Walk Leader- Stephen Martin

Number on walk- 12

Distance- 13 miles

Weather- Sunny day

Orrell Water Park to Carr Mill Dam

Well, a change from the recent rain, we were so lucky to have a sunny day with light winds with a temperature of 14 degrees; warm enough to walk in a t-shirt. Twelve members and Edith the Cockerpoo started the 13 mile circular walk from Orrell Water Park to Carr Mill , at 10am.

After leaving Orrell Water Park the paths soon become muddy, deep in places but passible in walking boots.  We weaved our way across fields through Chair Wood, (muddy even in summer) and onto Tatlock’s Hillock before descending and circumnavigating Blackley Hurst Farm. Further paths took us down to Carr Mill Dam were we started on a circular walk of the lake.  Around a third of the way around, at 12.20pm, we took a café break at the Dam Bar and Grill. A walker’s lunch cost £6 for a hot drink, sandwich and bowl of soup. Dogs allowed, with doggy sausages for £1. Edith the cockapoo loved them.

After lunch we headed off to complete the lap of the lake before heading uphill in to the Crank Caverns; a spooky little quarry in the middle of woods with tunnels and caverns.  No-one dared enter them. Leaving the caverns, it was a mile and a half on lanes before the ascent of Billinge Hill (one of 176 Marilyn’s in England, 179m in height), where we took a break.  Leaving the hill behind we dropped down to an old nuclear bunker (now sealed), before we headed across the Promised Land (a South Lancs challenge walk for those who remember), where the only two styles on the whole walk are found.  From here it was all downhill back the Orrell Water Park finishing at 16.00hrs. 

An interesting easy walk but muddy in places.  Everyone enjoyed the walk in an area not unknown to them.

Orrell Water Park - The water park is home to a vast array of wildlife over its two main lakes.  It also has day fishing and a café, although the café only opens at 10.30am

Carr Mill Dam, - A large expanse of water, once a mill pond but now hosts power boat racing and angling events. A café stop at the Dam Bar and Grill for lunch or hot drinks a must. 

The ‘hidden’ sandstone caves at Crank Caverns – a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns. Once a game reserve, quarry and WWII ammunition dump.

The highest point of the walk is Billinge Hill, which boasts as the highest point in Merseyside; great views in all directions.