Maghull Meanders

Goosnargh & Chingle Hall

2008-10-26T12:29:00.001-07:00

The name of the village tells us something of its origins, for it is a mix of an Old Scandanavian word 'erg' (a summer pasture) and an Old Irish personal name (Gussan). It is possible that Norse settlers in Ireland later moved here, a theory that has some tentative backing as it is said that the original structure of Chingle Hall included beams from Viking longships.
The hall, built in 1620, is also reputed to be the oldest brick house in Britain. If you look it up on the internet you will discover that with its 16 spirits it is also the most haunted house in Britain.
The village has a speciality dish, Goosnargh cakes, a shortbread with caraway seeds. The walk started at the mediaeval church, St Mary's. The walk also goes along the drive of what was a huge mental institution, Whittingham Hospital, now closed.
The guide, from Walking World, tells us that "The village name is used by Douglas Adams twice in his books: once as a Betelgeusian word used by Ford Prefect 'when he knew that he should say something but he didn't know what it should be' and again in his dictionary 'The meaning of Liff' where a Goosnargh is defined as 'something left over from preparing or eating a meal, which you store in the fridge despite the fact that you know full well that you will never use it'.
The walk, although very enjoyable, was very boggy in places and there were some electric fences to negotiate. Chris wasn't impressed by the number of fields with cows and 'Bulls'. One of the highlights of the walk was the herd of deer, shown in the picture below...

You can view our 5.8206 mile walk at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2335362.

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Kingsley - Bradley Orchard - River Weaver - Kingsley

2008-10-26T12:17:00.003-07:00

Leaving Kingsley village, we soon emerged into a countryside of fields and narrow, wooded valleys. The steep-sided valleys are known as 'cloughs' in this area of Cheshire. The fruits and seeds add colour to the walk and providing rich pickings for the birds (We were lucky to see a lesser spotted wood pecker). Eventually our route passed along the top of a gentle slope running down to the river. From this terrace edge there were views downstream towards the Mersey and upstream towards the Pennines. There were occasional glimpses of the factories towards Runcorn. Leaving the terrace for the riverside, we crossed water meadows.

Beside the river there were swans,

geese, ducks, moorhens and coots. The riverside path ran though relatively undisturbed woods that provide good cover for small animals; eventually the route left the river valley with new views opening up towards the Sandstone Ridge to the west.
The area was extremely peaceful and the guide, from Walking World excellent (What a contrast from the previous week.
You can view our 6.1324 mile walk at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2335303.

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And it all started so well...

2008-10-26T11:56:00.001-07:00

Readers of my blog will know that I'm less than happy with Ron Freethy's Riverside Rambles along the Mersey as either the maps and/or the directions have been found to be lacking. However, having paid £8.95 for the book, I'm reluctant to bin it! So what did we do? We tried another walk. Foolish, as we discovered.
The walk (Walk 15: Moses Gate - Three Waters and two parks) is excellent but the map and directions have little relation to the 'real-world'; perhaps it's a Second-life walk?
Moses Gate with the large flocks of geese...

...was a very pleasant start and, as you can see from the photograph, the sunshine was an added bonus. Thank goodness I'd brought a map with me. The Country Park consists of 750 acres of "Urban Countryside", unfortunately the Warden Service and Information Service, located in Rock Hall was closed! Useful on what is probably one to the two busiest days (the weekend!) Note the map in the book, places the start of the walk in totally the wrong place! Take a look at the 6.594 mile walk at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2335240. I wont go into great detail about the inaccuracies of the guide but we walked nearer 9 miles and residents, when asked for assistance couldn't help us. The map I've provided is the walk and not our wanderings!
Walking along the Old Line of the Manchester, Bury & Bolton Canal, once we found it, was a pleasure and Ringley Church with the Packhorse bridge, dating from 1677, opposite was impressive.

The walk so far had been reasonable with only two detours which I had sorted using my map and a compass.
Finding Clifton Country Park and Clifton Bridge were another matter; to be fair, there was alot of building going on and the signs may have been removed but we tried several routes and asked 'locals' with no success. However we did eventually find both. Below is a photograph of Clifton Lake...

...dug in the 1960's during the extraction of gravel to build the M62 motorway.
The stone 'sculpture' in the foreground is called Lookout and is by Tim Norris (2001)
We found the Visitor Centre and had a well deserved drink and cake! It was going to be straight forward now surely?
Thank goodness for a good sense of direction, as locals wanted us to go back across the river if we were to "pass the Stoneclough Trading Estate". Instinct helped us find our way back and, on reflection, my bloddy minded determination to complete the walk and a good sense of direction enabled us to succeed.
The question is, do we try another walk from this book?

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Last walk in the Lakes (Monday)

2008-10-26T11:07:00.001-07:00

4.3124 miles on Monday morning; you can follow our walk at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2332882.
Coppermines to the reservoir of Levers Water. It's all uphill down here! Excellent paths and not too steep, we made our way up one side of the stream passing one of many Shepherd's Bridge.

Slag heaps and mine shafts litter the valley...

...as well as a well hidden Hydro-electric generator.
With some discussion about the correct path, we eventually reached Levers water, its depth indicated by the blackness of the water.

Crossing the 'front' of Levers Water we had to climb a little higher before the walk then descends to join one of the main "Old Man" footpaths, back towards Coniston.

We were now on the opposite side of the stream and passed the slag heaps once more...

The path we walked up can be seen in the picture above.
In general, an ideal short walk for a morning or afternoon with some splendid views of the surrounding hills.

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Sunday in the Lakes

2008-10-26T10:44:00.001-07:00

Still catching up; on the Sunday it was Walk 6 from the same book as the last walk. The map can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2332839. 7.5463 miles from the hotel and back, via Tarn Hows, with a short detour via a National Trust Walled Garden!
The walk through woodland, running parallel to the main road, was very pleasant with a noticeable presence of water, Herdwick sheep were seen throughout the walk with some experimenting with wall climbing...

Along the footpath towards Skelwith Bridge & Yew Tree Farm, we eventually reached Tarn Hows via Tom Gill Waterfall.
The reflections on the Tarn were impressive and again the fine weather and clear skys added to our enjoyment...

During our break, Husky walkers passed us...

Do you like their backpacks?
Leaving the Tarn we headed up to higher ground with even mpre impressive views of the reflections...

We then spent some time walking through woodland following a stream as it headed towards Coniston Water. The detour to view the walled garden was well worth the extra distance; the photographic journal was impressive, showing just what can be achieved with volunteers.
Back on the walk we headed up hill and through more woodlands before decending to Coniston, briefly joining the Cumbrian Way.
A welcome pint at the Black Bull Inn, a 400 year old coaching inn, which has its own micro brewery on-site, was a welcome end to another enjoyable walk...

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Walking in the Lakes

2008-10-26T10:12:00.001-07:00

Time for a catch up! Walking hasn't been a problem but writing up the walks has. Chris and I took a long weekend in the lakes and walked on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning. Our base was, as can be seen from the photograph below, the Sun Hotel in Coniston.

A 16th Century inn situated on the Walna Scar Road leading to Coniston Old Man. With its exposed beams, flagstone floors and welcoming old range in the fireplace we can honestly say we enjoyed our brief stay. I enjoyed the Coniston Bluebird among many other local and guest ales...

To be fair, so did Chris...

Our first walk, on Saturday, can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2332762. The guide we used was "Good walk, Good Pub - South Lakes" by Meg Brady. If you decide to purchase it, and I would suggest it's a good buy, the walk is on page 57 and is Walk 5. The only difference was we started and ended at the hotel. The walk along the lakeside was in sunshine and was enjoyable; Coniston Hall, with its grass slope up to the 1st floor and huge chimneys, is impressive and even more so from the water (we had a ferry ride later that day).

Apparently chimneys were a status symbol.
A gentle climb through woods, Torver Common, brought home to us the beginnings of Autumn (Fall) with the first signs of leaf changing and fungi showing itself along the way.
We stopped for a snack and a drink, part way up the bridleway to Walna Scar, with fine views across Coniston Water.

Beyond the climbing hut/cottage, we passed through slate/slag heaps and on to a quite spectacular waterfall into a disused quarry...

Onwards and upwards we eventually joined the wide rocky track of the Walna Scar Road and returned to the hotel. The 6.7021mile walk was, apart from the decent back to the hotel, very enjoyable with fine views and varying scenery.
Later that day we took a ferry ride on Coniston Water which, if you visit the area, is well worth the effort. The commentary was informative, Donal Campbell, water speed records, Swallows and Amazons, Films etc. We also saw one of Anthony Gormley's statues, far from the rest that are on Crosby Beach in Sefton. Apparently it was a gift to a friend who lived at the end of Coniston Water. Can you see it on the lawn?

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The Bridgewater and Norton Priory

2008-09-14T11:45:00.001-07:00

The URL for todays route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2261444 - 5.6 miles in total.
Same guide Riverside Rambles along the Mersey by Ron Freethy; difference is, this time I used http://wheresthepath.googlepages.com/exploreabiggermap.htm, a must for walkers, to map out the walk before we left home.
Whatever you do, if you buy this book, don't depend on either the text or the map; from what I've experienced so far either one or the other is correct but not at the same time!
This time the map is wrong on the return leg; you need to leave the towpath at Norton Town Bridge not Norton Bridge! Be warned.
Armed with map and guide we set off from the opposite side of the canal to a boatyard; it wasn't Preston Brook Marina, as stated in the guide, but was the correct place to start on the map and in the text. Just totally the wrong name!
We made our way towards Norton Priory along the Runcorn arm of the Bridgewater canal.
The fruit laden hedgerows (apples of various types but mainly crab apples, hawthorn berries, elderberries, etc.) and wildflowers were in abundance including the Purple Loosestrife shown below.

Little did we know, as squirrels, moorhens, ducks, jays, magpies etc. crossed our path, of what lay in store for us as we neared Norton Priory.

I thought I'd gone back to my childhood; here we had a wildflower meadow reintroducing 'cornfield flowers' such as corncockle, corn marigold, corn chamomile and poppy. When I was a boy.... Mmmm memories. What a pity the flowers were past their best, although the bees didn't think so!
The Priory wasn't open, we were a tad to-early, but the cafe was; tea and cherry scone for Chris and coffee and choc-chip muffin for me.
The Residents were a little shy...

The last time we visited was with Ben and Neil when they were both at Summerhill; many changes and perhaps a place to visit when it is too wet to walk.
We retraced our steps leaving the canal at the correct place and heading across fields, under two railway bridges and up onto the Manchester arm of the Bridgewater canal.
There was evidence of early growth of fungi probably due to the very wet summer or should that be 'global warming'?

Farmers are still trying to gather the harvest and two 'Holland' Combine harvesters were hard at it.
Another enjoyable walk and a note to revisit Norton Priory in the not too distant future.

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The Mersey At Warrington

2008-09-14T09:59:00.001-07:00

Our walk last week can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2261142. 6.6 miles in total. It was the first walk from a book I'd purchased when the car was in for its 80k service; Riverside Rambles along the Mersey by Ron Freethy.
It's a good job the walk was enjoyable because the guide wasn't! I think is was one of the least helpful books I've ever tried to use and the first one that I had difficulty in fathoming where I was, let alone where I had to go.
Enough of moaning - we started at Paddington Bank (which was some way from the A50/A57 Junction it was supposed to be next to) and, once I'd convinced Chris which way was upstream, we headed off towards Manchester. We were soon in open countryside disturbed only by the noise of oars as various crews made there way downstream. I'm not convinced we saw the long disused navigation known as the Woolston Old Cut; it had been important before the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1894.
Water meadows, beside the Mersey, had cattle grazing in what had turned out to be a nice day.

The guide rambles on about the Black Bear Canal which I later discovered was near the end of the walk; God only knows why it was added as the second part of the walk;
You will see from the map that we took a detour and had to retrace our steps; we also missed Grey Mist Pond as there was no indication of when we left the bank of the Mersey. (Remined to myself - plot the walk on the map before leaving home! Grrrrrrrrr!
There was no mention of the canal we walked along and, when we reached Woolston new and old weirs having turned right it wasn't anywhere near where the guide suggested. Any remnants of the gunpowder works seem to have long gone.
Apparently we had to desend to the Manchester Ship Canal, which was several feet above us, and follow the obvious route parallel to the village of Thelwall. I think it is called a towpath! Ron Freethy is, apparently a journalist, his guide has confirmed that you can't believe anything written be a Journalist :-)
Thelwall means a "pool by a plank bridge"
We left the Manchester Ship Canal at Latchford Locks making our way back to the car. We crossed the Mersey once again, on the A50 and I was particularly taken by the lighting on the bridge...

Now I could see the Black Bear Canal that Ron had gone on about at the beginning of the walk; it comes to all who wait! Apparently it was named after an existing pub (much to the disappointment of Chris).
The final stretch was along the river again, upstream, and alongside some impressive allotments.
In general a very enjoyable walk, in spite of the poor guide used.

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San Elijo Lagoon

2008-08-10T12:39:00.001-07:00

Just a short 5 a.m walk which can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2158398. The total distance was 3.4881miles.
Starting at El Camino Real road, the idea was to see the sun rise; it didn't as the sky was cloudy! Well it did but we couldn't see it! To spot deer, we didn't, and other wildlife. We saw some ducks, a heron and two rabbits!
Greg said, " I've learned something from this walk; there is no benefit from getting up to start at 5 am!"

That said, it was nice to walk in the relative cool of early morning and the breakfast, at the end of North Acacia Avenue, at the end was far more enjoyable because we had walked.
PS we actually walked further than the map indicates as someone couldn't find the cafe! I wont say who Kathleen. It was called the Hideaway. We had a taste of cactus cooked in an omelette.

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Local Walk and Tall Ships

2008-07-21T13:50:00.001-07:00

Our walk this week was from the "Running Horses" in Lydiate, Merseyside, along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, to Jackson's Bridge, and cross country to return via the Old Cheshire Lines Railway.
In total 5.2257 miles. You can view the route taken at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2099891.
No photographs of the walk this week but still a walk both Chris and I enjoyed. There are a number of places visitors to the area may wish to visit including the ruins of Lydiate Hall (built in the early 16th Century by the Ireland Family who held the Lordship), St Catherine's Chapel (Ruin of a private chapel for the Ireland Family), and the Scotch Piper Inn (Reputed to be the oldest pub in Lancashire and to date from 1320). The church on the corner of Hall Lane is the church of St Mary, built in 1854 by Thomas Blundell. An ancient sandstone cross stands in the churchyard.
The Cheshire Lines path forms part of the Trans-Pennine Trail and also a European Route to Istanbul. I'll give that one a miss; just a bit too far!
The shock of the walk was finding the Running Horses was closed and up for sale; bang goes our plan to park-walk-return-pint and a meal!
Not put off we decided to go to Liverpool as the 'Tall Ships' were visiting the Capital of culture.
We were rewarded with fine views of the ships, from the train, as we passed through Sandhills Station. W e left Moorfields station to walk down to the docks and WOW! There was Richard Wilson's - Turning the Place Over

Turning the Place Over is an incredible piece of public art and a brilliant feat of technical engineering. It seems apt that it should be in the Port of Liverpool as the whole thing is made possible by a specially designed giant rotator, the kind usually used in the shipping and nuclear industries.
Richard Wilson is internationally celebrated for his interventions in architectural space that "draw heavily for their inspiration from the worlds of engineering and construction.
It runs in daylight hours during the summer months and from 7am to 7pm during the winter.
I've put a video of the artwork on YouTube which you can watch at http://www.youtube.com/v/YIOuLThXG-g. Impressive!

We were amazed at the number of people down at the docks; the picture above is an autostitch of three images. It was very well controlled and the crowds were entertained by stilt walkers, in various guises...

and others in fancy dress.
The cruise ship, Crystal Symphony, in the middle of the Mersey was equally as impressive, and far easier to get to see.

An enjoyable day including a trip on the train. What more could I ask for!

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Rimrose Valley Revisited

2008-07-13T08:22:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how long it has been since we walked through the valley park but it has matured considerably. The valley was always subject to flooding; in the 20th century it has been used for tipping, allotments and playing fields and it is only in recent times that Sefton MBC began its transformation. Larger areas, in particular the southern end, feel really natural and its success as a nature reserve is undoubted - even water rail has been heard here. The walk is very flat and took us around the fringes of the park, with occasional detours along boardwalks into the reedbeds.

It is known that reed warbler, whitethroat, reed bunting and sedge warbler have bred here; fleeting sightings and constant bird song provided visual and audible evidence.
The final stretch of the walk took us along the Leeds Liverpool Canal from Buckley Corner towards Seaforth; here we saw lost of fish, including a small (6" long) pike, coots, moorhens, swans...

...a heron...

and, unusual for this stretch of canal, a narrowboat!

I'm sure that once the link through to the Albert Dock is completed, this will become a regular sight again. How nice!
As you can see by the pictures we had fine weather! Sorry I tried not to mention it but, like the walk, it was very nice! You can view the 5.0493mile route of this walk at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2073667.

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MOSI Visit

2008-07-06T08:13:00.001-07:00

Too wet to go walking today so Chis and I went to MOSI (Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry) to look at 'Body Worlds 4: The original exhibition of Real Human Bodies".
As stated on their website, "BODY WORLDS 4 offers MOSI exhibition visitors an unprecedented encounter with the human body in its post mortal state!"

It was indeed a unique exhibition by the creator of the world's first anatomical exhibitions, Dr Gunther von Hagens, BODY WORLDS 4 is stunning.
We were presented with over 200 authentic specimens, including both diseased and healthy organs and whole body specimens that have undergone Plastination - Dr von Hagens' groundbreaking method of halting decomposition and preserving the body after death for medical study.
Plastination is the process of extracting all bodily fluids and soluble fat from specimens and replacing them with vacuum forced impregnation with reactive resins and elastometers, such as rubber, silicon and epoxy. The specimen is then cured with light, heat or certain gases, which give it rigidity and permanence.

Sadly, but understandable, photography and filming is not allowed in the BODY WORLDS 4 exhibition. These images are linked to MOSI's Website and when they update the website will no longer be visible.
There is a charge for entry and, if you want to get the most from a visit, for the Audio Guide (The audio guide, I would go so far as to say, is essential). Specimens on display are assigned a number and have corresponding audio narratives that can be accessed at random. The guide features information on the function and composition of human anatomy, and gives background on diseases and their effects on the body.
A thoroughly enjoyable visit, educational, informative and thought-provoking. By its very nature there are displays of bodies and organs and this should be considered if as parents you are thinking about bringing young children to the exhibition.
We are off to see Paul Simon tonight at the new Liverpool Arena; what a great day this is turning out to be!

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Neston

2008-07-05T23:43:00.001-07:00

Our walk last week, yes I know this is late, started and ended at Ness Gardens; built by Liverpool cotton-broker Arthur Bulley on a sandstone outcrop above the River Dee.
His great desire was to bring new plant species into Britain, especially from the Alps and Himalayas. The result is well worth a visit; sadly we were too wet even to enjoy a snack in the cafe; not because of rain but from pushing through overgrown paths through plants that were very wet indeed.
The initial views are of the River Dee with a backdrop of the Clwydian Hills of North Wales. The highest visible point being that of Moel Famau. I alway enjoy walking the banks of the Dee and this was no exception. Chris and I both noted that the number of Egrets has increased considerably. The Harp Inn was tempting but was closed; I'm sure I've said this before but we should make an effort to visit some day.
We left the River Dee behind as we headed inland at the Old Quay; all that remains of the 16th century port that flourished here, now completely landlocked. It is hard to think that in the mid-16th century the water here was deep, providing a safe anchorage.
Our return journey took us back along the Wirral Way. The trackbed along this section, through Neston, is flanked on the left-hand side by high sandstone walls carved from bedrock and showing the groves made by railway engineers as they cut through the rock.

