Health Walk - Tuesday 8th October
Photos by Michael S & Sheila T - Please click on photos to see a larger one
Sheila: "It was lovely to have Michael back leading this morning a group of 31 longer walkers with Jimmy back marking - the sun coming out to shine on our endeavours. The Elite group of 18 led by John B and back marked by Colin crossed paths with the longer walkers at one point. One new walker joined our Elite walkers this morning. We had four canine friends today - Wesley on the longer walk; Charlie, George and Meg on the Elite walk."
Most of the commentary now is Keith B's, many many thanks Keith
"Keith B: We were blessed with ideal weather conditions for our walks this morning, with barely a breeze keeping the air temperature mild - yet cool enough to keep one fresh, and the sun eventually breaking through to banish any lingering threat of rain.
Photo 1 - Sheila Photo 2 - Sheila
It was also wonderful to see Michael make an appearance as leader for the longer walk today, and with Jimmy back marking the impressive gathering knew we were in safe & experienced hands.
Photo 3 - Sheila
Michael started with a fascinating meander around the pinetum, passing the fairy dell, walled orchard and the very unusual sight (for the time of year) of rhododendrons still bearing their mauve flowers! They were to be the only rhododendrons in flower throughout our route today, so either the pinetum has a unique micro-climate or the fairies have been out sprinkling their dust (?).
Photo 4 - Sheila Photo 5 Photo 6
We descended into the park via Cardiac Hill, turning right at the other side of the river to follow the track as far as the ascending entrance into Gravel Hole Wood. Having caught our breath after the first climb of the day, we kept to the path that twists & turns whilst dropping & rising through Gravel Hole and Dog Kennel Woods, to emerge at the southern end of the lake.
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From there and veering to the right, we passed through the kissing gate to follow the path that looks down upon the lake to the left,
Photo 9 - Sheila
which we did walk around in a clockwise direction having dropped down the first available flight of steps. The lake was well populated by mallards today, as was the park as a whole by numerous dog walkers, much to the excitement of ‘Wesley’.
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Having reached the steps at 9 o’clock on the lake, we dropped down to the picnic area which we circled to forgo a crossing of the stone bridge to head
Photo 14 - Sheila
(Frankie always smiles for the camera)
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off into Walkers Wood, where we exchanged pleasantries with our friends in the Elite Group.
We retraced their descent by climbing up to emerge onto the track looking up towards Cuerden Hall, where we turned to the right and walked as far as the atmospheric Cock Cabin Wood.
Taking the established pathway through Cock Cabin, it was exciting to see mother nature beginning to weave in the first tufts of her autumnal carpet, meaning it won’t be long now before us ‘leaf kickers’ will be reliving our childhoods all over again!
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Having passed the adjoining pond and taken the right (left actually) prong of the fork in the path, we walked as far as the steps leading down to the Cinder Path where, almost more than any other area of the park, I’m personally struck by the history of the place and can’t help wondering in who’s footsteps I may be walking.
Climbing over the subway at the end of the Cinder Path and Wood, we emerged onto the private road leading to Cuerden Hall, which we headed for passing Wilbraham’s Wood, then along the top walk in front of the Hall’s gardens and onto the track leading back to the Visitors Centre. By this time the sun was beaming, which was just as well given how today’s sizeable attendance meant we ended up spilling out of the cafe to completely occupy the veranda.
The weather conditions today were so much nicer than were being forecast only 24 hours earlier and conditions underfoot, even in the more infamous spots, were negotiated without any problems.
Michael’s inspired route was a delight for the senses, which kept taking us into the different atmospheres of the various woods one moment, then out into the ‘big sky’ areas the next, with the whole look and feel of the park now changing from one day to the next. And of course, none of this reflects upon the enchanting company of walking buddies and cafe companions. It all leaves me chomping at the bit for Thursday. Many thanks everyone!"
Yvonne: "Keith a great description of a really well thought out walk this morning by our expert leader Michael Swarbrick. Jimmy did a cracking job of keeping us all in check from the rear., and I enjoyed walking with my buddy today. Thanks for bringing this back to mind in the most vivid way Keith. Looking forward to our next forray into Cuerden Valley. xx"
John B: "Elite walk, 18 walkers plus George, Meg and Charlie. John B leading, Colin back marking. Up to pass right of barn to circle 3 sides of Hall, down Drive to Cinder path to main cycle track. left into Cock Cabin wood, left and left into Walkers Wood. Return up Snake Hill to café.at the Visitors Centre."
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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 >>. similarly for the blue arrows
Compiled by Michael Swarbrick with grateful thanks to Keith, Sheila and John
Cam Lane
Cam Lane Cottage
The Chorley Walks.
Cinder Path
Cock Cabin Wood
Cuerden Hall
Cuerden Valley's Health Walk
Lower Kem Mill
Hawksclough Farmhouse
Tree Sculpture
Park
Pinetum
Ponderosa
Visitors Centre
