Health Walk

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Thursday 22nd March - Brian led today's Health Walk from the Barn.  It was a lovely morning and there were eleven of us

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Lady Catherine graced us with a smile as we prepared to start our walk.  This week has been the schools Victorian and countryside week.  The second two photos are a group of children pond dipping.  The last one looks like a group of children just ending a walk round the Park.  Another group of children will be in the Ice House Wood learning about the house in Victorian Times from Lady Catherine, the Gamekeeper, the Poacher and various other characters - Park staff and Friends.  The Park runs these education days to raise money for he Park's upkeep to supplement the income from the Endowment.

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Brian decided that we would walk in the northern section of the Park, the area between the A49, A6, M6and M65.  This area was cut off from the rest of the Park by the construction of the M65.  These Daffodils are on the M65 embankment as seen from the Wigan Lane car park.  The Coot is on the Stag Lodge Pond, there appeared to be only one other Mallard to keep it company.  

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At the north east corner of this part the Park this bridge crossed the River Lostock and goes up to St. Saviour's Church - I was christened there, just like the Parker-Townleys (Green Path).  Three black birds.  This young lady is one of the dog many walkers

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On our way back to the main Park under the M65.  Walking up to the footbridge over the M6.  Looking back from the footbridge to the remaining section of the Cinder Path, the rest is swallowed by the M6 and the M65.  I remember as a youngster walking along the A49 and wondering where that footpath lead to - the Park was taboo in those days, surrounded by high walls and forbidden to enter.

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The Blackthorn is coming into full bloom - lots of sloes for Sloe Gin.  The flowers, when you look at them closely are beautiful.  Walking alongside Cock Cabin Wood.

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The last long drag back up to the Barn.  The worst part of teh climb over and resting - our 'Golden Girls'.

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The bench, along with many others, has been restored.  Two twitch ers near the New Bridge.  Jacquie, somewhat reluctantly, being mother.

Today's walk