This walk, URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=904614 , starts in Parbold, a village at the foot of Parbold Hill; only about 130 metres high but prominent because it is the first hill of any kind inland of the flat south-west Lancashire Plain.
It is one of many walks that can be taken over and around the hill, which is criss-crossed with public footpaths. The walk was flat at first, out of the village and across farmland and through woods, some walking on road (busy for a Sunday) and then the climb we expected.
Everywhere was much greener than two weeks ago, when we last walked in the UK;
...blossom appearing in the now leafy hedges brightening our day and adding pleasant aromas to the warm but breezy day. The view, as we climbed, became ever more expansive but a haze prevented seeing the Welsh hills and Blackpool we were promised in the guide.
The walk alternated between open farmland and woodland paths with a gradual decent through Fairy Glen.
Children playing Pooh Sticks at the bridges and brave infants walking up the stream brought back many memories of earlier walks with Melanie, Mandy and Ben; I think Ben spent more time in this stream than on the paths.
Ransomes (wild Garlic) and Bluebells (we just caught them before they were past their best, lined our walk along with many other flowers Chris pointed out including Hedge Mustard.
We emerged from Fairy Glen and again walked through open farmland passing a herd of cows and a bull, who to Chris's relief was occupied with the charms of a disinterested cow.
Back through woods followed with a short section of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal; We passed the Chapel-Cross soon after we left the towpath...
It marked the site of the former parish church of Parbold.
A little further on we passed a riding school with youngsters living their mother's dream and, by the look on their faces, were not enjoying it one bit!
Back in Parbold we called for refreshments at the Windmill; sitting outside to consume our beer and sandwiches. Chris took a look at prices of houses in the area, and was pleasantly surprised at how low they were, and then it was home.
We are all looking forward to Lucy's Wedding on Friday so watch this space....
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