The July Ramble – Led by J & J Sommerville
After a wet week, 5 walkers assembled outside the Spread Eagle at Sawley, just as the weather picked up. Walking thru’ the car park and then in a southeastern direction up the slope to the A69, crossing it directly, and then the group reached a field of maize which was traversed to get to a stile.
Climbing over this the path led down to a stream where an ancient pack-horse bridge was crossed. Following the footpath uphill until a farm track leading to a railway bridge then up and over Rimmington Lane, on a path which took the ramblers into the picturesque village of Downham. Lunch was taken at the side of the pretty Downham Beck, and afterwards the five set off along a track to partially encircle Worsaw Hill then down a steep hill, onto and across the A59. From here the route took the walkers into Chatburn and onto a footpath leading down to the River Ribble past the sewage works. Walking in a westerly direction to reach and cross Grindleton Bridge, turning right onto the Ribble Way which is supposedly closed due to erosion, but the decision was made to proceed, and no problems were encountered. Following the Ribble Way the group climbed up on to the Sawley Road at Foxley Bank, and thence back to Sawley.
An enjoyable walk in good walking weather, a total of seven and a half
miles.
Jim & Janet Sommerville