Note I'm looking back from where we joined this section. On the right, a lower wall and small sandstone cliffs are festooned with mosses, lichens and ferns that favour this kind of sheltered, moist environment.
Yet another pleasant walk on the Wirral spoiled only by very wet legs caused by dense bracken on the final old, double hedged footpaths that you find all over this part of Merseyside. In total a walk of 5.9371 miles. You can follow our route at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2051155.

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High Winds and abrasive sand

2008-06-22T09:17:00.001-07:00

On reflection our blog is turning into a collection of weather reports rather than a blog about our walks. However the forecast wasn't good and equiped with waterproofs we set off to Ainsdale where this weeks walk began.
For once the start wasn't even near a pub! We had decided to walk part of the Sefton Coastal Path going from Ainsdale towards Formby and the 'Fisherman's Path'. I decided, in view of the high winds, to walk back along the beach with the wind behind us. Oh how pleased we both were.
The start of the walk took us alonside the Liverpool-Southport Merseyrail line before cutting through the Merseyside Forest (Red Squirrel country; sadly we didn't see any. In fact we saw very little in the way of wildlife). The woodland protected us from the worst of the wind but the thuds of pine-cones hitting the ground made us think that hard-hats would have been a good idea.
Once on the beach the full force of the wind was felt. As already stated, we were so pleased the wind was at our backs. As can be seen, the moving sand looked almost like smoke hugging the ground.

Thank goodness for long trousers!

Large container vessels struggled out of the Port of Liverpool, through the white horses, into Liverpool Bay and the Irish Sea; and yet on the beach little shells and other objects protected sand from erosion.

We made good time with the wind hastening our progress; both of us surprised that we had walked 7.2856 miles. If you want to walk in our footsteps the map of our route can be found at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2010693;
PS Check which way the wind is blowing before you decide which way round you complete the walk!

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Cheshire's Castle Country

2008-06-21T07:19:00.001-07:00

We seem to be revisiting parts of the Sandstone trail, that Chris and I did four years ago, on a regular basis over the last few weeks. However the motive this week was that we were off to see K.T. Tunstall in Delamere Forest later that evening.
What castles am I talking about, well Beeston Castle (built in the 13th century), and Peckforton Castle (a 19th Century imitation of a medieval fortress). Beeston wasn't involved in an real action until the English Civil War and was largely demolished in 1646 on Parliament's orders (poor winners who need to destroy something because it belonged to the loosers!)
There were evidence of other layers of history found on the walk; Coppermines lane, a reminder of an industrial element complete with a lone chimney marking the site of the old copper works.
The steep slope of Rawhead Hill,

took us to the highest part of the Sandstone Trail

and on to the impressive crags at Musket's Hole. The walk provided some great views but never a 360 degree panorama; fine vistas appear fleetingly which added interest to the walk. Woods, fields and quiet lanes, with dog roses

all adding to the overall enjoyment.
The National Trust-owned Bulkeley Hill Wood was a high point of the walk with a wide range of deciduous trees, including sweet chestnuts, with very little undergrowth on a broad shelf rimmed by low sandstone crags. Exposed Roots provided a network of links between the mature trunks of the woodland.
I've since discovered that the sweet chestnuts are not a native species; probably arrived with the Romans. They are not, to my surpise, closely related to the horse-chestnut either which I'm told gets its name from the chance resemblance of its fruit (conker). In fact, would you believe it, the sweet chestnut is closely related to the oaks.
I don't seem to have mentioned the start, and end, of our walk; It will be of no surprise to find out it was a pub! The Pheasant Inn in Higher Burwardsley, with excellent views, real ale (Cheshire Cat), and very good food indeed!
Any low points on the walk? Sadly yes! We came across a badger at the side of the road who appeared to have been hit by passing traffic.

If you want to do the same 5.9613 mile walk, the map can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2008044. By the way, K. T. Tunstall was excellent! All in all an excellent father's day.

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Today the sun shone!

2008-06-08T11:02:00.001-07:00

What a contrast, last week soaked, this week roasted; well not quite but the pint of Cheshire Cat at the Morris Dancers Pub was very welcome indeed!
Today we started at the village of Kelsall which, according to the guide, grew up where a gap in the Mid-Cheshire Ridge encouraged an early trading route to develop. For example carrying salt from the Cheshire salt field to Chester (Deva) in Roman times.
Apparently in medieval times, the development of the village was constrained by the surrounding Royal Forest of 'Mara et Mondrum', parts of which still survive today as Delamere Forest (where we are going to see K.T. Tunstall next Sunday; lets hope the weather is as good!)
The walk itself was varied climbing some 83 metres and walking along part of the Sandstone Trail that Chris and I did four years ago, before I started working for the RSC-Northwest (Based then in Blackpool).
Wild flowers were everywhere especially foxgloves...

...within the woods and on the shady side of all hedgerows;
...and buttercups...

sprinkled (or should that be splashed) across meadows.
Dog Roses, elderflowers and many more were brightening our walk in the sunshine.
Shade was a bonus as, I'm sure you are now well aware, it was hot.
One particular stretch of shade was just after passing the earthworks of Kelsborrow Castle (The remains of an Iron-age hill-fort); known locally as Little Switzerland we decended into a valley before climbing again to join the Sandstone Trail.

An ice-lolly was enjoyed at Summertrees Teahouse which was consumed as we walked along the Sandstone Trail; passed I may add by a number of horses. Nearing the end of the walk, we walked through several fields of fruit trees, which, for this part of the UK, is unusual.
We were both ready for a drink by the time we had completed the 7.0275miles; you can find the map at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1970422.
Very enjoyable walk with fine views of the Dee Valley to the Welsh Hills.

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Dolphin Inn

2008-06-07T04:06:00.001-07:00

Although we didn't! Go in that is. Why? Because unusually we had rain. Believe it or not, it is very seldom that it rains when we walk on a Sunday; no more than a half-a-dozen times at most in a year.
This also explains why there are no pictures taken on this walk although I did take some when we were last here. That was at the start of the Ribble Way, which we must finish during the summer. A number of pictures stitched using AutoStitch resulted in this image of the Dolphin Inn, the start of our walk.

The pub stroll should have started at what was once the old 'Brick-works'; now reclaimed as a popular bird-rich nature reserve. We decided that starting half-way round, at the Dolphin would be a better bet and we could finish the walk with a pint and a bite to eat.
There was limited parking at the pub as half of Lancashire was shooting 'clays' at the clay-pigeon event behind the pub. I think Chis took the last space in the carpark.
The first part of the walk retraced our initial steps on the Ribble Way, walking from the Dolphin Inn, known locally as the 'Flying Fish', we headed towards the embankment, beyond which is nothing but tidal marsh and the estuary of the River Ribble.
After some discussion about which of the many routes to follow, the instructions were not clear, we turned away from the river through the traditional patchwork of hedges, fields and rural lanes.
A relatively new estate caused some thought when the 'kissing-gate' we were to go through was someone's front door ! We managed to get back on track but missed some of the lakes from the old brick-works. Returning to the Dolphin, along the flood bank, we were somewhat wet and, as already stated, decided to go home and get dry rather than have the pint and a snack we had promised ourselves.
Perhaps, a revisit is called for, in the not to distant future.

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Sandstone Trail Revisited...

2008-05-26T07:07:00.001-07:00

Today we had company on our walk, Mandy and Dave had come to visit over the Bank Holiday weekend. Chris and I walked the 34-mile (55km) Sandstone Trail some years ago so it was quite nice to revisit the first leg of that walk.
Parking in the small car park on Beacon hill we set off on our 5.7659 mile walk. The sandstone ridge bounds the western edge of the Cheshire Plain. At Frodsham and Helsby it breaks out into real crags. (It does at Beeston as well but our walk didn't go that far this time). Both hills form the classic escarpment; the sandstone strata slope gently down to the south east, while the craggy fronts face the River Mersey.
You can see where we walked at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1929813.
An interesting walk including crossing a golf course (officially, as the path is older than the course, walkers have priority but we didn't take it for granted), passing Woodhouse Hill (there was once a hill fort there; iron age) now owned and managed by the woodland trust, down (and later up) Jacob's Ladder with well worn footholds carved in the rock, and through the outskirts of Helsby before assending Helsby Hill.
Views of the River Mersey, both Liverpool Cathedrals, were glimpsed through the trees and almost at the end of the walk when we reached Frodsham's War Memorial on top of Frodsham Hill.

This picture was added using Mbedr, which if it works allows me to add flickr images while retaining any annotated regions present on the original. If you want to try it out then go to http://www.elsewhere.org/mbedr/.
Just before reclimbing Jacob's Ladder I spotted a Tawney Owl flying through the woods and out into a tree in an adjacent field. Sadly not time to take a photograph.
We took the advice of the guide and went to the Helter Skelter, on Church Street for refreshments. Apparently named after the centrepiece of the fairground which used to stand on the hilltop; the outside and public bar were far from inviting but we made our way up to the restaurant and found that the food and beer to be excellent; the choice of cask ales made me wish that I wasn't driving (I did enjoy a pint of Shropshire Gold. Don't be put off by appearances!

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Anglezarke and Round Loaf

2008-05-19T13:03:00.001-07:00

A 7.5339mile walk starting from the carpark beside Anglezarke Reservoir; the walk took us up through Lead Mines Clough, stopping briefly at a World War 2 Memorial. The monument commemorates the crew of a Wellington Bomber which crashed at this point, returning from a mission.
It was then up onto the moors along with many ewes and their lambs...

...to find Round Loaf, an ancient burial mound...

Even from a distance this tumulus, with cotton grass sprinkled across the moor, was impressive. As we got closer it was obvious that paths radiated from it (converged to it) in all directions of the compass...

The view from the top of Round Loaf was, on this clear day, spectacular.
It was the off the moor along Dean Black Brook. One fallen tree's root system, by the look of the remains of man made structures, had obviously been used to provide a bivouac or a sheep shelter...

The path dropped down through some narrow gorges between ridges of moorland...

Local residents seemed determined to eat in the most dangerous of places...

Once down off the moor we arrived at White Coppice, with its cricket field and small reservoirs...

We walked along "The Goit" to arrive at a road near "Waterman's Cottage".
First mistake for some time. The guide said "...look at the waterfall and then continue by crossing the road and entering the woodland, to follow a path along the right shore of Anglezark Reservoir." Silly me I didn't look at the map; what the instructions should have said was keep the reservoir on your right! We went the wrong side! never mind, it only added an extra 1.3 miles to the walk.
We has been promised water fowl on the reservoir but only a few mallard, a grebe and the highlight, Geese and gosling...

All in all, thoroughly enjoyable walk.

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Parbold-Hilldale-Fairy Glen

2008-05-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

It is just over a year since we last did this walk and you can read about that walk at http://maghullmeanders.blogspot.com/2007/04/parbold-hilldale-fairy-glen.html.
The map for the walk is at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=904614.
Chris worried about climbing Parbold Hill and when I told we didn't have to, she wasn't convinced. We didn't but every hill we climbed she counted, coming to the conclusion that Parbold Hill may have been less daunting.
Just before Hilldale we passed a small holding with what can truly be described as free-range fowl...

We stopped for a pint on the way (at the top of one of the many small hills) and enjoyed a Timothy Taylor's Landlord. The menu looked good so we decided to go there next Wednesday, after shopping, for a meal. I'll let Chris write about the meal in her blog.
The main reason for repeating the walk was to see the bluebells...

As you can see they we coming to the end of the season. Nice all the same.
The garlic was detected before it came into sight...

and in a shady part, a fine specimen of bracket fungus was spotted...

As before an enjoyable walk, a welcome pint, a nice picnic and excellent weather (a little hot if anything).

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National Wildflower Centre

2008-04-20T10:33:00.001-07:00

Chris had spotted the National Wildflower Centre in the Friday Paper; so it was decided to look for a walk nearby. Nothing available we decided to use the large A-Z map of the area and to work out a walk of our own!
Was that the first mistake, I can hear you ask! No it wasn't! our walk took us from the National Wildflower Centre, resisting the call to call there first, through the Victorian Court Hey Park, along the Liverpool Loop Line, through Childwall and Black Wood, into Calderstones Park, along the edge of Allerton Park Golf Course, through Reynolds Park (including a visit to what Chris thought was the best walled garden she had seen), back onto the Liverpool Loop Line and finally returning to the National Wildflower Centre at Court Hey Park. If you were worn out by that then imagine how we felt having completed the 8.45 miles (You can see where we went by going to http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1816966.
Last year was the 10th birthday of the centre (Plans were drawn up in 1997) but it wasn't opened to the public until 2001. Set in the 35 acre Victorian Court Hey Park, they provide information and raise awareness about the importance of wild flowers to our environment and encourage people to learn about the creation and management of new wild flower habitats - creative conservation. I particularly liked the wild flower bed made up from recycled CDs. Chris had a go on the Traverse Wall (no comments) and I had a play on the large wooden xylophone. (Abide with me!)

There were a number of sculptures made from scrap metal...

...that were rusting among the flowers.
A more colourful fish was in the water near the entrance...

If I get time I may add him/her to the moblog!
An interesting walk with lots of contrasts and how nice to see parks returning to their former glory!

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New Brighton - North Wirral Coast

2008-04-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

Founded in 1830, Liverpool builder, James Atherton realised that steam-ferries now made this part of the Wirral accessible. He planned a seaside resort like those on the south-coast, including of course, Brighton.
Blackpool 'eat your heart out', among many attractions, most of which are long gone, New Brighton had one of the world's biggest open-air swimming-pools, a pier, a vast pleasure garden with fairground, monkey house, a ballroom and a tower taller than Blackpool's.
Starting our walk at the Welsh end of King's Parade, our eyes were drawn to Liverpool Bay and the wind-farm comprising 25 turbines...

King's Parade was built in the 1930s from land reclaimed from the sea using material excavated from the Mersey Tunnel. The old sea walls and coastline are visible on the right of the road.
Views across the mouth of the River Mersey enabled us to identify the Freeport at Seaforth...

We were greeted by the Aluminium Clown Statue as we entered New Brighton.

As we walked closer to the River, Perch Rock Lighthouse and Fort, were passed on our left. The lighthouse, because of radar, became redundant in 1973. Built on Black Rock, the most feared hazard on the inward trip to Liverpool, in 1830; it replaced a wooden construction with a light on it.
The lighthouse has often been hit by ships it was there to protect and guide. 90 feet tall it could be seen 15 miles away...

The Fort, Perch Rock Fort, is very close to the lighthouse and marks the River Mersey. Planned as part of England's defences against an invasion by Napoleon it wasn't completed until 1826 by which time Napoleon was already dead. It was altered in 1890 and its claim to 'fame' (I'm not sure if that is an appropriate word) is that the guns were only fired twice and then only as warnings; once at the start of WW1 and again at the start of WW2. It was also camouflaged as a tea room in WW2 with the top painted green to look like a lawn from above; 'Tea' was painted on the roof...

Turning through 90 degrees we walked along the promenade with views of Liverpool's famous waterfront...

Leaving the River we walked through Vale Park with flowers in full bloom...

Walking through the streets of New Brighton, past the railway station, we returned to King's Parade and down onto the beach before returning to the car.
About 4.5 miles, the walk had many interesting features and research enhances the experience. If I get time I'll add a map so that you can, if you want to, trace our steps.

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Video Clips from Wigan Walk

2008-04-06T09:46:00.001-07:00

Make a postcard - it's easy!

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The Paths to Wigan Pier

2008-04-06T09:00:00.001-07:00

We started todays 6.1618 mile walk, map available at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1763798, in the car park behind Trencherfield Mill, Wigan Pier.

The floor of the piazza has brick paving that suggests a large rug and giant dominoes. You can make out the carpet element in the picture above.
On the wall, part of Wigan's Public Art Trail, are Andy Hazell's Three Heads. Installed in 1999, they were part of an exciting mechanical sculpture (automata). The Three heads sat on the wall above a giant mantle piece which featured symbols of the Twentieth Century and a clock. We could only see the heads - the middle one providing an ideal nesting place for a rock dove!

Wigan, in general, is closed on a Sunday so the initial walk through the urban environment wasn't as bad as it could have been. The lack of people allows you to see the part-pedestrianised streets at its best. We were confused by the instruction "Just before a dual carriageway go right down setts to St George's Church"; it was the word 'setts' that confused both Chris and I. If you are confused as well it is an old term for cobbles or Cobble Stones! Of course it is!
The River Douglas was joined near where the old Wigan Rugby League Stadium used to be (a Tesco now) Ben and Mandy may remember watching Orrell playing there some years ago.
Past an old quarry called Devil's Canyon, (That's 2 weeks we have seen property of the Devil!), now an adventure playground, we climbed up past former almshouses know as The Receptacle.
Many of the bridges on our route had cast-iron parapets. Apparently Lord Crawford of Haigh Hall made his fortune from iron and seems to have liked to use it ornamentally on the estate.
The last parts of our walk took us briefly onto the canal towpath near Haigh Hall Golf Course and then back through woodland, along an old railway track and the down the Wigan flight of locks from Rabbit Rocks back to Wigan Pier.
It is interesting that Trencherfield Mill Engine is reputedly the world's largest, original working, mill steam engine, the four-cylinder 2,500 hp giant was built and installed in its specially designed engine house at Trencherfield Mill in 1907. It’s 70 tonne flywheel enabled power to be sent throughout the vast Mill on all five floors, powering thousands of cotton spinning machines.
A very enjoyable walk and perhaps one we will revisit soon, when the bluebells are out!

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Ogden Clough and Swineshaw

2008-04-06T08:19:00.001-07:00

Our walk started from a peaceful lane, between arable land and moorland, taking us through the edge of Hollingworth to a nature reserve created around abandoned reservoirs.
The lambs, at Landslow Green, were an excellent start to the day...

and...

To say the walk was muddy was an understatement; in parts it was very heavy under foot. Apparently this walk was "an easy introduction to moorland" - Rubbish! What with boggy paths through Swallows Wood Nature Reserve and steep climbs, in particular after Devil's Bridge...

the walk was quite demanding; it was also, on the plus side, a very 'engaging' walk
As said already Swallows Wood Nature Reserve is based around former reservoirs created by damming Ogden Brook in the 1850s. Concessionary paths thread the woodlands and we were taunted by the 'mocking laugh' of a green woodpecker which, try as we might, we couldn't locate. Higher up, on moorland tracks and roads, we could see Arnfield, Higher and Lower Swineshaw Reservoirs. There were fine views of Manchester over Lower Swineshaw Reservoir. The reservoirs were very blue which made the cold wind feel even colder. We did expect to see some wildfowl on the reservoirs but were out of luck (Not even a cormorant).Passing back through Hollingworth Hall, we returned to Hobson Moor Road having completed 5.7619 miles. The map of this walk can be found at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1763741.
The picture below has more details of the Nature reserve...

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Maps for the last two walks

2008-03-25T04:03:00.001-07:00

Maps for the Easter Sunday walk, Thurstaston and Caldy can be found at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1727900 (6.9549 miles, a bit further than I thought) and
Maps for the Holywell walk can be found at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1708302 (4.3036 miles)

If you follow our footsteps then, I hope you enjoy them both we did.

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Easter Sunday stroll on the Wirral

2008-03-25T03:40:00.001-07:00

A change from the big skies of our pub-strolls of the last few weeks. A walk along the opposite side of the Dee with the Ravine and waterfalls of "The Dungeon", St Bartholomew's Church...

...and the battlemented tower in its churchyard...

woodland and common of Thurstaston Common, and generally outstanding scenery. This also included fine views across the Dee like this one towards Hillborough Island.

This was a revisited walk; our last visit was on the 2nd May 2004! Looking at the notes I made then we apparently got lost and "the last bit along the Wirral Way a bit tedious". We didn't get lost this time and sadly the tedium was still present on the last stretch.
Toasted sandwiches, Cheese and ham for me and cheese and tomato for Chris, finished off a very enjoyable 6.5 mile walk. Sadly the football result later that day wasn't so good; Liverpool lost to Man U.

