I travelled to Clitheroe at the weekend for a break with my Mrs and to explore the Ribble Valley for the first time. sadly two things spoiled the weekend. The weather closed in on us for Saturday. I will hike in rain but not when it accompanies fog. So we bought a rover bus ticket and explored Preston instead. The fog, if not the rain, cleared, so we bussed to Skipton. We really enjoyed the relaxating North Country bus journey through valleys, sleepy villages and enjoyed lunch in Skipton – or was it tea? Mealtimes get confusing on holiday. Back at the Swan & Royal Hotel in Clitheroe we couldn’t get to sleep. I can’t blame the management, they warned us that there were live bands and discos on Friday and Saturday nights. We didn’t expect the floor, walls and ceiling to vibrate until half-past midnight though! Aaarrgggh.
On Sunday, the weather cleared and so we did a quick 6 miles hike from Clitheroe Castle alongside the Ribble River and found – with the aid of a map - an ancient Roman cross.
The photo is from our walk yesterday returning from the banks of the River Ribble and looks from the southwest over the railway viaduct towards Pendle Hill in the distance. Next time – at a different hotel – we’ll walk up Pendle Hill, which is famous for being the home of witches.
