MAY 2021 WALK

 On Wednesday May 23rd for our first walk in 2021, we chose a rural area and bluebells, but with an important industrial past, Calder Vale. Despite their natural concerns from the lockdowns, 28 walkers chose exercise and fresh air. Ably led by Peter and assisted by wife Denise, I include some of the interesting information passed on to those 28 walkers.

We walked through the village across the Calder and past the mill and original terrace of cottages, reflecting on how this little stream powered 7 important mills before joining the Wyre near Garstang. We walked past the Mill Pond and a hillside covered in bluebells, late this year due to the cold weather in May, but a beautiful display.

Up the long hill important materials including gaskets for the war effort before it’s closure in 1971. to the church and school reminded many their lack of fitness after so long at home. We paused half way up and reflected on the Mill history and the Quaker owners influence on the village. Then we were on to Oakenclough, joining the old Roman road from Ribchester to Galgate near the old Moorcock Inn,(1663), closed for some years, but remembered by a few. 

On to the old Paper mill at Oakenclough which produced  many important materials including gaskets for the war effort before it’s closure in 1971. 

We then took footpaths to look over the Reservoirs above Nicky Nook and then strolled back down to Calder Vale through rolling farmland enjoying the views north to the Bay and Lakeland Fells and then the Fylde to the coast. Most of the styles were avoided by gates that opened, and only one minor path error got us back into the village on time for lunch at the Horns Inn, Churchtown.

 Hopefully the first walk of many in 2021.

Congratulations and thanks to Peter and Denise for organising and Richard for the photos.