Health Walk - Thursday 13th October 2016

Photos by Michael & Graham - Please click on photos to see a larger one

Today we had twenty-six walkers - Ann, Barbara, Bernadette, Brenda, Carmel, Clare, Colin C, Colin D, David, Elizabeth H, Elizabeth M, Graham, Helen, Irene S, James, Jennifer, John W, Linda E, Margaret W, Mary, Michael, Paul, Peter, Sandy, Suzie and Zandra.

Twenty-six is our highest ever recorded number of walkers

It was Clare's first walk with us.

It was another lovely morning, a bit nippy but some sunshine

David was leading, Carmel was back marker and Peter led the short walk

We set off into the Pinetum, crossing the Wooden Bridge and up into Gravel Hole Wood.

Photo 1
As we crossed the footbridge into Dog Kennel Wood Graham took this photograph asking "How many of us cross over the bridge, and never notice this?"

We left Dog Kennel Wood to climb up into the Field

Photo 2
On the horizon were the cows and Michael's friend the bull, second on the right after the tree.

Photo 3
At the top of the steps David paused the walkers to allow us all to catch up before proceeding down the steps

Photo 4
As we walked along the shore of the Lake Ranger Sarah and Volunteers Dave and Matt were enjoying a well earned rest, they had been at it for two or perhaps three hours by this time 

We carried on round the Lake dropping down the steps                    

Photo 5                                                 Photo 6                                                 Photo 7
to the bottom of the Dam and round the Picnic Area        

Photo 8                                                 Photo 9
We crossed the Stone Bridge and headed for Bikers Hill where we walked through Walkers Wood and into Cock Cabin Wood

Photo 10
The leaves are beginning to fall although the trees in the Park are mostly holding on to theirs

Photo 11                                                 Photo 12
Collecting round the pond before setting off again

Photo 13                                                 Photo 14                                                 Photo 15
The east side of the pond is more autumnal than the west

Photo 16
Disappearing round the bend while Michael attempts to catch them up

We continued back down the Cinder Path

Photo 17
and along Sue Ryder Drive and back to the Barn.

Peter and the short walkers again decided they wouldn't follow the main group but walked down Snake Hill crossing the Stone Bridge

They crossed the Picnic Area and climbed up the steep steps to the Lake.  They walked round the Lake and up into Dog Kennel Wood.  Leaving Dog Kennel Wood - did they notice the plaque? - they entered Gravel Hole Wood emerging onto the Cycle Track and crossing the Wooden Bridge up Cardiac Hill to the Pinetum where they turned sharp left and climbed up to the new visitors centre.  The saw the Heron twice once around the Lake and in the field adjacent to Cardiac Hill.

We all reunited at the Barn, some had to leave early so missed the tea/coffee and biscuits.

Good to see you all this morning to walk in Walking for Health's Find you Feet's Cuerden Valley Health Walk

Today's walks

Michael Swarbrick