Astley Park is close to the Centre of Chorley and consists of 43 hectares (that's quite big!) of woodland paths and open fields. The park is easy to find, with a large car park situated next to the well signposted "Astley Hall".
I've driven past Astley Park hundreds of times but never ventured inside. There must be something about miserable wet saturday mornings that inspires me to seek out new places, so with today hailed as one of the wettest of the year to date, I thought we'd have a short drive out to Chorley to take a look.
The main car park was east to find, follow the signs to Astley Hall and you'll find ample parking. I have to say it was a little desolate at 7.00am on a Saturday morning but we soon found a signpost pointing down a little footpath which led into the park and some formal gardens next to bowling greens. We later found that this formal part of the park is a "dogs on leads" zone but happily, as with all our new places, the dog was on the lead anyway until we were sure of our surroundings.
We followed a tarmac path past the bowling greens and over a small stream into the woods. The trees provided some decent shelter from the rain so we followed this park until it reached Southport Road. There was no obvious place to go but to retrace our tracks until we reached a wide freshly laid path leading through the woods on our right. This lovely path took us round the edge of the park, beside fields, pools and a stream, until we came out of the woods near to Park Road. Here, we joined the main tarmac path that rund through the centre of the park and turned left until we reached the main open fields. The Hall was clearly in view on the other side of the fields so we slowly worked our way there, with a little help from our ball, passing by a small lake until reaching the Hall and returning to the car park.
It's clear that Astley Park and Hall have fallen on hard times in the past but signs at the entrance to the park told of Chorley Council's efforts to rejuvinate the park and Hall with the help of a £2m lottery bid. The lovely woodland path we took looked as if it was evidence of this recent investment. It was also clear that a lot of work has been undertaken (and is ongoing) to clear up the stream that runs through the park. There was also a lot of evidence of earthworks near to the Hall. The Hall itslef looks as if it has yet to benefit from a major facelift but it looks as if its time will come.
All in all, Astley Park is a gem. It seems to receive very little publicity but has the potential to be just a nice as the popular Worden park in Leyland. For now though , I suggest that, like us, you enjoy it whilst it's quiet on a wet Saturday morning!
Click here for a Google map / image. The main paths through the park are clear to see. The new woodland path is not visible but skirts through the trees on the South side of the park. The main car park and Hall lie off Hall Gate Lane, in Astley Village.
Doggy rating 7/10
Keep safe!
You are responsible for your own safety and that of your dog. The walks listed in this blog are not detailed guides. Plan your route! Click the landrover image for safety advice from Bowland Pennine MRT.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The Millennium Ribble Link
The four mile Millennium Ribble Link opened in 2002 and is Britain's newest inland waterway. The Link joins the Lancaster Canal with the Ribble Ribble, providing a tidal link to the Rufford branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. A footpath follows much of the length of the Ribble Link, providing an interesting walk with a real mix of urban and rural settings.
Our walk was around 6 miles, taking about 2 hours but you could shorten it to suit. Most of the route is easy access and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs (but quite narrow in places). Any stiles and easily be avoided. The path crosses several roads en route so be ready to put your dog on its lead. As this is a fairly urban walk, there may be other dogs around who see it as their territory so again, just take a little care if your dog is itself aggressive or over friendly.
On this mornings walk we was a young lad with a lovely looking Staffie some way off. The lad put down his bag of shopping, put several additional twists of his lead round his wrist, stood astride of the dog, clamping it in place with his legs and holding its head whilst we passed. The Staffie seemed completely bemused and wandered off happily, after seeming not to notice us as we passed. I was glad our dog was on the lead at the time though! We did pass several other Staffie's who were perfectly friendly so please please don't stress if you see one!
Our route started at the main car park in Preston's Haslam Park, off Blackpool Road. We followed the main path through the park, crossing the brook, and through the grassland of the nature reserve to the Lancaster Canal. All of this stretch can happily be done off-lead and there are plenty of ball throwing opportunities!
On reaching the canal, turn left, and follow the towpath, crossing under a bridge, until you reach the junction of the Lancaster Canal and the locks leading to the Millennium link. It's a good idea to put your dog on the lead here. There locks are deep and with gates either side, there's no way out of the water other than up the ladders! The main road (Tom Benson way) also runs close by.
