~Canal Towpath~
9th January 2010
The prolonged period of cold weather has provided the whole country with wonderful scenery. I took a walk from home so that I wouldn't have to use the car. Much of the route was along the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. I returned by bus....
Frozen Canal
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk
Clockhouse Avenue, Burnley
Our house is near the top of a hill and the snow has made getting home very difficult. We had a visit from the gritters today and it should make things a little easier.
A Classic view of Pendle Hill.
This scene welcomes me everytime I head off into the fields behind our house. Not always in white, quite easy to see the stepped path up Pendle Hill.
Preston to Colne line
The footpath crosses the line at this point. The view is towards Brierfield and Nelson is behind me. This used to be double track.
On the canal towpath, it is also 78 miles to Liverpool
The contour hugging towpath is bordered by many "old" textile mills, many of which are still in use, not often in the textile trade.
Pendle Hill behind this row of terraced houses.
In the days before central heating, these houses would have four open fires and it's nice to see so many stacks still boasting four chimney pots.
The Crossover Bridge No. 142
The towpath crosses over from left to right at this bridge. I am on the left here and heading towards Barrowford. Swinden playing fields are behind the wall on the left.
Barrowford Locks
This is the lowest of the locks.
Barrowford Reservoir
This reservoir feeds the canal. I have never seen it frozen before.
The Lock Keepers Cottage
In the summer you can buy ice creams and other refreshments at the cottage. This is adjacent to the top lock.
Sheep struggle for food
These fields lead to Higherford from the top lock of the canal. The sheep have their work cut out looking for grass.
Under Higherford Bridge
I risked serious embarrassment by sliding down the river bank to get a closer look at the river. The surface has frozen over in many places, leaving a void under the ice.
Higherford Mill
Click the image for further detail about Higherford Mill. Nearly at the end of my walk now, it's been great fun walking through all the snow.
Barrowford River Scene
Pendle Heritage Centre
Click the link in the photo for more information.
The Duck Pond in Barrowford Park
I tested the ice strength and it withstood my weight. The pond is only about 2ft deep, so it was almost a safe bet, but I would not really have liked to go home with wet boots and trousers.
I walked to the nearest bus stop. I'm lucky because of all the network routes in the area, the one from Barrowford goes to Burnley and beyond, passing the bottom of my avenue in the process. The cost is £1.90, which I think is acceptable for the journey of about 4 miles. Everyone else on the bus paid nothing after presenting their passes.
Walkers: Just Me.
Time taken: 2hrs 50 minutes to the Heritage Centre over a distance of approx. 5 miles.
Route: Home to Edge End, Hard Platts, B&Q, L&L Canal to Barrowford Locks - around the reservoir and across the fields to Higherford, down the road to Barrowford.
Weather and conditions: Crisp and clear.
Greetings Count: Low, not too many folk about.
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Pendle Heritage Centre has a fine cafe with seating for around 70. Service and Quality very good. My favourite at midday would be the tuna and cheese toastie, but later on, like today it was tea and a piece of tiffin. I love it!
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©