17 ramblers took part in a 7 miles circular walk from Bold Heath to the Dream today. After the brilliant sunshine of yesterday, the day was overcast and cloudy but it was an ideal day for walking as was warm but not too sweltering. The route took us from the busy main road to the bridge over the M62 motorway but then onto the paths and byways of Clockface country park. This is a 57 acre park developed on the reclaimed land of the former Clockface colliery.
From the vantage point it was once possible to view Winter hill, Daresbury science park, and the Liverpool skyline, however the trees have grown at such a rate that the distant views are now only visible during the winter months. From here we walked along good paths, passing the well stocked fishing pond to cross the main road into Sutton Manor park, another reclaimed mining area along the aptly named Miners Way, an old mineral railway route. This route led us upward on a couple of steep climbs to the focal part of the walk at The Dream. This takes the form of the head and neck a 9-year-old girl that has been elongated by a third. Her eyes are closed in quiet contemplation, dreaming not only about her future but also that of the former colliery site and St Helens. It stands 20 metres high and the foundation goes over twice that depth below ground. Having paused here for a brief snack we continued on our route which took us under the motorway and along the route of the former mine railway, before crossing the fields and returning to our start point. With Covid restrictions being eased we were able to have a meal in the Griffin Inn at the end of the walk, albeit on tables of 6 to comply with the current regulations. So a little bit more of a normal rambling event in lovely summer weather. Our next ramble will be in the Northwich area on 1st July. Details to follow.