Gathurst Station Loop

Sunday was, to say the least, windy and the request, from my better half was, 

"...find a walk that's sheltered!"

Hence revisiting Dean Wood which, although I knew it was muddy near the River Douglas end, was very sheltered and we hadn't been there for some time.

Our 3.7625 miles (6.0552 km) route, starting and ending at Gathurst Station, is available at... http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6513148

Today's Meander (11th January 2015)

From the carpark, we started by heading East along Ackhurst Lane then right across the railway line.

At the junction at the top of the hill, we stayed on  Ackhurst Lane until we reached the B5206. Here we turned left and passed St John Rigby College, The Vale Royal Country Lodge and the entrance to Vale Royal Golf Course.

Just past the entrance to the golf course we joined a footpath that ran parallel to the M6.

Emerging onto Spring Road we turned right, heading uphill to rejoin the B5206.

Crossing the B5206 at the appropriate crossing, we took the first right across the fields to Dean Wood.

This was probably the windiest section of our walk.

 Down into the Dean Brook Valley, we followed the clear footpaths to the "expected Muddy end" of Dean Wood.

Spot the two bridges (either side of the fallen tree)

The high winds, as you can see, has brought down lots of trees but, as always, Dean Wood is quite magical.

The sounds of Dean Brook...

Dean Brook

...as it flows over rapids, 

...waterfalls and fallen trees, 

...along with sightings of fungi,

Large beautiful coloured Fungi

Ear-shaped fungi again!

...ferns

Ferns

...birds and grey squirrels.

Having negotiated the muddy end of Dean Wood, we emerged onto a welcome track that runs parallel to the River Douglas, then, after passing under the M6, the railway embankment.

Left when we reached Gathurst Road and immediately right, once we had passed under the railway.

On our left were youngsters having riding lessons as we passed their mums waiting to pick them up later.

Back to the car but, sadly a little early to try out the Station Public House.

If you don't mind the mud at the end of the walk, it is well worth following our steps. Dean Wood is a lovely environment.

Normally over the top! Today under and along...

When I say "over the top", I don't mean too much! 
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!