The rambling group undertook a 10 mile circular walk today in very hot humid weather, although thankfully the sun was behind clouds for most of the walk, Starting out from the Black Horse pub at Limbrick we walked down the very aptly named Long Lane (more about that later) to enter a pleasantly shaded dell and into rough pasture ground.
Even though the day was very warm and humid we walked under a very cloudy sky which shielded us from the sun in the long awaited Indian summer. Crossing the pasture land we came across the first of many stiles and plank bridges that we would encounter today. Nigel and Shirley who led todays ramble had very conveniently forgotten to tell us how many stiles we would have to negotiate….I think we lost count after 8! Following country lanes we walked up the track to Kays Farm and then entered the edges of Nab Hill Memorial Forest, and down a very steep stepped path to the road at the very north end of Anglezarke reservoir. In spite of the previous heavy rains the water level was extremely low but enough for a handful of ducks to enjoy. Passing the lovely Heapey Watermans Cottage we turned into another meadow with well defined paths leading to White Coppice. This is an area that we have walked several times before, but never in September. Today the hillsides were ablaze with heather which was a pleasure to see. Stopping at White Coppice for lunch we noted that the cricket pitch was still in use, with the covers on today, although it must be nearing the end of the cricket season. The pitch is noted to be one of the most uneven in Lancashire, with the batsmen at the downhill edge of the wicket. This little hamlet is so peaceful,, although it was apparently a former mining and quarry settlement, evidence of which we have previously seen on our Great Hill ramble. The cricket hut remains true to the temperance history of the former owners, with no pub or alcohol served from its doors. From here we continued on rough paths to come into Healy Nab, a large wooded knoll overlooking the market town of Chorley and the Lancashire coast in the far distance, although this was shielded today by a shimmering heat haze and the clouds had part and the sun was very much in evidence. Walking though Healey Nab we skirted along the edges of fishing lakes passing through mixed woodlands of pine, oak, birch beech and holly. Leaving the woodland behind we crossed yet more step stiles, by will numbering well into the teens, and took the bridge over the motorway to reach a little bridge spanning the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Following the tow path for a little way we left it at Bridge 75 to cross into more pastureland leading us back to Limbrick. By this time the temperature had ramped up and the aforementioned Long Lane lived up to its name as we trudged up the steep incline in baking heat to eventually be welcomed back into the cool shade of the Black Horse pub where a variety of cold drinks were quaffed with relish! Thanks to Nigel and Shirley for undertaking the recce and leading the group on another lovely varied ramble.