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Because of holidays and other commitments the Rambling Group was very depleted yesterday with just 5 members walking. We set out from Maghull on a dull morning but had hopes the weather forecast might not be accurate, By the time we were travelling along the M65 towards Bolton we realised our hopes were in vain and wet weather gear was donned as soon as we arrived at Jumbles Country Park. We have walked in this area before and always had good weather, as Peter did on the recce which can be seen in the lovely sunny photos in the slideshow.

Sadly today our hopes were not to be as the slight drizzle increased to a more persistent rain, then a horizontal downpour. However undeterred we set of to walk the three reservoirs Jumbles, Wayoh and Entwistle. Taking a different route to previous walks in this area we walked along the edge of the reservoir through lovely forests and woods which gave us a little shelter from the rain. Wildlife is abundant in this area and with the use of a clever phone app, Alan was able to identify many of the birds we heard singing in the trees. Jumbles reservoir was originally created to ensure there was adequate water supply for the industries in the surrounding area, but is not largely used for leisure activities such as canoeing and sailing. Leaving the reservoir we walked across country and open moorland and at this point faced the worst of the rain which was now a torrential downpour. As we were relatively high up the views should have been good but sadly today all we saw was mist in the distance and black clouds overhead, After walking up the main road for a little we took the turning towards Turton Tower. This is a Manor House which is a scheduled ancient monument and is a Grade I listed building.  Originally built in the middle ages as a two storey stone tower it was altered and enlarged in the 16th century. Now owned by Blackburn and Darwen council it is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday between March and November and is well worth a visit to both house and grounds. At the end of the driveway is a crenelated bridge over the single track line of the East Lancashire railway. we were lucky enough to see a train passing underneath and the driver gave us a toot on the horn and a cheery wave as he passed by. Probably thinking ” look at those poor soaking wet ramblers!” From here we continued along the moorland paths until we came to a clearing where it was decreed to be lunch time. Having lunch in a wooded area where you get wetter every time the wind blows on the trees is not to be recommended and needless to say we didn’t linger too long. At this point there was a very brief discussion as to whether we should continue our original route to circumnavigate the edge of Entwhistle reservoir which would add another 2 miles to our walk. Needless to say the answer was a resounding “no” so we took the route across the bridge and walked towards Wayoh reservoir instead, which was a shame as Entwhistle is probably the nicest part of the route as can be seen by the recce photos. Built in 1876 Wayoh is still the main water supply for the Bolton area and has been increased in size and a  water treatment plant added at its south end and can now supply 10 million gallons of drinking water daily. Descending the steps at the end of the reservoir we came across the welcome site of the Black Bull Pub and as we were now mostly soaked through to the skin decided to have a lovely hot drink in this very welcome hostelry! It was only as were were leaving, having been somewhat warmed by coffees and hot chocolates that we realised we had left numerous puddles behind where our clothes had dripped onto the floor! Typically on leaving we  found that there were blue skies overhead, the rain had stopped and the sun came out! At least the last part of our ramble gave us a chance to dry off a little. Walking along the side of Jumbles reservoir again we saw the first other walkers we had encountered throughout the day. They were as wet as we were and passed by stating “glad we aren’t the only daft ones!”  The final part of the walk took us back through the country park along woodland paths and alongside meandering streams and finally back to the carpark where soggy coats, socks and shoes were bundled into the boot before we headed for home. Though it was a very wet ramble we realised it was the first time this year we had had a wet walk and in spite of the state we were in all remained cheerful and agreed it had been a good 8 mile walk through a lovely area. Thanks to Peter for undertaking the recce and leading us, but can you sort the weather next time please?