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Holywell - Basingwerk Abbey - St Winefride's Well

2008-03-25T02:40:00.001-07:00

Last weeks walk took us to Wales; just shows that we English don't hold a grudge (Wales had just won the Rugby 6 Nations Grand Slam)
Although the main attractions didn't open until Easter, the walk was an interesting one. Apparently the monks of Basingwerk Abbey...

...were the first to exploit the power of the stream and their lay successors, in the 18th century, built copper works and cotton mills.
Our walk took us past tiered mill ponds with the usual cormorants...

and interesting sculptures like the bull rushes above and the three little pigs at the start of the walk.

The power of the water can be seen in the picture below where the open grid walkway crosses a mill-race...

The walk took us to the main attraction of the walk. From 600 AD the well of St Winefride was an object of veneration. Passing the many remains of past industries and water 'features'...

...we eventually arrived.

Chris noted the 'Jousting tents' which we later realised were changing tents for those who wished to bathe in the 'waters'.
We were made aware of the story of how Winefride was beheaded by a chieftain whose attentions she refused and whose head was miraculously restored, in the exhibition room attached to the shop/entrance. It was one of the most important shrines in Britain and known as the 'Lourdes of Wales'
The well itself is impressive with water rising in the centre...

Sadly there was 'No Bathing Today'; On a cold spring day a dip was just what Chris and I was looking for.
We decided to make our way back along the old railway line to the Dee estuary.
Unfortunately the old track was overgrown and we had to retrace our steps to leave the 'Greenfield Valley' via the carved entrance...

A walk along the road to the Dee took us past Welsh Police confiscating motorbikes from 'children'; other bikes appeared as soon as the police had gone.
Tide out, local fishing boats were stranded on the beach...

There was a dark side to this valley which I'm sure the Welsh would prefer to dismiss; earlier industrial works concentrated on the treatment of copper for various uses, some of the pots and pans exported through Liverpool to exchange for West African slaves.
The real down side was our visit to the local pub! Rude staff told us in no uncertain way that food wasn't available; the beer wasn't good and the fabric 'worn' to say the least.
Well worth a return visit but we will take our own refreshments.

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Legh Arms, Mere Brow

2008-03-15T07:20:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd better try to do last week's pub stroll before we set off on this week's walk. The one thing that sticks in my mind was the cold wind and exposed landscape. The Golden man was the first unavoidable landmark...

...as he was on a low-loader we were not sure he was visiting or had just arrived! He was, without argument, impressive.
We made our way past the golden man through Leisure Lakes, a 30-acre lake, 4ft 6in deep, sandy beaches, picnic park, walks, landscaped touring caravan park with 90 pitches available. Golf Driving range, 9-hole golf course, jet ski centre, mountain bike, fishing and paintball. Western themed pub on site, paintball games for groups. The latter was well subscribed for a Sunday morning in March.
The walk was uneventful, passing a few other walkers and riders (horse and cycles). Irrigation reservoirs, with what appears to be the compulsory cormorant, were passed at relatively frequent intervals.

Green Plovers, with their manic flight patterns, and skylarks added to the long and far from winding roads and, as we headed back towards Mere Brow, the March lambs in red-jackets were possibly the highlight of the walk.

The 7.4062 miles started and ended at the Legh Arms

and for those of you who wish to do the stroll you can view the map at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1701272.
Food and beer both excellent; maybe a Wednesday night visit is called for.

PS Sorry I didn't include a map for last week! you can view it at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1667526.

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The Ship Inn Burscough - New Lane - Martin Mere - Tarlscough - The Ship Inn

2008-03-02T13:18:00.001-08:00

Big skies cold winds and an 8.765 mile walk...
Starting from the Ship Inn next to the Rufford Branch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal...

We headed up to the main canal and, passing the 'dry-dock' we headed towards Liverpool. The old Ordnance Stores, with the many rabbits, are long gone; replaced by modern houses overlooking the canal. A relatively quiet stroll into a cold wind, took us past Sunday Footballers and past the Lathom Slipway pub; no we didn't stop. Glimpses of the new 'hide' at Martin Mere were caught as we crossed the Southport-Wigan railway line for the first time...

I took us slightly off the proper path but looking back, when we got back on track, we avoided lots of wet field! Good move!
Back across the line at New Lane Station, I had to do a quick detour as the gates descended to stop the no-existent traffic.
We walked parallel to the railway before crossing a third time, with views of the Mere and Windmill farm in the distance...

The new hide at Martin Mere has resulted in a re-route of the footpath; no further and enabled us to observe hares in the sun along with cormorants flying up from the mere.
Apparently an owl had accidentally dropped this resting mouse...

... and couldn't find it in the dark (I wont say who's theory that is!)
Swans passed overhead as we continued on our way...

...and Hawaiian Geese,

...Guinea Fowl and a Peacock...

were also spotted on the way...
Ready for a pint we ended back at the Ship Inn and enjoyed two pints of Bombardier; Mmmmm!

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The Blue Bell, Haskayne

2008-02-24T07:00:00.001-08:00

This week our walk was even closer to home as Chris decided on our start and end pub. The walk, planned on the Lancashire A-Z Street Atlas was as near to 7 miles as you could get. The 'vast skys' and distant views of North Wales and the trough of Bowland adding to what was a pleasant, flat, walk along lanes, farm tracks, across fields and along the Leeds Liverpool Canal.
A map of the walk can be found at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1646936.
The initial part of the walk took us into a cutting where the frog, in the newspaper below, was spotted. Chris and I assumed that this was a branch line from the Cheshire Lines which had been turned into a nature/wildlife area.

Make a free ecard - it's easy!

It was too wet and flooded to continue along the cutting so we returned to the road and walked above the cutting until we could rejoin the old 'track' near the lakes. A number of fishermen we evident as they were later along the canal past another of our haunts, The Ship Inn.
"A jerk on one end of a line waiting for a jerk on the other!" Apparently Chis hadn't heard this description before.
One dog, with an owner who had no control, was the only down side to the walk and the sandwich at the end was one of, if not the best we have had on our walks. Well done the Blue Bell!

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Ring O'Bells, Lathom

2008-02-17T10:15:00.001-08:00

Our 5th Pub Stroll on the trot; well trot isn't a true picture but stroll is! If you want you can see where we walked at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1631702. All 8.2998 miles!

Why so far you may ask? Well we, that means Chris, decided we could use the Lancashire A-Z Street Atlas to make our own Pub Stroll; after all we had been extending the walks Secret Santa had given me so why not!

It also meant that we wouldn't have to go so far in the car (a green argument if nothing else). It was also more likely that Chris would drive and I could have more than one pint!

Chris chose the Ring O'Bells in Lathom as our starting point and sure enough she volunteered to drive (No argument there). After plotting our walk on the map (I was sure it was longer than 6 miles and it was!) we set off via Burscough's Recycling Centre (we are being green today). Parking in the Ring O'Bells car park Chris set off towards Liverpool and I set of towards Leeds; no comment on who was correct.

The day was 'fresh' to say the least, with quite a hard frost; this made walking easier as the towpath was harder than it would have been. The spring sun shone down and it wasn't long before I had to find Chris's sunglasses as the glare from the canal (Leeds and Liverpool) was very bright. The walk was on excellent footpaths, along towpaths, across farm land and through woods. The only road walking was relatively short and on a bright, dry, sunny day all was well with the world.

Highlights included two sculptures beside the towpath at Moss Bridge Lane; Three fish...

and an "Activity Table"...

This was constructed out of old lock gates.
Apparently a relatively recent image improvement project for the Leeds and Liverpool canal (late 1990's) saw three new public artworks appearing alongside it at Lathom and Parbold. These two - a stone carvings of three fish and an activity table made from discarded lock gates - plus 'The Angel' sculpture (which I assume is in Parbold; not seen it yet), were designed to "capture the spirit of the famous canal, while adding character to the local countryside".
I think that these two achieved just that.
By the way, I've added them both to the Channel 4 "Putting Big Art on the Map" Website; found at http://bigartmob.com/. I think this project is an excellent idea and encourage all of you to make at least three contributions in 2008. My contributions can be found at http://bigartmob.com/blog/acljohn/.
Note: when you add the artwork you can click-n-drag the 'location-pin' on the google map to the actual position of the 'Public Art'!
Chris enjoyed cracking the ice on puddles and apart from horses, lapwings (Green Plovers), a multitude of song birds, a few dogs and a donkey, the walk was quiet and a nice change from the last two weeks where we had the constant noise of motorway traffic.
We stopped at the entrance to Lathom Park (after about 5 miles) and sat briefly on a bench to take on fluids (water) and for Chris to have two biscuits; extra strong mints were consumed on route. None of the horses were close enough to share a mint and the equine at Warm Row Farm, just after we crossed Blythe Lane, put back his/her ears ("it" was behind a brick wall so I couldn't tell) and showed us his/her teeth so I decided against closer contact.
Returning to the Ring O'Bells...

...we finished our stroll with sandwiches and in my case two pints of Greene King IPA. Mmmmmm!

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The Cavendish Arms, Brindle

2008-02-11T02:21:00.001-08:00

As our guide says Brindle is "almost the perfect village - with church, school and inn in close proximity".
The first "real spring day" brought us to Brindle and a walk through rolling farming country

with clear field paths and quiet hedged lanes and short stretches along the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

The only intrusion to this rural scene was the nearby M65. But even this didn't spoil the views northwards to Bowland and the Lake District.
Part way round the walk, a map of wich can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1615701, we passed through Withnell Fold. The impressive carving outside the school

represents T. B. Parke, the founder of the village.
The Cavendish Arms was at the end of our 5.5157 mile walk

and the pint of Cross Buttock was an excellent end to the stroll; again it would have been nice to have been able to stay for a few more! We would have stayed longer an had a sandwich but apparently sandwiches are not available on a Sunday and as there was a huge rush for food (only one other person in the pub) it was more than the landlords jobs worth!
Apparently Brindle takes its name from the 'bryn', the spring - or several springs in fact - which rise there in the hollow of the hills. Or does it?
The Brindle Historic society tells us a different tale. The name, according to them, has its origin in the earlier Burnhul, the "hill by the stream".
"The name partly explains the village’s claim to be the site of the battle of Brunanburh, where in 937 King Athelstan "won undying glory with the edges of swords, against the Norsemen". The possible validity of this location was reinforced by the discovery of the great Cuerdale treasure in the nineteenth century; it can be seen in the British Museum. The Cavendish Arms is in no doubt about the site and its stained glass windows vividly recapture the tale of battle and treasure - there are, of course, other pretenders to this claim!"
The stained glass windows are indeed impressive but don't expect a sandwich on a Sunday!

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The Farmers Arms, Heskin Green

2008-02-11T01:48:00.001-08:00

After 35 years Chris becomes the 'wildlife spotter' of the week; the highlight of which was a lone deer!
A level walk following paths, lanes and farm tracks; old farms and houses were passed along the way like Howe Brook House

and Heskin Hall (open to the public as an antique centre).

Never far from the M6 and Camelot Theme Park the background traffic noise was ever present.
A map of our walk can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1598553.
An enjoyable walk with the additional excitement of watching the deer running across the sky-line and then in front of us as it disappeared into woodland. A short stop in our walk was enforced upon us as we had to wait for, at this time of the year, the ever present hedge trimming tractor to move over and let us through. I don't think the horses we met around the next corner would have enough room to pass! I did warn them of what to expect around the corner.
We completed the walk, 5.1639 miles, and paused for refreshments at the Farmer's Arms

formerly known as the 'Pleasant Retreat'.
In every respect it still remains true to its original name (although many may find the 'stuffed game birds and foxes heads' a little disturbing!)
An excellent pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord and a sandwich finished off our third Pub Stroll; thanks again Secret Santa, the book has produced some pleasant walks albeit I've had to extend them.

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Riley Green; the Royal Oak Hotel Pub Stroll Plus

2008-01-27T09:11:00.001-08:00

The three and a quarter mile pub stroll from the Royal Oak was extended using the Lancashire A to Z; we walked 6.4115miles in total. For some reason the Gmaps Pedometer will not save the route so I'm unable to add a map; sorry!
However here is a screen capture...

The first steps on our journey took us from the Royal Oak Hotel carpark in Riley Green, a hamlet straggling a main road, up Green Lane. Fine views, on our right of Hoghton Tower, one of Lancashire's most famous stately homes.
Kings were no strangers to staunchly royalist Lancashire and in 1617 the de Hoghton family entertained King James I. Offering him the finest cut of beef reared on the rolling pastures of the Darwen Valley, James I famously knighted his loin -Sir Loin!

Apparently the loyalty proved costly during the Civil War when Hoghton Tower came under siege by the Roundheads and the mansion's tower was partly destroyed.
There were panoramic views for much of the length of this walk, offering glimpses of both Preston and Blackburn. In spite of the rain we have had during the month, it wasn't too bad under-foot and one hour of our time was spent recording 'bird sightings' as part of the RSPB bird watch. Green Plovers and Mallard were the highest counts of the hour but a heron, a lesser spotted wood-pecker, a long-tailed tit and a Jay were the highlights!
A short stop for bananas and water, outside Hoghton Post Office on the A675 and we were off past Brindle Lodge, another imposing building. You may well be thinking, where are the photographs? Well the batteries failed and, for once, I didn't have any spare ones.
The climb from Millstone Farm up to Duxon Hill, was the most difficult part of the walk which was through pleasant countryside.
A visit to the Royal Oak was a must and the olde-worlde atmosphere remains. Four low oak-beamed rooms served by a central bar with good food and beer (Roast Beef and horseradish on brown for Chris and Ham and mustard on white for me; Wainwright Beer to wash it down) In all an excellent walk enjoyed by us both. Pity I was driving as a few more Wainwrights would have gone down a treat!
PS Just tried to save the map again and you may be pleased to know you can view it at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1581101

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A quick catch-up with our visit to Arran and Hadleigh.

2008-01-20T08:52:00.001-08:00

As my friends and family know, Ben, our youngest, has been home for Christmas; he went back to San Francisco last Monday. While he was home Chris, Ben and I spent a few days away in Arran. The one place I feel really 'uplifted' and at home.

The Isle of Arran, Scotland is the most southerly Scottish island and sits in the Firth of Clyde between Ayrshire and Kintyre. Arran is 19 miles long by 10 miles wide but has a remarkable diversity of landscapes and seascapes.

The pretty villages on Arran’s beautiful coastline are complemented by a rugged and mountainous interior in the north and green rolling hills and woodland in the south.

If you're reading this and looking to get away from it all, I highly recommend you take the time to uncover the hidden delights of Arran; it really does have something for everyone.

We had clear days...

and snow...

We saw seals...

...and Red Deer...

as well as red squirrels, a vast variety of song birds, birds of prey and water-fowl/birds. Ben took some excellent picture that you can view at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bendalziel/sets/72157603644852577/. My pictures are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/acljohn/sets/72157603630394646/.

No trip to Arran would be complete without visiting the distillery; a visit enjoyed by all.

We completed one fairly long and enjoyable walk starting and finishing at Lochranza.
Lochranza is the most northerly sited of Arran's villages and is located in the north-western corner of Arran. The village is set on the shore of Loch Ranza, a small sea loch. Lochranza is home to Arran's second ferry route, a short trip to Claonaig on the Kintyre Peninsula south of Tarbert. The whisky distillery opened in 1995, and is easily spotted with its copper pagodas. Castle ruins are located on a curved shingle spit that projects from the southern side of the village. The castle is normally locked but the key can be obtained from Lochranza stores. Lochranza is home to a healthy red deer population and, on the northern shore, grey seals are found year-round. Otters and golden eagles are also spotted in the area. It is also the very first place I stayed at, in Arran, when I was teaching in Phillip Morant School in Colchester Essex in 1986. My how time flies.

The only down side was that we were delayed on the way home due to bad weather; the ferry wouldn't sail due to the difficulties we would encounter entering Ardrossan Harbour. When we did sail we still managed to bump the harbour wall.
The following weekend we all met again at my dads in Hadleigh Suffolk; Ben to see his grandad before returning to the USA (next time they meet Ben will be married) and Mandy and Dave to say goodbye as they embark on their 99 day trip around the world! There wasn't room for me sadly. Dad seemed well and it was nice for all the family to be together again; the last time was a year ago at Mum's funeral. A much happier meeting this time but I kept expecting to see her every time I went into the dining room. We had 'Christmas again; thinking about it, it was the first Christmas of 2008! Lynn, and Bec paid us a brief visit on the Saturday and Pete on the Sunday before 'bell-ringing'. Ben has gone 'home' now and Chris and I are back to normal (what ever that is). Below you will find todays walk; I know it is a bit out of sequence but as everyone else tells me, 'it is finding the time'!.
I'll just leave this blog with an image, taken on Arran, that we came across when walking along the North East coast of Arran...

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The Lord Nelson, Croston

2008-01-20T08:03:00.001-08:00

Our walk today is the first of a number of "Pub Strolls" starting by the village green in the centre of Croston (a farming village situated on the A581 halfway between Southport and Chorley. You can view a map of the walk at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1564807.
We parked next to the medical centre, behind the pub, and as we headed out of the carpark towards a thatched cottage...

the sign to the right of the front door was a little confusing...

So was the back door the one on the left of the sign? Is it me?
Apparently 'cross-town', Croston, was built around an ancient holy cross and was for centuries the market centre for the extensive mosslands stretching westwards to the sea. The number of inns testifies to this former importance and makes it an attractive starting point for walks. Red-brick houses, cobbled streets and bridges over the River Yarrow are the main feature of Croston.

The original settlement was founded upon a crossing point of the River Yarrow. A less well known Lancashire river which rises in the Chorley foothills, meandering westward to join the River Douglas (mentioned on a number of previous walks).
The three and a quarter mile walk is entirely flat, leaving the River Yarrow behind as it wanders over Croston Moss along farm tracks before returning to the heart of the village and back over the river.
There is no point in doing a pub stroll if you don't visit the pub. It was what I would call a "drinker's pub".

It lays claim to being the oldest inn in Croston; apparently quite popular but small, cosy and 'rural'. Drinkers were concerned about the level of the Yarrow and 'How to self-certificate' so they still got paid. Apparently the former was affected by the tides (a chart of which was hanging on the wall).
We enjoyed a swift pint before heading to Martin Mere, on the way home, for a bite to eat. Chris wanted to see if the Eider Ducks were 'performing; Oooooo! The were not and, no surprise to anybody, the beavers were no where to be seen either! I hadn't seen this carving on previous visits and it was likely to be the only beaver we see here.

I think Chris and I have decided that, when the nights get lighter we will try fit in at least one Pub Stroll a week and include a meal out. Watch this space.

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Raven Meols Hills

2008-01-01T09:00:00.001-08:00

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1521082 will take you to a map of todays walk, the first in 2008.
Making the most of the fine 'Liverpool Bay Beach' and dune walking, our walk explored the National Trust Nature Reserve with its rare natterjack toad and red squirrel. Sad to say neither were on view today. The Red Squirrel have recently been hit hard by a 'squirrel pox' with lots of death among the colony.
Many waders, gulls and migrant birds feed along the shoreline here and both Chris and I have seen semi-fossilised hoofprints of the auroch, a huge, now extinct, beast that grazed the saltmarshes during Neolithic times, when they have been exposed in the inter-tidal sediments.
The reedy pond, a small wildlife area with ducks, coots and moorhens in abundance...

was crossed by a wooden bridge where we paused to take some pictures.

After passing Sandfield Farm we passed fields that sadly are no longer are used to grow the much praised 'Formby Asparagus'; what is the world coming to? Our path then took us through Nicotine Wood where, according to our guide, the path wanders agreeably. What does that mean? I think the author was trying too hard.
Upon returning to the car park we drove back for an ice cream and toilet stop at the entrance. Fat pigeons, magpies and crows were all that could be seen in this usually squirrel abundant area. I do hope the red squirrels recover from this outbreak of pox and that they return in great numbers.

