We'll soon be off to Cornwall again for two weeks of relaxation in the sunshine. Ok, maybe relaxation isn't the word as we'll have our Springer Spaniel with us, but I'm sure we'll have a good time.
Our last trip proved to us that Cornwall was a fairly dog friendly County, with many pubs and shops happy to allow the dog in, and plenty of beaches and nice walks if you know where to find them. Whilst dog bans do exist there are plenty of alternatives.
There are lots of sites which list dog friendly beaches in Cornwall such as www.thecornishcoast.co.uk
If there are any sat nav users out there I have created a waypoint/POI file of dog friendly beaches in cornwall which you can upload to your GPS. The waypoints are in a .loc file.
If you want a copy of the file leave a comment and I'll mail it to you
If you do use the GPS files, just double check the signs when you get to your destination. On some beaches it's just part of the beach that is open to dogs.
Happy holidays! We'll think of you when we're high on the cliffs, gazing out at the sea, listening to the distant sound of the waves washing the shore.
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.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Cuerden Valley Park Revisited
I'm sure every dog and their owner has a favourite spot. Ours is Cuerden Valley Park, close to the junction of the M6, M61 and M65, just South of Preston. The Park has open meadows, a stream, woods and a lake. What more could a dog want?
Our normal route starts near to Cuerden Hall but today, for a change, we parked at the car park on Sheep Hill Road. We walked through the gate from the car park and through the meadow to the right of the stream. The grass had recently been cut, allowing the dog to hone his sniffing skills looking for his ball buried in the loose cuttings.
After half a mile or we joined the main gravelled path leading through the Park, and took the footpath leading off up the hill to the left through Gravel Hole Wood. The path winds its way through the woods, crossing a wooden bridge high above a small stream, before descending down to the Lake.
There are some picnic tables by the lake, so if you're dog is a scavenger like ours, watch out! This morning we only had some fishermen for company so quickly passed by down to a meadow by the steam, next to a small stone bridge. Once again, there are picnic tables here so on a sunny day make an early or late visit if your dog is likely to harass feasting picnickers.
If ever there was a spot designed for dogs the meadow next to the stream is it. The stream is generally shallow, so safe for splashing around in. The meadow is great for a game of fetch, with long and uncut grass at one end ideally for sniffing around in. Best of all, the meadow lies at the junction of all main routes through the park so you can rest a while while your dog is entertained by every other visiting dog.
We returned to the car park walking along the bank of the stream for much of the way, foolishly hoping that the dog would dry off by the time we got back to the car. Needless to say, he ran in to the water less than 100 yards from our final destination so needed a good towel dry before leaving for home.
What more could a dog want? Click here for map
The Park does not receive any funding from local or County Councils to fund the up-keep of the Park, or from wildlife charities and trusts to maintain wildlife habitats. The Trustees welcome any help Park users can offer, including volunteering, making a donation to the Park directly or by joining the 'Friends' group. The Friends annual subscription is just £15.00 per household; visit the Friends page for more details.
We love this place. Doggy rating 9/10
Our normal route starts near to Cuerden Hall but today, for a change, we parked at the car park on Sheep Hill Road. We walked through the gate from the car park and through the meadow to the right of the stream. The grass had recently been cut, allowing the dog to hone his sniffing skills looking for his ball buried in the loose cuttings.
After half a mile or we joined the main gravelled path leading through the Park, and took the footpath leading off up the hill to the left through Gravel Hole Wood. The path winds its way through the woods, crossing a wooden bridge high above a small stream, before descending down to the Lake.
There are some picnic tables by the lake, so if you're dog is a scavenger like ours, watch out! This morning we only had some fishermen for company so quickly passed by down to a meadow by the steam, next to a small stone bridge. Once again, there are picnic tables here so on a sunny day make an early or late visit if your dog is likely to harass feasting picnickers.
