Health Walk - Tuesday 13th March 2018

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

Today we had thirty-eight walkers including one new, Audrey, and her guest Marge.

Lawrence led with James back marking.  

Pat led the Elite group with Colin C back marking

Keith wrote on Facebook:

It was wonderful to see so many eager walkers turnout in Cuerden Valley Park today, given the persistent rain all day on Monday and then the light drizzle that fell first thing this morning. But whilst there were puddles and one or two muddy patches in places, mainly at the kissing gates, it transpired conditions underfoot were nowhere near as unpleasant as one might have imagined, and they certainly never threatened Lawrence from being unable to lead the group on his pre-planned route. So with the potential for problems in certain areas in mind, and with James stepping in to back mark, Lawrence headed for the Cinder Path by leading everyone behind the Barn and Sue Ryder buildings, and along the private road passing Wilbraham’s Wood. The Cinder Path itself was in good condition today, with the only mud predictably appearing by the gate at the end, where cattle passes between two pastures.

Photo 1    
It was then a meandering walk through Cock Cabin Wood, circling the pond clockwise, and emerging onto Bikers Hill that looks up towards Sue Ryder on the right. That field was being exclusively favoured by the flock of visiting Canadian geese this morning, with some occupying the Sue Ryder Scrape (the pond), but the main group grazing further up the field, until a heron swept down to try it’s hand/beak at a little fishing. We then took a left to cut through Walkers Wood, out into the open where we crossed the stone bridge and picnic area, for a climb up to the lake that was completely devoid of ice or slush today, allowing all the resident waterfowl to go about their business and provide us with lots to marvel at. We completed our circuit of the lake as far as the step way climb to the path at the bottom of the field, that only 5 days ago was a winter wonderland hosting a mini winter Olympics. Taking a right to head for Dog Kennel Wood, I happened to glance back at the lake and just caught sight of a heron returning to the right hand corner (as one looks at it from there) and couldn’t help wondering if it was the previously sighted heron having given up on lunch being provided at the Scrape (?). So it was off into Dog Kennel Wood,

Photo 2    
through and on into

Photo 3    
Gravel Hole Wood, and it was just as we reached the point at which the path veers to the right for a descent back to the tarmac path following the river, that I looked to my left and up towards the cross field route we took only last Thursday – linking Cam Wood and Gravel Hole Wood between two stiles. Today’s conditions meant it was barely recognisable from the week before, but it brought back a very happy memory that I’ll never forget. Once back on the tarmac path, we simply followed the river as far as Cardiac Hill,

Photo 4                                                           Photo 5
for our ascent back to the Barn, with Lawrence introducing a subtle twist in the tale today by taking a right at the monkey puzzle tree (frequently used as the final resting point that allows the group to reassemble). As it happened, conditions today were just about perfect for a walk in the park at this time of the year. No Rain, no wind, very mild temperatures and an ever growing expanse of blue sky. Something else that I found particularly eye catching today was the amount of bluebell shoots which now covers the floor in wooded areas, as well as the emergence of buds on all deciduous trees, including the hedgerows, and that’s an exciting portent of the next phase in the park’s annual cycle. It goes without saying – but it must be said, the spirit within the group today was as wonderful as ever, refreshments back at the Barn an absolute delight, and the company a complete joy. Many thanks to Lawrence and James, and to everyone else for yet another thoroughly enjoyable health 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 >>.

Today's walkers

Main Walk - Barbara, Barry, Brian C, Carmel, Carol W, Christine S, Clare, Colin D, Edward, Elizabeth M, James Mc, Joe Mc, John W, Judy, Keith, Kerry, Lawrence, Margaret W, Marge, Marilyn, Maureen, Michael G, Michael S, Roseanne, Rosemary, Sylvia, Vic, Vivien & Yvonne

Short Walk Group - Ann S, Audrey, Brian L, Colin C, Elizabeth H, Irene T, Jennifer J, Pat & Suzi

Compiled by Michael Swarbrick

Cinder Path                Cuerden Hall          Hawksclough Farmhouse                         Cam Lane               Lower Kem Mill

Cuerden Valley's Health Walk            Cock Cabin Wood

The Chorley Walks.