So before we discuss the walk, what did we see?
Well we saw one or more of each of the following - Orange Tip, Painted Lady, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, and a Small White.
Where were we?
We were back in the Yarrow Valley,having enjoyed our first visit so much, but this time we were starting just off the Southport Road (B5250), Euxton; near Euxton Cricket Club.
The skate park, next to the car park, was busy as we set off on our 5.5923 miles route that can be seen at... http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6286017.
Initially we turned left walking on the road past the Cricket Club. We were soon walking, in the sunshine through fields, over stiles, and down to the River Yarrow.
That was our first error.
The flow of the river showed that, if we stayed on the path we were on, we would be going in the wrong direction.
A quick retrace of steps, and a turn right across a relatively open space and we were back on track.
Over what I'm sure once was a mill race, we emerged onto a road down to the first of a couple of Quarries. It looks as if the mill race is now being used to generate electricity (I may be wrong).
Decision time!
We turned right, planning to return to this point on our way back, along the other path.
Turning right again, at Yarrow Farm, we headed on towards Parker's th' Fields, via a footbridge and skirting a couple of ponds.
And pointing out to each other the wide range of wild flowers including May flowers.
Once we had negotiated the path through the Farm, it was across Yarrow Valley Golf Course then down into Parker's Wood.
The descent down to the banks of the River Yarrow was stunning!
Bluebell Carpets, Wild Garlic and a whole range of other flowers.
At the end of our descent we had a warning about eroded river banks which, to be fair,were not an issue.
Upon reaching Dob Brow Road, we made our second error.
If you decide to follow our footsteps, it is here that you should turn right and look out for the path on the left. It will take you on a much better route that the one we chose to take.
That aside we did see lots of Forget-me-nots.
Having rejoined the path, that I've suggested you take, we crossed the B5251 New Road/Coppull Road and onto the Visitor Centre
for a drink and some cake! Mmmmmm.
My better half and I had compared this walk with Fairy Glen, last week, and had commented on the fact that we had not seen Cuckoo Pint (Arum maculatum) on this walk.
You guessed it!
No sooner had we said it, when we saw it. Typical!
On our return loop we had yet another issue (they come in threes).
We were the wrong side of the River Yarrow! We could see the way back via Yarrow Farm; we just had to cross the footbridge that we could see across the meadow.
But the plan had been to return via the Quarry mentioned earlier.
We (I) sorted it but it involved going up onto the B5251, heading up Burgh Wood Way (1st exit off roundabout) then first left and over the bridge, across the tributary from the reservoir, and under the B5251.
The best show of Anemone nemorosa ( Wood Anemone) was seen along this path.
All in all, another sunny, wild flower, Lepidoptera sprinkled inspiring delight!
Envious? ;-)
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