevKFTYxKurV2xoGKUMYYyxElMIycy5YlKK6p_yBoC4Z5_5L1_3wm_f3JM8mKfwiyopE4UajgZj7LZlSN014shOnaWlIdrjhqk1-_O-Tm6QZIqY/s320/Jubilee+Trail.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...onto the dry...<br /><br />... a huge variety of plants, wildflowers, and grasses thrive here...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4DVhR3njts38qlDnIDONrBrdP5ZnHVIyoR4bG7MaSHOOjaqJqjlB23cm4BG0YSmtaYKjBZLGq1zEkpsEqxeB2XwtbEZNJfmZV62OdHYuwhW41MOvyqO4rQ2CX8mdbJJSw682sEPQvGQ/s1600-h/Natterjack+Toad+dunes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072878057705875170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4DVhR3njts38qlDnIDONrBrdP5ZnHVIyoR4bG7MaSHOOjaqJqjlB23cm4BG0YSmtaYKjBZLGq1zEkpsEqxeB2XwtbEZNJfmZV62OdHYuwhW41MOvyqO4rQ2CX8mdbJJSw682sEPQvGQ/s320/Natterjack+Toad+dunes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the dunes provide a great place for a picninc as well as useful hibernation for the Natterjack Toads!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoDKHsdXTxAGGuUE1DsnRX9fDGu9VWXOyvxE21ay-ejzR8-3jvArPDBDV4ceh_lCOEEiQ0lZG-lRGkXEuP5p6xLZpVBtXSXbgsc68scrphWbhnoNljzl5OLgg_BMrnvkuzsWnfAk9tZY/s1600-h/the+best+view+of+a+Natterjack+we+got.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072877928856856274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoDKHsdXTxAGGuUE1DsnRX9fDGu9VWXOyvxE21ay-ejzR8-3jvArPDBDV4ceh_lCOEEiQ0lZG-lRGkXEuP5p6xLZpVBtXSXbgsc68scrphWbhnoNljzl5OLgg_BMrnvkuzsWnfAk9tZY/s320/the+best+view+of+a+Natterjack+we+got.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This was the closest look at an actual Toad that we got, although the dog found something fascinating in the undergrowth nearby so we quickly put her on her lead before she could cause any trouble while we walked along the many paths through this area...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoBGwQBvwlYPGUwDwVFHlJRR6lpoVy6mCjxeGyhC3EUeiTqVncdSILEE3l3xkJNatDmG2F8s4zdaKf4OkadB-UpwVftG9d2cU3OiEPcjYhq7ZuLqmhyGPhIjmHc68dreEpZH6ti0xjWs/s1600-h/buzzing+Comfrey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072877748468229826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoBGwQBvwlYPGUwDwVFHlJRR6lpoVy6mCjxeGyhC3EUeiTqVncdSILEE3l3xkJNatDmG2F8s4zdaKf4OkadB-UpwVftG9d2cU3OiEPcjYhq7ZuLqmhyGPhIjmHc68dreEpZH6ti0xjWs/s320/buzzing+Comfrey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...past Comfrey busily buzzing with bees...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUZZ3A6RvoUzAgsU3Jh3-4NnE2JGvapNcP7FZ4Ikx0e-l20E_yqC4r9sPwoPC2bNHheg3K0EWQhGDpGSoNH1ugTOqqVUTYROqx1moB112lSsKDh167JJjx_eO8YPvvFC3Xt4cL_LM4qk/s1600-h/Trefoil+amongst+a+multitude+of+other+plants.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072877641094047410" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUZZ3A6RvoUzAgsU3Jh3-4NnE2JGvapNcP7FZ4Ikx0e-l20E_yqC4r9sPwoPC2bNHheg3K0EWQhGDpGSoNH1ugTOqqVUTYROqx1moB112lSsKDh167JJjx_eO8YPvvFC3Xt4cL_LM4qk/s320/Trefoil+amongst+a+multitude+of+other+plants.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Birds-Foot Trefoil all over the place, nestling amongst numerous plants and grasses...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7stgTNS0tUo77EvMy44NIR-yxEu7c6-w_qXSdjZ5rwgLq5oZfp41gX9xGsRofmWpeYdHwCfkiPD6uPtMiTyYHrFMdoN-Jf91cjzIK8dJZZRpj2c25ttgq6ZbW-eY3gzdfK1UCt4qmMmE/s1600-h/White+Campion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072877426345682594" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7stgTNS0tUo77EvMy44NIR-yxEu7c6-w_qXSdjZ5rwgLq5oZfp41gX9xGsRofmWpeYdHwCfkiPD6uPtMiTyYHrFMdoN-Jf91cjzIK8dJZZRpj2c25ttgq6ZbW-eY3gzdfK1UCt4qmMmE/s320/White+Campion.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A rare sight of White Campion, much less commonly seen than the equally beautiful Red...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8HLC2FdF7gEumauAAc-caMB9t0hlnKJQ-UPjRm6uRFvp4rptNAqiJFb8FARi4Uwin2H60ZYD9d60a859zBEt3N1jaJWC-y8zHfntnZM-iD69_dDxLBi2WchPbgAPtLGfxhNpgQyUwwM/s1600-h/Red+Campion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072877271726859922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8HLC2FdF7gEumauAAc-caMB9t0hlnKJQ-UPjRm6uRFvp4rptNAqiJFb8FARi4Uwin2H60ZYD9d60a859zBEt3N1jaJWC-y8zHfntnZM-iD69_dDxLBi2WchPbgAPtLGfxhNpgQyUwwM/s320/Red+Campion.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />..and on the way home, an unusual species of bird occupies the roundabout towards Marshside, and watch us as we leave...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdP5yqqLrT16kmQzPB7_V_KjaihoDmdf9hHjnBtQ1JMsBKd5hFajGzDfiyZB1aGKvnp7HfvecAqsYbaT0GAFSOpFg0_2v5M4vh0Xxwpt1Yk9Jx7LiMeDbFN0w-ZS6_cjNZXxTN3EfcIM/s1600-h/unusual+Southport+birds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072876971079149186" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdP5yqqLrT16kmQzPB7_V_KjaihoDmdf9hHjnBtQ1JMsBKd5hFajGzDfiyZB1aGKvnp7HfvecAqsYbaT0GAFSOpFg0_2v5M4vh0Xxwpt1Yk9Jx7LiMeDbFN0w-ZS6_cjNZXxTN3EfcIM/s320/unusual+Southport+birds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another fantastic day out by the Ribble...<br /><br /><a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-61247605610038744542007-05-25T10:44:00.000+01:002007-05-25T13:05:53.026+01:00Early Spring Walk from Freckleton to St. Annes<strong>Early this Spring, before <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/05/spring-days-on-riverbank.html">the Ribble banks erupted in all their Spring glory</a>, we walked from Freckleton to St. Annes, along the North West Coastal Path at Freckleton Naze, on a cool but beautifully-sunny March morning...</strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmxUha9bLrc1V1Fgb6Tdv0xhlPyQdCrdsQk7W8uRj15H-dQq6V2ikC3AxYZGLqaW4XDi8ZTI9lK0FYvKNYsmUSMNvM0SKahyUPmlznKv4d4UTZY2xTEm4hJDgmEoPizkq9c08sKapfYh8/s1600-h/low+tide,+March+07+Penwortham+and+Preston.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046177272756882450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmxUha9bLrc1V1Fgb6Tdv0xhlPyQdCrdsQk7W8uRj15H-dQq6V2ikC3AxYZGLqaW4XDi8ZTI9lK0FYvKNYsmUSMNvM0SKahyUPmlznKv4d4UTZY2xTEm4hJDgmEoPizkq9c08sKapfYh8/s320/low+tide,+March+07+Penwortham+and+Preston.