Beautiful Lancashire

[Mathos]

Well, we had some heavy rain in Lancashire last night.

I was off to Preston earlier this morning, it turned to night about 8.45 am
it came down really heavy with a hint of hail attached.


Still, that's Britain.

The pond looked well refreshed about 10 AM.



The rain had stopped, so we weren't being held back.




See you later house.

We thought a run around The Ribble Valley
would be nice, regardless of how the weather
turned out.



Rain?

Oh Lord didn't it rain.

But, there's something kind of special with a sky line looking like this.




The River Ribble was rising fast.


Some of the smaller tributaries were ready
to pop over the bridges, roads were flooded here and there.




A lot of power with water, we all know that.



"Hey Mafos, I'm all wet too."

[Mathos]

St Wilfrid's Church at Ribchester.





I did a few posts on Ribchester about a year or so back.

The Romans and The Museum etc.


The Church not only looks absolutely brilliant
it is really special.

You only have to look at it, it's very obvious.

The Romans invaded Britain in 43 A D.

Ribchester became a very important Fort near to a ford on The River Ribble.


Didn't somebody say:-

"This Church is more than the House of God.

It is the Gate to Heaven."


This is a special spot.





It's spectacular.

[Mathos]

This was a really old fashioned drive, crusher run, with the grass growing down the middle.

You don't see many in these original states nowadays.




The cottages reflected a nicely presented example of country living.

Outstanding, I thought.




Isn't the stretch of road here absolutely remarkable,
it all blends perfectly, everything about the general appearance
is extremely special.

Wonderful.

We came across some amazing panoramic views today.





The poor weather acted like a bonus to the general
enhancement of already beautiful views.


Even the odd sheep looked kind of different.




"What are ewe looking at?"

More flood alerts as well.



It's been raining on and off tonight,
with more forecast for the rest of the week.

We might have to get the boats out.




What a sky.


Sensational to see a sky like that
in the early afternoon especially.


Some view here to follow it.



If that was painting on a wall!

Someone would steal it.

[Mathos]

Maybe I'm somewhat biased as a Lancastrian,
but I do think that some of the views afforded
by The Ribble Valley in particular are
quite sensational, second to none at all.






Beauty.





Sometimes looking across views like this gives
the impression that you are indeed viewing
the work of an artist.


Special indeed.



Some of the road shots are quite amazing, it all adds
pleasure to the driving.

A lot of these roads can become blocked
by heavy falling trees in the heavy winds of winter too.


Then the chain saw brigade really get busy.


The vultures are usually out at nights,
complete with vans and trailers to collect the spoils.


I kind of think it's part of the acceptable clean up procedure.


Cool, clear water.





Check the brakes after.



Hopefully we won't go getting lost though.




There might just be a pot of gold down there.


Don't worry.

Didn't the Man upstairs set his "Bow in The Sky" as a promise.




It's a beautiful land.



Not too long and there won't be a single leaf left on these trees.

The Changes from season to season
The Dawning that brings a new day

These wonders must all have a reason
It couldn't just happen that way.

[Mathos]

Amazing, in the twinkling of an eye,
the sky is blue and the sun shining.




Sunshine on my shoulder
Makes me happy.






Nice spot as well.




Amazing how a frame changes the view.


That's really special.

[Mathos]

This particular one is a great photograph,
Flobo managed to catch these pheasants.





We reckon they were hiding out from the gun-men.


Shooting Season In England Scotland
Shooting season in England and Scotland, pheasant, partridge, grouse, ... Game shooting in the UK, rough shooting, driven shooting and wildfowling ...
Shooting Season In England Scotland - Cached - Similar

That's a really interesting and informative link above.

Basically the Pheasant season around The Valley is 1st October to 1st February.


We were getting hungry as well.



There aren't many better places than 'Hark To Bounty' for dining either.



A traditional old English Country Enjoy England Three Star Inn ...
The Hark To Bounty Inn is a traditional old English Country Inn situated in the Village of Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural ...
www.harktobounty.co.uk/ - Cached - Similar



Again, well worth checking out.

You can click on the menu link from the home page.



Flobo went for the 'Lancashire Hot Pot'







She said it was an outstanding meal.




