Leader: Jaqui

No on walk: 13

Distance: 24.5 miles

Weather: Sunny spells all day

To celebrate its 40th anniversary West Lancs group decided to re-run a few of their early challenge walks, the Sirloin Stroll is one of them.  First run in 1989 but abandoned when someone decided to install a pipeline and build the M65.  The original route description turned out to be remarkably accurate apart from the M65 and a few new housing estates.

A nice group of 13 started on Saturday morning 8.30am. just yards from the original start point. On leaving Whittle-le-woods we went through the first of the new houses but a red brick structure mentioned in the route description  was still there. A WW2 gun emplacement made into a well preserved memorial.

Our way led through fields to reach Healey Nab cairn and a pause to enjoy the first of many excellent views. At White Coppice we had our morning break, sat in the sunshine, overlooking the cricket pitch.  We followed the Goit and then uphill  to Brinscall waterfalls.  A short stretch of road took us up onto the moor with great views to the coast.  We dropped down to the River Roddlesworth and then to Ryal Fold and lunch.  A few teapots appeared from the teashop to help with the sandwiches.

We continued past Roddlesworth Reservoir to eventually reach Abbey village, Withnell and down to the canal at Withnell Fold.  The canal took us to Riley Green and then Hoghton Tower ( of Sirloin fame ).  From Hoghton church we went via Brindle, Top o'the lane and Denham Quarry to take a nearly straight line back into Whittle-le-woods.

The weather was excellent all day.  A fine walk .... good company .... a very good day.

To see photos click ‘here’