If ever there was a spot designed for dogs the meadow next to the stream is it. The stream is generally shallow, so safe for splashing around in. The meadow is great for a game of fetch, with long and uncut grass at one end ideally for sniffing around in. Best of all, the meadow lies at the junction of all main routes through the park so you can rest a while while your dog is entertained by every other visiting dog.
We returned to the car park walking along the bank of the stream for much of the way, foolishly hoping that the dog would dry off by the time we got back to the car. Needless to say, he ran in to the water less than 100 yards from our final destination so needed a good towel dry before leaving for home.
What more could a dog want? Click here for map
The Park does not receive any funding from local or County Councils to fund the up-keep of the Park, or from wildlife charities and trusts to maintain wildlife habitats. The Trustees welcome any help Park users can offer, including volunteering, making a donation to the Park directly or by joining the 'Friends' group. The Friends annual subscription is just £15.00 per household; visit the Friends page for more details.
We love this place. Doggy rating 9/10
Friday, August 03, 2007
Keswick and Friars Crag (Cumbria)
We seem to have spent all of our days out in the Lake District over the past month or so, despite the weather! Today we had a run up to Keswick for a wander round the shops, a nice along the shores of Derwent Water, followed by fish and chips - who could want more!
We parked up at the Central Car park in Keswick and had a good wander round the nearby shops. The centre of Keswick is pedestrianised so it makes life easy wandering round with the dog. Some of the shops, such as Cotswold, were happy to welcome dogs.
After a bit of lunch we followed the clearly signed route to the Lake, passing the Lakeside car park before arriving at the shores of Derwent Water and numerous landing stages.
A good path leads along the lake shore for half a mile or so to the wonderful viewpoint of Friars Crag. Even though it today was wet and wild the views across to Cat Bells were great. The jaws of Borrowdale were well hidden in the mist though! There are places along this path where you can access the lake shore and some dogs were off lead having a good run round the "beach" and a swim. We didn't risk an off lead run here.
After admiring the view from the crag, retrace your steps a little way and follow the path right, continuing along the lake shore. Passing through a gate we entered a large field adjoining the lake. There were no livestock around today so we could let the dog off lead. It's great place for a good run around, game of fetch and a paddle. Fortunately, he didn't manage to get too muddy and we continued along the path through Ings wood.
This path ultimately leads to the Borrowdale road and you can follow it, adjacent to the road, and back to the landing stages via Cockshott Wood. We didn't fancy the roadside walk so retraced our steps, with another quick run in the field on the way.
The day ended with huge portions of fish and chips at the "old Keswickian" chippy next to the Moot Hall.
Visitors to the blog may think our lives consist of shopping, dog walking and eating...at the moment you'd be right!
Click here for a useful Lake District National Park link "miles without stiles". It's obviously aimed at those with wheelchairs or buggies but looked like a nice set of relatively short dog walks.
Doggy rating 6/10
We parked up at the Central Car park in Keswick and had a good wander round the nearby shops. The centre of Keswick is pedestrianised so it makes life easy wandering round with the dog. Some of the shops, such as Cotswold, were happy to welcome dogs.
After a bit of lunch we followed the clearly signed route to the Lake, passing the Lakeside car park before arriving at the shores of Derwent Water and numerous landing stages.
A good path leads along the lake shore for half a mile or so to the wonderful viewpoint of Friars Crag. Even though it today was wet and wild the views across to Cat Bells were great. The jaws of Borrowdale were well hidden in the mist though! There are places along this path where you can access the lake shore and some dogs were off lead having a good run round the "beach" and a swim. We didn't risk an off lead run here.
After admiring the view from the crag, retrace your steps a little way and follow the path right, continuing along the lake shore. Passing through a gate we entered a large field adjoining the lake. There were no livestock around today so we could let the dog off lead. It's great place for a good run around, game of fetch and a paddle. Fortunately, he didn't manage to get too muddy and we continued along the path through Ings wood.
