The Rossendale Rambler

From Witherslack I led you wrong
   And lost the path in woodland glade.
You laughed and joked and gave a song;
   Our merry group was not dismayed!
In rapid time we made the climb,
   And rolling countryside surveyed.

You’d never think we’d find a route
   ‘cross wood and meadow, farm and fold:
By hedgerows rich in autumn fruit,
   And blackberry banks and lanes we strolled,
On hidden ways, just like a maze,
   Through chest-deep bracken turning gold.

Near Foxfield farm as cows looked on,
   We found at last a pretty spot
To eat our lunch while bright sun shone.
   The day was getting rather hot.
-Rest as you please, and take your ease;
   -Our worldly problems we forgot.

In later heat we sweated, wow !
   To gain the top and raise a cheer;
That grueling climb of Gummer’s How,
   With splendid views of Windermere.
There dotted bright with sails of white
   Were pleasure boats strewn far and near.

I wonder if you also saw
   On bracken banks there crouching still
The stunted larch trees making more
   Than any artist’s painting will,
In russet hues, such lovely views,-
   The rugged beauty of this hill.

Or was the ice cream van more fun
   Before we went by lonely meads,
When grasses in the evening sun
   Hid quiet paths amongst the reeds?
For solitude is all the food
   The stressful townsman really needs.

Our walk complete and tired and tanned,
   An eager thirst caused us to stray.
We found the Derby Arms at hand,
   And all our group would smile and say,
"A pint of ale will never fail
   To round off a successful day!"

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