Follow the path beside the locks where you'll see an imposing 15 foot high sculpture of a naked man. The sculpture is entitled "Water". It has to be seen to appreciate it! There are apparently three other sculptures en route, fire, air and earth, although we only spotted "Air".
Take care crossing Tom Benson Way and follow the path under the rail bridge using the metal walkway. This is quite narrow and could be slippery but very short in length. Unfortunately, it's a hot spot for graffiti but don't let that put you off, the route soon opens up again.
The path widens and winds its way beside the link, crossing Savick Way and Lea Road. After Lea you, you can either follow the path beside the Link or take the footpath across the field, directly in front of you as you cross the road. As we walked today, the grass had been recently cut so we were able to walk through the field and have another good game of fetch before crossing over a stile to the access road to Ashton and Lea Golf Club. We continued to follow the path beside the link, which runs alongside Preston North End's training ground before opening up once more beside open fields. There is a footbridge along this stretch which allows you to join a footpath through the golf course, but we didn't take that route today.
Eventually, you reach another bridge and a sign warning that the footpath ends at "lock 8". At this point we turned back and retraced our steps following largely the same route back to the car.
All in all a good walk with lots of off-lead opportunities. A bit of a Jekyll and Hyde walk in terms of the surroundings. One minute you're in lovely surroundings and the next faced with the fortified perimeter of PNE's training ground or some recent Graffiti on one side and the lovely greenery of the gold course on the other. Overall, worth a trip. You can always find something nice to look at.
One day, we'll return to make a nice circular walk.
Click here for a Google map / image
Click here for the British Waterways website
Doggy rating 6/10
Our walk was around 6 miles, taking about 2 hours but you could shorten it to suit. Most of the route is easy access and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs (but quite narrow in places). Any stiles and easily be avoided. The path crosses several roads en route so be ready to put your dog on its lead. As this is a fairly urban walk, there may be other dogs around who see it as their territory so again, just take a little care if your dog is itself aggressive or over friendly.
On this mornings walk we was a young lad with a lovely looking Staffie some way off. The lad put down his bag of shopping, put several additional twists of his lead round his wrist, stood astride of the dog, clamping it in place with his legs and holding its head whilst we passed. The Staffie seemed completely bemused and wandered off happily, after seeming not to notice us as we passed. I was glad our dog was on the lead at the time though! We did pass several other Staffie's who were perfectly friendly so please please don't stress if you see one!
Our route started at the main car park in Preston's Haslam Park, off Blackpool Road. We followed the main path through the park, crossing the brook, and through the grassland of the nature reserve to the Lancaster Canal. All of this stretch can happily be done off-lead and there are plenty of ball throwing opportunities!
On reaching the canal, turn left, and follow the towpath, crossing under a bridge, until you reach the junction of the Lancaster Canal and the locks leading to the Millennium link. It's a good idea to put your dog on the lead here. There locks are deep and with gates either side, there's no way out of the water other than up the ladders! The main road (Tom Benson way) also runs close by.
Follow the path beside the locks where you'll see an imposing 15 foot high sculpture of a naked man. The sculpture is entitled "Water". It has to be seen to appreciate it! There are apparently three other sculptures en route, fire, air and earth, although we only spotted "Air".
Take care crossing Tom Benson Way and follow the path under the rail bridge using the metal walkway. This is quite narrow and could be slippery but very short in length. Unfortunately, it's a hot spot for graffiti but don't let that put you off, the route soon opens up again.
The path widens and winds its way beside the link, crossing Savick Way and Lea Road. After Lea you, you can either follow the path beside the Link or take the footpath across the field, directly in front of you as you cross the road. As we walked today, the grass had been recently cut so we were able to walk through the field and have another good game of fetch before crossing over a stile to the access road to Ashton and Lea Golf Club. We continued to follow the path beside the link, which runs alongside Preston North End's training ground before opening up once more beside open fields. There is a footbridge along this stretch which allows you to join a footpath through the golf course, but we didn't take that route today.