I ordered the 'Roast Pork'





Absolutely brilliant meal, but too much of it.


I'd bought Flobo a brandy and dry, as she had a bit of a cold.


The two meals, pot of tea for two plus the brandy and dry.

£21..60.




You can't get much better than that for
a meal and drinks like the above.



Brilliant.

[markmark]

You can certainly find the decent pubs mathos. I used to drink in The Hark To Bounty and i was in the Higher Buck at Waddington last year, the landlord came over to my house in the Isle of Man with some of my mates to watch the TT races. Nice photos of the tree lined country lanes you certainly look with your eyes wide open!

[Mathos]

Originally Posted by markmark

You can certainly find the decent pubs mathos. I used to drink in The Hark To Bounty and i was in the Higher Buck at Waddington last year, the landlord came over to my house in the Isle of Man with some of my mates to watch the TT races. Nice photos of the tree lined country lanes you certainly look with your eyes wide open!

Hi Mark

Two cracking pubs they are as well.

I think the better type of pub, serving a decent quality of variable cuisine at a reasonable price will be the only answer to survival.

There are some excellent types in these villages and quieter type of coastal or tourist attractive locations.

Then 'The Carvery's' appear to have taken off quite well of late.

When folk can get a quality dinner at a Carvery,
all fresh and quality food from £3..50, (Monday to Friday)
it doubles up over the weekend they have to be on to a winner.

'The Toby Chain' especially.

__

I think the advantage of having the time to practice with the digital camera is a boon to looking for attractive shots.

We are both enjoying taking the photographs and obviously looking at the results on the PC.

Never stuck for something to photograph either.




Check this super house out,
the advantage of the tree being bare
enables the shot.

Like most things in life, a little thought,
gives both improvement along with benefit.



The water looks cold.

[Mathos]

There has been a considerable amount of flooding across The UK this last few days.

Cumberland, Wales, Yorkshire and even a landslide which closed a road in Scotland.




River deep mountain high.




Ribble is looking quite swollen but no word
of any major problems in this vicinity.

Then again, a great deal of preventative measures
against flooding have been taken over
the last few years especially.


Must be terrible experience and ordeal having your home flooded.




Some of the stone cottages look splendid.


With internal modernisation and the high standards
of interior design we see today.

They are amazing and rather special places to call home.





What a brilliant looking abode here.

The Rectory at Ribchester.


Then just around the corner a nice street of small but attractive cottages.



Dark sky coming from behind.


Super abodes for couples, or a first buy for a very small family.


I like how some of the older type of farm houses and
barns have been modernised without making a
hash of the general appearance.






This one above being a wonderful example.


There's a great deal of power pushing
this stream towards the Ribble.



Wouldn't want to be in there without my water wings!



Days like this, you never really know what to expect next.




But it's great simply being here.

Appreciating the beauty and being aware
is an amazing part of our existence.



Some of the stone cottages are extremely
deceptive from the initial appearance.

These are large homes.

So solid as well.




That's a gorgeous home, and what a fantastic spot it holds.


Looks like a lot of pride is taken in this pub as well.




The Punch Bowl.

A traditional English Inn and Hotel, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley

We offer traditional home made food, special fish dishes, real ale and a superb choice of wine.

With five luxurious en-suite bedrooms available we offer a comforting, relaxing stay. Why not pop in for a drink and sit in front of one of our open log fireplaces!</B>

Please enjoy looking at our website, you will find Pictures and information about our facilities including bedrooms, food, gardens and even a bit of history about Ned King, the Highway Man who once frequented the Punchbowl, his ghost is said to still haunt the premises.

You will also find information on local walks and tourist attraction around in and around the Ribble Valley. If you would like to know any more information on anything regarding the Punchbowl or the local area feel free to pop in and have a chat.

Check it all out:-

Don't miss The Accommodation link on the menu.


The Punchbowl Inn, Hotel and Restaurant, Hurst Green, Ribble Valley
If you would like to know any more information on anything regarding the Punchbowl or the local area feel free to pop in and have a chat. ...
The Punchbowl Inn, Hotel and Restaurant, Hurst Green, Ribble Valley - Cached - Similar


A spectacular Church as well.




Isn't that beautiful.

