I know! What a name for a town! Last Saturday, our walking group traversed afar to the wrong side of the Pennines to the wonderful little town of Ramsbottom. The town sits nestled in the enormous , steep and very beautiful Irwell Valley.
Hubby and I arrived a little early and treated ourselves to a breakfast sandwich - to fuel the walk. I thought you couldn't get more "Lancashire" than "Entwistle's of Ramsbottom"!! Fabulous butties too.
We parked in the car park at the railways station which is free.
We had a quick look around the platform - the steam trains were running all day.
Once the rest of our party arrived, we set about our first challange - walking up the ENORMOUS hill to
"Peels Tower" . As I said before, the sides of the valley were incredibly steep and this was a bit of a challenge for me, however I have noticed that my fitness has improved quite dramatically since we joined the walking group. I wouldn't say I skipped up the hill, but I didn't moan about it as much as I used to!!
We had planned to climb the tower (up the stairs on the inside of the tower) but a group of people were abseiling .
We got to have a little look around inside though Lots of interesting reading matter and facts about Robert Peel and his family.
The morning had started off quite chilly and very grey, and it was much colder on the tops. There was still a fair bit of snow to be found in parts too.
Here's my walking buddy Emma - I don't know how we do it, but we usually can yak for the full duration of any walk we do - no matter what the length!
I loved the pattern of the frozen water on top of Holcombe Moor.
Emma commented that this walk had a bit of everything. Wind, rain, cold, sun, warm, geography, history, geology, nature.....
... and a firing range!
I'm pleased to say that most of the walking group commented how many photographs they took on this walk - more than usual.
I keep pointing things out with my bloggers eye that they would normally walk past. I think they are noticing more. We did also have a real photographer enthusiast with us on this walk which was fun for me.
I think you can tell how much I enjoy walking with our group - I am a big fan of the outdoors and it makes me turn out whatever the weather and wherever we go. On this walk we discovered an area where we had never visited and one that we will return to explore further.
10 comments:
Great Photos Diane, I love reading about your walking group adventures. Ramsbottom , and it's surrounding countryside looks lovely.
Jacquie x
I love the name Ramsbottom almost as much as Oswaldtwistle and Rawtenstall. It looks a super walk Diane you are lucky to have such a lovely group of people to walk with:)
Ramsbottom does make you want to giggle!
Robert Peel is where the phrase Bob's your uncle comes from I think.
Did you get a feeling of those who had walked before you in the spot where the pilgrims cross had been for so many centuries?
Lisa x
I do admire your stamina. I'm strictly a bottom land walker, too many generations of bog folk in my heritage.
Someone I worked with years ago left to move up north to Ramsbottom!
Next time you visit the area be sure to call at Park Tearooms and Farm Shop. Family run, everything freshly baked on the premises. It's a real treat.
I live not to far from there. Have a look at Healey Dell nature reserve and the Mary Townley Loop. We get lots of walking groups pass our house. I'll put the kettle on Diane
Lynn :-)
As always, your wonderful photos make me want to visit! xxx
Oh the hilarity of it all...but it is a funny name and the butt of so many jokes when growing up!!x
Your pictures are great! How good that the rest of the group are picking up tips from you. The walk certainly looked very interesting and did contain a lot of different interest points didn't it. I found the view up the stairs inside the tower rather disconcerting though, I felt all off balance! Glad you had such a good time! xx
I love the name! I'm discovering quite a few amusing ones myself. The North really does know how to name things properly :)
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