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Haskayne, Clieves Hill (Ormskirk) and the Canal

2007-12-30T16:18:00.001-08:00

Back to normal! Today we walked 6.2 miles close to home.

Clieves Hill, just outside Ormskirk, is one of a line of low hills that look west across the Lancashire Plain and have much more distant views than you would expect. The Welsh Hills are frequently in sight, as are the Lake District, Trough of Bowland and Winter Hill. The walk was about one-third arable field-paths, one-third quiet lanes and one-third canal towpath. The walk starts near the Ship Inn at Haskayne, which is easily accessible and has a very attractive setting. Chris and I have frequented this establishment on a number of Wednesday nights after shopping. Good food and local beer. Highlights of the walk, those that made me get out the camera, included a 17th Century House, three horses who were expecting mints, apples or carrots (none of which we had) a minature set of standing stones and the first snowdrops!
All of which I've included in the collage below.

Nature seems confused to say the least, rooks are starting to nest and spring flowers out before the end of the year.
Further research tells me that Haskayne (origin, the village where hazel trees grow) has several cruck-framed thatched cottages, a post office-cum-store and a furniture manufacturer, plus its two pubs. Of these, the Ship is reputed to be the oldest on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, since this section was the first to be constructed in 1770. It is the longest canal in Britain at 127 miles and remains the only navigable canal across the Pennines.

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Christmas at Keldy

2007-12-30T15:36:00.001-08:00

We were together again! Ben back from the USA, Melanie, Mandy, Dave, Chris an I spent Christmas together in Keldy Cabins.

It is only when you produce collages, like the one above and the one below, that you realise that ther are no photographs of yourself.

The 'Hot Tub' was a big hit and various members of the family were found in it at various time throughout the day and night.

Ben, I think, spent most time in it but on one occasion we were all in it together; plus glasses of champagne of course!
I can only talk for myself but the few days we spent together were precious from dawn...

...until dusk...

We had many visitors, of wildlife, including squirrels, pheasants, robins, rabbits, tits of various types, tree-creepers, nuthatches to name but a few. Ben was exceptionally lucky when he saw, and photographed a Roe Deer.

We did hear the deer barking, yes I did say barking, when we went on a dusk/evening walk with the Site Ranger. An informative and pleasant walk. Chris an I completed the Blue and Red Walks and Melanie joined us for the walk to the Bird Hide.
Ben, Mandy and Dave completed the white cycle ride and managed to cover themselves in mud.
Chris, Melanie and I drove to Whitby one afternoon and Chris and I climbed the steps to the Abbey...

...walked out along the harbour wall...

and took many more pictures than I've included in this blog. If you want to see more, including the steam bus, polar bear and seagull then go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/acljohn/sets/72157603571403356/
and view the slide show.
A meal in the local pub, on the final evening, finished off what was a complete break for us all.
It will take us a long time to forget Ben, chief fire officer, blowing at regular intervals on the logs, the many games of Quiddler and the visits of wildlife throughout our stay.
I wonder where we will all be next Christmas?

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Kingsley, Dutton Locks and the River Weaver

2007-12-30T15:01:00.001-08:00

(better late than never)
This walk allowed Chris and I to explore the peaceful countryside along the terraces above the River Weaver and beside the river itself. There were good views up to the sandstone ridge on one side and the Pennines on the other. Very wet in some places, we encountered a herd of Long-horn cattle while making our way through a particularly muddy patch.

Chris liked the way their horns were on upside down! She was also pleased they watched rather than come closer to see why we were behaving in such an odd way.
The next encounter was that of monkeys!

Someone was having a laugh! The 'monkey puzzle tree' had many residents like the one in the image above.

As the valley was approached, the massive Dutton Viaduct came in sight and trains were seen crossing it every few minutes.

We walked past the lock before...

...the chance to admire the scale of the viaduct as the path passed directly under it. Following a brief encounter with human habitation, the route passes through the most remote part of the lower Weaver Valley.
Apparently, the River Weaver was a working river thirty years ago, with 1,000-ton coasters plying between Liverpool and the former ICI works at Winnington and Wallerscote near Northwich. Salt came by river from the works at Winsford to be transshipped at Liverpool to West Africa and other deep-water destinations. Canalisation of the Weaver in the early 18th Century reduced transport costs and thus enabled Cheshire salt to dominate the UK market for this essential commodity. Further information on Dutton Locks and the Weaver as a working river can be found at www.duttonlocks.co.uk.

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And the rain came tumbling down!

2007-12-03T13:11:00.001-08:00

"Here's a man who holding with a smile
Something that he'd wanted for a while
Clasping tight, to lose it in a day
And the rain came tumbling down."
It is the first time that we have walked near reservoirs and found them "Full"; in fact some of the paths near the edge of the reservoirs were under two to three feet of water.
An still more was being added from surrounding streams.

Apart from the rain and floods, the walk around the Turton & Entwistle and Wayoh Reservoirs was excellent under foot. The now relatively bare hedges and trees make it so much easier to see birds, which in turn adds to the walks enjoyment.
We past the Strawberry Duck twice; yes I did say past! The first time was too early and the second was out of consideration for the landlord/lady; we were very wet! We both remember how we had sat outside in the sunshine when we had walked in this area earlier in the year! Mmmm sunshine!
A number of 'fly-fishermen' were plying their hobby, without any apparent success, as we skirted the reservoirs. At least when walking you can get warm but standing in waders in a reservoir, in the rain, with a cold wind gusting, is not my idea of fun!
As already mentioned, a number of detours had to be made to skirt flooded paths but we made good speed on the excellent pathways passing two "green" celebrations of the Christmas holidays to come.

I wonder if the decorators will return in January (On Plough Monday perhaps) and remove the garlands? I hope so.
Next to one of the decorated Christmas Trees was a wood carving...

Apparently one of a number of carvings to be found in this area. Sadly this was the only one we found. Perhaps another visit is called for when it isn't so cold and wet!

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Mersey Basin and Bridgewater Canal

2007-11-25T09:42:00.001-08:00

Today we were both lucky with the weather and the choice of 'local' walk. Because the forecast wasn't that good this weekend, I looked for a fairly local walk and we chose one near Warrington.
A pleasant walk starting through the not so leafy glades, Autumn has had its effect, of outer Warrington. Past a reservoir we joined a bridleway to eventually climb up to what could have been a stunning vista of the Mersey Basin; if only it had been a clear day! We could just about see Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, 14 miles to the west, the Pennines and Winter Hill twenty miles to the east.
After taking in the view, we descended to a picturesque stretch of the Bridgewater Canal.

We took the opportunity to visit Walton Hall, Chris thought she had been before for a meeting, especially as the guide mentioned a cafe. Coffee, and for Chris Hot Chocolate, plus muffins were consumed beside the canal, before heading past the lake and waterfalls...

...up to Walton Hall.

It was where Chris had been for her meeting, well remembered! Perhaps this could be a venue for one of the RSC's meetings?
The entrance, as can be seen, was very impressive.

Returning to the Bridgewater Canal, we were sidetracked into the small Children's Zoo. A number of comments were made about the residents especially the rabbits...

"Mandy would want to hold him under her chin!"...and the peacock, who was particularly cooperative when I took his photograph...

The colours of his feathers were wonderful!.
The pleasant woodland stroll and the Bridgewater canal were easily appreciated; it provided us with a more balanced view of the local heritage of the area, together with the modern-day amenities available at Walton Hall & Gardens. This plus the final stretch through farmland completed another pleasant walk and all within walking distance of one of the fastest growing towns in the Northwest. A walk to revisit in the spring perhaps.
For those of you who don't know the area, Walton Hall and gardens were originally purchaced in 1812 by the Greenall Family, a famous name in the brewing industry. In 1941 the estate was bought by Warrington Borough Council, becoming parkland in 1945. The woodlands, as we found out, are home to squirrels, and many small birds including the 'Spot of the day' a Goldcrest! Well done Chris!

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69 but Forever Young...

2007-11-24T14:04:00.001-08:00

Friday night was music night! Chris and I made our way to the Rose Theatre, at Edge Hill University, to listen to an icon of the 60s; singer song writer, Julie Felix!
A very enjoyable evening listening to, and joining in with, Julie's own original material, classic favourites by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and others. Including traditional Mexican folk songs and Native American Indian Chants. If you get the chance to go and see her next year on tour, she will be 70, I suggest you make every effort as to quote her publicity...

"Her performances are always full of inspiration and enthusiasm, passion and humour, wrapped with messages of hope and the belief that the power of music can have a positive effect on our often harsh world."

How true! Thank you Julie for a wonderful evening.

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Styal, the Bollin Way and Manchester Airport...

2007-11-19T14:41:00.001-08:00

7.5 miles on a day that we were told would be cold and rainy! Well the good old weather forecast was way off again; but to be fair it was cold.
Most of the walk followed the reasonably well-signposted Bollin Way along the river.

A smaller version of Dean Wood near Wigan for much of the walk. Ben would have experienced flash backs to his rugby days as we walked past Withenshaw Rugby Club.
The walk follows the river Bollin as far as a tunnel under the runway of Manchester Airport and then continues along side the runway...

We were expecting 'plane-spotters' but it was obviously too cold for them. One close encounter brought a smile to both Chris' and my face; as we paused to check directions and the map, a Barn Owl flew from the hedge beside us, out across the fields. What a wonderful sight!
Leaving the runway we made our way back across pastoral farmland to Quarry Bank Mill on the Styal Estate

Birds were abundant including the Barn Owl and at least three Sparrow Hawks and a couple of Kestrels.
After refreshments in the Restaurant we used our National Trust Membership Cards to gain access to the Mill. A number of changes since we last visited and well worth a visit if you get time. The power of the water wheel and the engineering involved in transferring this into the machine rooms is worth the visit on its own.

Sadly the steam engines, one from the 1700's, were not working as the boiler needed repairs. Perhaps another visit is needed in 2008. Note Quarry Bank Mill and Styal is one of the most important industrial heritage sites in the world. It is a unique survival from the early part of the industrial revolution, not just the mill itself, but the Apprentice House, the Mill Owners House and the village built for the Mill Workers.

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Wales and Weddings

2007-11-17T13:17:00.001-08:00

Sorry this is late but a busy week, followed by three days walking and a wedding puts everything out of sequence. I've just about caught up with emails and work based learning bid support so its time to catch up with the blog.
Colwyn Bay and the Nant-Glyn Valley was our first walk on the Friday of last week. A beautiful walk which involved an easy climb from the start, just above sea level. On the way up the valley we were surprised to see gorse bushes back in flower.

Hardly what you would expect in November. At the height of the walk there were superb views of the Great and Little Ormes, Anglesey and Puffin Island...

An excellent start to our extended week end and the weather was better than forecast. The Welsh obviously don't make Sloe Gin as the hedgerows were laden with sloes...

Returning to the car, we headed off to the Seiont Manor Hotel which was to be both our base for the next two days and Steve and Ann's Wedding Venue. The natives seemed very friendly but they tended to stare a lot...

Like most populations the were a few 'black sheep' among them. The Hotel, room, food and drinks were excellent as was the swim and sauna! Yes Chris did go in the pool and yes it was warm!
Saturday brought another "better than expected day"! We headed off to Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey. Probably the best walk I've been on for a long time. The forest and island form an extensive nature reserve, with forest, ecologically important sand-dunes and wide-open beaches. The northerly shore was being lashed by heavy seas while the southerly shore was calm. The 'island' is barely disconnected from the mainland and has ancient lighthouses, stone crosses and a free museum housed in an old pilot's cottage; quite idyllic and well worth a visit.

The picture below shows one of the lighthouses and the pilot's cottage (museum)

The next picture is of the other lighthouse...

The island is said to have been the home of a religious community founded by Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Legend has it that she fell in love with a local prince, but the marriage was not to be. She prayed to be cured of her love and God appeared to her and gave her a potion to drink. This doused her ardour but also turned the prince into a statue of ice.
After further prayer, God then granted her three wishes. Her first wish was to return the prince to human form, her second to be given the power to grant the wishes of true lovers and her third was never to be inflicted with marriage and love again.
What ever the truth or otherwise of the legends, the island has a captivating atmosphere.
Walking back through the forest we happened upon puff balls...

and disabled perching for the resident gulls...

More swimming and another sauna and then we went and joined the newly married couple...

...at their reception. Let's just say a good time was had by all with lots of food and alcohol!
Sunday morning and after a good breakfast and a walk around the grounds we paid our bill and headed for Beddgelert Forest.
On the way I had a very strange feeling that I was about to come to the Snowden Ranger Youth Hostel (I had stayed there when I was 11-12 years old). It was a cold shiver down the back time when sure enough there it was! Wow! I still don't believe that I remember it from that long ago (about 46 years ago)
We arrived at the forest...

...and apart from a couple of showers, the walk provided some stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

We followed forest tracks; one steep climb was both a narrow path and bed of a stream. We passed Llyn Llywelyn circling round to a picnic site at the edge of the lake before returning to the car and heading home.
All in all three lovely days walking and both Chris an I wish Steve and Ann all the best in their married lives together.
PS I won the most money on the roulette wheel!

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My chest is appatently heading for 500 years old!

2007-11-04T14:24:00.001-08:00

Today Chris an I went to the recording of the Antique Road Show at St George's Hall in Liverpool.
St George's Hall was reopened this year on St Georges Day (April 23rd 2007) by HRH The Prince of Wales, after a £23m restoration.
It was very interesting so see how the show is filmed and how many people the experts see during the time we were there. The queues outside were very long indeed!

We were two of the lucky ones; we had a pass to 'jump-the-queue'! Chris had wanted to find out more about the 'dough chest' which we had acquired when Bessie (my grandmother) had moved in with my parents. We sent pictures to the BBC and were paid a visit last week (one of of 40 visits in and around Liverpool we were told), with the view of it being included in the show. As a result of the visit, we were given a pass!

The Chest was apparently from the early to mid-1500s. Wow that is much older than we thought!
Having had expert opinion about books, ceramics, and a number of other items we had taken, we headed off for a walk in Calderstones Park.
I've not included a map for this walk as it was nothing more than a "pleasant walk in the park". Liverpool is very lucky with their parks; they are looking so much better now that they are being given more TLC!
Calderstones Park in Allerton is named after the ancient megaliths situated in the park, which are said to be older than Stonehenge.
Calderstones incorporates the Harthill Botanical Gardens, founded in 1802. Almost 4000 species of plants are on show, brought from all over the world by merchants and other travellers.
We visited the Japanese Garden...

...and were impressed by the autumnal colours. From our experience of gardens in Japan we felt sure that the Japanese wouldn't have left so many leaves on the ground. They would have been cleared up very quickly. They wouldn't have had 'duck-weed' on the water either.
There is a lake in the park, where you can feed geese and ducks (if you ever remember to take any with you),

and there is also the Mansion House, which features a cafe and a child-friendly play area. Yes we did pop into the cafe! Toasted sausage and bacon sandwich went down very well!
Autumn seems strange to me this year. Many trees have completely lost all their leaves and others are still very green. This picture I think shows the uneven rate of leaf change.

Another enjoyable day but what a contrast; less than 12 months ago I was told I had the lungs of a 17 year old and today I was told I had a chest that was over 450 years old!

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Catch-up: Bulls, Halls & Turner Prize...

2007-10-28T16:14:00.001-07:00

Time to catch up with last weeks walk and this weeks revisit. Last week we walked 5.6993 miles across open country from Bretherton to Bank Hall and back to Bretherton. Bretherton is just off the A59 south of Preston and north of Southport.
The day was sunny and what little wind there was, was warmish. Last time we walked in this area the wind had been bitter. "Wide skys", the best way to describe the early part of the walk, and river embankments with the constant sound of shooting from the clay-pigeon shoot near the River Lostock. At Red bridge, painted green for some reason best known to the landowners or council, we left the River Douglas and headed towards the more wooded part, and more interesting part of the walk. (The URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1418604) We were greeted by a large dog and a useless owner as we joined the road; the owner had little or any control over the dog! He did say sorry, in a very loud voice, and repeated the apology when we 'glowered' at him.
The walk to Bank Hall, with the autumnal colours was very enjoyable. Bank Hall dates from 1608 with extensions from 1832, although there has been a building there since mediaeval times. It was used as a control centre for all troup movements in NW England during WW2. It missed out in the first BBC Restoration series but the 'Action Group' has started things moving.
You can find out more about the hall at http://www.bankhall.org.uk/html/intro.html.
Those of you who know my better half, Chris, will know her feelings about cattle. Well you can imagine her comments, worries etc. when we had to walk within 5 yards of this fine beast!

She was not amused but bravely kept me between her and the Bretherton Bull!
The rest of the walk was enhanced by the thought of a short stop at the 'Corn Mill' for food, drinks and a browse among the antiques.
Yesterday Chris and I went to look at the Turner Prize entries, at the Tate Liverpool. An interesting experience. The four artists who have been shortlisted are Zarina Bhimji, Nathan Coley, Mike Nelson and Mark Wallinger. It is the first time the prize has been held outside of London, at Tate Liverpool, as a curtain-raiser for Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008. The comments made by the public are well worth reading and I wont spoil it for you by typing any here! Chris feels the film of the man dressed as a bear should win! Again I'll say nothing :-)
I did enjoy some of the current exhibits and feel that if any readers get the chance, go and take a look yourself.
Today the day started with heavy rain! However for once the weather forecast was spot on and by 10ish the sun was out. We headed for the main task of the day; collection of sloes for sloe-gin. I wont say where we go to collect sloes as we don't want others to beat us to picking them in future years. All I will say is we have started this years off and look forward to Christmas to sample last years.
Having picked the sloes we headed towards Rivington with the aim of looking at the changes made to the gardens on Rivington Pike. Apparently they have had to clear all the rhododendrons because of some disease. What a difference this has made. The 'ravine' was so much more striking as the tiers of waterfalls cascaded down the hillside. Damn camera batteries! I was unable to capture this spectacular scene as the batteries failed just when I needed them.
Chris and I couldn't get over the 'openness' of the gardens and had mixed feelings about if it was an improvement or not. The buildings and steps were, without a doubt, far more imposing than before, when they were hidden among the now removed foliage.
The URL for our walk today is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=141835.

You can read more about Rivington Pike at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivington_Pike.

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Slaidburn and Newton

2007-10-14T13:32:00.001-07:00

'twas with a joyful heart, England were in the final of the 'Rugby Union World Cup', that Chris and I set off on our Sunday walk. The URL for this walk is http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1389585.
Although relatively short, 4.9773 miles, it was relatively undemanding compared to last weeks 'ups-and-downs'! There were superb views over the Bowland fells and Hodder Valley. Both Slaidburn, once the administrative centre of the Forest of Bowland, and Newton are attractive and interesting villages.

Although there were fine views of moorland, ask Chris about 'Moorcocks', most of our walk was over farmland with the company of many sheep...

The photograph shows some of the sheep between Pain Hill and Crawshaw.
As we headed towards Newton, we took a brief detour into the Quaker Burial ground.

Sadly this has been left to become very overgrown. Apparently the Quakers were persecuted during the 18th Century and so they were forced to seek out small and relatively isolated places like Newton.
We eventually reached the river Hodder, and this final stretch was delightful and relaxing (Ratty and Mole would have been at home here and Dunnow Hall looked just like the home Toad would have lived in!)
We stopped briefly before Dunnow Hall, next to Great Dunnow Wood beside a ford.

Heading towards the 15th Century Church at Slaidburn, we turned off to complete the walk beside the Hodder. Fishermen, fly-fishing, were passed and eventually we arrived back at the carpark. Ice cream was purchased and as we consumed them - Poop! Poop! - an MG drivers club arrived on what appeared to be a treasure-hunt!
All in all, a bit of a "wind-in-the-willows" day.
And did I say England were in the final of the World Cup? :-)

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Feck, Feck, Feck, Feck-off...

