Silverdale - Saturday 9th March 2013

The second walk of 2013 was a little delayed due to football (Blackpool played at home last week when we should have gone) but it was worth the wait.

The walk, taken from Graham Dugdale's fantastic book, Curious Lancashire Walks", took in the famous Pepperpot and the ruin of Arnside Tower, a fourteenth century Pele Tower which was worth getting up for on its own. It was built for protection from brigands and was on three floors. the first was windowless and held cattle, the second held the main living quarters, with the ladies bower above that. This little journey offered much more than that though as it takes in railside and woods, and skirts Hawes Water. In winter it was lovely, but a revisit on a warm Spring morning is defnitely on the cards, as is another one on a hot summer's day, and one on a cool autumn morning. The changing colours would make this seem like a different walk each time.

Sometimes you come across a walk which rinvigorates your enthusiasm for the hobby. This is such a walk. Fantastic.

Steve takes in the size of the Pepperpot (actually  Steve's small so it isn't as big as it looks here!)

Peter joins Steve in keeping the Pepperpot upright.

Mr Hornby again in relaxed pose

Marcus in front of the Arnside Tower

View of the Arnside Tower from the other side.

Arnside Tower can just be seen in the distance.

Salter's Way, Forest of Bowland - Saturday 16th February 2013

The first of our regular walks for 2013 was, unusually, a straight walk. Salter's Way, along the top of Salter's Fell is a little unending, but for peace and tranquility it is second to none. We met just two walkers and a group of bikers who were riding along the Way. Aside from that we did not see a soul.

Getting to the start of the walk was an experience in itself. Dropping one car in Hornby (the end of the walk) we were given a lift to Slaidburn. Although the straight walk was just 9 miles, the sat nav indicated a 30 mile trip as we had to drive around Bowland and then in from near the Yorkshire Dales.

This was an enjoyable enough introduction to the walking year, but I'm not sure I'd hurry back to do it again.

Peter taking pictures if the view just after we encountered the elderly bikers

Steve at the same point.

Peter and I taking a well earned rest.

The witches near the end of the walk on the road to Hornby.

The circle of witches. Creepy.

The road to Hornby at the end seemed to be never ending.