Hikers tak around ‘wi

HALTON Ramblers visited Trawden in the Pendle district of Lancashire traveling by coach on Sunday, February 15.

The weather forecast had been for severe winds and rain due to Storm Dennis, but on the day the winds were lighter than expected and there was only one short period of rain.

The saturated ground meant that there were muddy conditions in many of the fields, but the leaders worked to avoid the worst of it by using roads and tracks where possible.

Situated near Colne, Trawden is a village which takes its name from the trough-shaped valley in which it is situated.

Originally in the middle of the ancient Trawden Forest, the trees gradually disappeared leaving an area of attractive farm and moorland.

The area was a centre for coal mining for several decades and later for hand loom weaving.

There are many weavers’ cottages still standing in the village.

The village has an attractive church located on a crossroads at the southern end of the village and dating from the mid-19th century and also Trawden Hall, dating to 1540.

The A group, led by Helen Older, headed west out of Trawden crossing fields, and following roads and tracks until reaching Walverdon Reservoir, just to the south of Nelson.

There they turned east to Shuttleworth Pasture and joined the Pendle Way, following it for three miles.

They then climbed to The Atom, a distinctive structure forming a shelter with great views.

They then dropped down into Wycoller village before crossing fields and tracks back to Trawden. Helen’s walk was 13.5 miles, with 2,100 feet of ascent.

The B group was led by Ken Hall whose group covered 11 miles with 1,700 feet of ascent.

They headed towards Wycoller and also visited The Atom before joining the Pendle Bridleway continuing south west to a point near Thursden.