2007-10-07T14:09:00.001-07:00

Father Ted lives on in Red Grouse! Chris was convinced that they were saying "Go Back, Go Back!" but I think I'm closer to their frantic alarm calls. We were walking in the Trough of Bowland, climbing 1,050 feet and walking 5.2835miles over Clougha Pike. The URl for this walk is http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1373954.
For the start of Autumn (Fall), the weather was fine, if anything a bit too warm. Plants and animals alike are confused! I'm sure many of you wont believe it but gorse was coming into flower. Fungi, in the form of ink-caps, reminded us that Autumn is upon us...

...and huge clumps of bright green moss reminded us of all the rain we had had this "summer".

The walk was rewarding with fine views on what was a hazy day. The ground was rough and the 1000 plus foot climb was a little steep at times. The opening stage of the walk took us across a little aqueduct called Ottergear Bridge, and then swung around climbing a little before dropping into a small, sharp-cut valley. The first of a number of channels, some of which cut through the ridge of Clougha.

It was then up onto moorland. Wet patches, marked by rushes, and heather and bilberry the dominant vegetation. Like it or not, these moors are managed because of grouse shooting. It is part of the ecology of these moors. On the way up, a wind farm could be seen over the valley.

We met two men on the way up who had lost their keys and were retracing their steps to try and find them! Thank goodness for pockets with zips! I don't think they had much chance of finding them. We eventually reached the rocky crest of the ridge; after several pauses to take in the view (read catch our breath). Although we were looking forward to "the finest views in the Bowland Fells, possibly in the whole of Lancashire", we had to make do with "quite rewarding views" as the hazy day restricted our view to Lancaster and no further.

The final stretch took us downpast a large cairn, over a "rock-scramble", past "wrinkled rocks" and into Windy Clough. The path through the woods, close to a stream was very nice and the shade welcome. Finally it was through gorse, over duckboards and back to the carpark.

The walk had taken much longer than we expected but I think that was due, in the main, to the 1000 feet plus climb. A quick detour on the way home involved a visit to Bailrigg House to show Chris where I now worked, a visit to the garage for fuel and a stop at the Plough, in Galgate, for food and liquid refreshments. A good day all round and an area I will visit again.

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Barrow Bridge-Walker Fold-Crooked Edge Hill

2007-09-30T14:44:00.001-07:00

The URL for this route is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1357368; The guide, from Walkers world ID: 1197) informed us that this was a 6.2 mile walk. Both Chris and I felt that it didn't seem that far. When I plotted the walk, as you can see, the walk was only 5.3024 miles.
We started in the car park at Barrow Bridge. I won't bore you with the details of how we arrived here, suffice it to say "map reading"! The sign in the carpark, as you can see in the photograph below, greeted us with the "famous 63 steps" we had to climb at the very start of the walk.

The 18th Century cottages along the river, with their access bridges to well-kept gardens, were idyllic.

Complete with Narnia lamp-posts Ben! Initially the walk explored the varied characteristics of this West Pennine valley; deciduous woodland, complete with campers. Chris was sure they shouldn't have such a big fire in the woods. The babbling river, the 63 steps after which there were pasture and small-holdings.
We soon arrived at the hamlet of Walker Fold with a number of old cottages and farm buildings, sympathetically renovated or converted for habitation.

Winter Hill mast was ever-present; you can see it on the right of the picture above. Beyond here the higher parts of the river are lined by coniferous woodland. The path criss-crosses the stream emerging on a track that led us up towards Holden's Farm.
Beyond the farm we entered open moorland (Wilders Moor); here we headed to the cairns at the top of Crooked Edge Hill. The guide tells us that the cairns are of relatively recent construction by are clearly a local landmark.

I had to take a picture of the tower of Rivington Pike and the hill Bec managed to tumble down! Chris is pointing it out, just for Bec!

The promised "dramatic views" were not forthcoming as it was hazy! The return route involved crossing and re-crossing the ascent, forming a series of "figures of eight" and avoiding retracing steps. Walking back, parallel to Burnt Edge, Barrow Bridge Chimney could be seen in the distance; an aid to the required direction.
The final descent involved the 71 newly-constructed steps back to the river. We are very lucky to be so close to such beautiful areas. A walk that isn't strenuous and provides a taste of river, fells, great views, industrial archaeology, nature and woodlands.

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Hi Ho, Hi Ho, its...

2007-09-23T14:59:00.001-07:00

...off to Paston we go! On Friday I was on annual leave and Chris and I were responding to a call for help!
Our Property Magnet daughter needed to 'sort out' the Paston property garden for a new tenant.
Chris only had a half day leave as she had to attend a meeting in Chester. So it was decided that I would drive her to the meeting, have a wander around Chester and then we would head off to Peterborough.

I enjoyed my walk around the traffic free heart of Chester city centre; the historic facades of the black and white buildings which dominate the city centre include "Chester's Rows". Here 21st century stores thrive in a medieval setting. The city is compact enough to walk around with ease, and the unique two tiered rows made my experience even more enjoyable especially when it started to rain.

The Clock, over one of the gates, is well worth a visit and it reminded me of previous walks Chris have done in Chester. It is situated near the 5 Star Chester Grosvenor and Spa Hotel.
Rain made me enter the Grosvenor Museum a classic 19th century building. A group of children from a local Junior School were looking at a most impressive collection of Roman tombstones; their constant questions and enthusiasm was 'wonderful'. A bit later another group of youngsters arrived, dressed in 'home-made' roman armour; what a pity their teacher was so determined to be the centre of attention. A loud, pompous and rude person who had very little interest in the childrens questions or other museum users feelings. I decided to leave before I was tempted to say something I would regret. I headed back to the carpark, to wait for Chris, making a short detour to look at the 'single-span' bridge over the river; it had been mentioned on the video I had watched in the Museum.

Chris arrived and it was off to Peterborough. The journey was interupted briefly when I had to pull into a lay-by on the A51, to take this picture of a straw sculpture...

You must admit it is impressive! Snugbury's, I discovered later, are icecream makers who are also "renowned for their straw sculptures". As you can see this years sculpture is of the Lovell telescope at Jodrell bank. It celebrates 50 years of the dawn of the space age and the telescope's construction. It is also the tenth anniversary of the straw structures; the dish weighs in at over 6 tonnes and has a 32 foot diameter. You can find out more at http://www.snugburys.co.uk/sculpture.htm.
The rest of the journey was uneventful, stopping briefly for refreshments, we eventualy arrived at Mandy and Daves; I resist the temptation to mention Chris was looking for the road Mandy used to live in rather than the one she does live in! Both Mandy and Dave were well and over a few drinks and food we caught up with news, travels, plans, dreams etc.
Chris and I slept on a matress downstairs and after a reasonably early breakfast we headed towards Paston and the jungle, sorry garden, we had been asked to tame, sorry make-over!

As you can see from the photograph, jungle was a more appropriate word to use! I wont dwell on detail but Mandy, Chris, Dave and I got 'stuck-in' and after 6 visits to the local tip, blisters, scratched, stung hands and arms etc., we overcame the challenges we had faced and transformed the jungle...

The challenge now is to make sure that it doesn't return to the wild!
We even managed to get back in time to watch England win in the World Cup. Could things get any better? They could indeed! Cobra beer and a curry in the local Indian Restaurant! Mmmmm very nice indeed. A quick walk in the dark, past a local landmark (a man-made hill), and it was back home; none of us needed any rocking, as Chris's Mum would have said.
Today Mandy and Dave went to purchase plants for their garden and the garden was weeded, plants set and when everything was done and dusted Chris and I set off for home.
Watch this space to see if we are called upon a fourth time to tame the wild!

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Haslingden Grane

2007-09-16T11:12:00.001-07:00

Not a planned walk this week; we had planned to continue the Ribble Way but, trying to be green, we had only taken one car! Taxi cabs can not, for love nor money be hired on a Sunday in Settle! So as the walk was 12 miles and we had no way of getting back to our car we decided to head for home.
Rather than waste a day I suggested we went to a National Trust house and that I thought the guide book was in the tray under the passenger seat. It wasn't!.

However there was the "50 Walks in Lancashire and Cheshire" book. Chris looked through and I suppose it isn't surprising we had walked many of them.

The "Deserted Valley of Haslingden Grane", although short (just over 3 miles), sounded intriguing. The history of the valley is worth reading and the walk well worth the detour.

Starting at Clough Head Information Centre, we were entertained by a group of adults and children holding an outdoor religious service, (very happy and quite clappy!), as we put on our walking gear. One animated song remined Chris of "Hand, shoulders, Knees and toes, knees and toes", and she suggested she should go over and give them a chorus...

In the carpark was a "random deer" sculpture/weaving; I think it was to signify the fact that this had been a deer park prior to the 16th century. We headed off, left of the information centre, through a small plantation and climbed steeply up Clough Head; I could tell we hadn't walked for a few weeks! We joined the Rossendale Way, half-way up the slope and, I'm pleased to say, remained for some time on a fairly level path.

The walk itself can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1322504. The route took us past many ruins; evidence of the once populated valley (over 1000 people at one time). Reading the history of the valley puts into perspective the hardships of the population of this area. Relying on poor farm land, handloom weaving and distilling of illicit whisky (I'm impressed by the latter) the advent of larger mills, and the flooding of their best land (when the reservoir was built), together with falls in commodity prices, explaind the abandoned valley and ruins.

I've tried to capture some of the beauty and sadness of this valley by using autostitch. Six images have been stiched together to provide a 180 degree image including reservoir, moorland, woodland and plantations, as well as ruins .

Oh, I nearly forgot, it also includes Chris who took a short break while I took the photographs.
On reflection, the lack of wildlife seen on the walk also indicated the lack of man's influence; apart from a few cows and an odd sheep or two, the walk was quite uneventful. It was however noticeable that a large number of fungi were appearing, showing the beginnings of Autumn (Fall for our American friends).
In general a short but varied walk, well worth a visit.
P.S. The food at the Information Centre was good as well.

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Out of this World: the art of Josh Kirby

2007-09-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

Today the weather was unpleasant to say the least. We decided that it was an opportunity to visit Josh Kirby's Exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

We visited the tip on the way to Liverpool, to recycle cardboard; we are good! Parking next to the entrance to the Queensway Tunnel, we walked up William Brown Street to the Gallery.

Here, and I quote from the Walker Gallery's website, we "explored a colourful world teeming with other-worldly characters, creatures, fantasy cities and landscapes in 'Out of this World: the art of Josh Kirby' - the first major retrospective of the Liverpool-born artist."

The exhibition covered Kirby's artistic career from his early days as a freelance artist to his famous cover illustrations for Terry Pratchett's Discworld and Eric/Faust fantasy books.

Ben will be impressed that Kirby’s work includes famous film posters such as Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and Monty Python's Life of Brian. I'm pleased that I didn't miss this unique opportunity to view Kirby's intricate paintings, un-cropped and in their original format. Chris liked the fact that preliminary sketches were included showing progression. I'll include some background for those of you who are interested...

Josh Kirby (1928-2001)

Born Ronald William Kirby in Liverpool’s Waterloo district, he studied at Liverpool City School of Art from 1943 until 1948. Settling in London in around 1951, he worked as an artist in film and commercial advertising. Kirby progressed to painting book covers, coming to specialise in science fiction and fantasy.

From 1965 until his death Kirby lived in an old Norfolk rectory, painting in a cramped pantry space no bigger than a cupboard. There he created much of his best known work. His heroes and heroines are archetypal fantasy figures; his scenes infused with ribald humour. Fantasy art is often associated with airbrushing but Kirby’s works were meticulously hand-painted, usually in gouaches or oils, over a period of four to eight weeks.

You can still visit the Exhibition until the 30th September 2007; if you can't do that then take a look at some of the images on the Walker Website at http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/exhibitions/joshkirby/

An unexpected bonus was the "Unnatural selection: jewellery, objects and sculpture by Peter Chang"; Well worth a look while you are there but, in my opinion, not very practical jewellery.

More details of this exhibition can be found at http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/exhibitions/peterchang/ and visited up until the 30th September as well!

For 2008 National Museums Liverpool has commissioned celebrated artist Ben Johnson to create an iconic cityscape of Liverpool, the most ambitious of his distinguished panoramas to date.

His cityscapes are world-renowned. The detail, the precision, the staggering scale of the work involved - everything about these paintings is astonishing. Do visit the flickr slide show at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationalmuseumsliverpool/sets/72157594395968439/show/

Walking back through town we returned to the car and I took a picture of the statues at the mouth of the tunnel.

The tunnel was opened on July 18, 1934 by King George V and Queen Mary, in honour of whom the tunnel is named and whom the statues depict. 200,000 people watched the opening from the Old Haymarket entrance, in Liverpool.

Construction of the Road Tunnel started in 1925 to a design by consulting engineer Sir Basil Mott. Mott supervised the construction in association with John Brodie, who, as City Engineer of Liverpool, had co-ordinated the feasibility studies made by consultant Engineers Mott, Hay and Anderson. In 1928 the two pilot tunnels met to within less than an inch (25 mm).

The tunnel entrances, toll booths and ventilation building exteriors were designed by architect Herbert James Rowse, who is frequently but incorrectly credited with the whole civil engineering project. It cost £8,000,000 to build, and 1,200,000 tons of rock, gravel and clay were excavated, with some of this rubble being used to build Otterspool Promenade.

1,700 men worked in the tunnel of whom 17 were killed during work.

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Push, Push, Push; Mow, Mow, Mow!

2007-08-30T09:13:00.001-07:00

One of the highlights of Lynn, Pete and Dads visit; something we had been building up to since they arrived on Saturday! In reality Lynn had not wanted to go at all and it was used as a threat so they would enjoy the other visits.
The British Lawnmower Museum is situated in 106 to 114 Shakespeare Street, Southport, Sefton. Please note that in spite of the address being Lancashire, the museum is in Sefton! They also have a website at http://www.lawnmowerworld.com.
I quote from their leaflet...
"Don't let the grass grow under your feet! It's mower interesting! Have even mower fun! Visit the British Lawnmower Museum and be a Cut Above the rest. It's all you need to mow."
I am sorry!

As those of you reading the blog can see from the collage, the over 200 'pristine exhibits' are varried to say the least; the audio tour was informative and, much to their surprise, everyone enjoyed the visit. For those of you who must know, the lawnmower was invented in 1830 by Edwin Budding of Gloucester. It was a unique experience, marking the culmination of a dream by ex-racing champion, Brian Radam.
Chris missed out on this life changing experience so Lynn purchased a DVD for her; this we watched later in the day. It included the lawnmower song, something everyone should perhaps give a miss. Ben, it is something to look forward to at Christmas. Lynn also purchased a pewter lawnmower for me.
After lunch we headed for Anfield.
Melanie had obtained a slot for our visitors on one of the tours. As Pete and Lynn have no interest in football this was going to be another 'experience'.

The collage I have included is made up of pictures taken by Pete! They all enjoyed the tour and said it was an enjoyable experience. Dad, Mel and I all enjoy football so it was no surprise that dad had enjoyed himself.
On the way home Lynn anounced that the stay would be complete if she could take a photo of Red Rum's statue...

So we called around at Aintree for Lynn to take the picture included on this blog. A quick visit to Maplins (Lynn wanted a VOIP phone and web-cam) and then home.
We all went out for a meal that evening; Pete and I watching the usual Hen and Chickens, Scotch Piper Motorbikes, during the meal; it was Wednesday!
This morning we said goodbye to our guests. It was nice to spend a few days with them and to share our life with them. We both hope they enjoyed themselves and look forward to their next visit.
PS Lynn, as those of you who read my blog will know, has purchased a monocular. On Tuesday evening I was call to the garden to "look at the moon"! This image is of that very moon...

Her monocular enabled most features of the moon to be seen. Until next time bye.

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Underground, overground...

2007-08-29T01:05:00.001-07:00

A senior moment again. The one exciting thing I missed from the last blog was the 'stoat event'!
As we were walking around Martin Mere, I spotted a stoat running for cover with a young moorhen in its mouth. Nature is wonderful; or should that be cruel?

Today, it seems quite appropriate on Livererpools eight-hundredth birthday, that we visited Williamson's Tunnels. Volunteers have and are working hard to open up this maze of interlinking tunnels under Edge Hill.
We all had to wear hard hats; a bit like the 'Village people'! Dad looked particularly smart.

Our guide was excellent, providing some information that perhaps he should have kept to himself! For example the fact that flats were above our heads supported on the apparently inadequate pile shown in the image below. Quote "the poured concrete, only stuck to the rubbish that filled the tunnel!"

'Break throughs' and shutes, from buildings above...

had allowed people to get rid of their waste over the decades and the biggest task facing volunteers was the removal of this vast amont of rubbish; using what appears to be primative tools.

I wont spoil your possible visit to the tunnels but just say they are well worth a visit. Quite secure walkways...

lead you through the tunnels, in many cases high above the floors below. (I'm not sure how the floors could be above, arn't they ceilings then, but you know what I mean)

The shear size of these tunnels, and the methods used to construst them, is awesome!
The double tunnel at the end of the guided walk, also a cafe, illustrates the vast sizes involved.

After a drink and biscuit, we headed off to meet Chris. She had been in work. We went to the farm shop in Lydiate for onions, a walk around the Manor House ruins and lunch in the cafe. Lynn collected 'eyes' of an appropriate size for her card making. The peacocks had been very accommodating!
In the afternoon we headed to Ormskirk. Pete was impressed by the church; having both a tower and steeple...

The day was completed in style when Liverpool won their second leg, of the European Cup 4 goals to nil. 5 nil over both games. We then looked at the DVD of tunnels we hadn't visited today. How sad is that!
Lawn mower museum tomorrow, WOW! Even sadder perhaps.

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Martin Mere

2007-08-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

Before I talk about what we did today, let me include a picture of the Childe of Hale; remember we saw this carving yesterday.

Impressive isn't it?
Today we took our guests to Martin Mere. No surprise there as we tend to take most of our guests to see the "wetlands and wildfowl"!
I experienced a few firsts, even after so many visits!
One, I have never seen a flamingo eat from someones hand or, come to that, get so close to one!

Then again, two, I've never touched a living dragon-fly before but, today they seemed reluctant to move and I got some nice shots with the digital camera.

And three, for the second day running I managed to photograph a Peacock butterfly; this time on a plant.

Two iron sculptures caught my eye, I'm sure I've seen them before but I don't think I've taken any pictures. I include images of them below...

Lynn, Pete and dad seemed to enjoy their visit, Lynn having purchased a monocular. We visited the cafe, as usual, and enjoyed the fine fare provided. We were going home via the coast road but, Southport was being visited by the masses! So it was a quick turn-round and back home for further refreshments. Dad and Pete are watching cricket (India against England), Lynn, Melanie and Chris are in the other room and I'm uploading pictures and 'doing-the-blog'.
Chris is in work tomorrow morning so, it is down to me to entertain the guests until Chris joins us at lunch-time.

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Hale, Crosby and Lady Green...

2007-08-27T01:22:00.001-07:00

We headed off to Hale, on Sunday morning, to take a gentle walk along the Mersey.

