After the Walk October 2024
Wednesday October 30th. Parklife. 14 miles. Leaders: Dave and Alma Walsh.
Twenty people were introduced to Betty Banks (border terrier puppy) on her inaugural walk for the Club.
Conditions were dank, but mild. The paths were slippy with wet leaves as we made our way to Clifton Country Park through the woods with the river down below us.
Morning break was taken at some picnic tables at Clifton. We said goodbye to the Banks family here & continued along the river towards Salford. After passing under the motorway we recrossed the river.
Lunch was taken sat on a bridge over a stream. We were about half way home here & heading back towards Farnworth. Tracks took us to the bridge over the motorway which led us to the Outwood trail.
We followed the trail north for a couple of miles. An afternoon break was taken at the bridge which was to take us across the River Irwell where eagle eyed Steve Clark spotted a black creature on the far side of the river bank scurrying along. Our very own Chris Packham (Nick) identified the animal as a mink. He then proceeded to give us a talk on minks & otters.
We climbed up to the old Bury Bolton canal & followed it to the Meccano bridge. Extensive work is being carried out on a 5 year plan to provide housing both above & below the old canal. From here we dropped down into Moses Gate to the car park.
Thanks to those who attended, Alma & Dave
Wednesday October 23rd. Newton Plodder. 10 miles. Leader: Roger Jackson.
Eight walkers set off from the car park in Newton in Bowland , on a slightly cloudy but rather pleasant morning. We left the car park, crossed the road and went through a farm to reach the River Hodder, here we turned left following the river to just before Dunnow hall where we crossed a small bridge and walked down the other side back, in the direction of Newton, to the road bridge. Here we crossed the road then followed the river before joining the road at Foulscales, where we turned right for a short way and then we followed the path round the bottom of Hodder fell, eventually joining the river, after a short coffee break just before Hornycombe Hall.
Here we followed the river for about half a mile then crossed over a bridge and headed off to our Lunch stop at Dunsop Bridge in front of the Puddleducks Cafe, selling coffee, and excellent cakes which some of us used to enhance our packed lunches.
We now headed up onto tops behind Dunsop Bridge , having some tremendous views along the way and then dropping down via Gamble Home Farm followed by a short road walk back into Newton.
A great days walk , thanks to all who joined me.
Roger
Sunday October 20th. Jubilee Tower Round. 19 miles. Leader: Roger Jackson.
Seven brave walkers met at 9.00 am in the Royal Pub car park, Tockholes. Disappointingly no dogs turned up ( we may need to review Alfie's position of Canine Liaison Officer in the near future). We set off in high winds and heavy rain, the tail end of storm Ashley, initially dropping down to the country park then following the River Roddlesworth soon reaching the Roddlesworth reservoirs where we turned up right up, through the fields, into the centre of Tockholes Village.
From here we passed Earnsdale and Sunnyhurst Hay reservoirs and went up to Jubilee Tower, where we had a quick picture stop, then followed the main ridge, for about a mile, then turned left to cross a very wet and muddy Darwen Moor to hit the main path down to Blackburn Road. By now the rain had stopped and the weather was actually rather pleasant.
Next we turned right down the main road and then left along Entwhistle reservoir via the top path, stopping for a coffee break and eventually reaching a picturesque view of the water and forest below. Continuing on we joined the long track to Turton tower, turning right, just before the tower itself, to go over Turton Golf Club, here we stopped , in a nice spot, for our lunch break. Then through the golf club, down a minor road and series of tracks to join the Witton Weavers Way just above Stones Bank.
We continued down this route passing Belmont Reservoir , giving us a fine view of the Sailing Club, Belmont in the dip and Winter Hill, in the distance, to eventually arrive at the ruin Hollinshead Hall, our final coffee stop. Finally we continued into the country park and back up to our starting point in the Royal Pub car park, Tockholes.
Many thanks to the brave people ( some may say foolhardy) who joined me
Cheers
Roger
Wednesday October 16th. Wetlands and Waterways. 15 miles. Leader: Hilary Scott.
The title was such an appropriate one for this walk. It was wet, wet, wet all day! So we were soaked through by the time we had finished.
Eleven brave/foolhardy walkers and one dog met at Burscough. Traffic meant the leader was on minutes and we waited for a rail passenger. After a quick pit stop at Tesco we set off in a steady downpour. After some track and field work we were lucky to find an open barn to shelter in for a quick morning coffee. The farm dogs weren't very happy with us though.
Moving on towards Martin Mere with skeins of geese flying overhead the rain relented a little but never completely stopped. No one wanted to look through the bird hides but they were probably all hiding anyway. Crossing over from Martin Mere we made our way to Mere Wood where the cafe offered some respite from the weather. We waited a little longer for a particularly heavy deluge to stop but we had to leave eventually.
It wasn't far from the canal. We made our way along past Rufford Old Hall and found a closed path sign where the path was being repaired. So we ignored it to slip and slide through some lovely mud. A sweetie stop to make up for it and we continued on the canal all the way to Burscough. The trees are starting to turn and there were some lovely Autumn colours to look at.
Thank you to all those who came. We had a laugh despite the weather. East Lancs members are made of tough stuff!
Hilary
Wednesday October 9th. Brief Encounter. 14 miles. Leader: Ann Finnigan.
Embarking on a journey through the Lancashire landscape, a group of intrepid walkers faced the elements with unyielding optimism. Despite the daunting forecast, their spirits remained undampened as they set out from Hest Bank, greeted by the relentless rain. Yet, as if in agreement with their hopeful outlook, the skies cleared, granting them passage along the coastal path. Here, amidst the soggy terrain, nature offered a moment of grace with the sighting of an egret, a serene figure against the backdrop of the wild.
The path unfolded, leading them to Warton Crag, where the earth rose to meet their steps with a muddy embrace. Atop this natural vantage point, they paused, dining amidst the grandeur of the landscape, the estuary sprawling beneath them like a painter's canvas. The descent mirrored their ascent, challenging yet fulfilling, guiding them through the quaint village of Warton and across the fields to Carnforth.
Time, ever the elusive companion, allowed for but a fleeting visit to the historic train station, where the absence of the iconic clock did little to diminish their experience. The journey continued, now alongside the tranquil waters of the Lancaster canal, a gentle guide leading them homeward.
Their final respite came at the Royal Hotel, where camaraderie and refreshments awaited in the welcoming outdoor space. A minor mishap with a forgotten pole became a testament to the kindness of strangers, reinforcing the day's theme of unexpected joys and communal spirit.
As the walk concluded, gratitude filled the air, for the company was indeed unparalleled. Each step, each shared laugh, and each overcome challenge wove together to create a tapestry of memories, a testament to the enduring power of optimism and the bonds forged along the way. Thank you, to all who joined and made this journey not just a walk, but an adventure to remember.
Ann Finnigan AI