This path ultimately leads to the Borrowdale road and you can follow it, adjacent to the road, and back to the landing stages via Cockshott Wood. We didn't fancy the roadside walk so retraced our steps, with another quick run in the field on the way.
The day ended with huge portions of fish and chips at the "old Keswickian" chippy next to the Moot Hall.
Visitors to the blog may think our lives consist of shopping, dog walking and eating...at the moment you'd be right!
Click here for a useful Lake District National Park link "miles without stiles". It's obviously aimed at those with wheelchairs or buggies but looked like a nice set of relatively short dog walks.
Doggy rating 6/10
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Birchover and Stanton Moor (Derbyshire)
Another trip out to Derbyshire yesterday. Allow a little under 2 hours from Preston. The walk itself is mainly on good paths but has a few steep bits and stiles.
Our walk started from the informal car park opposite the large quarry near Birchover, on the road between Stanton in Peak and Birchover.
From the quarry car park we walked left up the road for a short way before joining the large path on the right leading to the Access Land of Stanton Moor. Follow the track up to the large "Cork" stone and bear left along the obvious track.
Follow the track across the moor and through trees until you reach the "nine ladies" stone circle. This a good place to rest a while.
From the stone circle continue along the path until you reach the tower commemorating the Reform Act of 1832 (it is now bricked up so you can't climb it) and follow the path on the right along National Trust land on (keeping the fence to your right).
This path gives great views towards Matlock and Riber Castle, eventually passing the "Cat Stone". From here, continue on the path in the same direction, keeping the fence on your right, and start to descend to the road.
When you reach the road turn right and walk up the hill a short way to join a footpath on the left, leading down through a farm and campsite. Follow this path past the farm building and take the signed footpath on the right to Birchover.
Once you reach Birchover you can enjoy a choice of pubs, we had a quick drink in the
Red Lion (water provided for dogs) or the Druids. The path back to the car park is immediately opposite the Druids, leading up a ridge through the trees.
Click here for Google map
Allow a couple of hours for this walk. We saw no livestock but remember that, on Access Land, you must keep your dog on the lead between March 1st and 31st July. Watch out too for the steep edges on places.
Doggy rating 6/10
Our walk started from the informal car park opposite the large quarry near Birchover, on the road between Stanton in Peak and Birchover.
From the quarry car park we walked left up the road for a short way before joining the large path on the right leading to the Access Land of Stanton Moor. Follow the track up to the large "Cork" stone and bear left along the obvious track.
Follow the track across the moor and through trees until you reach the "nine ladies" stone circle. This a good place to rest a while.
From the stone circle continue along the path until you reach the tower commemorating the Reform Act of 1832 (it is now bricked up so you can't climb it) and follow the path on the right along National Trust land on (keeping the fence to your right).
This path gives great views towards Matlock and Riber Castle, eventually passing the "Cat Stone". From here, continue on the path in the same direction, keeping the fence on your right, and start to descend to the road.
When you reach the road turn right and walk up the hill a short way to join a footpath on the left, leading down through a farm and campsite. Follow this path past the farm building and take the signed footpath on the right to Birchover.
Once you reach Birchover you can enjoy a choice of pubs, we had a quick drink in the
Red Lion (water provided for dogs) or the Druids. The path back to the car park is immediately opposite the Druids, leading up a ridge through the trees.
Click here for Google map
Allow a couple of hours for this walk. We saw no livestock but remember that, on Access Land, you must keep your dog on the lead between March 1st and 31st July. Watch out too for the steep edges on places.
Doggy rating 6/10
Coniston and Tarn Hows (Cumbria)
Tarn Hows is one of the best known Lakeland beauty spots, and a good place for a fairly gentle walk on excellent paths with no stiles to climb. Allow about an hour and a half for a gentle ciruit of the tarns with a bit of time to sit and admire the views, and maybe let your dog have a little swim. Signs ask that you keep your dog on the lead as there could be grazing livestock in the area.
