Wednesday July 22nd. Wainwright, Withnail & I. 15 miles. Leaders: Dave and Alma Walsh

14 of us set off & climbed up Billinge Hill. Descending the hill, we paused at the Alfred Wainwright toposcope.
We picked up the Witton Weavers Way & followed it to Hoghton Bottoms, where we had morning break by the River Darwen.
After walking through the village,  we picked up the river again & then branched off towards Riley Green.
We then followed the Leeds Liverpool canal to Withnell Fold. Tracks & fields led us to Brinscall,  where we had lunch by the lake.
After walking to Abbey Village, we were back on the Witton WeaversWay. We went under the motorway & then rejoined the canal again, but in the opposite direction.
We left the canal at Cherry Tree, & made our way back to the car  park at the playing fields.
Thanks to those who attended including some from other groups & a new East Lancs member.

Dave & Alma

Sunday July 19th. On Track from Bury. 18 miles. Leader: Stephen Hindley.

A group of 21, including two walking with the LDWA for the first time, met outside the East Lancashire Railway Station on another warm summer’s day. Heading out of Bury we were soon on the towpath of the disused Manchester, Bolton & Bury canal. After passing Radcliffe we continued along the canal to the Meccano Bridge at Prestolee locks where we had our morning break

This last section of the towpath had only just reopened after being closed for 9 months whist repairs were carried out to a breach that happened in July 1936

Leaving the canal, we made our way through Moses Gate Country Park then up to Ainsworth & our lunch stop. Following some sections of the Village Link we continued past Walshaw & Kirklees towards Lower Summerseat

It was now back along the side of the River Irwell to Burrs Country Park where we decided not to stop for ice cream when we saw the length of the queue. We continued back into Bury & a well earned drink in The Trackside Bar on the station platform

Thanks all

Stephen

Wednesday July 1st. Phil's Big Birthday Bash. 9.5 miles. Leaders: Hilary Scott, Peter Ault, June Reeder.

26 people met in Ladybridge to celebrate Phil's significant Birthday. Leaving Ladybridge we walked through the first of 4 golf courses that we passed today. Down onto the Middlebrook Trail and along to Lostock Station. Still following the Middlebrook Trail we crossed Regent Park golf course and walked up the hill by the side of Bolton golf course to reach High Rid Reservoir.

A quick drinks stop and along to the first stile of the day to cross a field. Hilary left the walk here to go and get the kettle on, but Peter and June were ready to take over. Some more climbing up through Old Links golf course and then down to Barrow Bridge for a longer break. Along to and through Moss Bank Park, over to Johnson's Fold and we reached Doffcocker Lodge. We walked around this and then followed the road back to Ladybridge.

Most of the walkers came back to Hilary's and other non walkers joined to eat an enormous buffet, chat and generally enjoy ourselves. 

Thanks all for coming and for your buffet contributions. I hope you enjoyed your leftovers. 

I think Phil had the BEST day!

Hilary