~Trawden Circular~
27th March 2011
Henry
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Lower Coldwell Reservoir
We parked close to the Coldwell Reservoirs. United Utilities are conducting considerable improvements to this reservoir and dam. Work has been going on throughout 2010 and does not appear close to finishing. It appears that the dam and spillways were not up to modern standards and so both are being strengthened / altered. All the fish were moved to the Upper Reservoir for their wellbeing - this is debatable as the anglers now have double the chance of a catch.
An Ancient Lump of Stone
Karen was with me today. The boundary stone has the letters I with TF below - TF could well be Trawden Forest.
Boulsworth Lane
This is the long lane shown in yesterday's report - but from the other side. The plan is to retrace some of my footsteps and then descend into Trawden. The weather is much better than yesterday, no wind, better views. The ascent of Boulsworth Hill starts at the information post in the foreground.
Boulsworth Dyke Farm
The blank stone is unhelpful. According to the map, there is a footpath through the gateway, but it's uninviting, so we took the next path adjactent to Spoutley Lamb Farm.
Pendle Hill
Our walk followed the wall down towards Trawden. The long wall passing the telecoms mast is to be part of our return route. Pendle Hill is a little lost in the haze. Naze End Farm is in view.
Farmland Walk
Once off Boulsworth Lane, we found ourselves with an easy downhill walk through farmland.
Hollin Hall Mill
Well it here was last time I looked. Demolished and now houses are being built.
Trawden Cottages
Trawden has developed from small hamlets and extends in a linear fashion both north and south from the centre, this is the southern end. This is really as East as East Lancashire can be.
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Young Lad |
Young Lady |
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Cat |
Gambolers |
Trawden
Far Wanless Farm
Out of shot is self-catering accommodation. I live near here, but if I didn't this would be a fine place for a week's holiday, just think...Wycoller, Pendle Hill, Sunny Burnley, Rossendale, Bronte Country, Yorkshire Dales, Trough of Bowland, Blackpool (urghh), - all within an hour's drive. Summiteer tours of Pendle Hill?
Trawden
The walk down to Trawden's centre. The only surviving pub in Trawden - the Trawden Arms is just to the right of the blue workers' container, just visible. The container is blue, not the workers.
Bridge Repair
Oh dear! Our way is blocked by the bridge repair, the only notice being at the bottom of the hill. The notice suggests a long detour to gain access to the main street. I was looking at the river to assess fording. A lady with wellies on said we could paddle across and follow here under a bush and up to the road. So we did and managed to keep our socks dry.
The Old Rock Cafe, Trawden
The Ratcliffes take their customary refreshment break at the Old Rock, but is it any good?
Trawden Tramway
A glimpse into the past. The trams came in 1905 and left in 1928. We are making our way out of Trawden and heading back to Coldwell.
Trawden Cottages
That's Far Wanless Farm on the other side of the road. Note the copse in the field on the hillside. What is the purpose of this?
Moss Barn
Our return route climbed out of Trawden in a SSW direction passing the phone mast and through the grounds of Moss Barn (above). Further gentle ascent lead us back to Coldwell.
Coldwell Activity Centre
Lower Coldwell Reservoir
Work in progress, our car is behind the white van.
Walkers: Karen and me.
Time taken: 3hrs and 10 minutes over a distance of about 5.75 miles.
Route: Coldwell Reservoirs, Boulsworth Lane, field walk to Far Wanless and Trawden; SSW direction across the fields past the mast and Moss Barn to Coldwell.
Weather and conditions: Bright, occasional sunny intervals, no wind.
Greetings Count: Two Boulsworth Hill ascenders early on and the lady in the wellies, that's all.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Tea and toasties at the Old Rock Cafe. Attentive service, good menu, great tea, tasty toasties, room for about 20. Kitchen on full view, homemade cakes etc. Very good. We've been before and will be back. Open every day from 09:30 (10:00 on Sunday).
Take me back to the start ....