~Ribchester Ramble~
16th March 2010
The River Ribble meanders through some stunning countryside on its route from Ribblehead to the estuary near Preston in Lancashire and I took advantage of an afternoon off to take a look at an area that I'm not too familiar with. Karen came with me and we started our walk in Ribchester....
The Locality
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk
The Carmen Rose, Ribchester
It's really not that unusual for the Ratcliffes to take their post-walk refreshments before the walk and today was no exception. Mind you, it is lunchtime and this place was voted No.2 in a competition for local cafes, so we had to check it out. Parking in Ribchester is 80p for 4 hours, which is easier on the pocket than a similar stay in Glenridding! See RRR later.
St. Wilfrid's Church, Ribchester
The start of our walk took us around the church from the cafe and onto "The Ribble Way", which runs alongside the river.
Crocus, pl. crocuses (I looked it up) at The Rectory
Ribchester Bridge
About a mile out of Ribchester in a NE direction is this bridge. The builders did not expect two lines of motorised traffic and pedestrians when they submitted their plans. We would cross the river here later in the afternoon and hope for the best.
We followed the Ribble Way for a while and then deviated up into the fields to gain better views and give ourselves more options for the return route.
Ribble Valley View
Dinkley Bridge
We have just crossed this bridge at the furthest point from Ribchester and now begin the return to the car.
The River Ribble
Snowdrops
For long enough I've stood back and watched others taking photographs of snowdrops, now it is my turn.
Salesbury Hall
The area around Ribchester is home to many very fine properties and it is a popular place to live for the well-to-do.
Looking back and Pendle Hill comes into view
The De Tabley Arms, Ribchester
This used to be a vibrant public house and I can remember many happy hours spent within. I used to go to school up the road in Blackburn and lots of 18ths and stuff were held here. It's currently boarded up and falling into disrepair.
That's your lot, no "final" photo this time.
Walkers: Karen and Me
Time taken: 4hrs 10mins over a distance of approx. 7 miles.
Route: Ribchester, The Ribble Way (NE direction), above Haugh Wood, Dinkley Bridge, riverside path to Salesbury Hall, roadway back to Ribchester.
Weather and conditions: Sunny Intervals, pleasantly warm.
Greetings Count: Very low on this midweek afternoon, one couple and a man with a dog.
Richard's Refreshment Review: The Carmen Rose, Fine cafe and shop in Ribchester, also specialising in bouquets of flowers. Seating for 20+ inside and a large garden with tables and chairs at the back. Difficult to judge the ambience as were the only two in for much of the time, but the food and drink was up to the mark.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 © Leave a comment below if you like, it's quick, free and painless.