Midge Walkers

Walk No.  202

Bamber Bridge / Higher Walton circular - 1/2/26

As we are in February, we were quite prepared for typical wintery weather, but surprisingly, it was dry and mild. Ten walkers met at Bamber Bridge Methodist Church and set off at 1.50 pm to travel up Mounsey Road, onto Brown Street and then Cambridge Road. At the end of the road, we encountered a narrow pathway alongside the railway line which was very overgrown with brambles which were intent of making us fall. Luckily, no one did

We took the bridge over the train tracks, remembering that this used to be a gated pedestrian crossing. The bridge was a welcome change for safety reasons. Again, following the railway line, we eventually passed under a concrete bridge supporting the M6 motorway and then past some allotments and out onto Brindle Road. We crossed over the road and branched down Shuttling Fields Lane which eventually became an unmade road.

We passed under two bridges which turned out to be the two access roads taking traffic between the M6 and M61 motorways. We continued until we came to Middle Shuttling Fields Farm. This was an opportunity for several people to take photos of the animals before we continued, taking a sharp right-hand bend and then a left before we crossed a bridge over Drum Head Brook. The road twisted, turned and climbed which took us past Many Brooks Farm, obviously named after the stream running alongside us. In the distance, we could see the spire of Higher Walton Church, but in time, we emerged onto Gregson Lane where we turned left onto Blackburn Road. After a short time, we turned down Church Street, through a passageway and onto Brook Street where we found a bench which made it a suitable place for drinks break and photo opportunity.

Suitably refreshed, we again followed Many Brooks Stream and onto Kittlngbourne passing the old Coupes Foundry. Halfway up the hill, we passed no. 57, a house that had acquired several interesting pieces of architecture to adorn what used to be two cottages which was now just one house. Reaching the top of the hill and again crossing the M6 motorway (on a bridge) we turned left to follow the edge of Walton le Dale High Schools sports field and out onto Brindle Road. We turned left and walked to Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, then progressing through the park and out onto Station Road.

Our starting point was again in view and our four-and-a-half-mile walk completed in two hours. Thanks again go to Rodney for safely leading this easy, interesting walk!