Health Walk - Thursday 11th January 2018
Photos by Michael S, Amanda & Sheila - Please click on photos to see a larger one
Today we had thirty-six walkers and Sally, a good turnout for a Thursday, last year's Thursday's average twenty-six
Margaret W was leading with John W back marking. Sue led the short option with Colin C back marking, eight today.
Margaret took us past the New Building and down Snake turning up through Walkers Wood
Photo 1 - Sheila T
and into Cock Cabin Wood.
Leaving Cock Cabin Wood Margaret took us over the M6, along the A49 and into the north side of the Park, Christened by Michael as the Dark side. You can see from the map that there used to be a footbridge direct to the north side until they built the M65
Photo 2 - Amanda
Not sure where Amanda took this photo but I've guessed it was in the north side
Photo 3
Nearly finished our clockwise circuit of the north side.
Back on the A49 and into the Park
Photo 4
Walking up to the footbridge over the M6
Photo 5
passing this road to apparently nowhere
Photo 6
Back on the footbridge and just about to enter the Cinder Path
Photo 7
We've left the Cinder Path and are walking up Sue Ryder's Drive back to the Barn
Suzi and Colin took their group of Elite walkers along the reverse of our final route into the Cinder Path. They walked along the Cycle Track to Cock Cabin Wood, entered the wood turning right immediately they walked along the path and then followed our path anticlockwise through the wood but took the short path again to come out and walk down Bikers Hill to Snake Hill, over the Stone Bridge and along the river to the Wooden Bridge.
Crossing the Wooden Bridge they slipped and slithered up Cardiac Hill, into the Pinetum and back to the Barn.
Even though it was cold and a little misty, you could see our breath, we all seemed to enjoy the walk.
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 - Amanda, Bernadette, Bill, Carmel, Colin D, David H, Edward, Eileen P, Graham, James Mc, Janet S, Joe H, Joe Mc, John Mc, John W, Keith, Kerry, Maggie, Marie, Michael S, Moira, Peter H, Sally & Sheila T
Short Walk Group - Ann S, Brian L, Colin C, Carole, Jennifer J, Linda D, Maureen Mc, & Susan S
Keith's eloquence on Facebook:
"That's two more thoroughly enjoyable walks completed in the ceaselessly rewarding Cuerden Valley Park this week. It was wonderful to see Carmel back at the helm again on Tuesday who, backed up by James, lead a very healthy turnout into the heart of the park, on a route containing a variety of terrains and passing many of the outstanding features such as the lake and 'Ponderosa'. It was also great to see so many familiar faces returning to kickstart their new year's resolutions, with the Elite walk back into double figures, as well as getting to meet another group of enthusiasts who's sense of adventure was leading them off the beaten track and cross-field, in what must have been very slippery conditions. Apart from Cardiac Hill, that still had sheets of ice to circumnavigate due to never being touched by direct sunlight at this time of the year, Carmel ensured we avoided the muddier areas and safely guided us back to The Barn, where the warmth and chatter, brews and bickies never fails to delight. Today was Margaret's turn to lead everyone to the 'Dark Side' of the park (backed up by John), the first time [I think] since the trees and hedges have lost all their leaves, and consequently the walk had an entirely different feel to it. It was only coming across certain unmistakable features that convinced me we weren't taking a route never explored before. In the cool, icy, sunlit conditions this morning, there was a lovely still atmosphere in the park, wonderfully depicted in Eileen's and Michael's fabulous photographs, especially the extraordinary looking tree that belonged in a Harry Potter movie - step too close and you'll be grabbed - never to be seen again! It goes without saying, the atmosphere among the group is the vital ingredient of any walk, and today's was certainly no exception. I believe it's safe to assume the popularity of these walks, especially those taking place in Cuerden Valley Park, is only going to increase over the coming year, and with greater numbers comes a broader spectrum of desires and expectations from the walks, in terms of distance, duration and pace. I'm personally extremely grateful to each and every leader for their time, trouble and thoughtfulness. Referring to Yvonne's post regarding the national award nominations for Health Walk Volunteers, I'd find it impossible to single out any individual; although I am open to 'substantial' bribes! (ONLY KIDDING!!!) I just worry that for Michael and his admirable band of walk leaders, it's going to become increasingly difficult catering for all tastes, and they'll need everyone's help to ensure all the boxes continue to be ticked. All my boxes receive that many ticks they just become blacked out! Very many thanks to everyone for their delightful company on Tuesday and Thursday this week. "Keep on Walking!" "
Compiled by Michael Swarbrick
Cinder Path Cuerden Hall Cam Lane Hawksclough Farmhouse
The Chorley Walks.
