Midge Walkers

Walk No.  164

Ribbleton/Red Scar-19th February 2023

This walk had previously been undertaken early in 2018 and 2016, partly because it was known to be on good pathways, no stiles and table top flat. Setting off from the Morrison’s store on Blackpool Rd, the 12 participants which included Laura, the sister of Jane who had joined us for the first time on New Year’s Day, set off at just before 2.00 pm, taking the route along the disused rail line towards Longridge. This line erected in 1839 had primarily been used for the transportation of stone from the Longridge quarries to Preston. Obviously being a former rail line the route was straight, passing under a couple of bridges until arriving at Gammull Lane where a station formerly existed.

Crossing the road and continuing along the track, brought us to a bridge over the M6 and along a further stretch to emerge onto Bluebell Way. Cautiously traversing this busy road, we followed the path to the rear of the Booths distribution centre and after a short distance branched right following the Guild Wheel sign. This brought us to Longridge Rd where we turned left and at a suitable point took advantage of the pelican lights to gain the opposite side and  turn into Crematorium Ave. Partway down, a path to the left allowed us to enter a tree lined route where the River Ribble could be viewed to the left at intervals meandering through the valley below. Emerging from the trees, a picnic bench provided a suitable stopping point for those with refreshments to partake.

Resuming our course across the field, we again crossed the M6 to branch left and enter Grange Park. The route through passed the site of what had been Ribbleton Hall, built in 1865 for a one-time Mayor of Preston and solicitor Thomas Birchall. The building passed through many other uses over the years until its final demolition in 1955. From the Park, the path took us over open ground to emerge into a housing area adjacent to Ribbleton Hall Drive and we made our way through the housing to cross Ribbleton Ave into Chatburn Rd. Making our way to the end of the road, we again joined the converted rail route heading back to our starting point.

We returned to the car park just over 2 hours after departing, and based on previous history believed that we had travelled just under 5.5 miles. Whilst the temperature had been quite chilled, the weather had been fine and the walking kept us warm. For some this was the first time undertaking this walk, for others a vague remembrance, but without doubt everyone agreed that it had been an enjoyable outing and looked forward to the next get together on the 26th March.