Twenty Strollers (including a visitor from California) met at Maghull Station for our first stroll of the year. We set off down Rutherford Road and crossed the canal bridge into Bridge Road. Grosvenor Road then led us to Northway where we crossed to reach the footpath alongside the River Alt. After a third of a mile we crossed a footbridge and continued along the other bank for another half mile. We then turned away from the Alt on a footpath along the edge of Jubilee Woods. Once inside the woods, we arrived at the Owl sculpture. The owl was chosen by local schoolchildren to represent the barn owls that nest here. It was designed by Richard Barnbrook and made from birchover sandstone. Leaving the Owl, we walked through the woods to the path along the edge of Dovers Brook. A footbridge took us on to a path leading to Meadway where we left the woods. We then walked up Gainsborough Avenue and crossed Liverpool Road South into Avondale Avenue. At the end of Avondale, we joined the canal towpath back to the Rutherford Road footbridge and our start point at Maghull Station. Here, the volunteer gardeners have made a magnificent colourful floral display at the entrance.
It was great to see everybody again and an enjoyable walk. Thanks to Brian and Brenda for organising and leading the walk. See you all next time.