A dry spell following weeks of rain always makes me reach for my boots, and today is no different. So after a wet and muddy walk yesterday, which resulted in me losing my footing and quickly finding myself sat in a large cowpat (it had to happen eventually) we decided to get in the car and head for the hills, hopefully finding drier ground.
We drove west, heading out beyond Longridge Fell, through the small village of Chipping and on towards the most southerly fells of the Forest of Bowland, our aim being to complete a 12km circular route taking in Parlick Fell, Fair Snape Fell and Wolf Fell.
We had left it quite late in the day for this time of year, hoping to avoid the majority of the Sunday walkers and, with a bit of luck, see a beautiful winter sunset - quite a lot to ask really.
We parked at Fell Foot and set off on the steep rocky footpath that ascends Parlick Fell. Stopping often, to look behind, we were treated to impressive views of Longridge Fell, Pendle Hill and Winter Hill to the South, and as we skirted the ridge to continue up onto Fair Snape Fell the views west and north opened up giving us clear sight of the Yorkshire Dales, the southern peaks of the Lake District, Morecombe Bay and Blackpool, the iconic Tower being clearly visible.
The return leg was a pleasant hike across the moors, made even prettier by the late afternoon sunshine.
The easy walk gave lots of opportunities for admiring the near and more distant fells, including Sykes Fell and Hawthornthwaite Fell, before we began to gradually descend down a wide grassy path along Wards End with lovely views over to Wolf Fell and along an unspoilt valley towards Wolfen Hall.
Here we were rewarded by the beautiful sunset we had hoped for, the sun painting an ever changing picture until it finally dipped over the horizon.
Feeling the sudden chill of a January twilight, we made our way across a couple of fields, traversing a steep and muddy gully, before passing Wolfen Hall and making our way back to Fell Foot before we lost the light.
This was a very satisfying walk, all the hard work being done at the beginning leaving a scenic and rewarding middle and end. The views throughout were fabulous, and the sunset was a splendid bonus.
We also saw very few people which we always prefer, and were able to stop off at the Sun Inn, a lovely 17th century pub in Chipping, on the way home. It's always good to end a walk near a pub.
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