5th December 2014 - Clougha Pike
Walk Details
Distance walked: 2.8 miles
Total ascent: 1027 ft
OS map used: OL41 - Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale
Time taken: 3 hrs
Route description: Birk Beck car park-Clougha Scar-Clougha Pike-Clougha Scar-Birk Beck car park
The forecast for the weekend wasn't looking good so I decided to take a chance with the weather and head out for a short walk this afternoon, with my brother Andy for company. I thought that I'd head for the Forest of Bowland and climb Clougha Pike. The route straight up by Clougha Scar is relatively short and there'll be great views to enjoy. Things weren't too bad on the way up but while we were up there and on the way back down a couple of showers passed through. With the strong, cold wind and the hail and snow it was pretty unpleasant.
From the Birk Beck car park on Rigg Lane we left by the gate at its rear and onto the path for Birk Bank. After a couple of right turns we crossed the duck boards and made our way up through the woods to Windy Clough. We then climbed along Clougha Scar to reach the top of Clougha Pike. To get back we reversed our route.
Total ascent: 1027 ft
OS map used: OL41 - Forest of Bowland & Ribblesdale
Time taken: 3 hrs
Route description: Birk Beck car park-Clougha Scar-Clougha Pike-Clougha Scar-Birk Beck car park
The forecast for the weekend wasn't looking good so I decided to take a chance with the weather and head out for a short walk this afternoon, with my brother Andy for company. I thought that I'd head for the Forest of Bowland and climb Clougha Pike. The route straight up by Clougha Scar is relatively short and there'll be great views to enjoy. Things weren't too bad on the way up but while we were up there and on the way back down a couple of showers passed through. With the strong, cold wind and the hail and snow it was pretty unpleasant.
From the Birk Beck car park on Rigg Lane we left by the gate at its rear and onto the path for Birk Bank. After a couple of right turns we crossed the duck boards and made our way up through the woods to Windy Clough. We then climbed along Clougha Scar to reach the top of Clougha Pike. To get back we reversed our route.
Route map
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Heading up and it isn't far to go to reach Clougha Pike
Looking back down Clougha Scar. A shower is approaching, crossing Morecambe Bay.
A long distance view to Ingleborough before the weather closes in
Made it to the summit shelter just in time
Twenty minutes later and the shower clears. It was a bit wild and I'm glad we had some shelter. Looking across Morecambe Bay, I think that might not be the only shower of the day.
Clearer skies to the north on the other side of the Lune valley
The trig point on Clougha Pike
The shower moves down the Fylde coast
Ten minutes later and the next shower is approaching. Brooding skies over the Lune estuary..
..and Morecambe Bay
In the distance cloud is still clearing from Ingleborough
We couldn't wait any longer so the shower hit us on Clougha Scar on the way down. Hail and snow driven by the wind. Stood with our backs to it as it passes through.
Wow. This view made the walk worthwhile.
Bright sunshine over the Lune estuary
Looking back to Clougha Pike
Windy Clough
Back down through the woods