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Before we set off, the Ribble from Penwortham Old Bridge in the early morning sunshine: the tide is going out so the marshes and mudflats out at Freckleton and St. Anne's should be exposed, showing off the Ribble's intertidal landscape at its best, and therefore hopefully we should get good views of the wading birds too...<br /><br />We park at The Ship at Freckleton (we WOULD have considered walking all the way from Penwortham if we'd had the time but needed to be back to pick up the children from school) then we walk through to the path which runs alongside Freckleton Pool.<br />This path is part of the new North West Coastal Path, which itself will form a part of the huge network of interconnecting paths and cycleways which will eventually form a fantastic way to experience the <a href="http://www.visitlancashire.com/site/coastal-contrasts/ribble-coast-and-wetlands">newly-launched</a> Ribble Estuary Regional Park: the <strong><a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/03/ribble-coast-wetlands.html">Ribble Coast & Wetlands</a>.</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9Gi3i-eqYz_eCbje-n6sKNDYYK5j7flX04cmxD_J7pD__i36jlNpI2orhg3iqv7L2_Dy6fWXfyEdc3OUzuc4D9J41NfjM3nE8CB0j3oNhvWjCz6quZWJz7TBTBrYX-IkAn8Yxrq8-r5s/s1600-h/NW+Coastal+path+Freckleton+Pool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046179480370072658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9Gi3i-eqYz_eCbje-n6sKNDYYK5j7flX04cmxD_J7pD__i36jlNpI2orhg3iqv7L2_Dy6fWXfyEdc3OUzuc4D9J41NfjM3nE8CB0j3oNhvWjCz6quZWJz7TBTBrYX-IkAn8Yxrq8-r5s/s320/NW+Coastal+path+Freckleton+Pool.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The North West Coastal Path around Freckleton Pool is a fabulous place to walk, even when the hedgerows are still in their Winter aspect. It's actually quite useful coming along here in the Winter months as you can see through the hedges across the landscape, and through to Freckleton Pool itself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq1bPUJyV_h9ATYv2xrTZxPO7EBTvMzbvW2SV6WsRpcJeWGdegevHiTSURqh7Y2xEA1sBGjv3lF7gh_Lz5UvnthMRZ6q86BFjo-ENYT2D1O8wUNQk9_yMz9g_PspZP5kwBZcDtbx-DoM/s1600-h/Early+Spring,+NW+Coastal+path.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441121093689906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZq1bPUJyV_h9ATYv2xrTZxPO7EBTvMzbvW2SV6WsRpcJeWGdegevHiTSURqh7Y2xEA1sBGjv3lF7gh_Lz5UvnthMRZ6q86BFjo-ENYT2D1O8wUNQk9_yMz9g_PspZP5kwBZcDtbx-DoM/s320/Early+Spring,+NW+Coastal+path.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Catkins wave gently in the early Spring breeze...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFDZqb9q0YNzZRC7CeOpuy6bxXTcZ7x6K5miQfZJRpziXbC-8kfJyP0tDHR0D4SrkJ35CKRCA0AwsuWX7VG0Ppg1ovXAus6yapyAEsWwe1Ok09vAF31dTc3vf6tTfXJjdIv9tp6daPsI/s1600-h/Blossoming+hedgerows,+NE+Coastal+Path.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068440910640292370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFDZqb9q0YNzZRC7CeOpuy6bxXTcZ7x6K5miQfZJRpziXbC-8kfJyP0tDHR0D4SrkJ35CKRCA0AwsuWX7VG0Ppg1ovXAus6yapyAEsWwe1Ok09vAF31dTc3vf6tTfXJjdIv9tp6daPsI/s320/Blossoming+hedgerows,+NE+Coastal+Path.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Spring blossom is out in the hedgerows...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZnLcEW2GVSR0JmEi1bq6pJ8r9Z_f-Xblv6jAV9z9QviHY_prRnRarBApso21RCw3hD27ZkiOEhkm48RUu_X3xFoXgoRyDTAjkV2R79ZsAOixVplV7MSU648MAuBIn_7Ar6Y9VI7JkGc/s1600-h/Freckleton+Pool,+low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441314367218258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZnLcEW2GVSR0JmEi1bq6pJ8r9Z_f-Xblv6jAV9z9QviHY_prRnRarBApso21RCw3hD27ZkiOEhkm48RUu_X3xFoXgoRyDTAjkV2R79ZsAOixVplV7MSU648MAuBIn_7Ar6Y9VI7JkGc/s320/Freckleton+Pool,+low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Freckleton Pool at low tide, glimpsed through the hedgerows as we pass - and shielding us from the birds there so we get to see quite a few, feeding on the Freckleton mudflats.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhm6pOWaatUQ_I1x6EQLjm3b0a00ZOP_EiFi7hnIxsnB9ogn95bpdviducL57TWlU3PkoRF-i0nbTuqwG_ahxYQUvj8r4C2kj2PGEFVHzoSZP-AnGz57MEZWWudS0BDwcAWGU5voF5NU0/s1600-h/Freckleton+Pool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046178234829556770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhm6pOWaatUQ_I1x6EQLjm3b0a00ZOP_EiFi7hnIxsnB9ogn95bpdviducL57TWlU3PkoRF-i0nbTuqwG_ahxYQUvj8r4C2kj2PGEFVHzoSZP-AnGz57MEZWWudS0BDwcAWGU5voF5NU0/s320/Freckleton+Pool.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Boats at Freckleton Pool. This is one of the busiest boating areas on the Ribble.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLTaUOi0ecxIyMgI88ORVpLhVmCBHxP9afosN9fi5fR1RKiB2vdS_3y1ygD8HXtdfkfLodCfKAduYfE2sDxy06PIwHg_6M7YghtuqoIcSZOrjqta-bJiEctQIA4I7gSnVSo80zrI_ljw/s1600-h/Farming+and+wildlife+conservation+side+by+side.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441206993035842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLTaUOi0ecxIyMgI88ORVpLhVmCBHxP9afosN9fi5fR1RKiB2vdS_3y1ygD8HXtdfkfLodCfKAduYfE2sDxy06PIwHg_6M7YghtuqoIcSZOrjqta-bJiEctQIA4I7gSnVSo80zrI_ljw/s320/Farming+and+wildlife+conservation+side+by+side.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Farming and nature conservation go hand in hand along the Ribble...<br /><br />As we get out to Freckleton Naze, it's well worth spending a few minutes making good use of the higher vantage point at the end of the Freckleton Pool section of the path before walking down to river level.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vZdR9BslQtZKH7XXPBttuuNHCL7fpbWWQeB8gVN2I18iZHQkm5sUwlnC0-lu6mZGv8f6iyJIWpSdsW7UMoZqHHTTglVN62fMr9Ata1iCHhV6-cOQ4bWYjwY1Dzj3n5MGH3ZAS_goZA0/s1600-h/view+from+top+of+Freckleton+Naze.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441653669634658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vZdR9BslQtZKH7XXPBttuuNHCL7fpbWWQeB8gVN2I18iZHQkm5sUwlnC0-lu6mZGv8f6iyJIWpSdsW7UMoZqHHTTglVN62fMr9Ata1iCHhV6-cOQ4bWYjwY1Dzj3n5MGH3ZAS_goZA0/s320/view+from+top+of+Freckleton+Naze.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The views across the Ribble to the Douglas (or Asland) from the top of Freckleton Naze are fantastic. The sun is incredibly bright, and glints on the water flowing down the Douglas in the distance. There is a seat here too - but we'll save that for the walk back - we've barely started and it's quite a walk to St. Annes...