The June Ramble
Only five ramblers assembled at the car park in Slaidburn on a day of uncertain weather. Setting off over the Hodder Bridge and taking the footpath on the right to Broadhead Farm, then west alongside Easington Brook to Harrop Hall, the group climbed up to Smallden Lane. Turning right, and using the next bridleway on the left this took the walkers to Higher Edge Farm. After walking thru’ the farm the route to Champion (a remote barn) and on to Holden Lane, was difficult because of tussocky grass very marshy ground as well as lacking a defined footpath. This part of the ramble took longer than expected.
After lunch overlooking the Gisburn Forest, the ramblers followed the lane over the B6478 and taking the track to Hammerton Mere, Rain Gill and or to Hammerton Hall. This picturesque part of the ramble followed the course of the River Hodder exiting from Stocks Reservoir. After Holmeshead Bridge the path led the ramblers back to Slaidburn and the car park. A tough walk of 9 miles in poor weather.