Lancs Regional Ramble ’round Roddlesworth Reservoir
Hurricane Gonzalo gave some cause for concern – would our way to Roddlesworth be blocked by debris – would the woodland paths be blocked by fallen trees had the forecasters got it right – would the wind have died down enough to make our walk possible. We got out the winter woollies and headed for the hills…and were not disappointed. Tarja arrived with the Lancashire loan scooters and we set off down into the woods now awash with Autumn colours.
A stony track through an avenue of yellows, orange rust and green glistening from the earlier shower. Lorraine, the R.O.W. officer from Blackburn had cut back the overgrown shrubs and brought with her the key to the gates we had struggled around on our earlier reccie. There was good natured banter between ‘Lancashire’ and ‘Yorkshire’ as Lynda and Dave had come over from Sheffield to join us. As a Rochdale man Owen was sitting quite close to fence! Less chat and more concentration.
There was a tricky stretch as we had to join the A675 Bolton Road, this is a busy road with a pavement on ‘our’ side but the grass had grown over the tarmac and it tilted the Trampers towards the traffic. Luckily we had walkers Robert and Rosie to help with slowing the traffic until we could reach Abbey Village. Here we could turn into the safety of road that crossed the reservoir dam. A nice easy run after the ruts, puddles and mud of the woodland lanes.
We sheltered under the trees in the fishermen’s car park while we had lunch with a cheeky robin looking out for tasty crumbs. We spared a thought for those who were not with us. Clive and Andrew who died in September and Laurence who had an op. We wish him a speedy recovery so that he can be out with us again shortly.
We crossed the footbridge and followed the river and run off for the dam wondering at the engineering feat that had reshaped the landscape but yet still keeping it looking natural with its surroundings. We were grateful for the shelter of the trees as we rounded the reservoir and climbed back up through the woods as the weather closed in. Sheets of rains blowing across the water. No more than a little damp we got back to a cup of hot chocolate and piece of cake at Vaughn’s café feeling we had had a good day out.
Many thanks to Tarja Wilson, Lorraine Mellodey, Joe Grima from United Utilities, and our walkers Robert, Rosie and Dave. Your help was very much appreciated.
Todays’ Tramper riders were Eileen, Owen and Lynda (newbie! Well done!).”
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