<br /><br />We walk down the gentle slope to the riverside marsh beneath. It's very boggy going at times, and walking out onto the riverside mudflats themselves is not recommended - especially so soon after the tide has receded! We stick to the marsh grasses, and set off...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihewZT508jGl6Y4UaH9M4T7PSzCTBrYJ4bIWzpvfA550d_eXxhbbB0eS1YOTWmNc5hhBy-eklyzKMyXGG77Dhe9eSh1jqrfxUjui4htx-EjJk9Ofm-B1qhTdQ5HBMMERKheHKxErgyFsnu/s1600-h/Freckleton+Naze.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046178720160861234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihewZT508jGl6Y4UaH9M4T7PSzCTBrYJ4bIWzpvfA550d_eXxhbbB0eS1YOTWmNc5hhBy-eklyzKMyXGG77Dhe9eSh1jqrfxUjui4htx-EjJk9Ofm-B1qhTdQ5HBMMERKheHKxErgyFsnu/s320/Freckleton+Naze.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Muddy is raring to go. The riverside marshes and grasses along the Ribble at Freckleton are beautiful. The sun reflects in the standing water on the marsh right to the River's edge, marking a still-mirror contrast with the sparkling of the moving river water flowing down to the sea.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBdKgzxexIepIOsKyPNHEuTdwrRnNYWbHRuCw1LUOD2BeXpwnVyAR9JxqGOgGUK1h3CpizCRBF2yK8Q9V24zRROHxcdHFkVmneu5owQf88SBMWLRk3lTC09TlXko77Yc_V-QFsfAhifs/s1600-h/Douglas+-+Ribble+mudflats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441018014474786" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBdKgzxexIepIOsKyPNHEuTdwrRnNYWbHRuCw1LUOD2BeXpwnVyAR9JxqGOgGUK1h3CpizCRBF2yK8Q9V24zRROHxcdHFkVmneu5owQf88SBMWLRk3lTC09TlXko77Yc_V-QFsfAhifs/s320/Douglas+-+Ribble+mudflats.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Ribble mudflats at the confluence with the Douglas are teeming with all kinds of bird life, and their beautiful calls echo out across the landscape as they feed on the Ribble mudflats of low tide.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgswED5ZBgjueZtCZRXUpFIed25Rm9uYVvtUzCeC7KOtUomjM5vCYZskibxIgwoxaT995W3jrR6Hg9ZYH0vrIXYU-f0ukgE4nXtTRKT5hCKerlBNEKA7BMr70WtKQR20r34I_BGwMRZI/s1600-h/The+Douglas+(Asland)+joins+the+Ribble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068442040216691362" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgswED5ZBgjueZtCZRXUpFIed25Rm9uYVvtUzCeC7KOtUomjM5vCYZskibxIgwoxaT995W3jrR6Hg9ZYH0vrIXYU-f0ukgE4nXtTRKT5hCKerlBNEKA7BMr70WtKQR20r34I_BGwMRZI/s320/The+Douglas+(Asland)+joins+the+Ribble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Douglas (Asland) joins the Ribble, and they travel the rest of the way to the Irish Sea together.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AcJgErpBUaHhElQG6bJtMyCH6bfHaMBDkk7tlV1QyRH1WwdXhA7-f7mcfgyhBDONeTqnIaBkV10CyLlPu_OxoqHl_A5F2j-oguvlj62Tu5BHCS_9X7SAEIVS0z5_vyB1ArYRMXAuQPI/s1600-h/silts+deposited+as+tide+recedes,+Freckleton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068442233490219714" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AcJgErpBUaHhElQG6bJtMyCH6bfHaMBDkk7tlV1QyRH1WwdXhA7-f7mcfgyhBDONeTqnIaBkV10CyLlPu_OxoqHl_A5F2j-oguvlj62Tu5BHCS_9X7SAEIVS0z5_vyB1ArYRMXAuQPI/s320/silts+deposited+as+tide+recedes,+Freckleton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The receding tide leaves silt-rich pools on the marsh.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF7jp9f0EuxgXELp-OUV_heXe96DEA_bbJFqihIR-G4CsBmjrztVx25zGFLYerWRPCND7WRMW5i5RjazidXc7erGPI04yRj5nkxfBP6kJS6_FoWi_edhhRu-yWu_jj4619EZ8OHvTo1s/s1600-h/Shelduck+watch+us+pass.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068442143295906482" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF7jp9f0EuxgXELp-OUV_heXe96DEA_bbJFqihIR-G4CsBmjrztVx25zGFLYerWRPCND7WRMW5i5RjazidXc7erGPI04yRj5nkxfBP6kJS6_FoWi_edhhRu-yWu_jj4619EZ8OHvTo1s/s320/Shelduck+watch+us+pass.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Unconcerned Shelduck watch us pass...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxwVPUMpfe_l8F9DjhH48gWrgizT7TG4sY6-DMHQFm8TRb1E_rWxML4ssZH3d-GV5RyVeq6mKDe_w2ASgvloeSsB4Hnd-qWeSHN0ydPSvePMTSPFar9xIKyDp6btDl3nolCAODwsvScE/s1600-h/A+Peacock+and+a+Ladybird+sun+on+the+flotsam.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068440751726502386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxwVPUMpfe_l8F9DjhH48gWrgizT7TG4sY6-DMHQFm8TRb1E_rWxML4ssZH3d-GV5RyVeq6mKDe_w2ASgvloeSsB4Hnd-qWeSHN0ydPSvePMTSPFar9xIKyDp6btDl3nolCAODwsvScE/s320/A+Peacock+and+a+Ladybird+sun+on+the+flotsam.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A Peacock Butterfly and a Ladybird sunning themselves on the flotsam on Freckleton Naze.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDtNS8JUM3Qwr_X0gv0WmBGQJ_in4fGQp-T6a6ceQjrgy7JBJ0u_bSqe3TTY4JhBknbBjEE8jvS-Ooio6qi1OjQNBR-uQjXqoWZa57IYQ6ldD1El-nNxA8TjWb3-reA4Jm5TzENWL3tc/s1600-h/The+Goddess+of+Shining+Waters,+and+the+cry+of+wading+birds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441945727410834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDtNS8JUM3Qwr_X0gv0WmBGQJ_in4fGQp-T6a6ceQjrgy7JBJ0u_bSqe3TTY4JhBknbBjEE8jvS-Ooio6qi1OjQNBR-uQjXqoWZa57IYQ6ldD1El-nNxA8TjWb3-reA4Jm5TzENWL3tc/s320/The+Goddess+of+Shining+Waters,+and+the+cry+of+wading+birds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Reigh Belisama is an ancient name for the Ribble - it means the Goddess of Shining Waters, and it is clear why! Our eyes are streaming against the glare - who would have remembered to pack sunglasses in March?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iwkag75ISAL96b4Weyxvn6tuklf5VJ_ffUxPIC5HbXsbYi8Bbc7n1NOBSPTLVYsE4hjCBMQW5is3bZAoJgQZA8h58IYrUFAv08OJS7mADXswwFRwPwDj6M7fd4l5acUjFOMrJeVt_-g/s1600-h/A+Ribble+shipping+legacy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068440837625848322" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5iwkag75ISAL96b4Weyxvn6tuklf5VJ_ffUxPIC5HbXsbYi8Bbc7n1NOBSPTLVYsE4hjCBMQW5is3bZAoJgQZA8h58IYrUFAv08OJS7mADXswwFRwPwDj6M7fd4l5acUjFOMrJeVt_-g/s320/A+Ribble+shipping+legacy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A Ribble shipping legacy: the remains of old boats are evident alongside the long canalised section of the river.