Health Walk - Thursday 28th December 2017
Photos by Michael S, Eileen & John W - Please click on photos to see a larger one
Today we twenty-eight walkers
It was threatening to rain/hail stone but we all set off optimistically
Photo 1
I got everyone to pose because I wasn't sure everyone was on the register
- not used to roughing it outside.
The Park was supposed to open the Barn while we signed in.
Michael S was leading with Carmel back marking. Sue led the short option with Colin C back marker, only four of them today.
Michael warned it may be icy and slippy under foot
Photo 2 - John
and almost immediately as we got on to Cardiac Hill we were slipping and sliding all over the place. Eventually we chose to walk on the grass as the path was treacherous.
We crossed the Wooden Bridge and climbed up into Gravel Hole Wood which was 'safe' but as we were coming down from Dog Kennel Wood the exposed area where the Larch had been cleared was again very slippy.
Photo 3 - Eileen
We went through the Kissing Gate
Photo 4 - Eileen
and walked up into the Field.
Photo 5 - John
and along to Hawks Clough.
We walked round Green Wood clockwise,
Photo 6 - Eileen
climbed these badly in need of repair steps on to Cam Lane and back to Hawks Clough past the Ponderosa.
Photo 7 Photo 8
Continuing along
Cam Lane we saw these people droning but continued and we went down more dodgy steps to
Photo 9 - John
the Lake. What is everyone looking at?
Photo 10
The Heron and Cormorants swimming and diving, fishing, across on the other side.
Photo 11
A new bench! Hope we see some more next year.
Photo 12
The Mallards are hoping for food?
Photo 13
Round the other side now. The Heron is still there but where have all the Cormorants gone?
Photo 14
Into the trees on the other side at least fifteen of them.
Having walked all round the Lake we descended the Long Steps to the Picnic Area, walked along the bottom of the Dam and crossed the Stone Bridge to walk up Snake Hill
Photo 15 - Eileen
Eileen looking back down Snake Hill
We all seemed to enjoy the morning ending the walk with mince pies and Christmas cheer in the Barn. The Elite walkers had caught Ranger Sarah and she opened up the Barn for us!
The elite walkers had gone in the opposite direction, along the Cinder Path, on to the Cycle Track down Bikers Hill and preceded us up Snake Hill back to the Barn where they had prepared everything for us.
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Today's walks (Red Main Group, Green Short Walk Option Group).
Where there are green arrows on the red route it means the Elite walkers had followed the main >> or the main group had followed the Elite walkers >>. >> walking the same route twice.
Today's walkers
Main Walk - Allan, Amanda, Brian, Carmel, Cheryl, Christine H, Damian, David H, Dennis, Edward, Eileen P, Elizabeth M, Geoff T, James Mc, Joe H, John W, Ian M, Keith, Kerry, Maggie, Michael M, Michael S, Sheila T & Yvonne
Short Walk Group - Colin C, Susan S, Pam & Peter
A few words from Keith (copied from Facebook):
Conditions this morning were certainly the trickiest I've personally encountered on a Cuerden Valley health walk, with sheets of ice to negotiate on sections of most paths in the park. But with Michael at the helm and Cheryl back marking we were in safe hands today, with no risks taken and everyone completing the walk without any mishaps or accidents. That was entirely down to the experience, care and attention shown by Michael and Cheryl throughout, as well as having a healthy contingent of fellow leaders within the group who kept a constant watchful eye on everyone. Many thanks to all. I'm going to ignore the BBC weather app on my mobile from now on that (last thing on Wednesday evening) was forecasting a sunny and dry Thursday, because we only saw fleeting glimpses of the sun today whilst being constantly pestered by flurries of rain/hail throughout the walk. Thank goodness the CVP Health Walkers are made of sterner stuff than the average 'stroller' because we not only met the challenges today, we enjoyed every moment and the smiles depicted on the group photos never waned - terrific photos everyone! I think the main attraction in the park at the moment is the lake, where the views are always lovely, but it's a haven for birdwatchers right now and yesterday didn't disappoint as the photos bear witness. The group was extremely grateful for Sarah opening up The Barn this morning just for our benefit, where a hot brew has never more appreciated and allowed the friendly chat to carry on in comfort, whilst the heaviest hail shower of the morning was falling outside ("phew"). Many thanks for your company everyone, and all the very best for the new year, and lots more priceless Tuesdays & Thursdays! 
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Compiled by Michael Swarbrick
Cinder Path Cuerden Hall Cam Lane Hawksclough Farmhouse
The Chorley Walks.
