Walk Leader: John Clarke

Number of walkers: 12

Distance: 13.8 miles

Weather: Warm sunshine

This walk commenced and ended on Whinns Lane, Wheelton. 

From the start point the group dropped down onto the tow path of the Leeds to Liverpool canal. This particularly attractive section of the canal was followed through to Riley Green where a path was taken through to the Royal Oak public house. The lane alongside the pub was taken and the path across the fields located in front of Hoghton Tower was then followed to the lane leading to the tower itself. This provided the group with some splendid views of the tower and some history of the building and the estate was provided by the walk leader.

The group crossed Blackburn Road onto Station Road in Hoghton where a lightly used path by the side of the railway was taken to Gib Lane. This lane was followed for a short distance before the group picked up the path through the fields to Bolton Hall, where one of Lancashire's great views across the river Darwen Valley was enjoyed in the early spring sunshine. Upon reaching the WW2 bunker near Bolton Hall some input about the areas important use during the war was provided by the walk leader. 

The group then followed the lane which runs by the side of the railway into Hoghton Bottoms where the path by the side of the River Darwen was followed beneath England's highest railway bridge through the spectacular Hogg gorge to Pleasington. Lunch was taken in the warm sunshine by the canal at Pleasington. 

The canal was then followed back towards the start point with a deviation to pass Ollerton Fold and to take in the pretty village of Withnell Fold which a number of the group had not visited previously.

From Withnell Fold the group then followed the canal back to the start point.

Post walk most of the group retired to the excellent cafe on Whins lane where the outdoor seating area which affords excellent views across the stunning river Lostock valley was enjoyed whilst tea, coffee and cake was gratefully consumed. 

Overall a fantastic days walking  with a super group in one of Lancashires great areas.