~Sabden Woods~
2nd June 2010
Not quite a walk as such, more a little adventure on a fine summer evening.
Hedge Fun
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk
Sabden Woods
I drove up to the Nick of Pendle, a pass between the Pendle towns and the Ribble Valley. The woods on the ridge will feature in this report and Sabden is in the dip.
Apronfull Hill
The little bump, right of centre, is Apronfull Hill. The larger area to the left is part of Mearley Moor. One day soon I am going to take this route up to the summit of Pendle, you can just make out the path on AH.
Cloudless Sky
I decided to take a walk in Sabden Woods or Shady Woods as they are also known. I first came here with mum when I was little, I've been back with my youngsters and this is my first visit for a very long time. I used to think it was somewhere only we knew, but tree carvings and other evidence suggests others also have also been in the woods.
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Shady Woods |
Shady Woods |
It's a spooky and mysterious place, big old trees and dense dark woodland. I'm looking for the sunlight at the far end of the woods. It may have been more than 10 years since I was last here but I knew the pathway like the back of may hand.
Bluebells
Fallen Beech
There are many fallen trees, no one comes in to harvest the wood.
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Shady Woods |
Shady Woods |
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Dandelion |
Shady Woods |
Out of The Woods
Looking West
Carvings
I remember this carving from 14/15 years ago when my boys were much younger. We felt at the time that my cousin's husband "Will" as he was known may well have been the carver. He lived locally. Will's life was taken in a tragic motorcycle accident and we will never know if this is his handywork, but I care to believe that it is.
Spider Tree
This is one of the fallen trees that is recovering, the branches have adjusted to their predicament and turn again towards the light. It was from a similar tree in these woods that young Gary Ratcliffe (now 24), maybe nine at the time, fell and broke his arm. I had to carry him back to the car. Suggestions that it was my fault for encouraging risky adventure have always been denied!
Looking South-East
I'm heading back to the car now and it's been a pleasant reminder of times gone by.
That'll be me, then.
Tunstill Mill, Brierfield
Pendle Sunset
Wispy Cloud
Another view from the rich and abundant countryside of East Lancashire.
Walkers: Just Me
Time taken: Dunno.
Route: Into Shady Woods, along the leaft pathways and past the fallen trees, along the wall and back to the car.
Weather and conditions: Bright, warm and sunny.
Greetings Count: No one about.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Nothing to report.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©
Take me back to the start ....