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIv0FJqcPLEeMUN_mCR0WY1woPsZNtuJt11G0buIG5he-VhNpjOYxHoBIW_joNsJVVa9sIsSSpWU9WimAusHcE1dempjjXk8BFVpBJLrcVSLPRn8xRWvwLFRrcUx4scotjA8DSnyTfnY/s1600-h/an+eerie+landscape.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068440657237221858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIv0FJqcPLEeMUN_mCR0WY1woPsZNtuJt11G0buIG5he-VhNpjOYxHoBIW_joNsJVVa9sIsSSpWU9WimAusHcE1dempjjXk8BFVpBJLrcVSLPRn8xRWvwLFRrcUx4scotjA8DSnyTfnY/s320/an+eerie+landscape.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This can be an eerie landscape, huge tree corpses are left delicately balanced on the marsh where the Ribble's spate waters and tidal range have left them.<br /><br />Eventually we get to St. Annes, and walk alongside the vast intertidal saltmarshes, mudflats, and sandflats here...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC8Pgwn6o1fJjpT98p3UxLZK-668gA2VpgF-3ILyauMbVoWTmZLzGDo9Qgm1ZKw6-I7pBDFe5teCcSovLXgfSqNXAv361WaHFM1rJRxAjjdLKMOw8P9XJtCUMKAisGqOgnKyd32g7W8E/s1600-h/Ribble+intertidal+flats.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068442422468780754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjC8Pgwn6o1fJjpT98p3UxLZK-668gA2VpgF-3ILyauMbVoWTmZLzGDo9Qgm1ZKw6-I7pBDFe5teCcSovLXgfSqNXAv361WaHFM1rJRxAjjdLKMOw8P9XJtCUMKAisGqOgnKyd32g7W8E/s320/Ribble+intertidal+flats.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ribble intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh and inhabitants...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7BDN6H9JpLS40Ae3ZwpOXRGrZAAF7PBKujMzIghCN1ac2GpQYsN-l1o6k4CMrjwJqRKnybr1_gwQn9a0L_2DDFs-gCSiT_5lc5ducE86VHfjg6FOGVYNW_xw0A2Gq6MvEQem9UuahNya/s1600-h/Ribble+mudflats+march+07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046179214082100290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7BDN6H9JpLS40Ae3ZwpOXRGrZAAF7PBKujMzIghCN1ac2GpQYsN-l1o6k4CMrjwJqRKnybr1_gwQn9a0L_2DDFs-gCSiT_5lc5ducE86VHfjg6FOGVYNW_xw0A2Gq6MvEQem9UuahNya/s320/Ribble+mudflats+march+07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So many wading birds are everywhere you look.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbpQsei7zg6dqLVJL73fJLrMjStL8tWQhbuuULHYKK5yhMeQMPHVq5XutF59bF0UyqsHERfj14W06lYjLU74TG4XRL6T2FGqfoki5YCZJaAm6E0DeesCI6QuQ26i_vKwcePzA-FU21S4/s1600-h/Turnstone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441838353228418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbpQsei7zg6dqLVJL73fJLrMjStL8tWQhbuuULHYKK5yhMeQMPHVq5XutF59bF0UyqsHERfj14W06lYjLU74TG4XRL6T2FGqfoki5YCZJaAm6E0DeesCI6QuQ26i_vKwcePzA-FU21S4/s320/Turnstone.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A Turnstone is right by the path... totally unconcerned about our presence.<br /><br />The sun shining on the vast expanse of wet mudflats and sandflats creates an incredible glare, and it is difficult to look towards the mouth of the Estuary.<br />Apart from the difficulty of walking towards the sun, we decide to turn back anyway as it's a good walk back, and the poor old dog is already dragging her back legs a bit (she is getting on a bit and has had 2 strokes recently, and these days her back toenails occasionally drag on the ground when she's tired, letting us know she's had enough!)<br /><br />The walk back involves much less glare...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_y2GIJjmQVEnwAcE10HWNlRPaAaISfqycNMBLi4vC_IalTdXaPA1Wwv1ZrPtiqMOF0MlGLN_UayTj-C0Rxu53HYpAM2CCy31ntiQlLEDhyphenhyphenUnrO7IKBgRqkVCRpXdKIbdicEoEi7EmREd/s1600-h/Ribble+intertidal+flats+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046177191152503810" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_y2GIJjmQVEnwAcE10HWNlRPaAaISfqycNMBLi4vC_IalTdXaPA1Wwv1ZrPtiqMOF0MlGLN_UayTj-C0Rxu53HYpAM2CCy31ntiQlLEDhyphenhyphenUnrO7IKBgRqkVCRpXdKIbdicEoEi7EmREd/s320/Ribble+intertidal+flats+5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The Ribble's intertidal wetland is great for wildlife - and great for people.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZS72COBNaAj_PC-6BH72Wrmt_a8sfg3RgUD_XWQ39NTRgaWcf0blrmcZnwywwyM7r4SH-u1C8sztUFtOSUslf6xgN1X3t4FjfDCJfFqEquR_gHMaDFyHU99J7HG1_faQ__S8-G6ckNtl/s1600-h/Rich+Ribble+mud.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046176984994073586" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZS72COBNaAj_PC-6BH72Wrmt_a8sfg3RgUD_XWQ39NTRgaWcf0blrmcZnwywwyM7r4SH-u1C8sztUFtOSUslf6xgN1X3t4FjfDCJfFqEquR_gHMaDFyHU99J7HG1_faQ__S8-G6ckNtl/s320/Rich+Ribble+mud.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Back at Freckleton Naze, the Ribble's waters have fully receded, so the birds have been busy feeding on <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-ribble-works.html">the vast numbers of invertebrates which inhabit this rich intertidal ooze</a>.<br /><br />Speaking of lunch, we are feeling a bit peckish and this speeds our steps homewards...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUyMM6wMAiYUNucGzgnIiT4-kC8c_gLu5XWdV-MaCAG68UCz2I-KLaDkruSLRLAZcbAHEqhh2gL8nJy5hQ_trFJpIP9tc_8MQc_6CoePTU7CsFoUIbXkt09v6PZlzS8Rhg8DBEvP8BTI/s1600-h/Muddy+looking+forward+to+a+rest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068442555612766946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUyMM6wMAiYUNucGzgnIiT4-kC8c_gLu5XWdV-MaCAG68UCz2I-KLaDkruSLRLAZcbAHEqhh2gL8nJy5hQ_trFJpIP9tc_8MQc_6CoePTU7CsFoUIbXkt09v6PZlzS8Rhg8DBEvP8BTI/s320/Muddy+looking+forward+to+a+rest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hurry up, an old dog has had enough!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntyfyXaRNHl39gGVa7EvpkNKCuo6ZqOrHKs7wXXweJ6t3F5rnP49N25CEkybqyAPu2SvSX8G9w30msSpic-D_HMheTqlHPfTJLPgKMCNGS-oTM7aa8JPTOCZlOBmGBhmytJIK7XcaL1k/s1600-h/Muddy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068442658691982066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntyfyXaRNHl39gGVa7EvpkNKCuo6ZqOrHKs7wXXweJ6t3F5rnP49N25CEkybqyAPu2SvSX8G9w30msSpic-D_HMheTqlHPfTJLPgKMCNGS-oTM7aa8JPTOCZlOBmGBhmytJIK7XcaL1k/s320/Muddy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Muddy indeed!