Walk Leader; Andrea Foster

Number on walk: 12

Distance: 13 miles

Weather: Sunshine

10 of us set off from the car park in Mill Lane, Aspull. Doreen and Gareth joined us on route in Borsdane woods as previously arranged and then there were 12.  So sorry to the 3 people who I found out later we had missed meeting up with us, as they went to a different car park opposite the Gerard arms. I hope you enjoyed your walk too. The sun was shining all day for all of us at least.

We wandered through the woods and I talked a little bit about the of History regards Borsdane woods. They have recently been chosen as one of 70 ancient woodland sites dedicated to the Queen in celebration of her platinum jubilee.

Then it was over the main road on Hall lane and crossing into to Hindley golf course. Avoiding flying golf balls we walked through the course along the footpath coming out at Top lock.  

Heading along the Leeds Liverpool canal we took the bridge over the canal (number 60) through Haigh hall park. Another pause for more history regards the occupants of Haigh hall from the 1871 Census and some speculation as to how people lived then with 34 servants. We paused for a lunch break at the café area and continued onto School lane.

Turning right off School lane and through a stables, we crossed two fields with some curious young bullocks who just wanted to say hello and then more cows onto Meadow Pit lane. Then more fields and we followed the main road for a while to Blundell lane skirting the area known as Little Scotland. The route and the clear skies afforded us fabulous views looking up towards Blackrod and Winter Hill.

We passed a tree nursery that sold 'real' ice cream so there was a small detour. Then along footpaths through fields of barley, we paused for a break on the convenient wall at Freezeland farm. From here we joined Riley lane and passed St David's church taking the wooded track down to Holly Nook, emerging through a housing estate and over Wigan road to Aspull civic hall. 

The final leg took us along a country footpath running parallel to Bolton road passing Aspull common and the impressive St Elizabeth's church on the hill and over Hall Lane, through a field and returning safely to the cars near the start of Borsdane woods.

A thoroughly enjoyable day. Thank you to all those who attended.