Midge Walkers

Walk  No. 76

Broadgate / Walton le Dale  21st March 2015

Following the two successful walks in January, the scheduled outing in February was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. However the planned route was still undertaken in March.

Starting from the Continental pub at the bottom of South Meadow Lane, the 8 adults and Henry the black lab, set off at 2.00 p.m on a glorious spring day with the sun shinning, albeit a slight nip in the air.

Our route took us along the river bank skirting both Miller and Avenham parks, until we reached the old tram bridge which we crossed and took the route of the well used Tram Road towards Lostock Hall.

Having been educated concerning the various inclines on the way which necessitated various mechanical means to assist the vehicles to negotiate the route, we took what was termed a “technical diversion” to view the lodge which served to feed the steam boilers of the Vernon’s Mill.

Regaining the pathway and continuing our route it was apparent that the weather had influenced many other walkers and cyclists of all ages to take advantage of the outdoors.

Crossing Todd Lane North, our route continued towards Bamber Bridge where, after a short distance we came upon a welcome seat, where we stopped for our now traditional coffee break. It was whilst taking this relaxation that a burly Irishman who perhaps had taken advantage of his own type of sustenance found in the tins he was carrying, proceeded to give us an account of some of his past life in the Emerald Isle and the reasons for deserting it and settling locally.

Emerging onto London Way, we crossed to enter Dog Kennel Wood on the east side of the main road. We were immediately confronted with a style which we were expressly forbidden to climb and took the pathway which meandered through the undergrowth to emerge eventually onto Hennel lane. Taking the footpath on the opposite side brought us to the banks of the River Darwen which we followed to its junction with the Ribble. Turning left the route returned us along the river bank and under the tram bridge which we had crossed some two hours plus earlier. Continuing to the next former railway bridge, we took the pathway to return over this bridge to regain the park side of the river and hence back to our starting point at around 5.00 p.m.

Henry had been our constant companion throughout the day and no doubt like the rest of us would enjoy a good night’s sleep having covered an unspecified mileage but as ever was quoted at 4.5 miles.

P.R.L.