Eventually, you reach another bridge and a sign warning that the footpath ends at "lock 8". At this point we turned back and retraced our steps following largely the same route back to the car.
All in all a good walk with lots of off-lead opportunities. A bit of a Jekyll and Hyde walk in terms of the surroundings. One minute you're in lovely surroundings and the next faced with the fortified perimeter of PNE's training ground or some recent Graffiti on one side and the lovely greenery of the gold course on the other. Overall, worth a trip. You can always find something nice to look at.
One day, we'll return to make a nice circular walk.
Click here for a Google map / image
Click here for the British Waterways website
Doggy rating 6/10
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Preston Junction Nature Reserve
This is great dog walking territory, close to the heart of Preston, taking in a short stretch of footpath along the banks of the River Ribble opposite Avenham Park. The Preston Junction Local Nature Reserve is based on former railway lines, rich in diverse wildlife. It is a fantastic area, showing some of the natural environment of the Ribble at its best. This natural tidal stretch of the Ribble, and the open Countyside feel, would probably be lost forever if the Ribble Barrage and Riverworks project goes ahead. Anyone living in the Preston area should take the time to enjoy this walk and see what could be lost.
We've highlighted part of this route a few times before (Around the Gas Works and A long walk aroud the Gas works)but this walk is based almost exclusively on the area covered by the nature reserve. It's easy walking and provides some good off-lead opportunities when off the main cycle routes.
Our walk started as usual from near Bee Lane on Leyland Road, Preston. We walked down Leyland Road to Skew Bridge, where the road crosses the railway tracks, and took the footpath leading off to the right to the old Vernon Carras factory. Crossing Factory Lane we took the path opposite the farm, leading past the sports changing facilities. Passing through a gate, ignoring the first footpath up the railway embankment, we took the tarmac path leading left up to join the main embankment leading towards Preston. This tends to be relatively quiet and provides a good off-lead stretch.
The embankment reaches the banks of the Ribble, by the old (now closed) railway bridge. Here, turn right, and walk along the well made path along the banks of the Ribble. This stretch is tidal and it's amazing how the walk takes on a different nature dependant on tides and the volume of flood water.
When you reach the old Tram Road bridge leading over to Avenham Park, turn right up the tree lined old Tram Road. Rather than stay on the main tarmac path you can drop down to a narrow path on the left, below the embankment, which provides a better opportunity for off-lead walking, avoid any passing cycles. The lower path isn't recommended for anyone with mobility problems.
The lower path ultimately becomes impassable and a steep walk up the embankment is needed to rejoin the main path, but it's worth it.
The Tram Road ultimately leads back to the factory where we retraced our steps back to Leyland Road.
The circular route takes about an hour. You can extend it by carrying on up the Tram Road and up Wateringpool Lane before cutting back across to Leyland Road near Lostock Hall.
More information on the nature reserve can be found on the Lancashire County Council website
Doggy rating 7/10
We've highlighted part of this route a few times before (Around the Gas Works and A long walk aroud the Gas works)but this walk is based almost exclusively on the area covered by the nature reserve. It's easy walking and provides some good off-lead opportunities when off the main cycle routes.
Our walk started as usual from near Bee Lane on Leyland Road, Preston. We walked down Leyland Road to Skew Bridge, where the road crosses the railway tracks, and took the footpath leading off to the right to the old Vernon Carras factory. Crossing Factory Lane we took the path opposite the farm, leading past the sports changing facilities. Passing through a gate, ignoring the first footpath up the railway embankment, we took the tarmac path leading left up to join the main embankment leading towards Preston. This tends to be relatively quiet and provides a good off-lead stretch.
The embankment reaches the banks of the Ribble, by the old (now closed) railway bridge. Here, turn right, and walk along the well made path along the banks of the Ribble. This stretch is tidal and it's amazing how the walk takes on a different nature dependant on tides and the volume of flood water.
When you reach the old Tram Road bridge leading over to Avenham Park, turn right up the tree lined old Tram Road. Rather than stay on the main tarmac path you can drop down to a narrow path on the left, below the embankment, which provides a better opportunity for off-lead walking, avoid any passing cycles. The lower path isn't recommended for anyone with mobility problems.
