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Thirteen members of the rambling group set off from the Farmers Arms in Bispham Green today for a circular 7 miles ramble through the Chorley countryside. Walking along some quiet lanes we took the 500ft climb though the fields to ascend part way up Harrock Hill to view the ruins of the ancient windmill.

Records show it was in use as a corn threshing mill in  1660 although it is thought to have been destroyed by fire in 1880. Today the ruins are closed off due to falling masonry, however the sockets which would have contained the beams to section off the various floors can still be seen. Access to the windmill necessitated clambering over a very peculiar stile which had a single step on one side but a rather precarious ladder on the other! This, along with 14 other stiles on the walk, certainly ensured everyone had a good workout today! Regrettably there was a lot of cloud cover on the horizon as we climbed the fields to Harrock Hill, but on the day of the walk recce Blackpool Tower, Liverpool skyline and Ormskirk parish church could clearly be seen. Our ramble took us along various quiet country lanes, field tracks and some very overgrown paths, and of course 15 stiles as we meandered from Bispham Green  to the outskirts of Mawdsley, through Hilldale and back to our start point taking in a part of the Mawdsley Jubilee trail. Having started the walk in a chilly breeze and cloud, the sun came out and by the end of the 7 miles several of the group were starting to flag with the heat and were glad to see the welcome sight of the Farmers Arms where a hearty lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Thanks to Gill for helping recce and lead the walk. The next ramble will be led by Ann and Peter and will be in the Rainford Area on 5th August.