| Walk: | Moor Hey, Hoardsall, Forty Acre Farm, Jeffrey Hill, Lennox Farm and New Drop Inn Dutton. | ||
| Start Point: | New Drop Inn | Grid Reference: | SD 644 390 |
| Distance: | 5 miles | Ascent: | 800 feet |
| Time: | 3 hours | ||
| Weather: | Cold wind with sleet/rain in the air | ||
| Comments: | The walk commenced at the New Drop Inn
on the side of Longridge Fell which is in the Forrest of Bowland.
Fifteen people took part and for once the men out numbered the
women. Over night snow lay on the ground at elevations over five
hundred feet above sea level. The snow was of a wet variety and
proved to be slippery underfoot as one or two people found out when
they landed on their bottoms. Wearing extra layers the group descended to Moor Hey before crossing a tricky stile and an un-bridged stream. Barbed wire caused one or two tears to attire during the paddle across the stream, but nothing serious. The leader then took the party through Hoardsall Farm where sheep and lambs could be seen sheltering from the sleet and cold. Continuing uphill the group crossed a road and several sodden fields to reach Forty Acre Farm with its transmitter mast standing sentinel in the grey sky. Joining a road the leader took the party up to Cardwell House which, in good weather, has splendid views across the valley towards Chipping and its surrounding fells. After a refreshment break the group continued, climbing gently on the north side, to the wooded area at the summit of Longridge Fell. Skirting the wood the route then descended on the south side to Lennox Farm before joining the narrow lane back to the New Drop Inn. On the way along the lane a wide load struggled to navigate overhanging trees. The load consisted of a 1960s excavator that was being taken for restoration. Arriving at the New Drop Inn the group enjoyed a good meal and a warm. Thank you leader! The New Drop Inn is offering a one and a half mile walk on Longridge Fell once a fortnight on a Tuesday with a meal and mulled wine. Their web site can be found at: www.newdrop.co.uk |
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Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Lawn of New Drop Public House
A watery crossing
Sheltering from the rain and late snow
Walking above the snow line
A slippery stile
Ascending Longridge Fell
Entering a Quiet Lane
Coffee in the snow
Low gear for half a mile . . .
wet gear for 10 miles
Longridge Fell, 4 days into British Summer Time
A muddy route to the top of Longridge Fell
On top of Longridge Fell
A snow-covered Pendle
Free Range
Wide load - narrow lane