The lower path ultimately becomes impassable and a steep walk up the embankment is needed to rejoin the main path, but it's worth it.
The Tram Road ultimately leads back to the factory where we retraced our steps back to Leyland Road.
The circular route takes about an hour. You can extend it by carrying on up the Tram Road and up Wateringpool Lane before cutting back across to Leyland Road near Lostock Hall.
More information on the nature reserve can be found on the Lancashire County Council website
Doggy rating 7/10
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
The Ribble Riverworks and Barrage Debate
No walk listed today but visitors to the blog may be interested in contributing to a Lancashire Evening Post Survey about the proposed Ribble Barage. There's a link to the survey from the LEP home page www.lep.co.uk
Even if you don't complete the survey, have a look at the proposals anyway!
Even if you don't complete the survey, have a look at the proposals anyway!
Monday, June 11, 2007
A holiday in Cornwall
The blog has been quiet for a while. This has been in part because we've been revisiting our favourite walks but also because we took the dog on holiday to Cornwall. This entry shares some of our experiences and gives our view on whether taking your dog on holiday is a good idea.
Preparation
Obviously the location is important. We stayed in a very pet friendly log cabin deep in the woods of South East Cornwall. We were able to almost literally fall out of bed straight onto a wonderful off lead walk in the mornings and enjoy an atmospheric woodland walk before bed.
We made sure we had everything the dog needed before we left. Food was weighed out and bagged in daily portions. Bowls, dishes, toys, towls, leads and bedding were all packed. We invested in some cheap sun shades from Pets at Home to keep the sun's glare off the dog whilst in the car as well as a really useful utility belt with a water bottle and fold up water bowl.
The Journey
It's a long way from Preston to Cornwall. The dog had all home comforts on the back seat of the car, suitably harnessed of course. We stopped every couple of hours (Strensham and near Exeter) for a bit of a walk, a wee and of course a big drink. Remember that if it's a hot day you'll not be able to leave your dog in the car whilst you use the services, you'll have to take shifts!
Arrival
We didn't venture too far immediately after we reached our cabin. The dog was a little on edge but seemed happy enough with the sights and sounds of the woods.
Whilst there
So, was Cornwall dog friendly? We thought so. There was very little that we weren't able to do because of the dog. We enjoyed visits to many sea-side villages, pubs, cafes and beaches. You have to do a little homework to find the dog friendly beaches (the Cornwall County Council website is a good start) but they were never far away. We found some excellent pubs (using the Good Pub Guide) which provided great food (the Ship in Lerryn and the Blue Peter in Polperro are highly recommended)and allowed the dog to sit quietly in the bar area (enjoying the fuss of course). What was really surprising were the number of shops that were happy to allow the dog in - we didn't always take up the offer but it was a nice touch. Many many shops had water bowls outside. Walks were never a problem and if it's hot on the beach or the cliff tops there are loads of shaded woodland walks to choose from.
In summary, we had a great time which was enhanced by taking the dog. Maybe it's not for everyone, if you have an elderly dog which wouldn't take to the change of surroundings or the journey for example, but don't be worried about whether you'll find a dog friendly county when you get there. No, you can't take the dog on Fistral beach in Newquay or many many other hugely popular and crowded beaches, but would you really want to visit them anyway? There are plenty more to choose from!
Happy holidays.
Preparation
Obviously the location is important. We stayed in a very pet friendly log cabin deep in the woods of South East Cornwall. We were able to almost literally fall out of bed straight onto a wonderful off lead walk in the mornings and enjoy an atmospheric woodland walk before bed.
We made sure we had everything the dog needed before we left. Food was weighed out and bagged in daily portions. Bowls, dishes, toys, towls, leads and bedding were all packed. We invested in some cheap sun shades from Pets at Home to keep the sun's glare off the dog whilst in the car as well as a really useful utility belt with a water bottle and fold up water bowl.
The Journey
It's a long way from Preston to Cornwall. The dog had all home comforts on the back seat of the car, suitably harnessed of course. We stopped every couple of hours (Strensham and near Exeter) for a bit of a walk, a wee and of course a big drink. Remember that if it's a hot day you'll not be able to leave your dog in the car whilst you use the services, you'll have to take shifts!
