For many generations, Rossendalians and particularly Helmshore people, have been told the traditional story of Ellen Strange.

The legend tells how Ellen, a farmers daughter, was murdered at a spot on the moor above Helmshore by her lover and how he was subsequently tried, convicted and hanged at Lancaster. His body was afterwards placed on the gibbet on Bull Hill.

That is the legend but research by John Simpson and a decade-long investigation by the local Historic Society members, reveals that the legend varies so very considerably from the facts that it is difficult to reconcile fact and fiction. A murder did take place there of Ellen Broadley, nee Strange, in January 1761.

Much has been written over the years in prose and verse on the subject of Ellen Strange but anyone wishing to know the truth would do well to read the excellent and inexpensive booklet of that name by John Simpson, published by Caxton Publishing Co. (Accrington) Ltd.

The cairn and monument can be approached from various directions; via the White House, Alden Road, past Robin Hood’s Well on Stake Lane and passing ‘Dowry Head’ the home of our erstwhile M.P. , Colonel Sir David Trippier, R.D., J.P., Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire; via Pilgrim’s Cross and Bull Hill and also from Musbury via Alden Ratchens.

Such an unusual name as the latter must surely have an interesting origin. Can anyone help ? (I have personally been very interested in the legend of Ellen Strange and will now seek out the booklet. Anyone else know anything ? Ed.)

by Richard Sumner

I first came across this technique when contemplating a holiday in Nepal and bought a guide book. It is the most exiting thing I’ve learned this year and I would like to share it with others who walk with our group but who sometimes feel that the climbs involved in our Lake District, or North Wales walks are too daunting. Maybe we are not as fit as we would like, or the passing years are taking their toll.

Briefly it is a method by which you have a minuscule rest at every step and it enables you to climb the longest and steepest slopes without distress. Now I am in my late fifties it has suddenly increased my enjoyment of the mountains. I find I am no longer apprehensive of big climbs and in fact even seek out the steeper routes of ascent (So what’s new - Ed.)

I had thought of reproducing a paragraph of text which describes the technique in detail but realised it would infringe the author’s copyright. So if you want to read it you will have to buy the guide book yourself. It is the Lonely Planet Publication, “Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya” by Stan Armington and to me that around 300 word passage is worth more than the book.

Or ask me to show you how it is done ! I know when I have demonstrated it to my friends in slow motion they must have thought I looked like an automaton and fell about laughing - but both Walter and Susan have tried it on our recent Scottish holiday and found it very helpful. Especially, I remember, on our Sgurr na Ciche expedition when we had a continuous climb of 2000 feet from Glen Dessary to gain the ridge of Garbh Chioch Beag - easy !

So you will have to come on one of my RA walks (or read the book) and your hill climbing will be given a new lease of life. On the 5th July I will be leading a walk from Nant-Gwynant (Snowdonia). Think on !

by Walter Waide

· I don’t feel much like walking today.

· Let’s not call at that little pub in the valley serving real ale.

· Isn’t that a well-maintained stile.

· Wasn’t he a nice farmer and he made a lovely cup of tea.

· Shall we take a walk around the industrial sites today ?

· That walk was exactly ten miles Walter.

· Isn’t this steep gradient delightful.

· There’s no rush; let’s just take it easy.

· I’ll mow the lawn on Sunday.

There must be lots of you who have a list of ten things ramblers never say, or indeed, anybody never says. So if you're out there and you have a contribution to make, drop me an E-mail and you might get it published in the next edition of the Rossendale Rambler.

In fact, if you have any contribution at all to make, drop me an E-mail and I'll see if it can be used.