Hike # 4: Wycoller Panopticon Trail

After yesterdays crappy weather and a hike that was not too pleasant (to be written about later), we decided to head back to the outskirts of Bronte country again for this short hike.

(Cover picture above is Wycollar Hall).

The detailed information can be found in the link below:
https://www.ifootpath.com/display-ifootpath-walk?walkID=4695

It was a little blustery today but quite sunny as we arrived on the hilltops just north of Colne. This sign had seen better days, and after driving over a very dodgy cattle grid we were in the car park.

The first thing we noticed was this concrete dome named a ‘Panopticon’. This signifies that there is a panoramic view for the eyes to feast on, and there was indeed.

This particular one is named ‘The Atom’ and I struggled to find any good information on the internet about when it was built. ‘Maybe it was dropped from a spaceship’, someone queried in a search I found?

The view presented was a sprawling and vast one over Pendle Hill which is famous for its medieval witches!.

We made out way down the hillside through kissing gates with fields and sheep, some of which were not so happy to see us. I do find it funny when one stands its ground and does this foot stamping thing. If you return the motion and feign a snarl they always run off.

Today we had a lamb ‘challenge us’; very daring for a ‘lamb chops’ as @bingbabe calls them!

Some of the fields we navigate are hardly trails and have plenty of thistles you can catch yourself on if not careful. I was wearing shorts so it was double bad for me.

The walking posts are the only thing that keeps you on the right road, but you need to keep vigilant.

This bridge was a little rickety and I had some lovely nettles to edge past on the far side.

At this point, we were on a stony road, the sun was out and it was very pleasant. A stream ran down the side of the track and we were partially covered by trees for the next mile or so.

This tree must be ancient, as it has wound its enormous roots around the stone wall that was edging the road.

We came to a stone bridge which is named ‘Clam Bridge’ and is reputed to be 10000 years old and of neolithic origin. I don’t know how it holds up personally as only a small corner section of it is being supported on the bank.

@bingbabe strode across it and I swear it was moving as she crossed. I suggested she jumped up and down in the middle, but she didn’t take my advice; probably very wise!

Next to ‘Clam Bridge’ was a road that went right through the river. I wouldn’t like to drive my car though that, I guess it was designed for Horse and Carts.

As we approached Wycollar village we saw signs of civilization in the forms of a tourist path, a horse made out of sticks and an archway made from trees, all very arty and apparently designed and built by local village talent.

Another stone bridge and lovely view brought us to Wycollar Hall which is now sadly a ruin and despite notices stating, ‘No Climbing on the ruins’ there were several children all over it doing just that.

Wycoller Hall dates from 1550 and was home to the Cunliffe family for six generations. In 1818 the hall was dismantled and much of the stone was plundered to support the building of other houses and mills as part of a repayment of debts. Charlotte Bronte is said to have visited Wycoller village on her many walks around the area and Wycoller Hall is thought to be the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in her novel Jane Eyre. The ruin hosts two ghosts, a headless horseman and a lady dressed in black.

I wonder if anyone will ever refurbish this lovely old building or whether it will just keep crumbling under the feet of visitors and children? We didn’t see any of the ‘ghosts’ that haunt the building, perhaps we should visit around 2am? (Cover picture is also Wycoller Hall).

Next to the ruin was once a visitor centre which looked in a sorry state. I had a peek though the cobweb infested window and it looks like it’s just been abandoned.

The visitor information looked to have scattered leaflets and information around the shelves and the floor. Maybe the Hall is not interesting enough to merit it anymore?

It seems a lot of Hike’s we do have a huge hill right at the end and this was another! I noticed some very old stonework on the way up while being hassled with a very persistent bug that had been trying to eat me for the last mile or so.

The steep pathway was rather wide and reading about it tells me it was the old coach road that serviced the hall. A carriage would fit on this trail though the ride would be extremely bumpy.

As we approached the car park I spotted this picnic table in a very strange place, I almost missed it perched on top of an embankment and almost out of view.

It had seen better days and probably not been used due to its strange position. What was the local council thinking when they erected this?

Synopsis: A short walk that was very enjoyable and dog friendly. We will be back to do this again someday.