Mon 13 Mar 2017
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River Ribble: Langcliffe Weir |
The walk along the Ribble was tedious because of the mud, which was well puddled about after a weekend of visitors. It's a popular place.
It wasn't too long though before we arrived at the lovely Stainforth Bridge, and we were blessed, in spite of the gloomy forecast, with some bursts of sunshine. We took some photos of the swollen river tumbling over the rocky steps.
We continued up to the main road and from there we had an excellent view of the church. As we walked along past it we were spoken to by a local gentleman on his bike.
He told us that the best view of the church was from over the road, which was in fact where I had already taken a photo. He seemed to be a typical old country farm labourer, and was a little deaf so it was difficult to have a conversation with him. But the meeting afforded a good example of being careful to not treat a person by his looks, because it soon became clear that he had been a keen amateur photographer for many years, developing his own pictures when film was in use. He has now updated to a digital camera, and waxed lyrical about its benefits.
We passed on through the village, soon climbing up the steep stony path to arrive at Catrigg Force.
Once again we enjoyed sun while we sat by the top of the magnificent waterfall eating our lunch. After descending through the wood to the beck below we had a splendid view of the double-level waterfall.
After this we climbed back up and walked through the fields, locating a strange sink hole which had been a watercourse where a large pipe had recently been inserted. Andrew dropped down to try and get a view to find how long the tiny passage penetrated and took a couple of photos.
Andrew shares my fascination for the lovely old tracks and lanes. This one may have served to funnel sheep to the farm yard in former times.
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An old spring by the river |
It wasn't too long though before we arrived at the lovely Stainforth Bridge, and we were blessed, in spite of the gloomy forecast, with some bursts of sunshine. We took some photos of the swollen river tumbling over the rocky steps.
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The Ribble in spate |
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Stainforth Bridge |
We continued up to the main road and from there we had an excellent view of the church. As we walked along past it we were spoken to by a local gentleman on his bike.
 |
Stainforth Church |
He told us that the best view of the church was from over the road, which was in fact where I had already taken a photo. He seemed to be a typical old country farm labourer, and was a little deaf so it was difficult to have a conversation with him. But the meeting afforded a good example of being careful to not treat a person by his looks, because it soon became clear that he had been a keen amateur photographer for many years, developing his own pictures when film was in use. He has now updated to a digital camera, and waxed lyrical about its benefits.
We passed on through the village, soon climbing up the steep stony path to arrive at Catrigg Force.
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There's a good picnic spot near the top of the force |
Once again we enjoyed sun while we sat by the top of the magnificent waterfall eating our lunch. After descending through the wood to the beck below we had a splendid view of the double-level waterfall.
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Catrigg Force (or Foss) |
After this we climbed back up and walked through the fields, locating a strange sink hole which had been a watercourse where a large pipe had recently been inserted. Andrew dropped down to try and get a view to find how long the tiny passage penetrated and took a couple of photos.
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Spring, or drain? |
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Near Low Winskill |
Andrew shares my fascination for the lovely old tracks and lanes. This one may have served to funnel sheep to the farm yard in former times.
We then continued on our way past fields where lynchets spoke of the medieval past.
Arriving in Langcliffe we were surprised at the large size of the village, yet calm and serene away from the noise of the main road. There are some beautiful buildings, and a church built in 1851 which seems to serve as a village library at the same time. We were both impressed by the tranquility and spaciousness of the place, Andrew reckoning he could imagine himself living there.
It was now turned five o'clock so we walked along to the main road and so back to the car.
It was now turned five o'clock so we walked along to the main road and so back to the car.
Today was an example of it not being wise to take the weather forecast literally, for we had a lovely dry and partially sunny day full of interest.
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