Health Walk - Thursday 1st February 2018
Photos by Michael S, Amanda & Eileen P - Please click on photos to see a larger one
Today we had twenty-four twalkers and Paddy
John W led the main walk with Margaret W back marking. Susan S led the Elite group with David H back marking.
Keith Billington:
Very many thanks to Margaret & John for a thoroughly enjoyable walk in Cuerden Valley Park on Thursday morning. Margaret lead everyone to the 'dark side' of the park on a wonderfully bright and crisp winter's morning, albeit bitingly cold to start with; when the wind blew and whilst shaded from the sun. But as the walk progressed the wind soon subsided, the warmth from the sun could then be appreciated, and by the time we were in Darth Vader country the 'force' was with us and the pleasures abounded. After plenty of overnight rain, Margaret's route was inspired on Thursday, not least because it avoided the likely troublespots, for it also included so many interesting deviations from a 'standard' walk. From a personal point of view I loved the way we were constantly moving from densely wooded areas, or pathways flanked by trees & shrubs, out into open expanses flooded by sunlight, making for a sensory rollercoaster of a walk that kept the pleasing surprises coming throughout. We passed numerous ponds and watercourses - sadly minus 'Tarka' and his mates, we weaved our way through wide-eyed children enthralled by the teachings of David (Beattie) as they studied the fruits from their pond-dipping, and the only thing more enchanting than the soundtrack of birdsong that morning was constant chatter among the group. Margaret also observed the very recently introduced 'choice of walk-endings' when the group arrives at the base of either Cardiac or Snake Hill, for the final ascent back to The Barn. Under the guidance of a recognised leader, one can either take the direct route (dependent upon the hill arrived at) or continue on to the alternative hill, for those wishing to extend the walk. I think that's a wonderful [safe] innovation and provides more ticks in more boxes for everyone. It goes without saying, the atmosphere back at The Barn was yet another complete delight, with the only negative being that it had to come to an end. That's two more priceless walks in Cuerden Valley this week. Many thanks to the leaders and their back markers, and for the precious company of everyone involved. Roll on next Tuesday! 
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Today's walks (Red Main Group, Blue Main Group Shortened Walk, 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 >>.
Compiled by Michael Swarbrick
Cinder Path Cuerden Hall Hawksclough Farmhouse Cam Lane Lower Kem Mill
The Chorley Walks.
