Sunday 5 June 2016
Leader: Kath Kirkman
Photos: John Jones & Kath Kirkman

SUNDAY 5 JUNE 2016 - UNDER TOTRIDGE

Burton Fellwalkers finally gathered at Dunsop Bridge, the O.S. centre of Great Britain and 401 associated Islands. Some of us had been stuck in traffic and the world and his dog were out to enjoy the lovely sunny day. The phone box on the green is said to be the 100,000th public payphone installed by BT. We were a bit underwhelmed by what is supposed to be a special Landmark, it is only a bit of etching on a normal box.

We took a route past the lovely church (no time to look inside, even though it was Sunday) parallel to Langden Brook as far as Hareden Farm. From there we climbed up steep pastures to reach a path with Mellor Knoll on the left and the imposing fell of Totridge on the right, cue for a drinks stop to admire the views back to the Trough of Bowland.

We then made our way across the fields towards the woods where there were still lots of Bluebells and found a spot to have our snack and enjoy the views of the Hodder valley and across to Pendle Hill.

After crossing through Whitmore Plantation where there was evidence of storm damage with trees blown down, our next landmark was some hen huts, (there are only 2 now but a few years ago there were more so if these disappear, walkers will have to find other markers). We then continued past interesting looking holes marking the remains of lead workings but there was no access. After passing through fields yellow with Buttercups we hit the road and met Alfie, check his photo in the gallery. Despite our efforts he didn't seem interested in joining us and we carried on to meet the road at Burholme Bridge. As it was very hot, cue for another quick drinks stop.

The path continued alongside the River Hodder back to Dunsop Bridge. On the way we stopped to have a good look at the aqueduct erected in 1882 by Blackburn Corporation Waterworks. The day was warm and sunny, very enjoyable.

Leader was Kath Kirkman