At just over twelve miles this is our longest local walk yet, and is more varied than it may seem, and although mostly easy walking, between Aughton and The Snab on the north side there is a definite obstacle course feel to it. Reverse the end of the walk “Caton Moor circular” of March, to the Lune south bank and on to Claughton Beck. There used to be a bridge across it near the Lune, some evidence remains, with a concessionary path onwards alongside the river(s) to Hornby, but various floods have seen it off. Barbed wire greets you. When we reached the other end, on the right of way from Camp House, a sign back west along the Wenning indicated that the concessionary path existed, but we cannot tell you for how far: so gain the lane at Claughton, cross the road and up the track to turn left just past the last house onto a signed path. A splendid small bluebell wood is passed, then carry on NE across stiles to a short lane to join onto the road at Farleton. Go left to the main road and right on it for 500m. Not too bad in a partial lockdown, it would not be contemplated normally. Opposite the Wray turnoff go down the track towards Camp House, and on the old railway bridge look left to see a square with a (dry) moat. This is likely to have been a mediaeval manor house, which were often moated, rather than a previous Roman camp or similar. A path right just before the farm is signed. Follow this to the Wenning and on to Hornby. The well used path the other side of the Wenning is not signed, but starts as a “ginnel”. Follow the rivers round to the Lloyn Bridge, latterly through a pleasant wood. A detour to see the Mott and Bailey Castle could be made, a right of way goes S of it. Over the well made bridge, date of origin unknown, but after 1600 certainly, take the currently unsigned path by a stile or the gate and return on t’other side. The way back to the Waterworks Bridge opposite Brookhouse is straightforward, but be careful to head “inland” after the large field opposite the Wenning entry, otherwise the lesser known lake will cause you to backtrack. Between the Snab and the end of great Close Wood, however, there are a few natural obstacles; fallen trees, rough paths, vegetation (not to be recommended in high summer) to be enjoyed. Nor would I want to do this part in a wet winter. Nevertheless, the Spring woods are a welcome change from the south side this morning. There is no obstacle to crossing the neck of the Lune’s U by Aughton/Lawsons wood, rather than going all the way round it: in fact it is better, as the dyke running in the same line is now quite deep, and although by the Lune at the far end of the loop the dyke can be crossed on stone blocks, barbed wire has also to be crossed. Another saunter through Lawson’s wood, cross the waterworks bridge and soon home.
Claughton Wood Giant Butterbur near Hornby. The Wenning bridge. Lloyn Bridge. Lloyn bridge from the wood. The Lune from Lloyn Bridge.
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