Clough River -2

 Saturday 14th Novemver 2026

On Friday on the way to meet Bowland Climber in Garsdale to complete the second half of our Clough River walk I stopped just after Milnthorpe to inflate a tyre. Getting back in the car it wouldn't start. The only positive part of this annoyance was my phoning BC before  phoning Green flag and catching BC just before he drove onto the M6. I had to wait an hour for rescue. A dud battery was diagnosed. I was re-started and the Green flag chap was  helpful searching his phone for a battery in stock. He was able to confirm the correct one was available at Halfords in Kendal and off I went.

We regrouped on Saturday at Garsdale and it was only then that BC pointed out that my previous day's drama had been on Friday 13th. 

We left BC's car and drove in mine to Swarthgill House where we had previously finished and where I had obtained permission to park.

We found that we had been clever enough to pick the one day in the year when Farfield Mill is swamped with visitors for an annual Christmas Fayre* event. BC had promised tea and cakes when we would arrive back there, but we were back by 2:00 pm and everything was still in full swing and too busy for comfort, so hopefully tea and cakes next time - must sort out a suitable venue.

We did see more of the Clough River from the start then ascending higher onto the valley side following  grassy green lanes. We descended by Dovecote Gill to rejoin with the river and our customary coffee and sandwich stop.

The whole of this walk has been a joy and as always in good comapny. Garsdale really is dramatic with its steep sides and the constant views of the Howgills ahead. Enjoyment was enhanced with this being a concept of our own devising and as far as we know not decribed as such in any  "Dales walks" publications.

* "fayre" I looked it up in my dictionary and was much impressed with the long word used in its definition:  "Pseudoarchaic spelling of fair"

--------------------------------------

I am disappointed with my photos today - they do not do justice - must try harder. They do improve a little with click to enlarge.

BC's are much better, see:  clough-river-garsdale-episode-two