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
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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
The next walk will take place on Thursday 6th April, leaving from Sankey Valley Heritage Visitor Centre, Blackbrook Road, St Helens, WA11 0AB. Please meet at the venue in time to start the walk at 10:30. As usual there will be 2 walks, 5 miles and 9 miles, both commencing at the same point. Both walks will follow a route around Carr Mill Dam, with the longer walk having difficult terrain in parts. Please wear appropriate footwear irrespective of which walk you undertake. Those taking the shorter walk can have lunch at the Ship Inn. A packed lunch is advised for those on the longer route but they will join the other walkers for a drink at the end of the walk. See notice on board for more information.
