Winter wonderland

THERE are many places within easy reach of East Lancashire which provide excellent walks in winter.

One such place is Hardcastle Craggs (pictured), near Hebden Bridge. This gets very busy during the summer and also the trees bearing leaves can make the area quite dark.

In winter, however, there are often wonderfully clear views of the river which is the haunt of dippers and grey wagtails which are found throughout the year. This is also one of the few areas left in England where it is possible to see red squirrels.

Contrary to many books, red squirrels do not hibernate and are active throughout the year, especially in February when their breeding season begins. The area is well looked after by the National Trust and the footpaths are well-marked, with a leaflet describing the trails on sale at the pay and display car park.

Gibson's Mill and pack horse bridge remind us of the time when cotton mills were powered by water and therefore situated in idyllic places.

Small mills had little impact on the environment until the coal-powered mills which came later and were concentrated in the East Lancashire towns which we all know so well.

The recent wet weather which has caused such devastation has meant that the river hereabouts is spectacular. The wildlife has proved to be resilient and the squirrels were alive, well and very hungry on the day of my visit.

Even though it was early in November, the dippers were still in territory and their "thin tinny' song was advertising their presence.

I only saw three people during the whole length of my two-hour stroll through one of our winter wonderlands which can be reached in just about half an hour from Burnley. There's no trouble at t'mill here Mr Arkwright -- just glorious scenery.