The default weather forecast in Sabden, from September to May, seems to be rain. Disheartening if you actually believe it, but I have learned to be sceptical - and adaptable - because all is not what it seems much of the time.
We seem to live in a strange microclimate. Sabdeners tell me it is the impact of Pendle Hill, either channelling the weather down the Sabden Valley or holding it at bay on the Clitheroe side.
So, a normal week in Sabden. The weatherman said rain 'every day' but the reality was much more varied. In fact, if there are two things I have learned in the last 18 months, it's that the weather here is variable and unpredictable, and that it is almost always weather for walking.
I say 'almost'. Monday was, exactly as predicted, pouring rain from dawn until dusk without a break; I bet even the ducks were a bit fed up. But from there, the week improved giving different conditions for a different walk, every day. Add in the glorious colours of autumn, enthusiastic birdsong and the 'full to the brim' bubbling, rushing streams, it was a pleasure pulling on the waterproofs every afternoon to see what the day would bring.
My first walk of the week was a new one for me. In bright sunshine, I headed up Padiham Road to the outskirts of the village, passing through a gate onto a footpath leading over Black Hill. As I crossed the stile, the heavens opened. A black cloud had crept up on me and I had to stop and hurriedly put on my waterproofs - lesson learned!
Trudging up the steep path through wet grass and muddy puddles, I'll admit that I thought about turning back, but only for a moment. Once I stopped and looked back at the view, I was spurred on.
Across Back Lane and over another stile, I headed down the waterlogged field towards Priddy Bank Farm, wading through the surface water on the fields, and at times, unable to avoid the swampy water seeping over my boots. Just as I was beginning to regret my decision to continue, a rainbow appeared, a perfect arc above the trees in front of me, as if its purpose was to urge me on.
Passing through the woodland, just past the farm, I was mesmerised by the carpet of golden leaves covering the path and a rare glint of sunlight finding its way through the trees to light up the woodland in a magical way.
The paths got 'less' muddy as I walked past the beautiful old barn at the top of the hill behind Trapp House, and across the road towards Simonstone and Read. After following the road for a little while, I followed a footpath uphill towards New Hall. I hoped to see the waterfall marked on the map, but it was elusive and I didn't want to venture into the woods, fearing that I may be swallowed up by the all-consuming mud.
Over the hill, and back on familiar territory, the rain reappeared to accompany me back down Black Hill past Robinson Wood and into Sabden past the Old Mill.
The next day's walk took me up Clitheroe Hill , almost to the 'Nick', before heading west along the valley, past Parsley Barn and along the Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail, past Clerk Hill, enjoying the views across to White Hill and over to Whalley Banks ahead of me. After an initial, sharp shower, the dry weather held, and walking up the Old Roman Road towards Read, I was regretting my layers. However, after climbing the hill to Read Heights, the wind whipping around my ears, I was glad of my warm hat. At the top, the lane levelled out and I was able to enjoy the views back over the valley towards Wiswell Moor, along the Sabden valley and further towards Pendle Hill.
I passed under the beautiful woodland canopy of Black Hill, admiring the thick, green moss blanketing the drystone walls, and crossed the road to continue along Padiham Heights. I descended, via the steep, muddy path to Dean Farm, and returned along the lower valley lane beside the babbling Sabden Brook, and past the calico dipping ponds, back to the village.
The next day was drizzly. Undeterred, I pulled on my waterproofs and my boots, still damp from yesterday, and headed over the hill to see if the weather was better on the other side. At the 'Nick', I crossed the stile taking the now familiar route towards Pendleton, past Wymondhouses, across the stream and through the fields which got muddier and muddier the further down the hill I got.
The weather was better on this side of the hill, bright but cold, and perfect for walking. I reached the road and turned right, crossing Clitheroe Road again and following the farm track towards Mearley Hall, enjoying watching the farmer and his dog shepherd the newly marked flock along the lane and back to their field on the hillside. Some of the sheep definitely had their own ideas about where they wanted to go and it was all credit to the farmer and his very clever dog that they got them all there, fabulous to watch.
I turned uphill along the footpath just before Mearley Hall, crossing another stream on stepping stones and making my way up towards the ruined barn - such fabulous views across the Ribble Valley; it would make a great Grand Design.
A little further on, with lovely views of Ashendean Clough, I started my ascent up Apronful Hill, hurried along by the threatening clouds moving in from the west.
I followed the never-ending trail up to the main path leading up Pendle Hill, to be met by mist. I was walking into a cloud whilst being chased by a raincloud -
great!
Luckily, I am familiar with the route, but it does show how quickly conditions can change out on the Fells.
I descended via Badger Wells Hill and Craggs Dole, leaving the mist behind. The earlier rain was now just a drizzle, but it was getting dark and despite enjoying a fine walk, I was glad to get home and light the fire.
My final walk this week.
My husband was attending a meeting in Clitheroe and we agreed to meet in Barley for a late lunch. The only decision to be made was the route I would take: the fell route across Spence Moor and the foothills then down by Fell Wood; the valley path to Sabden Fold then through Newchurch in Pendle; or over the Hill.
As the day dawned bright with a glorious blue sky and no rain forecast all day, the decision was made for me, over the hill it was.
Despite the forecast, and learning from the week's experiences, I was layered up and prepared for anything - Well it is mid-November.
By the time I reached the path at the top of the hill, my waterproofs were in my bag and my fleece was tied around my waist. Happy to be pleasantly surprised by the warm sunshine, I began the gradual ascent to the Big End, a wonderful walk in any weather, but positively life affirming on a still, clear, day when you can see for miles in all directions.
The path was busy, unsurprisingly, but not 'too' busy and I enjoyed long stretches in solitude just enjoying the expanse of moorland, the splendour of the craggy Ogden Clough, and the long paved final ascent which does a wonderful job of building anticipation before you reach the trig point and those views.
After a few moments of awed appreciation, I began the descent to Barley, choosing the longer path down towards Ogden Reservoir over the steeper, stepped descent of the Pendle Way, and enjoying the filtered light of the late afternoon sun.
As the sun dropped beyond the hill behind me, I followed the path over Barley Moor and Barley Green (part of the Barley Circular) which, after meandering downhill deposited me on the main road running through Barley. All that was left to do was to make my way through the village to the Barleymow to enjoy a well earned glass of cider whilst perusing the menu. What a fabulous day.
I think this week sums up walking from Sabden. I absolutely love walking the lanes and footpaths of this area and enjoying it's beautiful and varied scenery - whatever the weather.
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