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQFDVG4x0ScDOGEmmQ5iUajt-wJmGdOjorTJVkbMTZjng9CyoocpbV1Pbf66pdZ2kogSRGCTADqZ48ckRBdpl1mpcHTLNJnhnvOAS2uuawqQ4tfdWzc2qgZ4CpEiLsGo3QAtcKJwqSvQ/s1600-h/The+Ship,+Freckleton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068441756748849778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQFDVG4x0ScDOGEmmQ5iUajt-wJmGdOjorTJVkbMTZjng9CyoocpbV1Pbf66pdZ2kogSRGCTADqZ48ckRBdpl1mpcHTLNJnhnvOAS2uuawqQ4tfdWzc2qgZ4CpEiLsGo3QAtcKJwqSvQ/s320/The+Ship,+Freckleton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A welcome sight after a long and enjoyable walk! A late lunch at The Ship in Freckleton.<br /><br />... and still back in time for school!<br /><br />For more lazy days by the Ribble, see <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007/05/spring-days-on-riverbank.html">Spring Days on the Riverbank</a> and <a href="http://ribble-cycle-diaries.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html">Two Spring Evenings at Marshside</a>.<br /><br />You can contact me at <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6425836005668180908.post-37118484488411951502007-05-16T09:43:00.000+01:002007-05-16T13:45:24.298+01:00Spring Days on the Riverbank<strong>The River Ribble and riverside Green Belt in Penwortham and Preston has erupted in all its Spring glory... and we've spent more time down by the river than sitting indoors blogging it!<br /><br />If you fancy spending a day on the riverbank, see <a href="http://save-the-ribble.blogspot.com/2007/01/ribble-events.html">Ribble Events</a>...<br /><br /></strong>From February onwards, when the trees were bare and the scene from Penwortham Old Bridge at low tide was still very wintry, even in the unseasonably warm sunshine...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub6KGqruP67WVh_DxD7RjDDrX07dxIOpPGtU2F-AsYuaMYbEwWLqdqKXB0XHLf5pombawaULoVuCAl3iuDHiQPSzlbCms-iQqvweJgqhKSrKOYXISrJL4u1O7jXQyhA6d5R_S4039sTI/s1600-h/low+tide+from+Old+Pen+Bridge+Feb+07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065094443921940818" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub6KGqruP67WVh_DxD7RjDDrX07dxIOpPGtU2F-AsYuaMYbEwWLqdqKXB0XHLf5pombawaULoVuCAl3iuDHiQPSzlbCms-iQqvweJgqhKSrKOYXISrJL4u1O7jXQyhA6d5R_S4039sTI/s320/low+tide+from+Old+Pen+Bridge+Feb+07.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and in March the Penwortham riverbank, and meadows and woodlands seen across the sparkling Ribble waters from Avenham and Miller Parks still wore their winter aspect...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMkdJOY3jbeAyhQtDPfGmSXbsdrDc4VRoytDw98ClhH-55xl8kv-RkoPoGmCWl1kX9tdPLJFgHLBv1L7bPll06Vgui_Rc1Ljk536QAzcjlC_7VkIets4N2MvSbFmMku-nBNlLPsNMRNE/s1600-h/early+March+07,+view+from+Avenham+Park+to+Penwortham+at+high+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065094078849720642" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMkdJOY3jbeAyhQtDPfGmSXbsdrDc4VRoytDw98ClhH-55xl8kv-RkoPoGmCWl1kX9tdPLJFgHLBv1L7bPll06Vgui_Rc1Ljk536QAzcjlC_7VkIets4N2MvSbFmMku-nBNlLPsNMRNE/s320/early+March+07,+view+from+Avenham+Park+to+Penwortham+at+high+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... but by April the trees lining the river are definately springing forth, marking much more of a colourful contrast with the huge amount of rich brown silts flowing downriver to feed the Ribble Estuary's mudflats and saltmarsh - and the vast numbers of birds beginning to breed there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJDucU1wiMeH4ELWPD08-cqAJFaWv_W1_j2-CPTrrI5ZdXiLPLy_rLXxoJCqD_URQ5lPjE8XBfEcwkzeOL0A3CgRLs4OOcQ_VwzFEvVWdGkUHouSa5CSHCmEohpV1tLZKBIFRJih-lmk/s1600-h/late+April+and+a+silty+river+at+low+tide,+trees+definately+springing+forth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065093795381879090" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJDucU1wiMeH4ELWPD08-cqAJFaWv_W1_j2-CPTrrI5ZdXiLPLy_rLXxoJCqD_URQ5lPjE8XBfEcwkzeOL0A3CgRLs4OOcQ_VwzFEvVWdGkUHouSa5CSHCmEohpV1tLZKBIFRJih-lmk/s320/late+April+and+a+silty+river+at+low+tide,+trees+definately+springing+forth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Throughout March and April the buds burst out all along the river and in the woods alongside...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVy-4QkHXb6fqBAqjsW50ZfvBjvCpy9h45j20_w9Ck0nwYWe-CI9DUDfNVrSv4tkdZfDbQbUTcM980ztYrWJydXLGtqIIFHSlv-P6cALK1cwZz5VfBsTzzfs_jPuvONKq_KfOGXbf_Ec/s1600-h/late+April,+tree+greenery+springing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065093683712729378" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVy-4QkHXb6fqBAqjsW50ZfvBjvCpy9h45j20_w9Ck0nwYWe-CI9DUDfNVrSv4tkdZfDbQbUTcM980ztYrWJydXLGtqIIFHSlv-P6cALK1cwZz5VfBsTzzfs_jPuvONKq_KfOGXbf_Ec/s320/late+April,+tree+greenery+springing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...until the end of April finds the trees suddenly rich with all shades of green, the riverside <a href="http://allotmentplots.blogspot.com/">allotments on Penwortham Holme</a> suddenly shooting leaves and new growth to repay all that hard work (although the hardest work is now beginning!), and football becomes a much more pleasurable activity to both play and support in the warm Spring sunshine (but especially if your team is winning!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGGAKhCf6vueY_QtkshFT6os_QIWCY_a93bzPPB4tDP8x8sOtCkPrbnmfc36ZcOde_T_PRIpiBfIR2g-Bd0bS5BLIC9S-o-NKpjEFA-esk_gK-lVgUFkp0ym6j227hby4U4XsN13CutA/s1600-h/spring+on+the+allotments+and+football+pitches+on+Penny+Holme.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065093486144233746" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGGAKhCf6vueY_QtkshFT6os_QIWCY_a93bzPPB4tDP8x8sOtCkPrbnmfc36ZcOde_T_PRIpiBfIR2g-Bd0bS5BLIC9S-o-NKpjEFA-esk_gK-lVgUFkp0ym6j227hby4U4XsN13CutA/s320/spring+on+the+allotments+and+football+pitches+on+Penny+Holme.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The River Ribble endlessly passes by, and it is a deep pleasure to spend time by the river, every season, every weather, every stage of the tide. Whether low tide, high tide, or somewhere inbetween, the Ribble is ever-changing, depending on the weather, the light, the amount of water running downriver or coming up with the tide, and the amount of silts the Ribble's waters take with them.<br /><br />Here, it is a very low tide in April, due to the unseasonably low rainfall in early to mid-Spring (which the wet and cold weather appears to be making up for now in May!). The sunlight shines through the waters and shows the beautiful patterns of the riverbed below the Tram Bridge and the lightly flowing silts making their way downstream in the warm Spring sunshine...