Appley Bridge to Burscough 22/08/2024
Other commitments reduced our number to seven for this month’s walk and we met at Burscough Bridge Station for the train to Appley Bridge. As we left the station there, the sun battled with some light drizzle. We walked down Appley Lane to the Leeds Liverpool Canal and joined the towpath to head back towards Burscough. The towpath was wide with smooth, sandy coloured, compacted gravel and the sun and drizzle soon called it quits and both disappeared. We were now walking into a slight breeze with occasional views of the River Douglas. There were plenty of canal boats to be seen, both moored and chugging along. We had cheery waves from their crews.As the canal took a sharp left turn at Parbold Dry Dock, we reached the old mill and had a drinks break at a canalside café called “yours is the earth”. After our break we had to cross the canal as the towpath changed sides, giving us good views of the old mill. Further along we saw a cormorant perched on the far bank. He had spotted some lunch in the water and dived in to catch it. We passed the, recently refurbished, Ring O’ Bells pub and soon came to the canal junction with the Rufford Branch. From the bridge here, we could see the locks and picturesque cottages at the start of the branch. The Ainscough Mill soon loomed into view. It was developed in 1855 by Hugh Ainscough (1816 – 1894) on the site of a former windmill. Hugh was responsible for establishing and growing a powerful group of interests that included Ainscough Flour and Corn Millers, Briars Hall Farm and Burscough Stud. The mill had vital supply routes via the canal and the Liverpool to Preston railway line and was a perfect example of a steam powered flour mill. The chimney was looked after by the famous steeplejack Fred Dibnah. The mill finally closed in 1998 having been the biggest employer in the area for many years. It has since been converted into apartments. Our journey ended back at Burscough Wharf where we saw a juvenile cormorant basking on the bank.
Thanks to Bob for organising and leading the walk.