Reelers' Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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