| Walk: | Holme Fell | ||
| Start Point: | Smithy Inn | Grid Reference: | SD 524 789 |
| Distance: | 5.7 miles | Ascent: | 500 feet |
| Time: | 2.75 hours | ||
| Weather: | Absolutely glorious!! After a frosty start the sun came out and felt warm. Clear skies giving superb view toward the Lakes and the Dales. | ||
| Comments: | Even on the first recognisance (recce) I
thought this would be a beautiful walk and the weather made it
doubly so. Twenty-five walkers set off and after a short stroll along the Lancaster Canal we crossed the motorway and headed gradually up hill to the east, first crossing through the parkland towards the hamlet of Clawthorpe. Everywhere was white over with the frost but this is where the snowdrops were out in abundance; another clue that spring is not far away. We entered Ridding Wood and came across a bench affording views towards the snow-covered peaks of the Lake District. We then walked on to join the minor road. We then had a steady pull up to the top. The road was in shade and in parts there was still ice on the road so we found it easier to walk on the grass verge. From the top we could look over towards the fells of the Yorkshire Dales and Ingleborough topped with snow. We turned back along the Limestone Link for a coffee break on a craggy limestone outcrop where everyone could find a comfortable seat. We then had a gradual down hill walk along the link. The ruminating cows, including Belted Galloways, were not going to be disturbed!! We skirted Holmepark Fell before a pleasant stroll along the canal bank back to the Smithy Inn where the friendly landlady served us with a very pleasant lunch. Everyone commented that it had been a lovely walk. Thank you Norman for the photographs. |
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Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Ann does her Risk Assessment
Departure and destination point
A canal side start
Holme coke ovens across the water
Cygnet with mum and dad
Please can we join the walk?
Walking across Gawthorpe Hall Grounds
Snowdrops through the gate . . .
and adorning the front garden
Snow on distant Lakeland fells
Norman and Bill enjoy a joke . . .
while we admire the view
On the right track
Through the trees of Ridding Wood . . .
and more trees
Ken making use of his stick
Ann leading the way to Hutton Roof
To Hutton Roof, but we go the opposite way . . .
to look at the scenery
Three lovely ladies take a break
On the snowline
The back marker in control
Down to . . .
Holme Park Fell
Part of the Limestone Link
Curious cows
Cud be a Ruminant
Weathered limestone
Holme Fell
Farleton Fell
Ye Ancient Milestone
Canal End
Near the end of the walk and our leader is still smiling