Chris, Lynn and Dad managed the two miles to the church but, dad had had enough by then. Pete and I went the rest of the way and returned with the car. The walk is available on line at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1263733
Still wheat and barley to cut! Father found a four leaf clover among the large variety of flora. aand we stopped at regular intervals to look at the birds on the mersey, mud-flats and sandbanks. Lynn took pictures of the'Childe of Hale'; a renowned wrestler who stood 9 feet 3 inches tall. He is commemorated outside the church-yard in the form of a huge wooden carving representing the man and events significant to the village.
It was then off to Burbo Bank and our usual visit to 'Another Place'

Antony Gormley's figures on the beach. Most were under water because it was high-tide! Ice-creams were enjoyed by all as we walked along the beach. Dad was impressed by the speed at which a P&O ship left Liverpool, passing the new wind-farm, and out to sea.
A quick trip to the supermarket, in Formby, was followed by a visit to Lady Green Nursery.
Here we were fed and watered. Father played hide and seek. I went to look for him through one door as he came out through another.
It was then back home for a lazy rest of the day, with roast beef and all the trimmings in the evening.
We had, as you expect, tales of the expected; ranging from cakes made with pepermint oil, beef dripping and Lynn hitting Eddie Clarry's artificial leg with a plate. What excitement. I didn't know however, that Eddie had lost his leg by standing on a land-mine; the day after the war ended! how unlucky was that!

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Badger, Badger, Badger...

2007-08-27T01:01:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, 25th August 2007, Chris and I attended a 'Badger Day' at Spring Wood in Lancashire. The day consisted of raising our awareness and helping us to find evidence of bager activity.
We apparently arrived too early because I was driving too fast. To waste a little time we went into Whalley to take a passing look at the Abbey and Gate House. Quite impressive and we determined to return sometime in the near future. While waiting for the initial talk and slide-show, we watched squirrels, nuthatches, various tits and other birds on the Spring Wood Bird tables.

The squirrels were, in particular, very amusing. A nuthatch flitted in and out pinching the peanuts but I was unable to capture him or her on the camera.
The talk was interesting but I don't feel I learned a great deal; it covered...

a general introduction including the biology, nocturnal lifestyle and 'the social badger',
food sources;
badger noises;
territories;
badger paths;
setts;
hole comparison;
scratch marks;
foot prints;
Latrines, droppings and Urine;
Badger Bones;
Badger Watching and
Badger Sett Recording.

It was then time for a quick snack before setting off for the 'practical' part of the day.
We headed off into Spring Wood. Off the main pathway we were asked to search a particular area and to note what we found.
To cut a long story short, it was a rabbit warren and evidence was discussed providing an overview of what we should have noticed and how we could confirm that it was indeed rabbits!
We then moved on to an active Sett.

Sand had been placed the day before with the hope of getting foot prints. No luck there but, we found badger hair and noted the loose soil and rocks at the mouth of a well worn entrance.
Latrines were also found...

Some of the group then left us while the rest headed off to another wood and a second sett.
Crossing typical badger feeding grounds,

sloping well grazed fields, we entered the second woodland.

Further investigation gave us increased confidence as we correctly identified active and inactive entrances.

One of the highlights was the discovery of a wasps nest that badgers had ripped open in an attempt to eat the grubs.

Repairs were underway, as can be seen from the picture below.
We returned via part of the 'Lancashire Trail', past ruined farms and over fields.

The ranger was pleased that Chris was keen to help them in West Lancashire, an area they had little knowledge of. So armed with 'Sett Initial Visit Record' sheets and 'Guidelines for monitoring badger setts' we set off for home. Chris has to email the badger-group to register 'our' interest. Watch this space.
At home we waited for Sister Lynn, brother-in-law Pete and Father. They were coming to stay for a few days. I'll let Lynn describe the journey in her blogg, as she has first hand experience!
They had to leave the M6, because it had been closed, and there were no signs to help them find their way.

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Southport Show and Maps

2007-08-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

We decided today that the weather was too unpredictable and we would be better off visiting "The show"! It hasn't been something we had considered doing since moving here in 1989 but it was an interesting experience. The theme was "music" and some of the exhibitors had been very imaginative. Displays included an Octopus's garden (seen above), Lucy in the Sky..., Strawberry Fields, Abbey Road etc. I particularly liked the displays of ferns and grasses as well as the Bonsai (again one included in the image above).
Rather than putting each photograph in separately I decided to do two collages; I hope this gives a feeling of the exhibits I liked and the range of things on view.

As you can see above there were other things to view than plants and fruit and vegetables. I've included one bird of prey especially for Madeline and Ben. Chris purchased a new bag (black leather) and as the weather deteriorated we headed back home so that I could watch the clash between Liverpool and Chelsea. A 1-1 draw.
Maps: - It seems as if some people like looking at the maps of our walks so I've added the two I've missed...

The Pennington Flash walk (4.2478miles) can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1240514 and...
The Pinhaw Beacon (7.5481miles) at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1240554

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Pinhaw Beacon

2007-08-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today we mainly walked in the rain!
Our arrival for the walk was delayed by a cycle race...

...which involved most of the British Police Force stopping us, and others, from proceeding with their journey.
It isn't often that we have rain when we are out walking but today we had three or four sharp showers.
The 7.5 mile walk started and finished in Thornton-in-Craven. In spite of the rain the walk took us through heather, not quite at its best, up onto Pinhaw Beacon (1273 feet; we climbed about 950 feet)

The route was easy to follow, across open fields, through plantations, across moorland along ravines and, we were pleased to say, avoided steep gradients.
Part of the walk was shared by the Pennine Way with its paved paths and duckboards.

It had been some time since we had last visited Thornton-in-Craven (The end of the Lancashire Trail) but I did remember the 'Farm' with its cafe; we visited for food and drink but decided not to look round at £4 a head. Chris spotted a Llama, some sheepdog puppies and a lamb with a limp! Our journey home took an unusual route; the M65 was closed (so not all the police were with the cycle race!) because of an incident. We still don't know what the 'incident was but the motorway was not an option. An enjoyable walk which you will find as walk 18 in Jack Keighley's Book Walks in Dales Country (Yes Lisa it was the book you bought at Christmas!)

Pennington Flash

2007-08-13T12:54:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday we decided to re-visit Pennington Flash; a short walk to 'break-in' my new walking boots. The last time we visited we were doing the RSPB bird watch (February'ish); we think it was probably 2years ago.
Carvings were the main highlight of this particular walk...

The kingfisher was the first one we spotted but...

...made Chris jump as she spotted it out of the corner of her eye as we headed towards a hide.

and...

...were two others found on the walk.
The Flash was formed by mining subsidence; the vast amounts of coal extracted by local collieries (all now closed) eventually caused the land to sink and by 1905 a large lake had formed. The Flash was larger than it is today. It was partly filled with colliery waste creating the spoil heap between the Flash and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, known as Ramsdale's Ruck.
The southern part of the Flash was filled with 'domestic waste' to prevent the regular flooding of St Helens Road.

During the 1960's and 70's ideas for developing the site for recreation and conservation began to emerge and in 1981 Pennington Flash Country Park was officially opened.

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Done and dusted!

2007-08-01T09:44:00.001-07:00

The End!
A grand total of 48.3605 miles through the Pennines - THE BRONTE WAY- including a detour to Top Withens (Wuthering Heights)
Having used the Paul Hannon Giide, I see little point in rewriting what is already an excellent guide. (£4:50 ISBN 1-870141-56-3 Publisher Hillside)
We walked for five days.
Day 1 started at Oakwell Hall...

...and headed for Shelf (10.8021 miles) This included a brief visit to Red House

...that featured as Briarmains in Shirley and Clough House to which Patrick Bronte came after his marriage to Maria Branwell in 1812...

The map of our first days walk can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1180889
Day 2 - from Shelf to Wycoller (11.6753 miles)
This included visiting...

...the remains of the Bell Chapel (1612); the parish church when the Rev Patrick Bronte came from Hartshead in 1815.

Above is where they lived; now numbers 72 and 74
The map of our second days walk can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1178829
Day 3 was a day of rest where we revisited Oakwell Hall, and the Red House; Ponden Mill was also visited for a snack and general 'nose'.
Day 4 was Haworth to Wycoller
We set off from our hotel...

...The Old White Lion situated at the top of Haworth High Street which was steep, and cobbled;

...making the hills in San Francisco quite insignificant!
Visiting...

Bronte Bridge and Bronte Falls (almost missed them as they were small to say the least) on our way to Top Withens...

...the inspiration for Wuthering Heights. Next we passed...

Ponden Hall where Emily visited the Heaton family; portrayed the house as Thrushcross Grange, the Linton home in Wuthering Heights. Eventually we arrived at what remains of...

Wycoller Hall, a 16th century country house. It is thought to have been the Ferndean Manor of Charlotte's Jane Eyre.
The map of our third days walk can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1178717
Day Five we split up the last section into two parts; today we walked from Wycoller to a carpark next to the River Brun after which Burnley got its name.
We decided to give bothLumb Spout and Boulsworth Hill a miss (we had seen and walked to and up onto on previous walks; they were optional detours) We could see, for most of the first part of the walk...

Pendle Hill; Melanie will remember it as being far too steep, Ben because he insisted on bringing down a large stone which he painted sheep on. Chris and i because it was part of the Lancashire Trail among other walks.
We had lunch beside Thursden Brook a lovely setting, next to a footbridge...

No real Bronte influence today just wild and beautiful countryside.
The map of our fourth days walk can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1180745
Day 6 - We explored the "Bronte Haworth"

and played at "Railway Children"

The Bronte Parsonage Museum, home for the Brontes from 1820 to 1861, is well worth a visit...

Day 7: The final walk
From the River Brunt to Gawthorpe Hall
Considering how close we were to a very large population the urban effects were minimal.
The...

Leeds and Liverpool Canal passing...

Byerden Holme eventually brought us to the end of a truly spectacular walk. We were luck with the weather, the hotel, food, drink, wildlife (flora and fauna), and the Bronte family.
The map of our fifth days walk can be viewed at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1190177

A slideshow of 54 photographs taken during our walk along the Bronte Way, can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/acljohn/sets/72157601024225310/ showing a much wider range than I've included in this blog.

All good things come to an end and Chris is back in work tomorrow and I'm back on Monday.

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Tawd Valley Park

2007-07-22T06:47:00.001-07:00

Running through the heart of Skelmersdale. Tawd Valley Park follows the course of the River Tawd through open meadow and woodlands.
I didn't take a picture of the Bandstand, just beyond the Concourse, although I was tempted to get the camera out, if only to show the disgraceful state it is in.This end of the Valley Trailwas in great need of care and attention; it had been impressive once upon a time but... it is very sad to see now.
Signs, if they ever existed, had been damaged, removed, burnt or, as suggested were never there. Once away from the Concourse (Shopping/swimming pool/library/walk-in NHS/ etc.), we could enjoy the open spaces and take a relaxing walk on a Sunday in the sun. Yes I did say sun! Litter was no longer apparent and we walked through the first part of the park, called Wildlife on your Doorstep. A route through an area of natural beauty rich in a wide variety of trees, wildflowers, butterflies, squirrels (1) and birds.
The second part, Heritage of the Tawd, took us through the recent history of the valley; remains/features left over from the mining and cotton industries which helped develop Skem.

As you can see from the image, Chris decided to check my Physics knowledge; I said it is deeper than it looks, she tested it and who was correct? I rest my case...
A detour had to be made on the loop back as a complete bridge (not the only one) was missing (hence the wet foot). This far end is entitled Geological Discovery but why we are not sure. The woodland, at the back of Our Lady Queen of Peace High School and Lathom High School, is a disgrace! the amount of litter, broken bottles, cans etc., unbelievable. I'll let you draw your own conclusions about why this area in particular was so bad.

Just a bit further on from the waterfall another bridge had been destroyed so a detour up onto Glenburn Road was needed before we could make our way back to the start.
Apart form the two areas mentioned the walk was enjoyable; open spaces, lots of flora and fauna and the noise of running water. That plus sunshine and a quick visit to Martin Mere for food and drinks (Chris hoped to see the beavers) completed another pleasant walk in Lancashire.
The route taken can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1159969

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They let him loose with a paintbrush!

2007-07-17T11:48:00.001-07:00

Just a brief update for the rest of the family: Ben has been helping the Humane Society Silicon Valley!

You can read all about it at http://hssv.org/volunteer_corp_yahoo.html
No he didn't smuggle a pet home!

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Birkenhead Park Map

2007-07-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

As usual, for those who wish to do the walk or would like to see where we went, go to http://quikmaps.com/show/38599

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Birkenhead Park and Oxton Circular

2007-07-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

A day of feathered friends and squirrels! Through the Wallasey tunnel, £1.30 these days, and parked in Ashville Road between the lower and upper Park.The first wildlife were squirrels spotted by Chris as we walked around the first lake. The geese, see above, were cropping the banks of the lake and, apart from an initial interest to see if we had bread, were not bothered by our presence in any way. Further on we were greeted by a variety of ducks and their young...

Convinced we did have food. The ducklings left positive bow waves as they dashed across the lake. Chris kept telling them we didn't have anything for them (as if they understood!)Back onto the perimeter road to the gates between Kemp's House (whoever Kemp was/is!) and the Castellated lodge. The next part was surprisingly rural, eventually crossing Wirral Ladies Golf Course (I'll resist any comments) and onwards to Storeton Ridge. The views were surposed to be of the "Wirral Peninsula and the Dee Estuary over to the hills of North Wales". Perhaps in winter this may be the case but at this time of year the hedges/trees etc blocked any view.Down through modern housing we then headed back up the hill to get confused by the written directions (outside St Saviour's Church). The problem was, the writer of the guide gave the wrong name for the road! Very annoying! That sorted we went on our way through Oxton Village, which is a conservation area; disappointing as again the write-up suggested it would be more impressive than it was. Perhaps we are getting too critical, having seen so many nice villages/conservation areas. Don't get me wrong, there are some wonderful buildings along the walk but many are looking 'tired'. Down Christchurch Road past

Christ Church, on our right; in the distance Chris spotted St John's Tower (Liverpool); if you look carefully you will see it on the horizon.The next port of call was the Williamson Art Gallery; not been before and well worth a visit. On permanent display are Victorian oil paintings, English watercolours, Liverpool Porcelain and Della Robbia Pottery. A range of collections: from local history and ship models to fine decorative arts, part of the Merseyside Embroidery Trail and a display of wildlife photography were the highlights

Back into Birkenhead Park, via the gate next to the Italian Lodge, we passed the wildlife pond and went around the lower lake with views of the Swiss bridge...

and the boat house...

Squirrels and pigeons, which for some reason Chris kept calling penguins, competed for bread...

...and generally kept us amused until we reached the new "Visitors' Pavilion" with their formal gardens...

They reminded me of the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds (My home Town!) After a drink in the pavilion (Chris also had toasted tea-cakes) we headed back to the car and home.The walk made me realise how wealthy the area had been in the past and it was nice to see attempts to revitalise the park. Many of the 'mansions' were now converted into flats and, as I've already said, many of what were fine buildings were looking tired!

Post2Blog3

2007-07-12T01:32:00.000-07:00

Today I’ve looked at this WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) blog editor; apparently it used to cost about £20 but now is absolutely FREE!

So far it has been easy to use and the keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft^(c) Word all appear to work (I haven’t tried them all yet!) There are some handy features...

Clicking the Advanced icon provides extra tools including bullets

a live spell-checker

a toolbar for Microsoft Word and

add-ons for Internet Explorer and Firefox.

I’m impressed so far and if you are reading this, my first blog using Post2Blog - a desktop blogging client for Windows. This is an example of quick snippet that inserts link to Post2Blog and text if you type "Post2Blog". To disable this quick snippet just remove it via "Tools" | "Manage Quick Snippets". 3.01 has worked.

PS you can download it, if you wish, from http://bytescout.com

Crowden and Torside Reservoir Walk: Map and Images

2007-07-08T08:23:00.001-07:00

For the map of the walk visit http://quikmaps.com/show/38217
I must say, especially after all the rain we have had, that the engineering skills of the Victorians is most impressive...

1 Weir at lower end of Torside Reservoir

2 Weir at lower end of Woodhead Reservoir

3 Second weir at the lower end of Woodhead Reservoir

The plants were also impressive

1 Orchids on the Trans Pennine Trail...

2 Cones on conifers (where else would you find them?) in woods after crossing the B6105

On the way home we stopped to look at a Well Dressing

1 The complete dressing...

2 A close up

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Return to Crowden!

2007-07-08T06:35:00.001-07:00

Today we returned to Crowden which was the walk recorded in our first ever Blog last year! On looking again the date said 31 August when in fact it was 31 July!! We had found wild cherry trees and had decided to return this year armed with bags in order to collect more than my tummy could hold. However, as all best laid plans it was not to be. Firstly the relevant section of the path was closed for repair work and secondly the couple of trees that we did find had cherries but not ripe ones! This disappointment was somewhat balanced by the array of purple orchids which J photographed and will hopefully add. (added)

It has been a wet week again but we just about managed to dodge the showers today. We went to the Hare & Hounds on Wednesday for our ‘free meal’ after the last troublesome visit. The food was OK this time but the truculent waitress left a lot to be desired when she informed us that our food had been ready for ages but she didn’t know where we were sitting!

We went to the Everyman on Thursday with Mel to see The Cruel Sea. This was a play built up from interviews with Liverpool sailors from the Merchant Navy who had kept the supply lines open during the Second World War at great risk to themselves. It was good but the actual interviews which formed part of the dialogue were difficult to understand which was a pity. It had been put together by the same man who did Unprotected which was about Liverpool prostitutes and was much better in my opinion!

And now for something completely different!

2007-07-07T08:46:00.001-07:00

Well you may find that there isn't anything worth watching on TV tonight! If so why not go to http://www.mogulus.com/locus and watch my TV channel (RSC Northwest)
It is experimental at the moment but we currently have a 'storyboard' of 5 video clips

Liverpool Meeting May 2007
RSS in Plain English
All about the RSC-Northwest
Wikis in Plain English
Social Networking in Plain English

Currently running on Auto-pilot.
The plan is...

...to produce videos of events and/or training
...to show them...

...as a loop and/or
...live (scarry)

so that managers, administrators, eGuides, practitioners etc., who are unable to attend face-to-face events, will be able to experience martini learning (any time, any place...)
If the scrip works you should be able to see the TV channel below! Enjoy...

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Maghull, Sefton and the Mersey Forest

2007-07-01T09:25:00.001-07:00

No travelling today, we decided, especially looking at the weather, to stay close to home. So down to Maghull Station and off along the Canal (Leeds And Liverpool) towards Aintree.

Apparently Maghull is listed in the Domesday Book, its name of Anglo-Saxon origin meaning a corner of land where mayweed grows (Chamomile).

Along Brewers Lane, the back way to Melanies, and up the lane through Wood Hall Farm. built in the late 17th Century. Between the farm and the underpass beneath the railway we saw lots of poppies among the oilseed rape...

Under the railway and over the M58 we eventually arrived at the new crossing on the A59. Instead of our usual route over the bridge, we went under it and onwards for about 500m beside the River Alt. Crossing the bridge into the Mersey Forest, we turned left and headed along the opposite bank of the river towards Sefton Village. We kept our eyes open for the 'Owl Statue' as we walked.

We saw the 'Owl'; the forest is growing quite rapidly and it isn't going to be long before he/she can't be seen from the road or various paths; he/she will only be visible in their clearing among the trees.

Cinnabar Moth Catterpillers were visible in large numbers although very small at this time of the year...

Its is wonderful how these prison clad caterpillers turn into such bright moths

As we have already mentioned the origin of the name Maghull, Sefton means 'a farmstead where rushes grow'. It predates the Domesday book and has a 14th Century church, St Helen's, a Grade II listed building.

Down the path we used two years ago to collect elderberries for wine, we entered the Mersey Forest again and returned back to the banks of the River Alt. Oyster catchers greeted us, three of them, as did the rain; we had already got wet from the long grass, now it rained. Up to Showrick Bridge, Chris wanted to cross it, we walked away from the river and around to Moor Lane. At the second path off to the left we were expecting to see a 'wooden sculpture of a hare'...

Anything less like a hare I have yet to see; the long tail wound around a 'stem', and the shape of the ears was enough to confirm it was a mouse!

We made our way along side Roughley's Wood and up onto the embankment beside Harrison's Brook. We rejoined the path (past the elderberry bushes) and on reaching the road looked for and found the capped well of St Helens...

