Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY - this week, around Barrowford

I FOLLOWED my rule for pub walks by starting early and thus allowing time to enjoy a lunch at the end of my stroll.

I can never visit Barrowford without thinking about a chap called Thimble Thung Thistlewaite, who was an eccentric walker in Victorian times. His group enjoyed eating nettle pudding and supping ale.

Nobody, however, was allowed to drink alcohol until they had successfully recited the following: Ale must be "thinking to thrive through thick and thin through throwing his three thimbles hither and thither was thwarted and thwacked by thirty three thousand thick thorns." I think I would prefer to get drunk first.

As I passed the Roman bridge I wondered why it was called the Roman bridge when in fact it almost certainly dates from the 17th century or perhaps earlier. It is one of the best preserved packhorse bridges in England and was once situated on a main highway before the modern road was built.

The bridge was almost smothered by vegetation and the span is seen at its best in the winter. In the summer heat, however, I was able to explore the cobbled road leading up to, over, and the descent of the bridge. I was able to photograph yellow loosestrife and Himalayan balsam, both of which were being visited by insects in pursuit of nectar.

From Higherford I strolled through the fields alongside the river and there were lots of fat, healthy looking cattle. What a contrast to last year when foot and mouth restricted all livestock movement.

We should be glad of this healthy sign but we should never forget the problems it caused.

On a more pleasant note I was able to spot a kingfisher at the Water Meetings and a pair of pied flycatchers hunting flies (obviously) alongside the stream close to Bell Wood.

Keeping to the right of the road from Blacko to Barrowford I had splendid views over the river valley. Four herons flapped their heavy way down to the waters on which they were feeding. This served to remind me that I was hungry myself and I looked forward to the food on offer at the White Bear.

At one time in the 17th century the Bear was the home of the Hargreaves family. Some say that in the early days of the hotel a white bear provided entertainment for the public.

Others say it could have been named after a famous warship at the time of Henry VIII. I don't know what the true explanation is, but I don't care -- I just enjoy the grub.

Barrowford lies astride the A682 road from Nelson to Gisburn. There is parking close to the White Bear Hotel and another substantial area on the road to Colne opposite the Pendle Heritage Centre.

From the White Bear, which serves substantial bar snacks, follow the Gisburn Road. At Higherford Bridge turn left into the village and pass through the pretty hamlet and note the old packhorse bridge on the right.

Follow riverside path and approach the meeting of two substantial streams. Climb a slope and continue until you meet the Blacko to Roughlee road. Turn right towards Blacko and explore the well signed Bell Wood. Continue to meet the Blacko road, turn right and descend to Barrowford.