Whittle le Woods - 10th May 1014

Despite a weather forecast which was not particularly promising, 8 adults 2 children and Molly the dog met in the car park of the Malthouse Farm Hotel, Wheelton at 10-45. The walk was to cover a distance of 6 miles which we were shown in black and white, extracted from a web site of some considerable repute.

Unfortunately, Molly can’t read and she spent a lot of free time off the lead dashing ahead and then returning, probably covered a distance well in excess, but since she had four legs compared to our two it probably averaged out to more or less the same per pair of legs.

The walk started along the towpath of the Lancaster canal link, which soon ended having been filled in way back at the construction of the M61 motorway. We continued past the site of an old brick works and dropped down to traverse through tunnels which took us under the Motorway and had originally been some 250 yards in length. The latter stage bore a sign dating the commemoration of the first long boat to use the section being in 1803. In due coarse we emerged into the centre of Whittle le Woods and walked along the road to a position where we again deviated past new housing to emerge into woodland. It was here we stopped to eat our sandwiches.

Not for the first time, having just completed eating, we were subjected to a sudden downpour and sheltered under the trees for a short time.

Journeying on we passed the site of a stone cross erected as a memorial to St Helens Holy Well.

The walk continued across open fields having crossed back over the Motorway and climbed to take in truly magnificent views ranging from Darwen Tower and Winter Hill in one direction to the distant views of Preston and had the visibility been better the Fylde Coast although it was just possible to distinguish Blackpool Tower.

Our return route brought us past the site of the old Chorley Work House (for the Poor and Lunatics) and again brought us to the canal tow path of the Leeds/ Liverpool canal and hence back to our starting point.

This had been one of the most interesting walks and with its variety of terrain stimulated interest at all levels.

The research preceding these walks constantly adds to our knowledge of areas invariably on our doorstep that surprisingly otherwise we would know little about.

Thanks to all who participated and made it an enjoyable occasion.

P.R.L.

Midge Walkers

Walk  No. 65