Botany Bay, Chorley. Tues. 7.11.17
The Pictures:-
To view all Stan's pictures taken on the walk click 'Here' then click on first picture to view in full screen and again on small arrow on right to continue. To see captions click 'i' top RH corner.
The Walk:-
Walk leader - John Evenden
Distance - 11.5 miles
Number on walk - 22
Weather - Light rain at first, dry later.
Starting from Botany Bay following the tow path to bridge 74 then descending to cross the river Yarrow then the A6. Through Duxbury Park and woods passing the headless snake and the old pit shaft. A short stop at the weir. Despite a good volume of water there were no salmon or sea trout. Lunch was taken at Yarrow Valley café (rain free). Limited facilities caused a slight delay but all were eager to move onto the muddy section by the riverside and ponds emerging onto common bank lane. Now back on better surface and heading for Astley Park passing the Sensory Garden and war memorial emerging from the park at the main gates. Passing the boarded up Swan with Two Necks and empty tax offices we ascended the step to the old chapel passing the House of Sir Henry Tate of Tate and Lyle fame. The front runners missed this! Over the new railway bridge and through the grassed area, re-crossing the M61 and back on the tow path to Botany Bay finishing at 3pm. Everybody seemed to enjoy the walk despite the mud.
John Evenden
PS Botany Bay refers to an area on the outskirts of Chorley alongside the Leeds Liverpool canal. It was instrumental in transport for the North West of England and was home to several mills during the industrial revolution. The earliest proof of settlements in the Botany Bay area, formerly known as Knowley Moss dated back to 1734 as shown on the map of Chorley at this time. It was not until the late 18th century that Knowley began to develop further when the site was earmarked as the main port for the Chorley area. During the construction of the Lancaster Canal, Botany Bay played host to the canal workers and it is believed the name Botany Bay originated from around this time. Due to the nature of the navies occupying the area the locals saw it as an area to be avoided, much like the penal colony at Botany Bay Australia.