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUzyTr-7aKj4VrSVPZgbsiqK8wX2Wk8sBmPNg8txMt4Szn31Yd5iUM25aIBqN0ZeBEWH3RNFYgAez5ESbLyux8xHRTlIZla15lDUPwfQCxXpd7DqZB02Bjba0fMMV5lrm6eNmrqmJer0/s1600-h/silts+washing+downriver+below+Tram+Bridge,+low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065093348705280258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUzyTr-7aKj4VrSVPZgbsiqK8wX2Wk8sBmPNg8txMt4Szn31Yd5iUM25aIBqN0ZeBEWH3RNFYgAez5ESbLyux8xHRTlIZla15lDUPwfQCxXpd7DqZB02Bjba0fMMV5lrm6eNmrqmJer0/s320/silts+washing+downriver+below+Tram+Bridge,+low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />... so warm, indeed, that spending time by the river includes messing about on the water - regardless of where the tide happens to be as the Ribble has been navigated for hundreds - indeed thousands - of years, and all without recourse to a barrage. These leisurely anglers are happy to lounge in the beautiful late April sunshine at low tide inbetween Penwortham Holme and Broadgate... probably waiting for the tide to come in and carry them gently back upriver again rather than spend too much energy rowing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky47I9OMpQgqmhKq1DETtWT89w0bv9np_QZnoftS4FF5DV528nVe5j7Uzj7RAY92WsQceLBxPA2vGSIjucBi0P-AVwGrf8aKkfJyuB0pgsc1h1jqJqZ22TRTH9Fm4aImqQifM_K0lnYQ/s1600-h/messing+about+on+the+water+at+low+tide+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065093206971359474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhky47I9OMpQgqmhKq1DETtWT89w0bv9np_QZnoftS4FF5DV528nVe5j7Uzj7RAY92WsQceLBxPA2vGSIjucBi0P-AVwGrf8aKkfJyuB0pgsc1h1jqJqZ22TRTH9Fm4aImqQifM_K0lnYQ/s320/messing+about+on+the+water+at+low+tide+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Nothing can beat the sound of the Ribble's waters racing over the stones and rivermud at low tide...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkquP70hYCcICWnEFoa3yuOlQwohfx5XiH-6KQ3K-qNGuQSPlWm3nSw0apkopjNFxXrOzBV8qGcx6rbbP_5ts99ZUCYTr3adUvE_cDLt6ynIDuQM155WHZ4o7zhdOdCI9Qv5JwaET5vrE/s1600-h/nothing+beats+the+sound+of+the+river+at+low+tide+on+a+spring+morning.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065093086712275170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkquP70hYCcICWnEFoa3yuOlQwohfx5XiH-6KQ3K-qNGuQSPlWm3nSw0apkopjNFxXrOzBV8qGcx6rbbP_5ts99ZUCYTr3adUvE_cDLt6ynIDuQM155WHZ4o7zhdOdCI9Qv5JwaET5vrE/s320/nothing+beats+the+sound+of+the+river+at+low+tide+on+a+spring+morning.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...unless it's coupled with the sounds of the birds singing in the meadows and woodlands alongside as May brings blossom, rich greens of every shade, and the birds in full voice... BLISS....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1PBKTO9LydmcYct1WkE4-i7SMcfwpj0k1U2hKZ3nemj7wAjwq9a5XxOEp_0tivONY3Fh1eCKUciFHu9bGvUPgmeMMugQo0cm3bUCm8jF19SuLJ40yMeTK5cj-D-7p7cN3mv2VK5rrqM/s1600-h/wildflower+meadows+and+may+blossom+on+Penwortham+bank.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065092051625156754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1PBKTO9LydmcYct1WkE4-i7SMcfwpj0k1U2hKZ3nemj7wAjwq9a5XxOEp_0tivONY3Fh1eCKUciFHu9bGvUPgmeMMugQo0cm3bUCm8jF19SuLJ40yMeTK5cj-D-7p7cN3mv2VK5rrqM/s320/wildflower+meadows+and+may+blossom+on+Penwortham+bank.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Ribble's riverside Green Belt and floodplain areas are a beautiful and irreplaceable habitat for birds, insects, mammals, flowers, trees, grasses, and local people!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzffviByQJFYg59fqZKFEzA4FiWwxVMfOWjEnwaQfsr4AZph8ZpetjGM9RQxNTpATTPJVR58QZT_GhzrcH1jvRDJmdGkXrm2QsSP3mav7fbnUX9qPSvMufXgIVLKVBQbMBVOr13Ye2Uxg/s1600-h/fabulous+Beech.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065092481121886386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzffviByQJFYg59fqZKFEzA4FiWwxVMfOWjEnwaQfsr4AZph8ZpetjGM9RQxNTpATTPJVR58QZT_GhzrcH1jvRDJmdGkXrm2QsSP3mav7fbnUX9qPSvMufXgIVLKVBQbMBVOr13Ye2Uxg/s320/fabulous+Beech.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There are some fabulous trees along the Ribble, bordering the riverside meadows, and throughout the many copses and woodlands here, not just the famous Elms along the Tram route and along the river's edge through Miller Park, but Beech and Oak, Willow and Plane, Rowan and Poplar...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_0FOXWzqobvRyS2ozUl9w9yZOjsLUGNrPtl2FCAoFEJZKNTcfT8XrpO7m5BaLNg2bIuSReHSmFWUPDe4V598l56uNKf7jVNvSKo7NrHzlreHbYoRX5fbVTjLcc7QBpYEKDkXZW_ymkg/s1600-h/Elms+on+Tram+road.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065105602246975842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_0FOXWzqobvRyS2ozUl9w9yZOjsLUGNrPtl2FCAoFEJZKNTcfT8XrpO7m5BaLNg2bIuSReHSmFWUPDe4V598l56uNKf7jVNvSKo7NrHzlreHbYoRX5fbVTjLcc7QBpYEKDkXZW_ymkg/s320/Elms+on+Tram+road.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The famous Elms lining the old Tram route through Penwortham to Lostock Hall.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5-oBdQ-27ipZk0gOpNlCdMGbtIefPDuIQitsHE9vLUsTCAR8_waw-pvWrR3tjaUrzNYmsRrLR2JFTC-Esnow1n90Sh9kSrdkPr35_2EapR2BkQcaWhpleRD2dhWLhttzEwD_FBcGzwk/s1600-h/high+tide+between+Avenham+Miller+Parks+and+Penwortham+in+spring.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065090672940654626" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5-oBdQ-27ipZk0gOpNlCdMGbtIefPDuIQitsHE9vLUsTCAR8_waw-pvWrR3tjaUrzNYmsRrLR2JFTC-Esnow1n90Sh9kSrdkPr35_2EapR2BkQcaWhpleRD2dhWLhttzEwD_FBcGzwk/s320/high+tide+between+Avenham+Miller+Parks+and+Penwortham+in+spring.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />May brings full Spring growth in Avenham and Penwortham, its full glory reflected in the waters of high tide: the macrocosmic view...<br /><br />...and the microcosmic...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZpLHuA-0N2rLU8-WF4smb8sfe0nLMQhtId1i4brERlUnWtXiD4xP4tX3HSLx_q3udv9L5m0LtnJP0Wg-Fcfi9CHH4Rm-nQo2N3UL5r3GZM73mePLgqJ6aWaxL-zX0dCg74t5gkeM1Hg/s1600-h/Bluebell+wood+in+Penwortham.