16 of us set off from Maghull today and made the very short journey to the outskirts of Leigh where we started our walk around Pennington Flash Country Park. This 200 hectare country park is located between Leigh and Lowton in Greater Manchester, but we could have been miles away from the urban conurbations. The 70 hectare lake at the centre of the park was formed as a result of mining subsidence and flooding. This has now created a haven for wildlife and is known as one of the UK’s premier sites for bird watching, which might be of interest to the bird watching group. There are many bird hides located throughout the park, which apparently attract over 6000 birdwatchers annually.Having left Maghull in persistent rain we were pleased to see the sun breaking through the clouds and by the time we started our walk the rain had dried up and we were treated to a clear day with lots of lovely winter sunshine. The walkers started the route together and soon reached the tow path of the Leigh branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. The route was good with views over open farmland and several information boards which bore the legend of the former mining industry in the area. Old lock gates which have been removed from the canal have been transformed into a wooden sculpture and erected on the canal side. Further along the canal we came across a Marina surrounded by very desirable housing which must be a great location to live. Having walked for around 5 miles the groups split, with the short walking group starting on the return journey back to the park, whilst the other group continued on the same route and added a few extra miles to the walk. Coincidentally the groups converged again on our return leg and we all returned to the start point together, although there was a minor diversion towards the end of the walk where some of us were led along the wrong route! Still this added an extra few hundred steps to the daily step count for those with fitbits! Having divested of muddy walking boots and winter layers, we crossed the road to the Robin Hood pub where we enjoyed a good lunch and various drinks and relaxed and reflected on a lovely 6 or 8 mile walk depending on the route taken. Thanks to Alan and Peter for undertaking the recce and leading the walks.
The final walk of 2018 will be on Thursday 6th December, and will leave from the entrance to Tesco Car park in Burscough at 10:30. There will be one walk of approx. 5 miles after which we will enjoy a Christmas meal at the Hopvine. No need to book to walk, just turn up, suitably dressed, at the start point.