Peter Eykelenboom wrote:
As a result of holidays, family commitments and injuries, the group was reduced to 5 participants. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant sunny morning as we set off from the Mere Sands Wood visitor centre. Initially following a path through the edge of the woods before leaving the nature reserve and passing the local cricket field (unsurprisingly no match in progress on a Thursday morning). We then proceeded along a boardwalk beside a “sluice” – this path eventually led to the main A59 where we crossed over and reached a swing bridge over the canal. Just as we got there, two boats were passing through so we had a brief pause until the bridge was returned to its closed position (with a token gesture of help from ourselves).
We turned north along the towpath passing a pair of swans and their nest and continuing for about a mile and a half past the marina and the rear of Rufford Old Hall on the far bank. Leaving the canal, we crossed back over the A59 and continued past a building that had been converted into a row of houses. This building had the appearance of once having been a hospital wing – which would tie up with the adjacent Rufford New Hall’s one–time use as a hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis.
The path next took us across fields of carrots and lettuces until we reached Holmeswood where we walked down a lane and then turned along the side of another sluice that shortly led us back to Mere Sands. Arriving back at the visitor centre we got ourselves cups of tea and a light snack which we just managed to finish as the rain started – pretty good timing.
All agreed it was an enjoyable outing.
Great photos, looks like a good walk