Tarn Hows is well signposted from Coniston and Hawkshead. The narrow road leading past the Tarns takes you to the main National Trust Car Park, and it was from here that we started Friday's walk.
Crossing the road, we followed the good path down to the Tarn and continued to follow the left bank of the Tarn through the trees. There were a few spots along here where other dogs enjoyed a nice swim but our dog (having recently taken to swimming at every opportunity) was kept nice and dry.
The path continues to the far end of the tarn before rising and sweeping back to the start point at a higher level. There are great views along here and if we had stayed for longer the obvious tree covered promentary jutting out in to the water would have made a good place for a sit down and a paddle!
Ice cream lovers (and their owners) might be able to enjoy an ice cream if the van is parked up in the car park.
We combined our trip with a visit to Coniston. The short walk from the village to the Lake and a short way along the shore provided a good opportunity to work up an appetite before having lunch in the Black Bull Hotel. The pub is very dog friendly (welcome indoors) and water and pats were offered on arrival. The food was simple but excellent and the portions were huge(the dog liked the cumberland sausage and fish). The dog's owners particularly liked the fact that the pub has its own microbrewery and serves some great beers!
Click here for the Black Bull website
Click here for National Trust information on Coniston and Tarn Hows
Doggy rating 6/10 (lovely spot but the lack of off-lead opportunities at Tarn Hows limits the score - the shoreline of lake Coniston may well provide better off-lead opportunities in places)
Tarn Hows is well signposted from Coniston and Hawkshead. The narrow road leading past the Tarns takes you to the main National Trust Car Park, and it was from here that we started Friday's walk.
Crossing the road, we followed the good path down to the Tarn and continued to follow the left bank of the Tarn through the trees. There were a few spots along here where other dogs enjoyed a nice swim but our dog (having recently taken to swimming at every opportunity) was kept nice and dry.
The path continues to the far end of the tarn before rising and sweeping back to the start point at a higher level. There are great views along here and if we had stayed for longer the obvious tree covered promentary jutting out in to the water would have made a good place for a sit down and a paddle!
Ice cream lovers (and their owners) might be able to enjoy an ice cream if the van is parked up in the car park.
We combined our trip with a visit to Coniston. The short walk from the village to the Lake and a short way along the shore provided a good opportunity to work up an appetite before having lunch in the Black Bull Hotel. The pub is very dog friendly (welcome indoors) and water and pats were offered on arrival. The food was simple but excellent and the portions were huge(the dog liked the cumberland sausage and fish). The dog's owners particularly liked the fact that the pub has its own microbrewery and serves some great beers!
Click here for the Black Bull website
Click here for National Trust information on Coniston and Tarn Hows
Doggy rating 6/10 (lovely spot but the lack of off-lead opportunities at Tarn Hows limits the score - the shoreline of lake Coniston may well provide better off-lead opportunities in places)
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Grasmere and Ambleside, Cumbria
Not really a new walk today but maybe some useful bits information for anyone having a lazy day out in the Lakes with the dog.
One of the questions we had in our minds when we got our dog was would we still be able to enjoy a relatively lazy day out, with a bit of a stroll, a wander round some little shops, and a pub lunch? Evidently, the answer was yes, a demonstrated by yesterday afternoon's lazy trip out to Grasmere.
We parked in the National Park Car Park at Broadgate. This car park is adjacent to a small park beside the River Rothay, which means you can potentially let the dog off for a good run around with a ball after your trip. There are lots of benches to watch the world go by on so whilst your dog can be energetic, you don't have to!
Once the dog has run itself ragged you can stroll along the obvious riverside path through the park, on to Broadgate and towards the the village centre. No visit would be complete without a trip to Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread Shop so that was our first stop followed by coffee and Sandwiches in the garden of the Ash Cottage team rooms opposite the Red Lion Hotel. The Lamb Inn, which comes highly recommended as a dog friendly pub, was unfortunately closed for refurbishment but if open, it's worth a visit.
