Eighteen stramblers met at the Weld Blundell to walk the Lydiate Loop, hoping to finish before the afternoon’s forecast rain. We took Pilling Lane to reach the Leeds Liverpool Canal and went south on the towpath to Bells Lane. After a short distance we turned into the field and crossed a bridge over Maghull Brook to emerge on to Green Lane. Passing the “toy soldier” Queen’s Guard we made our way to the Cheshire Lines path and followed it for a mile and a quarter before making our way through fields to Southport Road. We crossed the road and walked through Our Lady’s Church grounds to Hall Lane. Leaving the lane, we passed “The Jumps” horse race training track coming back to the canal. After a short break, we followed the towpath back to the Mersey Boat Club and took Pilling Lane back to the Weld Blundell. With even a few sunny spells, we had missed the rain and were ready for our lunch.
Thanks to Anne for organising (and re-organising) the walk and meals.