Sat 22 Apr 2017
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Wycoller
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I decided to visit Wycoller, having read much about it, and inspired by pictures I had seen the night before at the Lancashire Archaeological Society meeting, where Maggie Dickinson had given a splendid presentation of packhorse bridges and routes. I left the car at the western car park.
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Wycoller Country Park
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The weather was lovely: warm with just a gentle breeze. I was surprised that the village was situated in a cul de sac and so small! There are countless footpaths around the hillsides, so after I had inspected the packhorse bridge and the Aisled Barn - a magnificent structure, I made a tour so that I could have an overall view of the place.
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Packhorse Bridge
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Worn out by hooves over the years
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The huge barn with aisles
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The slanting bridge, called the clam bridge, looked a little intimidating to walk over at first sight, but it was easy enough. It's possible to use the ford, of course.
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Clam bridge
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I climbed up the hill towards the ruin of Bank House, (see the map) and then dropped down to a small stream, crossing to the footpath opposite which took me up to Dean House. The stile there for the path to Parson Lee is easy to miss. From Parson Lee, after crossing Wycoller Beck a surprise awaits. Parsons Leap, the next farm marked on the map, is now a modern bungalow and the public path proceeds straight over the lawn and passes by lovely flower beds!
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Looking back to Parsons Leap
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From here the route was over fields with, at this time of year, lambs basking in the warm sunshine. After contouring round the hillside I came across the thirteenth century vaccary field boundaries, of which there are many in the area.
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13th century vaccary walls
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A short distance further I arrived at the high eastern car park, from where there is a wide view over the valley. There is also an interesting sculpture, called the Atom Panopticon.
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The Atom Panopticon
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Taking a footpath from here I descended to the village, where, resisting the temptation of home made cakes and Earl Grey, I returned to the car and brewed my own PG Tips!
It had been an interesting day, combining history with beautiful nature.
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