After the Walk August 2026
Sunday August 30th. Colne Boundary Walk. 13.5 or 27 miles. Leader: Peter Smith (Pendle Pete).
Thanks to Stephen for the photos.
Isle on Man Walking Trip. Friday August 21st - 28th.
A group of East and West Lancs walkers ventured over the Irish Sea to enjoy the delights of Ellen Vannin. Six walks were offered as listed below. Thanks to Karen and Ian for organising us so well.
Photos from Ian, Caz and Hilary.
Saturday August 22nd. King William's college to Port Soderick. 14 miles.
Sunday August 23rd. Port Erin to Castletown. 14.5 miles.
Monday August 24th. Castletown to Foxdale. 13 miles.
Tuesday August 25th. Peel to Port Erin. 15.5 miles.
Wednesday August 26th. Douglas Roundabout. 15 miles.
Thursday August 27th. Laxey to Snaefell. 11 miles.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/MsypmZFx6ncw4GbS8
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNkUPZpYKmZXQ2NO3v7PucU4uNqTzt8cO_9cw-yTzqKXmt8cJT0BjYHz4HaZcLoJA?key=YXBaMDhMZkhHd0RvLURCa3RrZURhLV9abXlndmVn
Wednesday August 19th. It'll be over ins Flash. 10.5 miles. Leaders, Andrea Foster and Christine Cocks.
14 walkers met by the cafe at Pennington flash in Leigh, plus Luna the very well behaved dog. Thankfully the forecast for rain proved to be wrong and so with blue skies above we set off following the lake, then under the bridge of the Atherleigh bypass meandering down country paths where we soon reached Pennington hall park.
At the bandstand here we paused for a little bit of history about the grand house (Pennington Hall) that once stood here and it's occupants from the 1841 and 1851 census when James Pownall (occupation listed as Justice of the peace and silk merchant) and his family lived here. When James died his son (also called James) inherited some 60,000 pounds. James Pownall junior went onto have a very artistically talented daughter Mary Pownall who became one of the most famous British female sculptors of her time. Regards the house at Pennington park it became an art gallery and museum for a time before it met a sad demise and was demolished in 1963 due to dry rot. The bandstand now overlooks a pretty park and cafe.
Next, crossing St Helens road we went down Beech walk and picked up the Glazebrook trail to Hooton gardens and onto the Bridgewater canal. At Marsland green bridge we crossed the bridge over the canal and over Manchester road to go down Lodge lane that runs at the side of Leigh cemetery. Then following the wooded paths through Colliers wood we arrived at Gin pit village in time for lunch. Here we made use of the Miners welfare institute Club bar and facilities and sat on the benches around the cricket grounds and Luna enjoyed a packet of crisps.
After lunch there was time for a little bit more history. This time about Gin Pit village and the coal mining that once took place here. We managed to locate the 11 foot half pit wheel hidden at the side of the very overgrown village green placed to commemorate the miners and families who lived here when the village was first built. Next year will mark the 100 year anniversary of the Miners welfare institute club opening.
Next we followed Meanley road through the woods to meet the path that runs alongside the guided bus way (once a railway running from Manchester to Leigh) and followed this shortly before reaching a small footbridge dropping down to Lilford park. Here we took the beautiful ancient tree lined paths through Lilford park woods. It was then back onto the guided bus way briefly before turning off onto a public footpath running along side a housing estate. We followed Brewery lane over Chapel Street and Mather lane leading through to the canal.
Lastly we followed the canal tow path down to the wooded path that runs alongside the Atherleigh way back to Pennington flash. Some of us enjoyed refreshments at the cafe. Thank you to all who joined us today for your company and smiles.
Andrea
Wednesday August 5th. Memories are made of this. 13 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott.
16 walkers met by the River Ribble in Preston for a trip around my home town visiting some of my childhood haunts. We started out on the Guild Wheel following it round into Brockholes nature reserve where we made use of the facilities and had a quick morning break. Continuing on the Guild Wheel past the Crematorium and through an industrial estate to leave the Wheel and strike across a rural area know as Cow hill to Haighton Woods. I knew this as Squire Anderton's woods!
Through the wood and up a pilgrim track to visit Ladyewell for lunch. There was plenty of seating and a chance to look round for those who had not visited before. Leaving here it was over the motorway and through housing to reach an extremely busy road where we had to stop the traffic to cross.
Through Preston Golf Club, along a dodgy path by a brook and onto Sharoe Green Lane.
Up to Watling Street Road and a turn to go down and up Plum pudding hill and onto Moor park with a view of Deepdale football ground. A quick sweetie stop and then through the streets of Preston and into the town centre to arrive at Winckley Square. From here we made our way into Avenham Park and along the Boulevard to return to the car park.
Thanks to those who came, we were lucky with the weather, a few quick showers and a bit of wind but nothing to spoil the day.
Hilary
Sunday August 2nd. Keep, canal and bRamble on. 18 miles. Leader: Caroline Tennant.
19 walkers set off from the car park at Whittle le Woods. Through the tunnels under the disused Walton Summit branch of the Leed Liverpool canal and then the M61. Everyone behaved and no one fell in. Making our way up the hill to the canal proper at the Top Lock, we were passed by a runner coming down the hill and then two speeding cyclists. Next thing behind us, crash, bang and ouch! One of the cyclists and the runner go flying, many grazes and some possible breakages. We stop to assist where we can, as an ambulance is called. Having made the injured as comfortable as we can and with nothing else we can do to help, we leave them to await an ambulance, a possible 3-4 hour estimate.
On our way again along the canal, we are soon in the midst of more drama! This time a cyclist and a dog walker have some colourful words to say to each other, swiftly joined by a boat owner. Popped his head out from his shutters to join in with the swearing, just for his own entertainment, disappearing back into his boat as quickly as he appeared! Luckily the rest of the canal was far less exciting, though rather pretty on a lovely sunny day. The horses were out on Horse Bridge and lots of swans with their cygnets.
We left the canal at Riley Green where we had morning break. After a brief section of the River Darwen, we returned to the canal for the final section taking us into Cherry Tree. Thoroughly done with canals, we head into Witton Park and up through Pleasington, back to the River Darwen. Lunch is had by the river at Hoghton Bottoms.
After lunch, it's uphill, round the back of Hoghton Tower, eventually reaching the front to admire the view up the driveway. And the 'keep' of the walk title. After passing around the church at Hoghton, we reach the 'bramble' sections. Thankfully, since the recce, the very helpful landowners had cleared most of the stiles and gates, with only a quick tidy from me and my secateurs. This made our escape from the field of giddy cows, thankfully, swifter than it might have been. On through Brindle and back under the motorway for a final time, before taking 'Linear Park', parallel to the A6, back to the cars.
Thank you to everyone who came today and made it a most enjoyable walk. And put up with my endless head counting!
Caz x
PS I had had a dream earlier in the week that 200 people had turned up for the walk. We didn't get anywhere because I couldn't get everyone to fill in the register or stay still for a head count. So thank you also to the 181 that didn't turn up! I had quite enough excitement.
PPS I am never going near the Top Lock again, on a previous visit at night there was a car on fire and many firemen who were slightly baffled by our appearance from the darkness with head torches! Too much drama for me. It shall be avoided!
PPS (last one, promise) A note to anyone considering leading a walk, things I was reminded of along the way - A walk doesn't have to be super exciting for everyone to enjoy the day; there will always be a path that is new to someone. And as a walk leader, you may be the one leading the way, but everyone is there to support you and help out.
