Walk Leader: Stephen Martin

Number on walk: 17

Distance: 9 miles

Weather: Bright blue sunny sky

The 9 mile walk started at the entrance to Lathom House estate blessed by a light wind and sunshine.  A short walk up the private drive brought a view of the west wing of Lathom House, the only remaining part of what once was a very fine and large building. Further down the drive took us to Lathom Chapel where a very interesting 20 minute talk on the Remount (War Horses) was given by Dorothy Hawkes of Lathom Trust.  Light refreshments and information was also available.

Upon leaving the chapel the path took us past the Alms houses and across muddy fields onto the rear of Blythe Hall, a race horse training facility.  We then proceeded through further muddy fields onto the remains of Burscough Abbey; demolished on orders of Henry VIII even though his own family where buried there.  The bodies of his family and some of the bells where removed to St Peter and Paul’s church Ormskirk seen in the far distance.

On leaving Abbey through Abbey Farm camp site the walk went along Blythe Lane passing an identifiable resting point for the coffin bearers on their way to the Abbey or Lathom Chapel.  After crossing more fields along tracks the walk took us along Lady’s Walk into Ruff Wood where we stopped for lunch. 

After lunch the walk went to Westhead, down Castle Lane and past Lady’s Wood.  The walk then picked up the last ¾ mile of the war horse trail along Cranes Lane back to the entrance to Lathom estate.

An enjoyable and informative walk had by all 17 attendees.

Stephen Martin