Majestic even, or should that be Spiritual.



I was surprised to see it came under The Diocese of Bradford though.

[Mathos]

You may have heard of Stoneyhurst College.

It's approximately twenty miles from our home.


An amazing school, steeped in history.
It's an independant Roman Catholic School
in The Jesuit Tradition.

The earliest Deed concerning the "Stanihurst"
dates from approximately 1200 A.D. and can now be
found in the Arundell Library in the College,
whilst the earliest evidence of a building on the site
is from 1372 when John de Bayley was licensed
to have an oratory there.

The main gatehouse is quite an imposing building.



It's not permissible of course to go into the
private grounds without a confirmed appointment,
but there is a clear photograph here,
which I have taken from the Net.




The area surrounding The College is outstanding in it's beauty.



Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J.R.R. Tolkien,
are two names which spring to mind as
being educated at Stoneyhurst.

I think the Children of Evelyn Waugh were also.




Steeped in spectacular history.



This is perhaps a better angled photograph of the main gate house.





I think the Gate-House is dated back some 400 years plus.

Quite imposing to look at.


The School takes paying and suitable pupils from all over the world.

The educational standards are outstanding.

It is now co-educational,
but girls were only taken into the college quite recently.

Sports facilities are spectacular, Rugby is the leading force.


1. all-weather astro-turf sports pitch
2. 9 hole golf course
3. shooting range
4. 2 ponds used for canoeing and fishing
5. 25m swimming pool
6. 2 squash courts
7. 9 tennis courts
8. 4 cricket pitches
9. 8 rugby pitches
10. 2 football pitches
11. weight-training gymnasium
12. 2 indoor sports halls


The large Estate is used for cross-country,
orienteering, clay-pigeon shooting and rambling.



The link here is well worth clicking on.

Some sensationasl reading and photographs.

Just follow the click to enter pointers.

Stonyhurst College
Roman Catholic Co-educational boarding and day school in the Jesuit tradition welcoming other Christians. Lists news, history and contact details.
www.stonyhurst.ac.uk/ - Cached - Similar




Gorgeous location all round.

[Mathos]

I think I mentioned a week or so back that I was going to some Professional Boxing at St Helens this week.





Not a bad night at all.




Not very good photographs, I only took an old camera
the same have not materialised as good as they
should have, but better than nothing.

The lad on the left above was going to hit the canvas before the night was through as well.




Take that.


The lad I knew Paul Morris, made a good impression.





Nice to see they kept us all informed of the round numbers as well.




Very powerful lad, Paul, he bludgeoned his opponent to
a second round defeat in style.

I'll download some more photographs through the week.





Another downpour on the country roads of
The Ribble Valley.

[Mathos]

Nice Moon, a couple of nights back.





You wouldn't want to be skidding off the road here either.





Quite a drop to the stream below.



Plenty of water following the rain.

Talking to a pal over the weekend,
he was telling me the reservoirs at Belmont were high.


Check the logs out to the left of this photograph,
somebody has been doing a fair bit of felling.



Sensational spot as well.


Amazing how the weather changed so much
in the course of just a few hours.

[Mathos]

There's a great deal of work being undertaken
in the Valley with regards to protection
from the streams and rivers.



Nice slab of rock in the foreground.


They use a good deal of quality rock
to stop parking by the edges,
plus it's an aid in stopping vehicles skidding
over the edges into the drops below.




The heavy duty wire cable is also put to
use by edges where placing rocks would
take up too much of the available road.




They certainly keep the workers busy in these parts.

Must be nice working out here in such beautiful surroundings.

Winter might have it's drawbacks.

Doesn't everything.




What a sensational home this is.

That's very nice.


Wow, look at this sky for a very rapid change.





Nice though.

God like you might think.

[Mathos]

Unusual time for me to be on the Forum.

I have an appointment for early afternoon,
and need to leave about noon today,
it's about 11 am right now in The UK.

Water Management.



There's a great deal of employment,
plus buildings, weirs, reservoirs,
piping, vehicles and plant,
then more besides to get the
ideal water to every home in the
British Isles near enough.

Providing water servicesDrinking water Quality standards; annual reports; how water quality is assured; technical briefings; Water for Health



The above link is extremely good,
with an outstanding menu leading to
exceptional levels of current information.