After a stroll round the village, and a few more shops (some, such as Cotswold, welcome well behaved dogs too) we returned to the park for another run around.
One the way home we had a quick stop off in Ambleside where the staff in SR Cunninghams Shop (the Jack Wolfskin shop) made a huge fuss of the dog and offered to come down to Preston on their days off to dogsit! He was also invited in to the Fat Face store on the market square. The Hayes Garden Centre, whilst not dog friendly inside, does have quite a nice hillside area for exercising your dog.
There are of course loads of walks in the area to choose from!
Click here for an interactive Grasmere map
We returned home with a heavily patted and tired dog. Who said dog ownership always had to be energetic?
Doggy rating 5/10
One of the questions we had in our minds when we got our dog was would we still be able to enjoy a relatively lazy day out, with a bit of a stroll, a wander round some little shops, and a pub lunch? Evidently, the answer was yes, a demonstrated by yesterday afternoon's lazy trip out to Grasmere.
We parked in the National Park Car Park at Broadgate. This car park is adjacent to a small park beside the River Rothay, which means you can potentially let the dog off for a good run around with a ball after your trip. There are lots of benches to watch the world go by on so whilst your dog can be energetic, you don't have to!
Once the dog has run itself ragged you can stroll along the obvious riverside path through the park, on to Broadgate and towards the the village centre. No visit would be complete without a trip to Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread Shop so that was our first stop followed by coffee and Sandwiches in the garden of the Ash Cottage team rooms opposite the Red Lion Hotel. The Lamb Inn, which comes highly recommended as a dog friendly pub, was unfortunately closed for refurbishment but if open, it's worth a visit.
After a stroll round the village, and a few more shops (some, such as Cotswold, welcome well behaved dogs too) we returned to the park for another run around.
One the way home we had a quick stop off in Ambleside where the staff in SR Cunninghams Shop (the Jack Wolfskin shop) made a huge fuss of the dog and offered to come down to Preston on their days off to dogsit! He was also invited in to the Fat Face store on the market square. The Hayes Garden Centre, whilst not dog friendly inside, does have quite a nice hillside area for exercising your dog.
There are of course loads of walks in the area to choose from!
Click here for an interactive Grasmere map
We returned home with a heavily patted and tired dog. Who said dog ownership always had to be energetic?
Doggy rating 5/10
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Southport Marshside
I UNFORTUNATELY LOST MY MOBILE PHONE ON SOUTHPORT'S SANDS THIS MORNING. HUGE THANKS GO TO LESLIE FOR FINDING IT AND ENSURING IT WAS RETURNED TO ME.
Southport Marshside, a large RSPB reserve, is accessible from Marine Drive, the coastal road to the North of Southport. There is some limited access for dogs but check the maps posted on boards in the area and obviously make sure your dog is under control if he/she has a tendency to chase birds!
Our favourite walk round here starts from the car park next to the Sand Works. It would be hard to describe it as a dog friendly beach walk but it does lead out to the sands and is a good walk for clearing the cobwebs! From the car park you can see the "road" leading from the sand works way out onto the sandbanks off Southport. On some days you'll see the huge dumper truck and excavator making their way to and from a far off point where the excavations take place. I wouldn't recommend attempting to follow them to their final destination but you can walk to the edge of the sands quite safely and the whole route gives your dog the chance to have a good, if wet and muddy, run round. The tide comes in quickly around here so be careful or you could easily become stranded. You should also keep to the marked track to avoid dangerous soft sand.
The "road" leads out past coastal grassland and pools. Assuming your dog hasn't scared them all off, you can expect to see thousands of wintering waterfowl from September to May. Breeding birds include avocets, lapwings and redshanks (April to July).
Click here for a Google map / image
Click here for information on the RSPB reserve
Doggy rating 5/10
Southport Marshside, a large RSPB reserve, is accessible from Marine Drive, the coastal road to the North of Southport. There is some limited access for dogs but check the maps posted on boards in the area and obviously make sure your dog is under control if he/she has a tendency to chase birds!