Homeward bound now, we re-passed the Punch Bowl (remember working there Ben?) St Helen's Church and re-entered the Mersey Forest again. Making our way across the forest we ended up walking on an enclosed path across the back of Maghull High Playing Fields; out onto Ormonde Drive and around the corner to the Meadows pub.

Passing through the impressive gates into King George Field, we crossed behind the Town Hall, up the steps onto the A59 and then back down onto the Leeds and Liverpool Canal bank.

We made our way back to Maghull Station and home!

By the way, the Boat yard looks very smart now with new windows etc. I know, it wasn't to be!

An easy walk on level ground, no stiles; pity about the odd shower! Quickmap available at http://quikmaps.com/show/37762

technorati tags:Maghull, Sefton, Mersey, Forest, walk, merseyside

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Sudley House

2007-06-30T11:07:00.001-07:00

What do you do on a wet Saturday in 'Flaming June'? Go to Sudley House of course!

Having 'Googled' Liverpool's National Museums, and avoided WILFING, we (well Chris if I'm honest) decided we would visit this 1821 built house. It was originally owned by Nicholas Robinson, a corn merchant, but, in 1883 was purchased by George Holt, a shipowner.

The ground floor is much as it was with original decorations and Holt's picture collection; I must say the collection was quite impressive and well worth a visit jut to see them. Just as a point of interest, this is the last Victorian merchant's house in Britain that still has its paintings!

His daughter lived there until, still single, she died in 1944; she left the house, paintings and grounds to the people of Liverpool. In 2004 the house was awarded £187k for general improvements, from the National Lottery fund and a year later closed for about 12 months for refurbishment.

Ground Floor

As in most of the house the original furniture has been sold off; the walls however are a perfect setting for the Holt collection of pictures. George Holt, on the interactive video in one corner of the Library, informed us that he used this room for a mixture of business and relaxation. There were pictures of him and family members on the wall.

Drawing room...

The family's 'best room'! According to the servant, that greeted us on another video as we entered, George's wife Elizabeth entertained afternoon visitors here. I wonder where she entertained visitors that arrived at other times? The pictures here were paintings by the Pre-Raphaelites.

Dining room...

The replacement table, purchased from a nearby house, was very grand and Holt, on yet another video informed us about sitting in that very room, with their friends, discussing their charitable work. Two Turner paintings hang in this room. Chris wasn't impressed with them!

Morning room...

Another room, another video; Emma Holt this time telling us about her hopes for the future including votes for women, women MPs and who knows what else. She used this room as her office for her charity work. Landscapes are the main type of pictures in this room.

First Floor...

The rooms here, after Emma died, were destroyed to turn the space into public galleries; modern displays on themes from the period when Sudley was a home can be seen here, including...

the Childhood room (looking at Victorian childhood through the themes of mealtimes, getting dressed and learning through play; there is a novel idea!)
the Small world room (toys that were miniature versions of real things)
the Costume room (displays of costumes and fashions)

Special Exhibitions room...

An excellent display of photographs, by Bedford Lemere, showing Merchant Palaces, Liverpool and Wirral mansions. They were taken between 1888 and 1916. Most are the work of Harry Bedford. He used natural light and long exposure times which meant he rarely included figures. WOW! The sharply focused images provide more than just an insight into the private world of Liverpool's elite. I'm not sure if the black and white photographs would have been any more impressive in colour; the riot of clashing patterns and textures are in all the photographs and, visually, I think it would have all been too much.

Tea room...

Yes we did pay a brief visit for Tea and Sudley Slice for Chris and Coffee and Paradise Slice for me.

A grand day out! A pity that it was raining, a walk in the grounds looked inviting. Perhaps another visit is needed?

technorati tags:Sudley, Liverpool, House, Photographs, Museum, Holt

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Map as Promised

2007-06-25T04:52:00.001-07:00

Using Quikmaps I've produced a map of the walk; it can be viewed at http://quikmaps.com/show/37334

One of the things I like about this 'mash-up' is...

the map is saved and can be edited / updated etc. at a later date.

technorati tags:quikmaps, upholland, beacon, park, dean, wood

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Upholland- Beacon Park and Dean Wood

2007-06-24T09:40:00.001-07:00

Before I tell you about todays walk you may have noticed, on the right, that I have added AnswerTips to our Blog! Basically it means that you can double-click on any word in our blogs and a 'Pop-up' will appear providing concise information about the word. If that isn't enough, the full collection of sources on the topic is just a click away in the 'more' button. If you want to AnswerTips your website or blog, go to http://www.answers.com/main/answertips.jsp to get the HTML code.

Now todays walk...

For a change, we only drove to Beacon Park (Upholland/Skelmersdale) and, as the journey was so long, Chris volunteered to drive. Her 'speed awareness course' has, for most of the time, kicked in with a vengeance. 28ish up to the M58 and 65ish on the motorway. How time passes when travelling at such speeds!

Eventually arriving at Beacon Park Golfclub car park, we set off past a quite impressive dry stone wall...

embedded with 'flora & fauna' plaques...

We made our way up to the 'top car park' where the is a trig-point and apparently lots of kite flying; there were notices everywhere telling them to 'go fly their kites at the top end of the fields (Health & Safety). I wondered if there was a "Federal Law" about kite flying! :-)

Leaving the Park via a style, we headed down an old road and past a farm, which has recently been converted into apartments, emerging onto a road near what was once a Roman Catholic College. We past the main entrance to the former college (fenced off as if building/conversions were imminent) and headed down some fields following a line of telegraph poles.

To say it was wet was an understatement. My legs were getting soaked when Chris let out a yell. Turning quickly to rush to her aid, I found her pointing down into the long grass...

...she had been frightened by a vicious chick who was now playing dead, hoping we would leave a.s.a.p. We did.

Along a lane and enclosed footpath, to the right of Dean House Farm, we briefly entered a golf course (we haven't played here! One for the future perhaps) before heading down into Dean Wood.

Oyster Mushrooms were identified by Chris...

... which, according to her, would cost a fortune in the shops. She wasn't confident enough to take them home for tea!

Erosion along the banks of Dean Wood was apparent; many trees had exposed...

Quite impressive arn't they?

We had had quite alot of rain over the last few days so the noise from the stream was very intrusive but, in a nice way...

One particular place, where we have walked many times, we saw a waterfall...

...where normally we just commented on the liverworts, ferns etc., and told Ben to get out of the small caves (just to the right of the photograph, out of shot).

Two bridges were 'beyond crossing' and as a result we ended up having to climb away from the stream. I'm sure Ben, Mandy and Mel will remember the quagmire created by the equines near the canal end of Dean Wood. Well it is worse than ever. What a shame that Lancashire CC have allowed such a beautiful Wood to become so messed up by a minority of people and their animals. This part of the walk was, as you can emagine, hard work and I managed to slip onto all fours; muddy paws again!

We didn't manage to follow the instructions for our walk, emerging from Dean Woods earlier than we should, but managed to get back on track before the road that leads to the Fox Inn (Mandy: - 18th Birthday meal to remember!)

Turning right, no we didn't stop (too early they were not open) we made our way across an abandoned golf course and onto a road at Dalton. After a short walk along the road we turned left through what was the ruins of a farm and associated buildings; it looks as if someone was going to rebuild it! A very formidable task as there wasn't much left.

Beyond the farm we made our way across fields to join the road just before the turn to the car park. We decided to cross the stile and cross Beacon Park than to follow the road as the instructions suggested.

A lovely walk spoiled only by the churned up paths mentioned earlier; we had one brief shower but as I type this, it is positively precipitating it down outside. (See I've added lots of big words for you to try out AnswerTips!

Where is the map I hear some of you say? Well I've found a new mapping tool and I'll add the map later! Watch this space!

technorati tags:Upholland, Beacon, Park, Dean, Wood

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Panopticon for Pendle - Atom

2007-06-17T14:04:00.001-07:00

Pan... what? The weather today wasn't very promising and we eventually decided to go back to Wycoller to do the two other walks, combined as one. The URL for the route we took is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1055379

Chris, as she is wont, went to look at the noticeboard and map only to return with this, new to me, term 'Panopticon'. Apparently the 'spaceship' we had seen on our last walk around Wycoller was a Panopticon; a structure, space or device providing a comprehensive or panoramic view!

More of this later; dressed for the rain that appeared to be due any minute, we set off; away from the car park (and away from Wycoller) and across fields past Slack Farm, across the small tributary of Wycoller Beck and onwards to Souteril Laith. The Farm Building conversion here was underway and after brief inspection we continued to Winewall past a disused quarry. We watched briefly Kestrels, that were apparently nesting on the quarry face.

Down through Winewall, a very attractive East Lancashire village (the incline too steep for Chris to want to live there) past the Cotton Tree Inn; yes I did say past! and over the Colne Water.

We then turned right and followed the river Colne Water to Laneshaw Bridge. The mill pond and weir were two of the attractions on route.

Dog Roses were in most hedgerows, although in a week they were well past their best.

From Laneshaw Bridge we followed, what was now Wycoller Beck, to Wycoller. This East Lancashire village is just as if you have stepped back in time; wonderful! At the back of the ruins of Wycoller hall we sat briefly for water (we had plenty) and banana.

Climbing the steps at the back of the hall we headed up, what I found out later, an Old Coach Road. the Panopticon could be seen above us...

It was apparently the winner in the international Panopticon competition organised in association with the Royal Institute of British Architects in summer 2003 to find original ideas for East Lancashire's new landmarks.

Our instructions should have taken us along a path below but I decided I need a closer look and Chris was just a keen.

You must admit it was worth going to see! The view as we entered...

was impressive and having admired the views, turning back towards the door was just as impressive.

If you click on the images you will find greater detail and additional information, on flickr.

From the Panoptican we went higher up and past Foster's Leap; a impressive group of boulders, overlooking a very green Wycoller valley. It was then down past the side of the old farmhouse and diagonally across fields towards Parson Lane Farmhouse. Crossing Wycoller Beck again we past along the track through Smithy Clough, returning to Wycoller along Smithy Lane. On the way we past a series of willow sculptures, near the Aisled Barn. (Another project like the Panopticans, called Land).

Refreshments were consumed at the Craft shop in the centre of the village before we returned to the car park and home. It was father's day so it was nice to talk to Mandy in Peterborough, Ben in San Francisco and to have Melanie round for tea later that day. All in all, an excellent day was had by all and the rain kept away!

technorati tags:Wycoller, Winewall, Laneshaw, Panopticon, Fosters, leap

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Warpers Trail

2007-06-10T13:50:00.001-07:00

The URL for the Warpers Trail is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1034113 This includes the detour which seems to happen more often than not these days; I always get a feeling we have gone wrong so thank goodness it is never far out of our way. Who ever wrote the instructions can't count!

We started the fourth and final part of the Witton Weavers Way at the car park next to Turton & Entwistle reservoir.

Heading back towards the Green Arms Road (B6391) along the right-hand of two gullies (Chris it is "a deep ditch or channel cut in the earth by running water after a prolonged downpour") past a tiny reservoir and up the hillside.

Crossing the road down to the car park we continued up the path, turning right at Green Arms Road and 1st left along a track past Clough House.

Taking a left we crossed the Blackburn to Bolton Railway line, past an old waterwheel and Turton Tower on our left. For those of you who follow our walks you may remember the bridge...

and the tower...

At the Chapeltown Road we turned left and right past the wartime pillbox; used to protect the largest reservoirs and to keep watch over Horrobin Mill, used for wartime storage.

It was then down through the woods and over the bridge at the end of Jumbles Reservoir

Turning left we followed the reservoir as it narrowed into Bradshaw Brook. We emerged from the woods at Turton Bottoms and crossed a bridge with cobbles on it! I'm not sure what Chris was expecting when I said we would cross the cobbled bridge but it wasn't what I have described!

From 1800 there was much industrial development here including a spinning mill, bleachworks, colliery and stone mill. Turning right, further up the road, we crossed Packhorse bridge with its ford and emerged on another cobbled road.

Turning right down Birches Road we past Printers Cottages on our right and turned left.

We then turned right through new houses and up steps out of Quarlton Vale.

The village we had passed through was one of the most attractive I've seen and the views as we reached the top were impressive as well...

Across several fields, past a waterfall...

we followed the stream. After climbing the hill we crossed a track and walked through the Barlow Institute playground and the bowling green onto the main Bolton Road.

Turning left we headed downhill to the Black Bull Public house. Taking the footpath at the side of the pub, we headed towards Wayoh Reservoir. Climbing the path by the rails we kept near the reservoir to eventually reach Hob Lane.

You may be pleased to know we had taken plenty of water with us today! It was needed with the sun burning down.

Apparently at the second bridge we were to take a narrow path that leaves the main track off to the right. We did, our first mistake! Apparently the writer couldn't count! It was the third bridge; by the time I was positive we had gone wrong our 8.5 mile walk was now going to be 9.75 miles; damn!

We eventually reached Edge Lane, turned right and crossed the railway. The "walker's popular haunt, the Strawbury Duck" was a welcome feeding station; far too much for Chris but I managed and the two pints were very welcome!

We continued along Edge Lane, taking the left of the three forks ending up above Turton & Entwistle reservoir. Directions were not that clear again but without too much trouble we found our way back to the banks of the reservoir.

We continued until we approached the end of the reservoir and took the path on our right back to the car park.

Probably the best walk we have done for a long time. The day was too hot for my liking but the walk itself was varied and interesting along its whole length.

So endeth the Witton Weavers Way. What is next?

technorati tags:warpers, trail, Turton, Entwistle, reservoir, Wayoh, Jumbles

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Gmaps Pedometer for Tacklers Trail

2007-06-09T09:02:00.001-07:00

The URL for the Tacklers Trail is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1030995

technorati tags:Gmap, Tacklers, Trail

Better Late than Never!

2007-06-09T08:27:00.001-07:00

The Tacklers Trail

I had half expected Chris to write up this walk as I've been down in Hadleigh. Went down Thursday afternoon and arrived back about an hour ago. eXe Workshop in Whitham, Essex.

Any how, our 9.5 mile walk (I'll check the distance when I do the map) had more tha a couple of "short steep slopes" but the guide was spot on about the rough moorland path (Darwen Moor)

We started in Sunnyhurst Wood (you may remember that we have been here earlier in the year to look at pictures by Chrissie's father-in-law; Chrissie from work!) and following Sunnyhurst Brook we emerged by an iron gate at the corner of Earnsdale Reservoir.

Skirting the reservoir we arrived at Tockholes Road, (built in 1840s to link Tockholes with Darwen) Chris then said "That's a pleasant view!"

She gets worse! But just in case we were not aware of the vision before us, it was labelled.

We the passed through woodland towards Roddlesworth Upper Reservoir and crossed "Rocky Brook" the local name of the River Roddlesworth. Continuing alongside the brook we crossed Halliwell Fold Bridge and walked with the brook now on our right.

It was damp enough for fungi to flourish.

We had been through these woods and along this very path when we did the Lancashire Trail; in the opposite direction however.

After some distance we arrived at the ruins of Hollinshead Hall, the manor house of the Tockholes.

The wellhouse...

...as you can see above, still stands. Five springs of water meet here and they have legendary healing properties for eyes.

Continuing, after a short refreshment break, we made our way up onto Darwen Moor pausing to rest again, after the climb, on a bench at the top; bannana time! the walk accross the moor was warm to say the least; we were dressed for the cool, possible rain and here it was hot and sticky! We hadn't enough water with us! A lesson we need to learn from for future walks.

Curlews, green plovers etc were annoyed at our presence near their nests and one ewe tried frantically to get her very young lamb up a very steep bank...

The poor think could hardly walk let along climb.

The big question for the whole walk was "Where are the ruins of Top o' th' Brow farm? They were ment to be on the right but after much deliberation (and not for the first time on this walk) we eventually found our intended route (only about 2 miles added!)

The heat by now was having an unpleasant effect on me and that together with the poor footing, as we headed for a modern white house, known locally as Lord's Hall, made this part of the walk less enjoyable.

The walk from Lord's Hall drive to Darwen Tower...

(picture taken on an earlier walk) was a struggle; dry mouth and a tongue that seemed to be getting larger. However it wasn't that long before we were heading down towards Sunnyhurst Pub and a very welcome beverage or two!

The walk is one that I would do again but either with more water or in cooler weather. Tomorrow it is the Warpers Trail apparently 8.5 miles and the last paart of the 32 mile long trail; more water and hopefully a little cooler.

technorati tags:Tacklers, Trail, Witton, Weavers, Way, Sunnyhurst, Earnsdale, Reservoir, Roddlesworth, Hollinshead, Darwen, Tower

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Reelers' Trail

2007-05-28T11:48:00.001-07:00

Walking on a Monday (Bank Holiday) makes a change from our usual Sunday walks. With Mandy and Dave paying a fleeting visit, plus the weather, we decided to leave it until today.

The URL for this part of the Witton Weavers Way is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=994650

A relatively easy walk of just over 8 miles, with a couple of short steep ascents.

We started at The car park of the Medical Centre, next to Cherry Tree Library and walked along the path up to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Seeing a pair of swans with three youngsters (Cygnets) is unusual but...

7! She was apparently on her own as well! The One and a half miles was very pleasant with lots to see; I particularly liked the Flag Iris, especially the reflections.

Leaving the canal, near the Sun Paper Mill, we crossed the metal bridge and headed across field towards Stanworth Farm & the M65; climbing a ladder stile we headed down a field towards woodland. The field provided two photographic opportunities that Ben has been looking for for some time. One...

The lone tree in a field and two...

a pylon that lets you take a picture from underneath! Sorry Ben but England obviously provides more opportunities than California!

We didn't enter the wood, but passed under the M65 and along the wood boundary through two fields. At the corner of the second we crossed a stile into Stanworth Wood. This is part of the largest area of semi-ancient woodland in South Lancashire and is botanically very rich!

Dropping down into the wood we crossed the stream, via a wooden bridge, and climbed up to the crest of a hill, over another style and over a disused railway bridge.

We headed for and through Bradley Farm; Chris was upset by two dogs (chained but barking), I don't think she will ever recover from the 'black dog' experience of an earlier walk. Just before Red Lea Farm, at the end of the third field, we left the main track and skirted a woodland, down a grassy bank, some steps and crossed the River Roddlesworth.

We then followed a track up to the Hare & Hounds Public House in Abbey Village (we, yet again, resisted the temptation of refreshments; it is becoming a habit).

We past Rake Brook Reservoir, crossed the ford (run-off from reservoir; no water) and followed the track to Lower Roddlesworth Reservoir. Then it was off through more woodland and up hill past the 17th Century Higher Hill Farm.

The main feature was the garderobe on the outside

...once the height of fashion in hygienic toilets! Past some old weaver's cottages and down a narrow bridleway to the left of Cheetham Buildings, we came across the old parish pound or pinfold...

...where stray animals were impounded until reclaimed. The next place of interest was as we climbed a stile and footbridge over Sheep Bridge Brook; according to the guide, "there is evidence that a clash took place here during the Civil War, with the remains of 40 horses and various relics having been unearthed".

Emerging from the wood we walked for a short distance beside the busy M65 until we got onto Stockclough Lane near Higher Whitehalgh Farm. Lots of calves and Billy Bull in the adjacent field.

We then passed under the M65 to Lower Whitehalgh Farm. Here Chris said "Don't be alarmed"...

...and you all worry about my jokes! The guide said that on a clear day we would be able to see Black Combe in Cumbria; we could, in spite of the odd splattering of rain.

We completed the walk passing Horden Farm, through a housing estate and back across the canal bridge that we had gone under at the start of the walk. Oh we did stop for ice-creams in the housing estate.

