The Ribble to Rathmell

A dire weather forecast and a gloomy morning had the leader fully expecting to be walking on his own, but 22 souls mustered at....well, near!.....the intended starting point, and the weather rewarded them by getting even better. The route ran from Settle down the Ribble to Hollin Hall, by which point four members of the group had irretrievably and mysteriously disappeared, and on to the upper end of Rathmell's Mill Lane. Various points of interest were noted and discussed on route. The group then walked down Swainstead Raike onto Coney Garth, where the (undated) square rabbit warren and the extensive hollins were the subject of some conjecture. For many in the group the highlight of the walk was still to come, namely entry into what was Lumb farmhouse. Unoccupied but preserved from the weather, this is an absolute gem internally and the group members lingered long examining its architectural delights. Finally we dropped down to the Station Inn and the Plague Stone for a return home.

The leader would like to record, with grateful thanks, the kindness of Mr Frankland of Littlebank for allowing access to both Coney Garth and Lumb. His gesture was certainly appreciated by all.                              David Johnson