Bolton by Bowland – 15th April – Leader Mark

18 Ramblers gathered at the little car park, which was very popular today to us and potential cyclists who could not park as we had filled the car park first. Book early as they say. 

We set of in sunshine and a gentle breeze through the village stopping for a group photo outside the Coach & Horses pub. Passing the church we turned right and walked towards Bolton Park & Bolton Hall Farm. From here we left the road and started to cross undulating fields that were reasonably firm under foot. We crossed Gisburn Rd and stopped at the field side to take 11’s.

Setting off again we continued to cross grassy fields, we managed to change our recce route to avoid a fallen tree in a small, wooded area and continued until we joined Gisburn Rd. Unfortunately, the only way to cross the River Ribble and the valley it flowed through was via the road. Leaving the road, we followed the drive to Coppice Farm and after crossing a field I decide to take an early lunch at 12.15 as it was forecast to rain at 1pm.

Dry lunch completed we continued our way passing my intended lunch spot at just before 1pm, it was still not raining, ce la vie. We crossed and re-crossed the railway and made our way to the “Beat-Herder Festival Site”. Here we saw the mini-Stonehenge and the rather large 2025 numbers. This years adult ticket for the 4 day festival is only £275.60, bring your own tent.

At about 2pm the threatened rain arrived as we descend slowly into Sawley where we crossed the River Ribble again and followed the river side fields back to Bolton in Bowland.

Thank you to everyone for coming today, especially

Stephen D – For yet again taking and uploading the photos

Jan & Camino Steve for jointly back marking

 

Distance 11.1 miles.          Ascent – 1190 ft          Moving Avg – 2.2 mph.

‘If you wish to see a static view of the pics all in one go, then click here .’

Continuously running slideshow below – you can see it full screen by clicking in top left of picture