Michael

Warden - Frankham - Prudhamstone House - Newbrough - Allerwash Mill - Fourstones - Warden.

Misty and dull for most of the walk, although the sun tried to shine through over lunch. Temperature hovered around 1 degree C. Very poor visibility.

Michael, Ron, Sandy, George.

Michelle was not well after Christmas so stayed at home. The walkers were joined by Alyx and Stephen.

The lady at a level crossing phone was somewhat disgruntled when we wandered across the line. We climbed up past an ancient settlement and followed the track above Fourstones Paper Mill. There was an opportune lunch spot at a road junction where there was enough seating for everyone and where the sun made a effort to come out. We saw many friendly passers-by, some walking dogs and some who wished us “Happy Boxing Day”.

We passed a disused waste tip and a noisy kennels equiped with a huge solar panel.

We talked to a stone-sculptor who lived at Purdhamstone House. Michael discussed a commission with him - though they would need to come up with their own design. There was a stone in the yard with a Buddhist chant on it: ‘Om mani padme hum’ (Wikipedia translates as ‘praise to the jewel in the lotus’ but says it has more meaning than can be conferred by a basic translation).

In the woods just south of Newbrough we came across a memorial stone to Rossie, a dog who, until its death on 11 August 1911, had for 10 years been a devoted and consistent companion to Dorothy du Cane. Our second break was taken in the woods by a salmon ladder, where we were joined by three obstreperous golden retrievers who were after our biscuits.

We covered over 7 miles, which was good for a Boxing Day walk.

At the end of the walk we went into the Boatside Inn, but it was so full of people watching the football that we couldn't get a seat. So we went back to Michael and Michelle's for Michael’s delicious coffee, plus a showing of his 2014 Morzine ski video. We also saw Harry’s Christmas lights up the street.

Wildlife/flora:

Robin, large seagull, Mallard ducks and two goosanders, domestic geese, starlings, a single cow and sheep.

The Swan, Heddon-on-the Wall. We were joined by Beth and friend. The girls went for the carvery and large helpings, while the boys were more selective and displayed smaller appetites.

 Boxing Day Walkers

Misty scene

River view

Underneath the Arches