Beacon Bash Part 1


 

Walk Leader: Stephen Martin

Number on walk: 20

Distance: 12.5 miles

Weather: Sunny and dry

 

The first part of the two part Beacon Bash started at 10am on the car park at Bramble Lane, Parbold WN8 7HZ.  There where nineteen LDWA members and one guest who attended.

They day started with a light breeze and partial sunshine heading out over the Leeds Liverpool canal and a short divert to Douglas Chapel, the location marked with a cross, (see photo). 

Built around 1420, it was demolished in 1875 and the stone used to build a school half way up Parbold Hill. Continuing along the canal we took a left turn over the canal and railway before passing Gillibrand House and ascending Parbold Hill.  It was a steep climb on an overgrown path traversing a small quarry; one of many on the route.  To the left was once an active quarry and refuse tip, now grassed over.  To the right, Peters Moore’s estate and an old golf course.  At the top of the hill, fourteen of the group walked the short distance to the ‘Bottle’ a monument to commemorate the Reform Act 1832.  A great view point over Lancashire plains. We reciprocated back to the remainder of the group and across the busy A5209 to High Moor.  After a short drinks stop we about turned to head back down to Parbold, along Lancaster Lane, turning right just passed Parbold Douglas school heading up Hunter Hill.  Two of the fields had cows with their calves and each having a bull.  Although one bull and a few calves where inquisitive they posed no threat at all.  With the sun out and a welcome breeze a twenty five minute lunch break was taken around 12.35 at the top of Hunters Hill quarry.   The great views and a free use of a telescope made the stop even more enjoyable, could have stayed longer.

After lunch it was a quick descent down Bannister Lane to Jackson’s Lane before the final steep climb up Harrock Hill and to the Harrock Old Windmill; mentioned in documents dated 1660 and on the first OS map of 1840.  The windmill was destroyed by a fire in 1880, however a good proportion still remains.  From here was quite level before a gradual descent down to High Moor and eventually to the A5206 before crossing and into Fairy Glenn.  Passing another small quarry in the glen a left turn across fields took us to Appley Lane North, down to Appley Bridge and the Leeds Liverpool canal.  A nice gentle walk returned us back to the start at around 15.45hrs.

A great day had by all.

 

Stephen Martin