Our favourite walk round here starts from the car park next to the Sand Works. It would be hard to describe it as a dog friendly beach walk but it does lead out to the sands and is a good walk for clearing the cobwebs! From the car park you can see the "road" leading from the sand works way out onto the sandbanks off Southport. On some days you'll see the huge dumper truck and excavator making their way to and from a far off point where the excavations take place. I wouldn't recommend attempting to follow them to their final destination but you can walk to the edge of the sands quite safely and the whole route gives your dog the chance to have a good, if wet and muddy, run round. The tide comes in quickly around here so be careful or you could easily become stranded. You should also keep to the marked track to avoid dangerous soft sand.
The "road" leads out past coastal grassland and pools. Assuming your dog hasn't scared them all off, you can expect to see thousands of wintering waterfowl from September to May. Breeding birds include avocets, lapwings and redshanks (April to July).
Click here for a Google map / image
Click here for information on the RSPB reserve
Doggy rating 5/10
Sunday, July 01, 2007
The Lancaster Canal: Bilsborrow to the Kenlis Arms
I'm not a huge fan of canal walks, but they do provide lots of opportunities for an off-lead run around and the towpaths are generally easy going underfoot. Canal walks also have a tendency to include a pub, and this is no exception! The walk was very quiet when we did it. The whole route is well fenced from the adjacent fields and livestock.
We parked today at Guys Thatched Hamlet at Bilsborrow. This well known canal-side attraction includes the Owd Nells pub and has lots of outdoor seating. Initially, though, it provides a good place to park the car.
We walked North up the towpath, past the marina and out into open country-side. It's not really a quiet walk as for much of the route you're close to ether the A6, M6, the mainline rail route or all three. The walk also passes the new site for Barton Grange Garden Centre and Marina. At the time of writing this, construction is is still in its early stages but it did cross my mind that at some stage you'd be able to start this walk with a coffee at Owd Nells, have lunch at the Kenlis Arms near Garstang, take afternoon tea at Barton Grange and enjoy a refreshing pint back at Own Nells. Sounds great!
The walk also takes in a few viaducts with crossings of the rivers Brock and, if you get that far, the river Wyre. We didn't quite make it up to the Wyre this morning but it makes a good target if you fancy a long walk. We retraced our steps after an hour or so of walking, at the small aqueduct near to Ray Lane and the Kenlis Arms.
Overall, a nice walk. It was fairly quiet although we did see another lovely springer spaniel and passed a short time with its owners talking about holidays in Cornwall and Ireland.
Click here for Google map / image
Doggy rating 6/10
We parked today at Guys Thatched Hamlet at Bilsborrow. This well known canal-side attraction includes the Owd Nells pub and has lots of outdoor seating. Initially, though, it provides a good place to park the car.
We walked North up the towpath, past the marina and out into open country-side. It's not really a quiet walk as for much of the route you're close to ether the A6, M6, the mainline rail route or all three. The walk also passes the new site for Barton Grange Garden Centre and Marina. At the time of writing this, construction is is still in its early stages but it did cross my mind that at some stage you'd be able to start this walk with a coffee at Owd Nells, have lunch at the Kenlis Arms near Garstang, take afternoon tea at Barton Grange and enjoy a refreshing pint back at Own Nells. Sounds great!
The walk also takes in a few viaducts with crossings of the rivers Brock and, if you get that far, the river Wyre. We didn't quite make it up to the Wyre this morning but it makes a good target if you fancy a long walk. We retraced our steps after an hour or so of walking, at the small aqueduct near to Ray Lane and the Kenlis Arms.
Overall, a nice walk. It was fairly quiet although we did see another lovely springer spaniel and passed a short time with its owners talking about holidays in Cornwall and Ireland.
Click here for Google map / image
Doggy rating 6/10
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Astley Park, Chorley
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
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
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
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