Note: it must have been the first walk, for a long time, that we didn't see any herons; Chris was disappointed! Lots of Swans, ducks, moorhens, cows, calves, sheep lambs, llamas and a grebe; dogs with their owners or chained up and two cats (one very mangy)

technorati tags:witton, weavers, way, reelers, trail, Leeds, Liverpool, Canal

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Beamer's Route

2007-05-24T10:37:00.001-07:00

I forgot to provide the URL for the Beamer's Trail route; it is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=984474 enjoy!

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Beamers Trail or Witton Weavers Way Walk 1

2007-05-24T10:16:00.001-07:00

I know this is a bit late but thinks have been busy workwise and Chris can't use her lunch break to do the blog anymore as it is now "blocked"

This was a lovely walk that begins in the picturesque Witton Country Park (about 480 acres of mixed woodland, parkland. and farmland surrounding what was (demolished) Witton House.

It was nice to see so many youngsters actively involved in sports; football and athletics in particular. The initial part of the walk took us behind the large wooden sports pavilion and through Big Cover Wood . Upon emerging from the woods we crossed fields keeping Higher Gardens Plantation on our right.

Billinge Wood, with squirrels, birds etc., came next and I then realised we had joined the Lancashire Trail just above the Clog and Billycock (see earlier Blog). Walking in the opposite direction, to that we did on the Lancashire Trail, brought back many memories including Chris's Onion Soup! More fields and woods eventually brought us to the River Darwen.

The Wooden Scout Hut, Lower Park Farm and eventually the footbridge and Ford...

Hoghton Tower should have been visible on the top of the craggs but too many trees these days! Went to look at it after the walk but only open July, August and September. We must try to remember to visit soon! Note: It was here James First is said to have knighted the lion of Beef - sirloin.

We departed from the Lancashire Trail at the bridge before Hoghton Bottoms (water powered mill site) and headed along side Pleasington Gold Course and onwards to Pleasington village past a very pleasant half timbered house...

...emerging at the Butlers Arms; again we resisted the temptation of entering! Pleasington Priory...

...was on our right; a gothic RC church.

Continuing along a sandy path we past Tongue Hill, with resident cows,...

...to emerge at playing fields and crossing Butler's Bridge over to the right.

The final stretch took us along the river bank passing ornate footbridge embelishments...

I particularly liked this one. About 6 miles this walk worth doing; there are some "moderate ascents and descents"! Brink on walk 2!

technorati tags:Beamers, Trail, Witton, Weavers, Way, Blackburn, Darwen, West, Pennine, Moors, Hoghton

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Jumbles Country Park to Hall i'th Wood

2007-05-14T00:17:00.001-07:00

The URL for this 6.4437 mile walk is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=951449

Starting beside the attractive Jumbles Reservoir, first heron and Grebe spotted...

the route headed up over cliffs...

where butterflies...

and a second heron were spotted.

We passed the impressive Turton Tower (and determined to return after the walk for sustenance) and crossed the equally impressive castellated railway bridge - built to harmonise with the tower.

I couldn't convince Chris to climb a tower ("it's not the climbing up but the getting down that's problem").

Debate about which path to follow eventually led us to Turton golf course; instructions said "follow a line of yellow-topped marker posts"! What it didn't say was there were several paths and all were marked by "yellow topped marker posts". Grrrrrr! Following instincts we found the golf club and made our way across fields to Last Drop Village.

A purpose-built complex that is a collection of old farm buildings, restored and converted into a traditional English Village in the 1960s. Chris & I said we must go back and take a closer look at some time in the future (pub, hotel, teashop, galleries & shops).

We then headed, as you will see from the map, through a more built-up area where there seemed to be a competition with who could grow the best Azaleas...

Emerging at the end of Paper Mill Road to Eagley Brook valley, we crossed the brook and after many debates about which path to take, we made our way through attractive woodland to pass a footbridge and eventually emerge onto a cobbled track. The guide had said "there are lots of paths and path junctions - not always clear- and the route directions need to be followed carefully"; how right they were!

The next part was much easier as we walked through Astley Bridge; we rejoined Eagley Brook on an enclosed path and sat on a wall next to the brook to eat our bananas.

After a steep climb we walked up a cobbled path to Hall i'th Wood...

Another of Lord Leverhulme's restorations at the end of the 19th century; its main claim to fame is that here, Samuel Crompton developed the spinning mule in 1779, and event that helped revolutionise the Lanc's cotton industry.

Another enclosed path and a walk along the edge of playing fields led us to the main railway and...

...sorry Ben I had to take another!

Reaching Bromley Cross, we passed under the railway and along Shady Lane and Grange Road. Then it was across fields, through a small wood and eventually down to Jumbles Reservoir Dam. Crossing the brook from the outlet we climbed back up to the car park.

We did go to Turton Tower after that; toasted sandwiches and Hot Chocolate for Chris, coffee for me.

The tower had been built (15th century), as a peel tower, to defend against Scottish incursions; enlarged and modernised in the Tudor & Stuart periods...

and again in the Victorian era. Well worth a visit and the food was good.

On the way home (traffic heavy as Bolton were playing at home) we saw our third heron, on someones roof (looked very silly!)

For those interested it was the last day of the football; Wigan managed to stay in the Premier League and Liverpool ended up third!

technorati tags:Jumbles, Reservoir, Turton, Tower, Last Drop Village, Eagley Brook, Hall i'th Wood

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Worsley and the Bridgewater Canal

2007-05-10T01:07:00.001-07:00

Although the noise of traffic was with us for much of this walk, especially from the M60(62), it was an attractive walk (Bank Holiday Monday), much of it along a wooded disused railway; Worsley has many fine buildings from the canal era, that could be seen as we neared the end of the walk along a section of the 'rusty' Bridgewater Canal (Started by James Brindley in 1759 to link the Duke of Bridgewater's coal mines at Worsley to Manchester).

The URL for this 5.0949 mile walk is: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=940643

technorati tags:Worsley, Bridgewater canal, Canal

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Lucy and Iain's Wedding

2007-05-07T12:06:00.001-07:00

I'm sure if I was to write about this I would forget something! It was so nice to meet as a family at a 'happy event' and I was so glad that dad could attend as well. Apart from a long, uneventful drive down from Liverpool, where Chris kept reminding me that it wasn't the way she would have gone, the whole day was thoroughly enjoyable.

I've decided to use the digital photographs that I took (Mel took the one of Chris and I) and to make a video. This will show those of you who couldn't attend (B & M) a flavour of the day; some of the images are 'granular' as I avoided using flash indoors during the 'official bits!'

I hope you all enjoy the following as much as Chris and I enjoyed the day...

For those of you who wish to visit the original on YouTube go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHClqx2MJ-A

technorati tags:Lucy, Iain, Wedding, Video

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Parbold-Hilldale-Fairy Glen

2007-04-29T08:48:00.001-07:00

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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No it wasn't the 13th

2007-04-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

Friday 20th April

We arrived at Heath Row a little late but generally the 10 hour flight had gone well; Chris had a few naps.

BMI was when the delays started! We put in the booking code, on the self-booking in units, and up we came right the way through to printing the boarding passes. The message was to talk to a BMI Rep; we tried again, got a rep who tried, was sent to a desk and a young lad tried (apparently his system crashed) and eventually a young girl discovered that the flight to Manchester was over booked and was already full!

To cut a long story short we were given cash compensation and a flight on the 3:30pm plane.

During our long wait I spotted a fox crossing Heath Row and this kept us amused for a time; plus drinks and food and an odd nap.

The journey to Manchester was uneventful and we caught a train to Lime Street, walked to Central and caught a Mersey Rail train to Maghull! Mel picked us up and we went for a drink and a meal at the Hare & Hounds; it was packed and so we ended up having a take-away at home.

We didn't wake up until 11:00a.m Saturday! Both Chris and I have had a wonderful break with excellent food, drink and company. M and B could set up as holiday guides if their other plans don't work out; the organization was spot-on! Lots of cobwebs were blown away!

Good luck on Monday, Madeline, both Chris and I will be thinking of you! Let us know how everything went!

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Last Day and Journey Home

2007-04-22T11:17:00.001-07:00

Thursday 19th April

We said our farewells last night and the weather reflected our moods; we didn't hear M go to work but did have a chance to speak to B before he left.

We walked up 8th to catch the BART to Embarcadero and walked to the Post Office; Bec's Camera extras collected without fuss, we headed on foot back along Harrison Street to 3rd.

Gifts were purchased for family and work before we headed back to Clementina Street for the last time. Making sure we left B's Keys we headed back to catch the BART to the airport and the flight home.

Nothing much to report about the flight home but when we arrived in England that was another matter...

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Japan and Flower Collection

2007-04-22T11:07:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 18 April

Today it was muni (municipal transport) and walking. I haven't done a map but we walked up 9th and caught the muni from Market Street to Ocean Beach. Chris wanted a dollar off the beach. We walked along the beach towards the Golden Gate pausing briefly to look at the Snow Plovers in the surf; it was a very cold wind blowing off the ocean and we were glad to head up and into the shelter of Golden Gate Park. We made our way through the park past the Equestrian Center & Stadium, Elk Glen Lake and emerged on Lincoln Way at the junction with the 19th Ave.

We found a small shop for drinks, sandwiches etc and headed back to the park for a picnic next to Stow Lake.

Ducks etc., sat with us as we sat in the sun looking at the Huntington Falls opposite. The food was good and refreshed we headed for the Japanese Tea Garden.

The detail on the Gate brought back many fond memories of our visit to Japan. As in Japan water was an important part of the gardens with waterfalls, calm pools and stepping stones; there were even cranes...

Blue Jays, I think, added a California touch...

Pagodas, bridges, a variety of statues, a shop and a teahouse completed the gardens which are well worth a visit.

It was now time to head for the Conservatory of Flowers. Only reopened in September 2003, it was modeled after a greenhouse in London's Kew Gardens. The contents were well presented and the automated 'mists' added to the feeling of tropical rain forests. The flowers had an added beauty with the droplets on their petals.

There will be more images on flickr when I get round to uploading them. I did like the water plants in particular!

From the Conservatory we made our way back to get the muni from Irving Street back to Market Street.

Urban Market was the next port of call (becoming a habit) for a drink and to purchase chocolate biscuits.

M and B returned to the fold and there was a card to say Bec's camera case, battery etc. was at the Post Office for collection tomorrow after 10:00 (that's tomorrow morning sorted). We all headed off, by taxi, for a bar/art gallery prior to going for an Indian Meal (The restaurant B had taken M for her birthday); it was decided that the music was too loud so, a few phone calls later we headed for a bar/restaurant/micro-brewery. The 9 samples plus 2 pints prepared us fully for an excellent meal and the end of the penultimate day in San Francisco.

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Cable and Beer

2007-04-19T09:57:00.001-07:00

Tuesday 17 April

Today we mainly traveled by cable car and sampled beer. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=869474 shows the route taken today and by clicking on large next to Elevation on the right of the screen, you will see a profile of the cable car ride! The following picture doesn't do justice to the steepness of the climb.

You realise how high up you are when Bay Bridge can be seen below you...

The choice of cable car was a good one as not only was the climbs spectacular, it was also possibly the longest ride. At one point we had to stop before the level, between inclines, and the car was unable to continue. So it was all off onto the pavement (sorry side walk!) while the crew from three cars pushed it onto the level. Then it was all aboard to continue the ride towards fisherman's wharf.

After coffee and cakes we made our way slowly along the bay planning to arrive at the brewery, for our tour and tasting, at 2:00pm. Plenty of time!

We called in briefly to look at a collection of boats/ships/paddle steamers etc...

Including one aptly named Lobster fishing boat...

M wasn't impressed as previous visitors had taken the same picture before we had!

Not every one in San Francisco was happy and well! One gull had a broken wing or, like a number of humans, was putting on a good act for the sympathy vote...

He/she was being well fed and wasn't apparently suffering. There were other forms of transport available including more traditional ones...

Chris read, in her trusty guide book that, before the introduction of the cable cars, one horse slipped and the wagon dragged the horses back down the hill!

Along the Bay front are a number of sculptures, including this one...

...I've called the picture "sealed with a Chris!"

As we neared the Bay Bridge, I think it is just as impressive as the Golden Gate Bridge, it was apparent that we were pushing it, time wise, to get to the brewery by 2:00pm. Note the traffic leaving San Francisco goes across the bridge on the lower level and those entering the city come in on the top level!

We caught a taxi to take us the last part of the journey and arrived spot on two o'clock! The bad news was that the tour started at one o'clock! The good news was that we were in time for the tasting! Six beers were tasted (third of a pint samples) followed by more of the one we liked and all for free!

Chris and I then walked back to 8th and had a drink and sandwich at Urban Market. It is becoming one of our San Fran Haunts!

Later that evening, B had classes and didn't get back until 7:30ish, we went for a Chinese meal followed by a visit to M's sister, Emily, for drinks and afters! Mmmmm another good day!

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All on our own in SF....

2007-04-16T21:40:00.001-07:00

Monday 16 April

M & B were at work and school respectively today so we set off at about 9.30 a.m. to do the hippie trail around Haight - we saw the house where Janis Joplin lived in the Summer of Love which is very smart these days and looks a nice area to live. The walk seemed to grow as the day went on & John has done a map to show where we went on the 11+miles of our day out. We all arrived home between 4.30 and 5 p.m. and B & M went to the gym and jogging respectively. J & I cooked spaghetti bolognaise and another day nears its end!

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=866073 - has to be worth a look!!

Here are a few photos taken along the way, I am sure there will be more on Flickr eventually!

A few nice Haight houses above and some gunnera at the botanic garden in Golden Gate Park plus a very friendly squirrel!

The Japanese Temple and the Civic Hall

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It's the weekend!

2007-04-15T20:54:00.001-07:00

Saturday 14 April

Not a good start to the morning - rain!! However, by the time we set off for the ferry to Alcatraz it had stopped but didn't look too promising. We got the Muni to the end of Market St stopping for bagels, stuffed croissants and sandwiches to keep us going. A brisk walk along the Embacardero to Pier 33 and a very orderly queue for the ferry. They certainly know how to organise people in America but then most things are a federal offence if not done properly! The sky and water were very grey as we headed for the island....

Once landed (well organised with no eating or drinking after the dock) we climbed up the 4 switchback roads to collect our audio tour sets and spent the next hour or so in total silence following the trail around the prison as instructed on the tape by ex prison officers and inmates of the prison.

The cells were incredibly small and basic and it gave a really good idea of what life must have been like for inmates and officers. A quick look around the shop and a walk back to the ferry for the return trip via the Western gulls own particular patch of island. A brown pelican flew by too but didn't stop long enough for a photo! This magnificent gull was captured by M.

The weather was looking a lot better although somewhat breezy.

We continued our walk along the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf which is the modern, American version of a pier with lots of shops, cafes etc - very touristy but worth a look. There were lots of big fat seals lying on pontoons near the piers! We headed off towards Downtown and Union Square, calling into Bloomingdales shopping mall for a brief sit down on their comfy chairs! Smart dome!

Very like the Trafford Centre - perhaps that is where Manchester got the idea from. We walked to Little Italy where we stopped at a lovely restaurant for a meal then carried on through to Chinatown. We popped into St Mary's Cathedral which survived the earthquake and then right along Market St and back to B & M's apartment. Time to load photos onto Flickr, blog, watch TV and visit Trader Joes (B & M) for lovely snacks and beer later in the evening.

Sunday 15 April

Ben decided that Santa Cruz was the place to be on a bright Sunday after a lazy start! We set off about noon for the 40+ mile journey via highways 101, 85 and 17 rather than the more picturesque but very windy coastal highway 1. Santa Cruz is famous for it Boardwalk which is basically a linear Blackpool with roller coasters, amusements etc. J, B & M bought corn dogs then we walked along the beach towards a quieter, more interesting stretch with lighthouse but where it was incredibly windy - not really conducive to sitting in the sun!

As the wind was behind us we hoped to find shelter on the other side of the lighthouse but unfortunately the harbour was in the way when we got there! We strolled back through the town to the parking lot and decided to drive back towards SF and found a Greek cafe in Palo Alto which is a stone's throw from Stamford Uni. We took a stroll through the town then did a small detour to try to find the Yahoo! headquarters where Ben will be working over the summer. I think this was definitely the highlight of the day for Ben and it certainly looked impressive. Was this the reason why he suggested Santa Cruz? Google was even bigger and better. J will probably be questioned by the Federal Police as he took photos!!

Back to Clementina St for relaxation (B & M went to the gym and shops!), TV snacks and so to bed - again. Tomorrow B & M are at work so we will be set loose to do some of the Downtown things suggested in Mandy's guide book! Ww have also offered to cook tea!! Watch this space.

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SF Travels cont.

2007-04-14T20:24:00.001-07:00

13 April 2007

Set off at around 10 a.m. for Sonoma - the Wine Country! We called at the Visitor Centre for requisite badges and then after following a very poor map and one or two detours we ended up at our first winery called Benziger.

We had a really interesting tour to see where the grapes were grown and the machinery where they are processed then the man-made caves where the red wine is left to mature in oak barrels.

Then the interesting part of the day began with tasting of 5 different wines and then off to Sonoma Market for paninis for J,B & C, salad for M. We drove a short distance to the Jack London Estate Park where we picnicked and saw some cute lizards on a big rock! Then it was off to the next vineyard - Imagery. The wine labels were amazing - all done as very different works of art but each one incorporating a Greek temple which is the vinyard's logo. We tried another 5 wines each here - smiles all round! (some scarier than others!)

The final vineyard was just a stroll away and we sat in the sunshine tasting another 4 wines - not a bad end to the afternoon! Some competition for best photo of the day but I like the way that the rim of the glass lines up with the distant hills on this one.

We then set off for the town of Sonoma to our hotel for the night. French rustic style furniture and fittings (quaint according to J!) with a lobby which doubled up as the place for more free wine tasting - full glasses this time and as we seemed to be the only 'tasters' we were left alone well beyond the 6 p.m. limit and polished off a couple of bottles of a very acceptable Chardonnay. It was then off for a quick tour of the eating places that Sonoma had to offer. A Taste of the Himalayas won and proved a very successful option. Good food and only a stones throw away from the Irish Bar featuring a lady on guitar. Numerous rounds of beer, cider and Irish whisky followed whilst dominoes was the name of the game. Fortunately the hotel wasn't far away and everyone slept well that night!

14 April 2007

J & I did a tour of the town square before breakfast and found out about the flag of the bear being raised when the town became independent from the Mexicans. We breakfasted in the lobby on croissants, muffins and Danish pastries with juice, tea and coffee then walked down to the Mission and did a bit of cheese tasting on the way. A quick call to the Farmers' Market for strawberries then we set off back towards SF. Madeline driving as Ben felt less than 100% - just one Irish whisky too many? Highway 1 proved very elusive but after a stop at a store for picnic goodies Ben eventually found it and we headed for Muir Beach.

B found some fat orange starfish and anemones stuck to the rocks and M & I read and snoozed a little. We were conveniently located next to a seal skeleton on which we had a running commentary from the man next to us. M & B played a little Frisbee and ball and we picnicked on bread, ham, cheese (imported from England at great expense), chips (crisps), salsa, grapes and carrots. Ben then drove us to Muir Woods - interesting switchback road with ridiculous gradient. We were all amazed (some more than others) at the giant redwoods and spent a pleasant hour or so on the trail through the woods. On the way back we stopped at Marin Heights for photo shoot opportunities of the Golden Gate Bridge which looked truly splendid but it was incredibly windy and we had to get over the bridge before 6 p.m. During rush hour it is free to cross with 3 or more in the car!

After a nice cup of tea and a bit of a rest it was off to Mission district to try to find a Mexican meal! Parking anywhere near a restaurant proved impossible so we parked on a steep hill, walked back to Mission and found a small place to try a wide selection of very colourful Mexican food. Not sure what it all was but I am sure if you mentioned a particular Mexican ingredient then we had it! We found the car again then headed home at the end of a very busy day. And so to bed.

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