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065092343682932898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZpLHuA-0N2rLU8-WF4smb8sfe0nLMQhtId1i4brERlUnWtXiD4xP4tX3HSLx_q3udv9L5m0LtnJP0Wg-Fcfi9CHH4Rm-nQo2N3UL5r3GZM73mePLgqJ6aWaxL-zX0dCg74t5gkeM1Hg/s320/Bluebell+wood+in+Penwortham.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Bluebells in riverside woodlands in Penwortham...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yNeRgB567tQL8BnQAJNna0IvSxO4PqtdLJJLJByefI1Pwk7DaPVW1pdsbYIpBT2c-t6vomobD50vkM64-XP8CiSiVJuWtRT6TTrwqxMsvQlvN6-gOKDgrO2rjn04t9DGM_jVQhaLVBU/s1600-h/ribwort+plantain+on+the+riverbanks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065091789632151682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yNeRgB567tQL8BnQAJNna0IvSxO4PqtdLJJLJByefI1Pwk7DaPVW1pdsbYIpBT2c-t6vomobD50vkM64-XP8CiSiVJuWtRT6TTrwqxMsvQlvN6-gOKDgrO2rjn04t9DGM_jVQhaLVBU/s320/ribwort+plantain+on+the+riverbanks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Ribwort Plantain on the riverbanks...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tzAJbbbWuuUxIgIj7YakLZA1gQNakfrNIFvwz6E5jc1sQhAAWdEcKATXYzLl8XgIQIIcSEv_MUrsrC8p_prT-AdsUv5rzXAbiEgP7wkHU2j3MPb6-zA75DSoez0k0v5rHJFxbRgawJ0/s1600-h/white+clover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065091617833459826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tzAJbbbWuuUxIgIj7YakLZA1gQNakfrNIFvwz6E5jc1sQhAAWdEcKATXYzLl8XgIQIIcSEv_MUrsrC8p_prT-AdsUv5rzXAbiEgP7wkHU2j3MPb6-zA75DSoez0k0v5rHJFxbRgawJ0/s320/white+clover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />White Clover...<br /><br />and Red...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwPEDhZQd0kgoxnOoPUQHU-nGAjNgPB-3ZtZ0hbqwIRVzxtOcxBn6hf_W9SptFXeFprdGwXMcn-MpzgNJi0GG4hgLMx4HJGw8zZIfmTp7dlwamZArMXI5a-vr7FFaqQrw05XmvWAvqAQ/s1600-h/red+clover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065091420264964194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwPEDhZQd0kgoxnOoPUQHU-nGAjNgPB-3ZtZ0hbqwIRVzxtOcxBn6hf_W9SptFXeFprdGwXMcn-MpzgNJi0GG4hgLMx4HJGw8zZIfmTp7dlwamZArMXI5a-vr7FFaqQrw05XmvWAvqAQ/s320/red+clover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />plus...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfm2HP66oP4vhpirOYis48Un_cQemhRJK_LSiEDFr0noYrlKy6EG2RaXVp0P-OdNyxCOYaY1NOK26dRZERHunD5_hCvDTm2COd38yuX5TK8MnviEl3AP7eGaZ6r1Q36lzA1sfdBB6giY/s1600-h/forget-me-nots+on+the+penwortham+bank+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065092717345087698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfm2HP66oP4vhpirOYis48Un_cQemhRJK_LSiEDFr0noYrlKy6EG2RaXVp0P-OdNyxCOYaY1NOK26dRZERHunD5_hCvDTm2COd38yuX5TK8MnviEl3AP7eGaZ6r1Q36lzA1sfdBB6giY/s320/forget-me-nots+on+the+penwortham+bank+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Forget-me-nots on the Penwortham riverbank...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn37TvbCgVw1SEvhuK_GloRNgbp3qmyd_TigEHomvD84dVBsLkQPesI846_Bz9ybTcrYOL_10Rv3HLq7KPMkBNIFBiSVzHcxeiUzqL6X4HZJukcvt3P8Iaj7rZbNCqrJrUWMIus7mEBtM/s1600-h/Red+Campion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065091274236076114" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn37TvbCgVw1SEvhuK_GloRNgbp3qmyd_TigEHomvD84dVBsLkQPesI846_Bz9ybTcrYOL_10Rv3HLq7KPMkBNIFBiSVzHcxeiUzqL6X4HZJukcvt3P8Iaj7rZbNCqrJrUWMIus7mEBtM/s320/Red+Campion.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Red Campion nearby...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfOhxOxLmsrGWgv0q7kWYrSnKR-xjDkd6ZthCMelWZyPHWYdjZ3i35VsCh52OWc7jjC_PILALE06e-YPjICI2G-IDIox-X1y30VhWB7Qcec4K2JaMmMqC_j50Lqiql5WUR5IODV4KQ4c/s1600-h/Speckled+Wood+butterfly+2+on+oak+sapling.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065092601380970690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfOhxOxLmsrGWgv0q7kWYrSnKR-xjDkd6ZthCMelWZyPHWYdjZ3i35VsCh52OWc7jjC_PILALE06e-YPjICI2G-IDIox-X1y30VhWB7Qcec4K2JaMmMqC_j50Lqiql5WUR5IODV4KQ4c/s320/Speckled+Wood+butterfly+2+on+oak+sapling.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and a Speckled Wood butterfly on an Oak sapling.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVEdgNSq0AzIVzd2O1MMZmZiPfAbdtTKXxz9kM__ULxBszSPfOkg8wzJeqlrOimgmPwYfno77D5sK8D7wts2QpxB2i4vgrbYpMjZNpvQ66WUXaHDfvFFjL4T5HU6g6lyHy1OsOihaD28/s1600-h/May+Blossom+as+thick+as+snow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065091162566926402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVEdgNSq0AzIVzd2O1MMZmZiPfAbdtTKXxz9kM__ULxBszSPfOkg8wzJeqlrOimgmPwYfno77D5sK8D7wts2QpxB2i4vgrbYpMjZNpvQ66WUXaHDfvFFjL4T5HU6g6lyHy1OsOihaD28/s320/May+Blossom+as+thick+as+snow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The May Blossom on the Hawthorn is as thick as snow...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TnZCE-yJUuCJvkZVpzY77KyQXhN-LtynTsxayqaH4hRdi72D0mr7QzRzY_xCMK7_62393sTmdUNMM6r5TOKl_LMulylZb1ecYXQ8CLuUu1cf0K7Skcokb9fK7ZtZDFiGb3viSGFezAA/s1600-h/Birdsfoot+Trefoil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065090565566472210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TnZCE-yJUuCJvkZVpzY77KyQXhN-LtynTsxayqaH4hRdi72D0mr7QzRzY_xCMK7_62393sTmdUNMM6r5TOKl_LMulylZb1ecYXQ8CLuUu1cf0K7Skcokb9fK7ZtZDFiGb3viSGFezAA/s320/Birdsfoot+Trefoil.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...and Birds-Foot Trefoil shines out in the meadows.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTx0XPNb5XzI2UoGWobtp-Ow07ebSL3nyNoxaXOtYBq2qLe8FCvAjf7ODR6jSH8lIRsV_i69xtlE_MN3ptSCLzsERbkU1CpK-ULJvy_eK9FBCcAfVbd5Dy5VGgc9_UUksfE5c7g5l4yA/s1600-h/late+spring+at+high+tide+from+Penwortham+towards+Avenham+and+Miller+Parks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065090887689019442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTx0XPNb5XzI2UoGWobtp-Ow07ebSL3nyNoxaXOtYBq2qLe8FCvAjf7ODR6jSH8lIRsV_i69xtlE_MN3ptSCLzsERbkU1CpK-ULJvy_eK9FBCcAfVbd5Dy5VGgc9_UUksfE5c7g5l4yA/s320/late+spring+at+high+tide+from+Penwortham+towards+Avenham+and+Miller+Parks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The lush greenery of the riverside trees is reflected in the still waters of high tide whether near...