Arrival
We didn't venture too far immediately after we reached our cabin. The dog was a little on edge but seemed happy enough with the sights and sounds of the woods.
Whilst there
So, was Cornwall dog friendly? We thought so. There was very little that we weren't able to do because of the dog. We enjoyed visits to many sea-side villages, pubs, cafes and beaches. You have to do a little homework to find the dog friendly beaches (the Cornwall County Council website is a good start) but they were never far away. We found some excellent pubs (using the Good Pub Guide) which provided great food (the Ship in Lerryn and the Blue Peter in Polperro are highly recommended)and allowed the dog to sit quietly in the bar area (enjoying the fuss of course). What was really surprising were the number of shops that were happy to allow the dog in - we didn't always take up the offer but it was a nice touch. Many many shops had water bowls outside. Walks were never a problem and if it's hot on the beach or the cliff tops there are loads of shaded woodland walks to choose from.
In summary, we had a great time which was enhanced by taking the dog. Maybe it's not for everyone, if you have an elderly dog which wouldn't take to the change of surroundings or the journey for example, but don't be worried about whether you'll find a dog friendly county when you get there. No, you can't take the dog on Fistral beach in Newquay or many many other hugely popular and crowded beaches, but would you really want to visit them anyway? There are plenty more to choose from!
Happy holidays.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Haslam Park, Preston
Haslam Park is easily accessed from Blackpool Road, near to the Lane Ends Pub in Ashton. Parking is available off Bristow Avenue. A nice alternative is to walk up to the park via the Lancaster Canal from the Ashton basin near Stocks Road.
Haslam park is a large Victorian influenced park which includes sports facilities, a huge open mown field, a lake, stream and wildflower meadows. The park is adjacent to the Lancaster Canal, providing an opportunity to extend your walk towards the Aston basin or towards Salwick if you wanted.
Much of the main area of the park is "open" in aspect which does make it slightly less interesting than the mix of wooded areas and fields provided by Hurst Grange or Avenham parks for example. Some areas of the park, the stream running through the park for example, looked as if they needed little more tender loving care but in general this is a nice well maintained park and worth a visit. The park gained "green flag" status in 2006/7.
Click here for a link to the Preston City Council pages on Haslam Park
Click here for a Google map / image
Doggy rating 6/10
Haslam park is a large Victorian influenced park which includes sports facilities, a huge open mown field, a lake, stream and wildflower meadows. The park is adjacent to the Lancaster Canal, providing an opportunity to extend your walk towards the Aston basin or towards Salwick if you wanted.
Much of the main area of the park is "open" in aspect which does make it slightly less interesting than the mix of wooded areas and fields provided by Hurst Grange or Avenham parks for example. Some areas of the park, the stream running through the park for example, looked as if they needed little more tender loving care but in general this is a nice well maintained park and worth a visit. The park gained "green flag" status in 2006/7.
Click here for a link to the Preston City Council pages on Haslam Park
Click here for a Google map / image
Doggy rating 6/10
Friday, May 11, 2007
Turton and Entwistle Reservoir
About half an hours drive from Preston just off the Darwen to Bolton Road lies Turton and Entwistle Reservoir. This is a fantastic place for a walk with woods, water, excellent paths and no stiles.
We've visited Turton and Entwistle Reservoir a few times. Each time we've parked on the Batridge Road Car park, well signposted as you descend towards Chapeltown. There are plenty of options for long and short walks from here. The "classic" walk follows an excellent path, suitable for buggies, round the edge of the reservoir. Much of the route provides direct access to woods`and water, with plenty of resting places along the way. It can get busy on a sunny day, as it was the first time we visited, but provides an almost completely off-lead walk for those dogs who you trust not to jump at fellow walkers when completed soaked from playing in the water. The trip round takes about an hour and a half.
Our last visit was on a wet and windy week day. This time we followed the various woodland trails to make a longer route round the reservoir, coming very close to Blackburn Road at our furthest point. This walk provide about three hours of off lead walking with only a few other people around for company.
Turton and Entwistle Reservoir is well worth a visit. You could combine with a trip to the nearby Strawberry Duck for lunch if you manage to find a seat!