Well worth checking out.


See these clouds come in really handy,
when you realise how much work is
undertaken in the country by
United Utilities or other water suppliers.




That's another amazing variation in the sky.




Every drop of water seems to count. It's all channeled one way or another.




The Farmers keep busy.




Always an abundance of plant and machinery here and there.



I've no idea what half of the equipment is
once it gets past the tractor level.



This looked like some kind of multi-purpose back scratcher.

[Mathos]

The land is outstanding.

This is a nice photograph from the road looking down a valley.




Another fair old drop as well, if you come off the road.


A few sheep here in the pen.




Looked like the dog had just brought them in,
the trailers were ready for loading,
so no doubt they would be going to market,
early next morning.


Lamb chops...




Better Lamb in The UK than N.Z. or Oz...


This fellow here.




Well he looked totally lost.


Help...

[Mathos]

Another really nice stretch of road here.





However, it had been spoiled.




These kids, steal the cars, take them for a joy ride,
then dump them in a country lane,
to avoid detection via finger prints or other,
they torch the same at the end of the joy ride.

Crazy way of doing things
they do make a nuisance of themselves
in more ways than one.


Everybody pays higher insurance premiums
at the end of the day.


This was an attractive looking section though.



The footbridge, the base, the rocks and even the stream.

Really nice.



Cute bridge at that.


The roads out here are quite narrow.




We have had frost this week,
Monday morning, quite thick at home
for the time of year,
I think it would have taken a firm hold
for a few hours out here in the Valley.



If we get a decent fall of snow this year,
I'll drive out and get some seasonal
snaps in these locations.

[Mathos]

I liked this view through the two tree trunks especially.




You take one, it looks different on the view finder
so why not try again.





Becoming artistic with the thinking behind a photograph.

Why not.





The house above was huge.

An outstanding building though.


The Barn here.





Now that is ripe for a conversion.

You could make something out of that.


Quite a specimen.


Print this map Close window

Some nice angling spots here.

Happyman, will appreciate this one.





This is the Barn area.




Beautiful spot.




It's a blessing of many kinds to be here.

[Mathos]

Going through some of the photographs we took
this time last year earlier today with a friend who
has been showing an interest in moving out to one
of the coastal areas of Lancashire.

He's desirous of settling down after several years
working for various aid agencies in the Far East.

Knowing some of what he has faced and come across,
I believe he is making a well deserved change in his life.


Enough is enough, and most of us reaching
a certain age in life or due to circumstances
above and beyond our control are more than
happy to relax for what may be an entitlement
to some peaceful times.





Some places look absolutely splendid, spectacular really.


He's been thinking of Silverdale or even
across the Bay towards Grange Over Sands.
He fancies that particular area up as far as Ravenglass.



Gorgeous Cottage like these is something he would like.

Mountains to the rear and open sea view to the front.
He reckons he has been dreaming of what he
wants for a couple of years or so.

This one I had on photograph really sent him into over-drive.




"Something like that would be absolute Paradise" he whispered.





"I wouldn't need an anchor to keep me there either."





The perfect view.

[Mathos]

The coastal locations are superb.



We got talking about the Bay in particular.

Silverdale and Arnside being spectacular places.





We checked some property prices out on The Net.


Very interesting.






He liked this one.

We noted other bits and pieces regarding the area.

News for Silverdale in North Lancashire, part of Lancaster City ...
14 Oct 2009 ... Council rejects request for warning siren at Silverdale · jetski mission:
Tony Houghton on the jetski he has used to rescue Bay walkers ...
www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/north.../silverdale/ - Cached - Simi

Tremendous amount of subject work on that link
Interesting.



It's a spectacular area, especially when you are looking at property and somebody with you is intent on making a move to the location.

[Mathos]

He's driving around the areas for a few days from Friday onwards.

He just booked into a nice hotel from Friday afternoon
in a very convenient spot which will serve
him well for covering the full area.




He selected a few photographs, simply messing about
with areas he liked.

"Hey Mr. You're spoiling me for choice here"



I think, I was made more aware than ever
of how much beauty there is on our doorstep.




It's outstanding.

Beauty Untold.

Unparalleled.