| Walk: | Lawson’s Wood, Aughton, Whinney Hill, Halton Park and Crook ‘O’ Lune | ||
| Start Point: | Crook 'O' Lune car park | Grid Reference: | SD 521 648 |
| Distance: | 7.5 miles | Ascent: | 720 feet |
| Time: | 5 hours | ||
| Weather: | Drizzle and low cloud but warm | ||
| Comments: | The rather inclement weather failed to deter twenty one people from taking part in the walk. Following the route of the “Lune Valley Ramble” upstream from Crook ‘O’ Lune it could be seen that the River Lune was swollen and flowing rather fast because of recent rain. After passing through riverside woodland, namely Applehouse Wood and Lawson’s Wood the path emerged on to the rivers flood plane. As the group tried to follow the line of the footpath the river was beginning to overflow its banks creating miniature rivers for the group to cross. Fortunately most boots were waterproof with only the odd wet sock. (On looking back along the river valley four hours later the path taken earlier was under water and the farmer was rounding up his sheep before they drowned.) Another deviation was necessary near to Aughton Barns because the farm track was flooded. After the excitement of beating the rising water the group had a break before climbing a steep narrow lane through Aughton on the way to Whinney Hill and a lunch break. By this time the drizzle had ceased and the cloud layer began to lift to give a reasonable view of the undulating countryside. Continuing after lunch the group passed a rehabilitation centre for horses before following the Kirby Lonsdale Road back towards Halton and then following Park Lane. The lane descended to “Halton Park” to join the Caton to Halton road. There, using a walled path, designed to separate pedestrians and vehicles, the group returned to the Crook ‘O’ Lune car park. Regardless of the weather and conditions underfoot it was an enjoyable walk. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Coffee stop at Aughton Barns . . .
and looking back along a wet and misty track
Clearing up for a lunch stop
The flooded River Lune
We want to - Bang Bang!
The following photos were taken on the recce
This was the Lune in August - today it burst its banks
Another August scene on the Lune
Hay making in August - submerged in October
A skeletal tree
An August view of the Lune Valley from Aughton
This scene was hidden by low cloud - Ingleborough in the background
Follow my leader