Click here for Google map / image
Please note the signs asking you not to throw your poo bags over fences etc!
Doggy rating 8/10
We've visited Turton and Entwistle Reservoir a few times. Each time we've parked on the Batridge Road Car park, well signposted as you descend towards Chapeltown. There are plenty of options for long and short walks from here. The "classic" walk follows an excellent path, suitable for buggies, round the edge of the reservoir. Much of the route provides direct access to woods`and water, with plenty of resting places along the way. It can get busy on a sunny day, as it was the first time we visited, but provides an almost completely off-lead walk for those dogs who you trust not to jump at fellow walkers when completed soaked from playing in the water. The trip round takes about an hour and a half.
Our last visit was on a wet and windy week day. This time we followed the various woodland trails to make a longer route round the reservoir, coming very close to Blackburn Road at our furthest point. This walk provide about three hours of off lead walking with only a few other people around for company.
Turton and Entwistle Reservoir is well worth a visit. You could combine with a trip to the nearby Strawberry Duck for lunch if you manage to find a seat!
Click here for Google map / image
Please note the signs asking you not to throw your poo bags over fences etc!
Doggy rating 8/10
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire
This walk lies about about an hours drive from Preston, near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, and is great when combined with a trip to Hebden Bridge and Haworth. Parking at the National Trust car park is currently £2.50 for three hours which isn't bad value. Free for Members of course.
The Hardcastle Crags National Trust estate has deep rocky ravines, tumbling streams and oak, beech and pine woods. Our walk began at the main car park and we walked up the gravelled road through the woods to Gibson Mill. The Bluebells put on a spectacular display so now (early May) is a great time to vist if you get chance.
At the mill we stopped for a while to enjoy cofee and excellent fudge and carrot cake in the sunshine and also had the chance to watch some glassblowing.
There are a number of options to extend the walk from the mill. The circular walk to the crags themselves is about two miles. Once back at the mill you can take the pleasant riverside woodland path back to the car park.
After a couple of hours at Hardcastle Crags we parked up in Hebden Bridge and gave the dog his first ever town shopping trip! He waited patiently outside most of the shops visited by Dogs Mum and then, after a trip to the Menagerie Pet and Garden Shop (on West End just off the main A646 by the river - a really friendly shop where dogs are welcome and treated to a variety of doggy goodies by the owners!) enjoyed watching us eat fish and chips on the park.
Our day was completed with a quick trip to Bronte Village at Haworth, which once again gave the dog a chance to practice his social skills walking through the lovely narrow streets near the Bronte Parsonage Museum before visiting the nearby Central Park.
The dog is now shattered and in his bed! A good time was had by all.
Click here for directions and information on Hardcastle Crags
Doggy rating 6/10. (8/10 for Dogs Mum and Dad!)
The Hardcastle Crags National Trust estate has deep rocky ravines, tumbling streams and oak, beech and pine woods. Our walk began at the main car park and we walked up the gravelled road through the woods to Gibson Mill. The Bluebells put on a spectacular display so now (early May) is a great time to vist if you get chance.
At the mill we stopped for a while to enjoy cofee and excellent fudge and carrot cake in the sunshine and also had the chance to watch some glassblowing.
There are a number of options to extend the walk from the mill. The circular walk to the crags themselves is about two miles. Once back at the mill you can take the pleasant riverside woodland path back to the car park.
After a couple of hours at Hardcastle Crags we parked up in Hebden Bridge and gave the dog his first ever town shopping trip! He waited patiently outside most of the shops visited by Dogs Mum and then, after a trip to the Menagerie Pet and Garden Shop (on West End just off the main A646 by the river - a really friendly shop where dogs are welcome and treated to a variety of doggy goodies by the owners!) enjoyed watching us eat fish and chips on the park.
Our day was completed with a quick trip to Bronte Village at Haworth, which once again gave the dog a chance to practice his social skills walking through the lovely narrow streets near the Bronte Parsonage Museum before visiting the nearby Central Park.
The dog is now shattered and in his bed! A good time was had by all.
Click here for directions and information on Hardcastle Crags
Doggy rating 6/10. (8/10 for Dogs Mum and Dad!)
