Todays walks started from the Windmill Pub and Restaurant, Parbold, where we posed for a group photograph, before separating into two groups for the long and short walks. The weather forecast was not good, with high winds and rain, which would deter most people from venturing out.

LONG WALK

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There were 7 walkers in this group led by myself. The walk was 9 miles long and took 3 hrs 15 mins to complete, including a lunch break. It included some uphill walking, stiles, steps and plenty of mud.

From the windmill we turned right to the ‘T” junction by the Stocks Pub, then crossed the main road and into Bradshaw Lane. We soon found that the footpaths were all very muddy. Having reached the Leeds to Liverpool canal, we turned right along the towpath (also muddy) to Appley Bridge, where we left the canal and walked uphill on the B5375. We then took a footpath, with splendid views of Ashurst Beacon, to Fairy Glen, a local beauty spot, following Sprodley Brook. After crossing a footbridge, a small waterfall could be seen, before climbing the steep stone steps through the glen to the A5209. We then crossed the road and took a footpath uphill past the Boar’s Den Tumulus, an ancient barrow, or burial ground to High Moor, where we had ate our sandwiches by the Rigbye Arms, before descending on a footpath back down to the A5209, near to the entrance to Parbold Hall and what used to be the Wigan Tree Pub, now Miller & Carter restaurant. This is a popular viewpoint with fine views over the Douglas Valley towards Ashurst Beacon. We then descended Parbold Hill for a short distance to view the Parbold Bottle, or beacon. The beacon was erected in 1832 by local dignitaries, to celebrate the passing of the reform act. Many people pass this site, which had good views looking overlooking Parbold Village, without even knowing of it’s existence. It is tucked away just off the main road on the Millennium footpath. After leaving the beacon, we climbed back up the hill and joined the narrow footpath below the summit of Parbold Hill, past the old quarry and right along Wood Lane. Having crossed the railway line on an unmanned crossing, we returned to the Windmill Pub along the canal towpath and joined the other walking group, who were just finishing their meal, for a well earned pint by the roaring log fire.

Ian

SHORT WALK

This walk was led by Sue. It went really well and everyone enjoyed it, helped by the rain keeping away as well! There was a total of 9 walkers on the walk, which started and finished at the Windmill Pub, Parbold. Route distance was 4 miles which took 2 hrs to complete.

From Parbold, we took canal path to Newburgh, then followed paths, which were very muddy in parts, over to Hillock Lane, passed Priors Wood Hall and Down Lane, then back over fields to the canal towpath to finish back at the Windmill. There were plenty of panoramic views to be had, overlooking the surrounding land. At one point we able to see Blackpool Tower quite clearly.

After returning to Parbold, we enjoyed a lovely meal and a drink at the Windmill Pub & Restaurant before heading off home

Thursday 2nd February. Please meet at Windmill Pub, Parbold for a 10:30 start.

2 walks available, 4-5 miles or 8-9 miles. Both include rough terrain and stiles so good walking footwear is essential. Those taking the short walk can have lunch at the pub after the walk. Unfortunately the kitchen closes at 2pm so those taking the longer walk will need to bring a packed lunch.

Contact Marg Kendall for more info.

The first walk of the 2017 season took place this morning. 23 walkers and 2 dogs set out on a cold crispy morning to walk the Lydiate loop. 12 walkers opted for the longer route (approx 7 miles) led by Alan Carr, who walked from Lydiate to Maghull along the `Cheshire lines footpath, circling back to the canal at Melling, and continuing the loop back to our starting point. The remaining 11 ( and the 2 dogs) opted for the slightly shorter 5 mile route led by Judith Jones, taking the same route but missing out the loop to Melling.  Continue reading →

To all of our good friends in the Walking Group:-

The gifts you gave us at the Fiveways today were certainly unexpected and greatly appreciated. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have been the Leader of the walks for the last six years, plotting the routes, printing the maps and contacting the pubs. (If anybody ever opens my phone there are more pub names listed than people.)  In that time  we were in the main blessed with good weather, sadly not today, and who can forget the time at Coniston when the rain came down in torrents but afterwards we all got toasty warm around a great roaring fire at the Crown Hotel. Our main thanks go to you the loyal walkers. Without you and your support there would be no group. With best wishes for the future.

Cheerio and have a good Christmas

Bill and Ann Langham

The new walk programme for 2017 is below. The walks will take place on the 1st Thursday of each month commencing on 5th January.Some walks will require transport to the start point by cars. The walk leader will be available at the coffee morning on the week preceding the walk to give information on the walk and  how to obtain a lift if one is required. Walks will also be published on the noticeboard and announced at the Coffee mornings.

Please note:  the first  walk of the new year will take place prior to the coffee mornings recommencing after the Christmas break. This walk will be on 5th January. Start point is the Running Horses Pub, Lydiate for a 10:30 departure. There is an option to do either a 5 or 8 mile walk. Continue reading →

A walk leaders meeting will be held on Tuesday 29th November, at 11:15 in the coffee room, to finalise the new walk programme for 2017. All walks will now take place on 1st Thursday of each month to prevent clashes with the Architecture group.

It is proposed to organise a selection of walks to suit all abilities, with a short walk being up a maximum of  5 miles and a longer walk up to 10 miles. Walks will start from the same point and walkers can decide which they wish to attempt. Walkers will be  responsible for their own choice depending on their individual fitness levels.. Continue reading →

8th December – Start at 10.30 am from Ormskirk train station going through old Ormskirk, up to Aughton, around Gore Hill Reservoir and down to the Ormskirk Toby for lunch.

Leader Ian Gent

The Toby Carvery requires numbers before we set out, so, if you intend to join us on December 8th please give your name to me at the Walking Desk, or, if I am not there add your name to the list pinned on the notice board.

Bill Langham

Thursday 10th November saw us walking from St Michael’s Station to Princes Park,  Sefton Park , Otterspool Park then lunch at the Otterspool Harvester and finally through the Festival Gardens and back to St Michael’s. The weather was,  in the main,  dry with the occasional sharp shower. My thanks to Margaret Schumacher for leading sixteen of us safely around the course.

Bill Langham