Midge Walkers

Walk No.  147

Heath Charnock-24th October 2021.

Today’s walk was a new one to our repertoire and other than the reconnoitre, not been walked by the group before. A group of 10, which included a new member Paul, and Molly the dog, assembled on the outskirts of Chorley, just off Carr Lane, ready for the off at 2.10 p.m.

Leaving the cul-de-sac through the narrow path brought us into Duxbury Manor Way, where we turned left, continuing to the B5252 where we turned right and after a couple of hundred yards, crossed to pass by a metal gate onto a tree lined country path. After a short distance, we branched right, adjacent to a wooden kissing gate, to start the ascent of an incline and soon crossed a short slatted wooden bridge, to continue the climb. The Yarrow River could be seen to our left in the valley below and our route soon descended to continue around this portion of the Chorley Circular Walk. Bearing right and keeping the River on our left, intermittent woodcarvings added interest to the scene, and eventually two bench seats were found on the river bank, having been placed as a fitting memorial to a former walker.

Keeping on this course, well strewn with the fallen leaves from surrounding trees, we arrived at a bridge and having crossed it, negotiated a short slope, finishing with some stone steps, to enter an open field. Crossing this we passed through a gate, to follow a path with a wire fence to our left and continued down to meet the Yarrow again. Another bridge 220yds further, allowed us to head up a path and exit the trees into another open field where we headed diagonally towards an opening and continue with the hedge on our right.

Having attained the highest point, views of the surrounding landscape could be clearly seen, including Winter Hill and Darwen Tower. Moving forward with the hedge on our left, we continued to the end and passing through the opening performed a hairpin bend to take a track through another tree lined route. This area had formerly been the home of many coal collieries, which now for safety reasons have been capped. Continuing this line, in due course brought us to a metal fence surrounding an industrial area, here we turned right, soon reaching Wigan Lane at a point adjacent to what had clearly been an old railway bridge, but like many others, long since dismantled. A suitable big concrete block formed a fitting place to sit and have our coffee break.

Turning right, after 225yds a footpath to the left led us, after about half a mile, to Rawlinson Lane, at the side of an unusual partly curved bungalow where we turned right. After a short distance, we reached the canal bridge at Ellerbeck and turned left to pick up the towpath. The marina seemed to be in full swing with narrowboat rides and even a double deck bus utilised as a café. Our route along the canal was about 1.5miles passing under no less than 6 bridges and at one point the rear of the manufacturing part of Fredericks Ice Cream shop. Sadly, it was shut and our leader rushed us onwards.

Taking an exit point off the path, took us slightly downhill along a drive and under a magnificent multi-arched viaduct supporting the main rail line. After a quarter of a mile we met the A6, which we crossed and returned to our starting point.

The distance was agreed at 5.5 miles and also that this walk had it all. Scenery, variety, views, interest, enjoyment and no stiles. But best of all the planning just left us in amazement, as having traversed the whole route in fine weather, no sooner than we arrive back at our vehicles, the heavens opened. That’s the skill of our leader!!