What I'm referencing is my journey to work, at Lancaster University, takes me over the top of the Douglas Valley on the M6; with Colin and Anita.
Today Chris and I walked under the M6, in the Douglas Valley on our Saturday Meander.
Yes I know, "what are we doing walking on a Saturday?"
Perhaps, in part, due to now only working 3 days a week.
Our 3.9095 miles route, walked today, can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6292417
Didn't quite make the 4 mile mark but a very enjoyable walk.
Starting from Gathurst Station...
...we headed down towards the B5206 and turned left under the Southport - Wigan Railway line.
From here it was across the road and along the lane under the M6 and along side the River Douglas and the Leeds Liverpool Canal.
As expected, the entrance to Dean Wood was muddy; due mainly to activity of local horse riders. Well their horses,not them.
Once past the muddy entrance we were able to enjoy the spring flowers,
the birds, in particular Lesser spotted woodpeckers...
and nuthatches,
and the relaxing sound of water and bird song.
Young leaves I also find have their own attraction;colour, shape and/or softness.
Reaching the end of the Dean Wood part of our walk we headed up and out of the wood.
Here we crossed meadows and it was nice to see the swallows flying low across the grass, resting every now and then on telegraph wires.
Out onto the B5206 (Gathurst Road), we turned left and then right onto Spring Road towards the Heinz Factory.
When we had gone under the M6 again(much lower bridge this time), we turned left and walked along the side of the M6
until we emerged onto Gathurst Road again, at the entrance to the Golf Club.
Just after St John Rigby College we turned right down a Private Road (don't worry it's a public footpath), and on through Porter's Wood alongside Ackhurst Brook.
Here we saw some early impressive tree routes and apple blossom.
Soon we joined Ackhurst Lane, where we could see Ackhurst Hall,
and followed this down to the bridge over the railway line.
A short cut we didn't expect completed our meander as we returned to Gathurst Station.
Sadly the bar wasn't open - so much for walking on a Saturday, we still missed out on a pint.
Message to self - "better timing needed"
P.S. Did you see the Wood pecker and the Nuthatch? No? Well take another look,they're there!