Friday, May 04, 2007
Moss Side Recreation Centre, Leyland
A network of cycle tracks, footpaths, fields and easy parking make this a good spot for a gentle stroll and a good off-lead run. The sports pitches on part of the site seem to be in very regular use so obviously bear that in mind if your dog loves a good game of football or rugby and as ever, clean up after your dog. Even if games are going on there are plenty of places to walk.
Moss Side Recreation Centre is tucked away a minute or so from Shleswig Way near the Dunkirk Hall pub. The Recreation Centre is well signed from Slater Lane.
Areas of grassland and establishing woodland next to the sports pitches make this a nice place for a run around. The network of good footpaths mean you can extend your walk in the local area if you choose to take in woodlands over towards Schleswig Way or walk along a wooded path to Ulnes Walton Lane in the other direction.
Click here for google map/image.
Doggy rating 5/10
Moss Side Recreation Centre is tucked away a minute or so from Shleswig Way near the Dunkirk Hall pub. The Recreation Centre is well signed from Slater Lane.
Areas of grassland and establishing woodland next to the sports pitches make this a nice place for a run around. The network of good footpaths mean you can extend your walk in the local area if you choose to take in woodlands over towards Schleswig Way or walk along a wooded path to Ulnes Walton Lane in the other direction.
Click here for google map/image.
Doggy rating 5/10
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A simple walk from Croston
This is a pleasant walk from Croston on mainly good footpaths and lanes including the recently landscaped Ulnes Walton Landfill site (don't be put off). There is about a quarter of a mile of fairly unpleasant road walking to finish and the route crosses quite a few stiles and a railway crossing. Allow an hour and a half.
We started our walk from the centre of Croston at the free car park on Out Lane. Follow the lane out of Croston past the school and along a pleasant footpath to Moor Road. Cross Moor Road carefully and turn right to Ridley Lane. Follow the lane past the farms (where we met another lovely looking ESS called Meg) until you reach the entrance to the recently re-landscaped landfill site. Don't be put off by this, it looks quite pleasant and cattle graze happily. There are though a lot of strange looking pipes protruding from the ground.
At the entrace to the old landfill site you'll see a stile and footpath to the left. Take this and immediately cross another stile on to the rubble road bordered by young trees. This is a good spot to let your dog run free. Follow the track to its end and take the gate on the LEFT (don't head for the railway crossing to your right - it's not a footpath and there's a locked gate on the other side of the tracks) and walk alongside a ditch to another stile and a railway crossing. Carefully cross the tracks and head along another footpath to a bridge over the river. (There were loads of young steers in this field who took a real shine to the dog - it wasn't a mutual feeling!) Turn left and follow the river back to Bretherton Road leading back in to Croston.
If you want a plesant extension follow the river Lostock upstream from Ridley lane for a while and try feeding the occasional large chub with your doggy treats!
Click here for Google map and image
Doggy rating 6/10
We started our walk from the centre of Croston at the free car park on Out Lane. Follow the lane out of Croston past the school and along a pleasant footpath to Moor Road. Cross Moor Road carefully and turn right to Ridley Lane. Follow the lane past the farms (where we met another lovely looking ESS called Meg) until you reach the entrance to the recently re-landscaped landfill site. Don't be put off by this, it looks quite pleasant and cattle graze happily. There are though a lot of strange looking pipes protruding from the ground.
At the entrace to the old landfill site you'll see a stile and footpath to the left. Take this and immediately cross another stile on to the rubble road bordered by young trees. This is a good spot to let your dog run free. Follow the track to its end and take the gate on the LEFT (don't head for the railway crossing to your right - it's not a footpath and there's a locked gate on the other side of the tracks) and walk alongside a ditch to another stile and a railway crossing. Carefully cross the tracks and head along another footpath to a bridge over the river. (There were loads of young steers in this field who took a real shine to the dog - it wasn't a mutual feeling!) Turn left and follow the river back to Bretherton Road leading back in to Croston.
If you want a plesant extension follow the river Lostock upstream from Ridley lane for a while and try feeding the occasional large chub with your doggy treats!
Click here for Google map and image
Doggy rating 6/10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
