Walk leader: Jane Anthony

Distance: 10 miles

Number on walk: 17

Weather: Dry and sunny

A White Coppice wander

Having discovered last week that Steve’s walk from Rivington was almost identical to the route I had planned, I had to do some rapid re-thinking. Fortunately there are plenty of pleasant paths in the area so the revised route only covered a couple of ‘repeat’ stretches which we did in the opposite direction.

Seventeen walkers and 2 dogs set out in the glorious autumn sunshine. We set off towards Healey Nab, up Hollin Lane to avoid the deep unavoidable mud on the riverside path and before long were off the road and heading up the Nab. After a brief stop on the top to admire the view, we headed down to a good track dropping steadily down to Kays Farm and the road. Some well-placed plastic  covers meant we avoided the worst of the mud on the next off road section through to  the road across the reservoir dam. We then took the short climb up to Yarrow and turned left following the reservoir to the road where a deer was briefly spotted on the bank above. Ten minutes further on we stopped for lunch overlooking Anglezarke reservoir with the luxury of a couple of benches and assorted tree roots / trunks to sit on - a super setting suggested by Sue (as I hadn’t had chance to properly reccy a lunch spot).

After our refreshments we continue along the reservoir then took the path to the east of the Goit, passing White Coppice and climbing up towards Great Hill for a short way to a ruined pub. Then we followed the path along the hillside with good views towards Preston and the coast and after quite a way, dropped into Wheelton plantation. The path here was very wet and muddy slowing progress until we hit the main track down through the woodland down through the woodland. The final mile followed the Goit valley side back to White Coppice and the cars.  

Thanks to everyone who came, especially Sue who helped with the navigation, the voluntary unofficial backmarkers making sure we didn’t lose anyone, and Doreen for taking photos. And I hope you enjoyed the ‘cobbled together’ route.

Jane Anthony

 To see the photos please press Here