You'll never walk alone in Barley

I BEGAN my walk on a mid-November morning with the warm almost spring-like sunshine quickly melting the light morning frost. I crossed the bridge and then followed the footpath past the chapel and headed for the reservoirs.

On this walk I did not intend to climb Pendle but for those who fancy a steep clamber up the hill then the Ogden route is one of the best, but not so well used as many other routes.

Both Upper and Lower Ogden reservoirs are situated at the foot of Pendle and have provided drinking water to Nelson and district for almost a century. Neither reservoir is regarded as a major site for wintering wildfowl but their attraction should not be underrated. Lower Ogden reservoir was completed in 1914 and is 18 metres (57 feet) deep. Upper Ogden is slightly older being completed in 1906 and is one foot deeper. Day fishing tickets for Lower Ogden are often for sale at the information centre.

Three areas of conifers, which together total almost 60 acres, surround the reservoirs. These were planted in the 1930s and this has resulted in lots of complaints directed against the land owners (now United Utilities) with regard to their tree planting policy.

What is happening is that the forests planted in the1930s have become ready for harvesting. The present and very enlightened policy is to replant with a mixture of species including many native deciduous trees.

All this takes time and conservationists should remember that a very difficult concept for them to understand is patience.

I have also often heard it said that no birds live in conifers. This is not true. It is correct to say that fewer birds nest in conifers and they also provide less food than is the case with native trees.

Part of the walk (for which I always allow two hours) is along open paths, which provide excellent views of Pendle and its foothills. Whatever the time of year "you never walk alone" in Ogden and this can be something of a problem now that the "freedom to roam" has been accepted by national government.

One of the problems faced by all landowners is that the more popular an area becomes, the more damage can be done. Obviously some people do not respect the countryside or the people who work in it but even people like us are a problem if there are too many of us.

I therefore enjoyed seeing the efforts being made to keep the footpaths in good order. Footbridges, paths and steps have all been repaired using timber from the forests. Even the boggy areas have been treated and walking is much easier than was the case a few years ago.

The Ogden walk can still be damp in places and I recommend a good pair of boots or Wellingtons. Obviously the natural history is impressive in this area but visitors should not neglect the history of Barley.

Barley, known as Barelegh in 1324, means the infertile lea or meadow. The township of Barley included Barley Booth, Wheatley Booth and Haybooth and Whitehaigh (now known as Whitehough) -- "booth" meaning cowsheds.

About 1266, a cow farm was established, followed by extensive cattle breeding in the 13th century. Barley earned its livelihood from agriculture until the 18th century when textiles were manufactured and handlooms were installed in attics of many smallholdings as an extra source of income.

Barley's brooks -- as an effective source of waterpower -- attracted cotton factories. There was a mill at Narrowgates and one at Barley Green -- which is now the site of North West Water's filter station.

In its heyday in 1862, Barley Green Mill worked 200 looms but floods destroyed the building in 1880. A cotton twist mill at Narrowgates was built by William Hartley to spin cotton warp thread. Although I had completed my circular walk I found time to stroll the couple of hundred yards to enjoy the Narrowgates cottages, which in the lighter months of the year are a riot of colourful hanging baskets. By the river I watched a kingfisher skip along the riverside and studied the stone walls encrusted with lichens.

They were once collected and made into natural dyes, which were important to the textile industry before chemists beavered away to make inorganic dyes and their fortunes.

The route of this walk is well signed and is well within the abilities of families with young children. You should remember that for the last few months the weather has been wet to say the least and wear wellingtons. Also remember to take binoculars and a camera. It just goes to show -- there is more than one way to enjoy Barley Water!

The information centre and car park in Barley is the starting point for a network of footpaths. Each stroll has its own unique character and when the information centre is open you can enjoy a drink and a snack whilst selecting maps and literature (much material is free) to help plan your route.

There are also toilets and a spacious picnic area close to the river and bridge. At the far end of the picnic site is a small children's playground and so Barley can cater for all ages.