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI08wNxv4zH0nBY-KOb59HwHmen96e3jUXtRRlIHQOLcQ88Pw3XhU0Eg1mXHopLsoO9dPJ63UiJdyxr_a9sGqfMLO_67OE28TKmZf3WEWEOvNUqVxlFgEPxY_gVHh8GRRk0xhOQ8U_TRA/s1600-h/walton+le+dale+from+Tram+bridge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065090097415036930" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI08wNxv4zH0nBY-KOb59HwHmen96e3jUXtRRlIHQOLcQ88Pw3XhU0Eg1mXHopLsoO9dPJ63UiJdyxr_a9sGqfMLO_67OE28TKmZf3WEWEOvNUqVxlFgEPxY_gVHh8GRRk0xhOQ8U_TRA/s320/walton+le+dale+from+Tram+bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...or afar.<br /><br />Low tide looks equally glorious...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZUeB2b4tV_uUOGyabp43ojIdp2Vmk-n5JDRYT_FIykfuKVZeREmlkdMb2-Ylyn0K4mDWS2l2UCi0fb3D0b1G4bw6a3NunqCIkeARHOugRPC1awO_-ioEJHKAon3CAqQIXar_HbVEV0w/s1600-h/riverside+Elms+at+low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065089783882424290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZUeB2b4tV_uUOGyabp43ojIdp2Vmk-n5JDRYT_FIykfuKVZeREmlkdMb2-Ylyn0K4mDWS2l2UCi0fb3D0b1G4bw6a3NunqCIkeARHOugRPC1awO_-ioEJHKAon3CAqQIXar_HbVEV0w/s320/riverside+Elms+at+low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />...the light and the Ribble's waters ever-changing...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiy8V41t97wZn0sfhRxY3I4hMQ8-wlB0DrxonLszTZkkOe5Tz0vy0scZ-0zc79qbICVvq3DMTWgTaYcy86trIzy1fjXir49HZJ3Xig6wnJes_L6pfMvNhiYzNxSDIv0mVuIcliitsdME/s1600-h/a+windy+Spring+morning+at+low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065089569134059474" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeiy8V41t97wZn0sfhRxY3I4hMQ8-wlB0DrxonLszTZkkOe5Tz0vy0scZ-0zc79qbICVvq3DMTWgTaYcy86trIzy1fjXir49HZJ3Xig6wnJes_L6pfMvNhiYzNxSDIv0mVuIcliitsdME/s320/a+windy+Spring+morning+at+low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...showing beauty wherever you look, whether from Penwortham towards the Tram Bridge and Avenham at low tide...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgcggLU1ni0IOIExccErVn4dg6vOGVQt_M4TEIDP8sXGG5z5bb682B0z0mjxx708iPH6nnEXiAcwNk1Hv9lxmLIM4AcBeFgppd9BzRYvLDJ53XuFbwF_W7y0FTeqaskr_s_9U7Owphmg/s1600-h/view+across+the+river+to+Penwortham.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065089461759877058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgcggLU1ni0IOIExccErVn4dg6vOGVQt_M4TEIDP8sXGG5z5bb682B0z0mjxx708iPH6nnEXiAcwNk1Hv9lxmLIM4AcBeFgppd9BzRYvLDJ53XuFbwF_W7y0FTeqaskr_s_9U7Owphmg/s320/view+across+the+river+to+Penwortham.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...or from Avenham and Miller Parks towards the Penwortham riverbank as high tide recedes...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyEy1SVEKBGy5oXhvSiol8PnI_TRMyrl9cKEB3TiekYsVRgYRovnhXrn0zX4C6eCHz17NOS5sT7aAT-UVTXJRIAKRYF5pljsRoefoQ3FabcBrkPXH3OdOWTTnSXvdsFP4a3GMgTZK2MI/s1600-h/low+tide+invasion.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065077100843999138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyEy1SVEKBGy5oXhvSiol8PnI_TRMyrl9cKEB3TiekYsVRgYRovnhXrn0zX4C6eCHz17NOS5sT7aAT-UVTXJRIAKRYF5pljsRoefoQ3FabcBrkPXH3OdOWTTnSXvdsFP4a3GMgTZK2MI/s320/low+tide+invasion.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and on the river itself, low tide brings a wealth of wildlife...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL8J0maxQBma3mOyqB5VEM6JAXgzEkXv5Xeww4PM2tDTHVuRmyiJOQBywce0ejLNsw2R44GefissTC5Dqc1umuJKcMeJz58jXxf96X6vBQ8sZ0W2BW78ny1CjwwO3BKE4uIdMuz-TRPI/s1600-h/an+unusual+duck+at+low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065076898980536210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL8J0maxQBma3mOyqB5VEM6JAXgzEkXv5Xeww4PM2tDTHVuRmyiJOQBywce0ejLNsw2R44GefissTC5Dqc1umuJKcMeJz58jXxf96X6vBQ8sZ0W2BW78ny1CjwwO3BKE4uIdMuz-TRPI/s320/an+unusual+duck+at+low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...eager to feed in the Ribble's rich mudflats...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lijbU2qGj-rwfm20uH-lxmblnalXC2C4p9lSk7h4dPX_hA_ovjkFFdZr_vqg1KFlMF-D0i5DOQMHfzdZ3SwTHs4oudXksNbN1mONelWDKH8WwA8guUoWAbyudqZZsDqOTM0vL_ASv2o/s1600-h/spring+evening+light+at+low+tide.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065089964271050738" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lijbU2qGj-rwfm20uH-lxmblnalXC2C4p9lSk7h4dPX_hA_ovjkFFdZr_vqg1KFlMF-D0i5DOQMHfzdZ3SwTHs4oudXksNbN1mONelWDKH8WwA8guUoWAbyudqZZsDqOTM0vL_ASv2o/s320/spring+evening+light+at+low+tide.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...and the evening light reflected in the Ribble's waters has its own beauty - but it's a pity the newly-returned screaming Swifts are way too fast for my camera as they swoop low over the water catching their tiny-winged supper -<br /><br />- and the returning House Martins scoop beakfuls of riverbed mud at low tide to reconstruct their nests for this Spring's broods under our eaves.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvavIGg4ETyVsuhkTJ9zDOhOHXj8Ie-cx5cEmjaKygWIYwR47IuMepJ3mFOoms8IoG7gKy7sjJ2uNatY8b2WZKTMVu5HurkXZVvJcNU1YCq6ncPuLPbkhTtbOLYkLkJcc5Z6U_MIXszwA/s1600-h/Ribble+mud+has+uses+for+House+Martins+too....jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065114900851171698" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvavIGg4ETyVsuhkTJ9zDOhOHXj8Ie-cx5cEmjaKygWIYwR47IuMepJ3mFOoms8IoG7gKy7sjJ2uNatY8b2WZKTMVu5HurkXZVvJcNU1YCq6ncPuLPbkhTtbOLYkLkJcc5Z6U_MIXszwA/s320/Ribble+mud+has+uses+for+House+Martins+too....jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Spring has returned to the Ribble.<br /><br />And all the while, through all seasons, all weathers, and all tides, an ancient face winks from the Ribble riverbed beneath Penwortham Old Bridge...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxepaEzC8esL89Plvo9aQ6sE9igCmhZr2bXyDrdwBcWAVmBsfYlCz6xn7fnG_qt6q7hB8R6Ro2tBy2N82iDPeibUJZgKwPNjRPbzThgCyUNCQJjOXnLE71NJhP54hyphenhyphenmC6ttctm3ToDAiI/s1600-h/face+in+Ribble+riverbed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065076800196288386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxepaEzC8esL89Plvo9aQ6sE9igCmhZr2bXyDrdwBcWAVmBsfYlCz6xn7fnG_qt6q7hB8R6Ro2tBy2N82iDPeibUJZgKwPNjRPbzThgCyUNCQJjOXnLE71NJhP54hyphenhyphenmC6ttctm3ToDAiI/s320/face+in+Ribble+riverbed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Contact <a href="mailto:savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk">savetheribble@tiscali.co.uk</a>Reigh Belisamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12175284479713852995noreply@blogger.com2