13 members of the Rambling group met at Astley Hall near Chorley this morning to undertake the Chorley Circuit. Led by Ann and Peter we set off promptly and started to explore the countryside, canals and parks surrounding the Lancashire town of Chorley. The route was said to take a little over 9 miles. but as is usual on our rambles a couple of wrong turns saw us complete a circuit of a little over 11 1/2 miles!
The hall itself was built in the reign of Elizabeth I, and is rumoured to have once housed Oliver Cromwell in 1648 during the battle of Preston. The house is undergoing refurbishment at the moment, but when open functions as a museum and art gallery. Walking through the park we took a short circuit of Chorley Town, before joining the Leeds Liverpool Canal for a 2 1/2 mile stretch. Persistent rain over the last few days meant that the towpath was very muddy, but nothing like we encountered further in the walk! Having left the canal we walked through Yarrow Valley park. This 50 hectare park has a broad area of woodland, with lodges and picnic areas. Following the banks of the River Yarrow we saw the weir and the fish pass which had a spectacular flow due to the recent rains. Continuing along the banks of the Yarrow we then walked through part of Duxbury Woods where the afore mentioned mud ( and a diversion due to missing the path) meant that the going was slow and heavy, with a great deal of mud being transported on walkers boots! Some 4 hours and 11 1/2 miles later we returned back to Astley Park, where lunch was enjoyed in the cafe ( no pub stop today!) and plans were made for the 2022 ramble calendar. Thanks to Ann and Peter for the recce and leading today. The next ramble is a closed ramble to the regular walkers only as it encompasses our Xmas meal. Normal rambles will resume on 6th January and will use public transport onto the Wirral. Details to follow.