Midge Walkers

Walk No.  150

St Leonards Parish Boundary(Penwortham)

This was a somewhat late start to our 2022 series of walks, weather had played its part, but the expectations were, that as we were now well and truly into Spring, we could confidently plan for a series of outings. As such 8 eager participants assembled on the car park at Booths at Penwortham, the temperature was a cool 13 degrees, with a brisk breeze. Setting off at 13.50pm, we passed along Millbrook Way keeping Booths to our right and crossed the roundabout to enter John Horrocks Way, which after a short distance gave way to a path to the left, to enter a tree lined, somewhat muddy bridle-path by the side of Mill Brook which we tracked. Emerging from this onto Broad Oak Lane, we crossed to re-enter the woods and ultimately came out on Pope Lane adjacent to its junction with Penwortham Way.

Crossing to the left side of the road we walked along the grass verge to a lay-bye where a finger post pointed us left down the banking to cross a stile into a field. There seemed little doubt from well-known signs that this area was designated for building and would be another less green field. At the opposite corner, another stile allowed us to exit down a track to Bee Lane. Following this brought us to cross the main West Coast Rail Line and arrive at Leyland Rd where we turned left crossing to the opposite side at the earliest opportunity.

Just prior to Skew Bridge over the railway, a path to the left allowed us to walk parallel to the line, until descending through a field, crossing two more stiles, to arrive on Factory Lane where we following the lane around the Sports Club, where two ladies football matches were taking place. Passing over a foot bridge on the right, brought us to a bowling green which had been the designated spot for our coffee break, as we knew there were seats available.

After rejuvenating ourselves, we continued along the route with the brook to our right and the sports field to our left, we passed through the gate at the end and followed the path signposted “Walton Park and Bamber Bridge”. The embankments in this area indicate the former presence of rail lines, having supported the East Lancashire Railway. We took the footpath sign posted “Preston” rising up the incline, which route had extended the line from Bamber Bridge to Preston in 1850. Continuing along this well-made surface brought us to a point where we took a steep descent down the left side of the embankment, arriving at the side of a stone built tunnel under the path. Angling across the field brought us to the river bank where we viewed the extensive work being carried out to replace the damaged bridge which had necessitated our detour. Turning left, we soon passed under the bridges of the main West Coast Rail Line. To the left extensive work is under way extending the flood defence system which surrounds the town and involves European funding. On the opposite side of the river the site of the Continental Pub could be seen and the playing fields at one time used by English Electric (Dick Kerrs).

Just after regaining the tarmac of Riverside Rd we learned that a ferry used to cross to the opposite side, which continued until the early part of the 20th Century. Passing rows of Victorian houses on our left including “Pleasant View” built in 1888 and “Riverview Terrace” built in 1889, we continued towards the Old Penwortham Bridge which had originally been a toll bridge, built in 1759. Our route cut through a back alley prior to the road end, emerging onto Leyland Rd.

Taking the footpath opposite at the side of Penwortham Methodist Church, we passed allotments on the right and a footpath through into Penwortham Residential Caravan Park on the left, continuing to reach a flight of steps on the left. Arriving at the top, gave us access to a footbridge crossing over the Penwortham By-Pass and formerly the route of the West Lancashire Railway. Turning left brought us to Cop Lane with the school on our right. Here we turned left, crossed the road and returned along Millbrook Way to our starting point.

The forecast had given rain at around 4.00pm, but other than a few drops we had escaped anything adverse. We had covered a distance of around 5.2 miles, and everyone agreed that it had been a most enjoyable time and looked forward to our next outing at the beginning of April.