Midge Walkers

Walk No.  171

Walk from Longton-Brickcroft   20-08-23

This walk has been undertaken before, but then again there are two alternatives. The last time one version was chosen was January 2019 and the other November 2016. Our leader makes no apology for repeating one of these again, as other than it being on his doorstep, it happens to be a particular favourite and has always proved popular with the participants. Today we were favoured with a turnout of 14 and set off at 1.45 p.m. leaving the nature reserve by what could be termed as the rear entrance on to Drumacre Lane West where we turned right.

With the Tara Carr Gutter water course on the left, we continued to the next gated inlet to the second part of the reserve, taking the tree-lined route to skirt the pond where ducks paddled serenely around the edge and soon emerged into Briar Croft where we turned left. Crossing School Lane at the end, we entered a park area opposite by way of a gate, following a path to exit on to Liverpool Rd and turn right. Keeping to the footpath until approaching the corner, we crossed the road and passed the front of the Golden Ball and over Marsh Lane entrance, to reach a Bridleway between 146 and 148 Liverpool Rd.

Passing down this narrow enclosed route brought us in due course to Back Lane where we turned left. After a short distance the tarmac surface gave way to an unmade sector, which we continued along passing Marsh Farm on the right and turning down the side of the next property to cross a stile into a field and emerge on to Grange Lane. Turning right and passing a series of farm buildings, on reaching Pilot’s Cottage we took a gate to the left to enter a field. Following the hedge line until another gate gave access to a series of gates leading us to a raised grass walkway through the marsh area along the Ribble Way. At a point along this route, a wooden bench provided a suitable stopping point for our refreshment break.

Resuming our journey along the verge and continuing to a bridge over a watercourse and taking gates to the left angling across 2 fields, we emerged onto Hall Carr Lane and turned right. Passing a series of farms on the left and around an S bend in the road, we came to a very impressive gated property by the name of “Sunnydene”. The number of cars using the route today made us think the road would have been better called Allcar Lane.

 A little further the remains of a rail bridge were seen and soon after a beautiful display of wild flowers set on the left grass verge. A gate, at this point, gave us access to a long narrow field in the centre of which we were advised used to be a level crossing. Leaving the other end of the field and turning right, found us on Hall Lane. Again, the remnants of a rail bridge were found, which along with the previous ones had operated from 1882 to its demise in the 1960’s at the hands of Mr Beeching.

At the end of the road and crossing Liverpool Rd, we regained our starting point. It was agreed a distance of 5 miles had been covered and that with the weather having been kind to us and the companionship, had all contributed to an enjoyable afternoon.