Walk Leader- John Clarke

Number walking- 23

Distance- 6.5 miles

Weather- Sunny

This walk commenced at 10.30 from The Hunters public house in Walton Le Dale, Preston. 

The route initially followed the old tram way onto Todd Lane North where after following a short section of this road it turned onto the disused railway at Lostock Junction. The group followed the railway which is now a footpath/cycleway north towards Preston before rejoining the old tramway just south of the river Ribble.

Here the group followed a farm track through fields before joining another disused railway path which was followed into Lower Penwortham. 

After another short road section the group crossed the river Ribble by means of the historic Penwortham bridge. The river was followed into Miller Park where the group took lunch in the lovely early afternoon sunshine.

Post lunch the group took a short walk from Miller Park, through a section of Avenham Park, into Preston to explore the Georgian heart of the city in Winkley Square before returning to take in the full Victorian splendor of Avenham Park. 

From the park the group crossed back over the river by means of the old Lancashire and Yorkshire railway bridge before picking up the path that runs directly alongside the river. This path was followed to the point the river Darwen joins the Ribble, here the group turned away from the river and picked up a path through Carr Wood back to the start point.

On arrival back a number of walkers took advantage of the Hunters hospitality for some very enjoyable post walk refreshments.  

A great days walking through an area many members taking part had not explored before.