Burrs Country Park. Tuesday 11.8.15

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To view in greater clarity all pictures taken on the walk, click 'here' then click 'slideshow'

The walk today was from Burrs Country Park, Bury with Jean Bobker at the helm and leading the way for our group of 12. Earlier in the week the forecasters had predicted a sunny day, but alas they failed us to a point by sending us lots of cloud although, in their favour, it did remain dry.

The route itself took us along Bury's cycleway in the direction of the Town centre, then by-passing it by going under a subway to Buckley Wells (Bury Grammar School). Continuing past Elton Reservoir and the sailing club, we then crossed a disused railway track and Cockley Moor Road, on the outskirts of Ainsworth, as we headed towards Old Barn and the reservoirs beyond, which were an ideal setting for lunch. One light moment on our way to there was when we passed a rope swing, no doubt set up for some local kids. What is it about a swing that's irresistable, even to ones of 'mature years' We tried for a while, but obviously wild horses weren't going to get Jean onto it. As it was Ken (N) or 'Gadget Ken'stepped into the breach and the necessary photos were taken. From his facial expression afterwards, we all hope his manhood isn't too badly afected! 

Now for the rest of the afternoon. From the reservoirs (or at least after Jean had finished feeding the ducks), we continued uphill onto the end of Bentley Hall Road at Old Holts, then carried on to the partly hidden trig point, a short distance from The Height. The next point of interest was the beautiful garden at Hill End Farm with the horse feature on the front lawn. After passing the old Pack Horse Inn at Affetside, it became obvious that Jean's planned walk was going to prove too long for the day, therefore once we had descended the ancient packhorse path to reach Two Brooks Farm, we short cutted along pleasant field path that followed the valley, then back to the road and through the centre of Tottington to a disused railway, now a footpath and cycleway. This led us back almost to the end of our walk, where a short section of road took us to our cars.

Thanks Jean for a varied 12,5 mile walk in good company. Pity about the overgrown paths, which we all realise aren't easy to avoid at this time of year.

Stan.