Walk Leader: John Clarke

Number on walk: 10

Distance: 16 miles

Weather: No rain !

As a result of recent heavy rain causing flooding along a large number of sections of the original planned route of this walk a last minute major change of route had to be implemented. Despite this the original planned distance was to a large degree adhered to. Original planned distance 15 miles. Actual walk distance 16 miles.

The route took the group initially along the Leeds to Liverpool canal, down through the pretty section of locks at Johnsons Hillock, to the point it meets the Lancaster canal. The canal was followed through Chorley and on towards Adlington. As the group approached the Duxbury area they were rewarded with a rare sightings of a Kingfisher. On reaching the lane at the rear of Fredricks Ice Cream shop the group left the canal and made its way through woods to Long Lane at Heath Charnock. On crossing Long Lane they took Hut Lane onto Water Street and then onto Back Lane. Due to the very wet condition of the path beside the reservoir the group remained on Back Lane travelling across Kenyon Embankment. As the group climbed the path to the Yarrow reservoir the noted the very high volume of water that was flowing along the wide overflow gully linking the Yarrow reservoir to the Anglezark one below, certainly no one in the group had previously witnessed such a high level flowing between the two, it certainly made for a spectacular sight and sound and also provided a very clear indication of the amount of rain which has fallen in the area recently.

From the Yarrow reservoir the group dropped back down to the side of the Anglezark one which was followed through to the Watermans Cottage at its northern tip. From here it was a short distance to the lunch stop by White Coppice cricket pitch. 

The group then followed The Goit to Brinscall where School Lane was taken through the village to Sandy Lane which was followed across the fell side to Oakmere Avenue. Some excellent views of the Lancashire plane and coast were observed from here. 

Oakmere Avenue was followed to Blackburn Road which was crossed onto Withnell Fold Lane. The lane was followed down through the stunning Victorian workers model village of Withnell Fold. On leaving the village the group rejoined the canal which was followed back through to the start point.

Thankfully the weather was dry and for the most part sunny which really allowed the group to fully appreciate the amazing Autumn colours that were prevalent for virtually all of the walk, particularly along sections of the canal, Rivington and along The Goit.

A fantastic days walking enjoyed by all.