A Round Preston Walk (Part 1)

The idea of a long distance walking route around Preston isn't new. The Preston Ramblers Association created a route, totalling 23 miles, in the 1980s. At one stage this route was formally recognised as a long distance footpath and the VisitPreston website refers to it as a "famous" route. I have though struggled to find much information about the route online so if anyone can point me in the direction of an appropriate map/guide then please do get in touch and I will help to promote it. More recently, a group of cycling enthusiasts has has promoted the idea of the Preston Guild Wheel, a 22 mile cycling/walking route which might be completed in time of the 2012 Preston Guild. If this project does come off it has the potential to be a great asset for the community but in the absence of this, or details of the 1980s long distance walking route, I have decided to create a route which might meet the aspirations of dog walkers!




River Ribble near Cuerdale Hall

Stage 1 was inspired largely because we left the car in Fulwood on Saturday night, after a few too many glasses of wine, so a walk from Penwortham seemed like a good idea to get rid of the (relatively mild) hangover. The thought of trudging along pavements didn't appeal so instead I decided to make our way along a rather more rural route to our destination. Over time, but probably without the influence of alcohol, I'll add to the route and eventually plan to create a relatively dog friendly route circling the City.

1. Middleforth to Walton-le-Dale

The walk from Lower Penwortham to Walton-le-Dale will need no introduction to many. After a quick jaunt down the Old Tram Road we were soon on the riverside path and heading towards the Capitol Centre. Other than the odd cyclist we had the route pretty much to ourselves. I'll leave you to judge whether you let your dog off the lead around hear but provided it's quiet, you keep and eye out for cyclists and the river doesn't prove an attraction to your dog it's pretty safe. We were soon back on lead and at London Road, where we crossed the A6 and, turning right, had a 5 minute spell of roadside walking along Victoria Road and Church Brow.

2. Church Brow to the Tickled Trout

Soon after passing the old church we turned left down the well signed footpath towards Ribble Side Farm. It was of course still on-lead here but we soon passed the muddy farmyards and wandered along fields beside the Ribble for a short way before reaching Cuerdale Hall. The path doesn't follow the riverbank through this section so if, like us, you loose the signposted route you'll have to turn inland for a short way before you pick it up again. Fortunately, the path becomes obvious again once you've passed the Hall and follows the river to the Tickled Trout Hotel. Sheep do graze in these fields all along this stage of the route so you need to keep your dog under control. There are a couple of stiles to navigate but the dog found a gap, avoiding what would otherwise have been an easy lift. The dog enjoyed a quick paddle in the river before we continued on our way.


Paddle at the Tickled Trout

3. Tickled Trout to Red Scar Wood

Reaching the Tickled Trout Hotel we crossed Brockholes Bridge and the river before turning right alongside Brockholes Wood. We didn't enter the wood but carried on past the farm where we picked up the Ribble Way signs leading us towards the Motorway and quarries. The route was obvious here, passing under the Motorway before entering the Lancashire Wildlife Trust development at Brockholes. The path here has been recently constructed and is well fenced off from the adjacent wetlands meaning the dog could walk off-lead. Several viewpoints have been created, looking out over the waters, and it should be a great facility once complete. Although there is plenty of construction work taking place it was virtually deserted today and I enjoyed our preview of what I expect will be a busy place by this time next year. Eventually, the path came to an end a Redscar Wood but once again, our route following the Ribble Way was well signed. Beware though, there is a very high stile. Springers or Labrador sized dogs will probably get underneath fairly easily but if you have a Great Dane you'd better be prepared for some serious lifting!


A sneak preview of Brockholes Wetlands

4. Redscar Wood to Longridge Road

From the stile we took the woodland path leading left and steeply up the hillside. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we were joined by three other Springers leaping madly through the undergrowth. After a quick sniff they disappeared as quickly as they'd arrived and left us to climb to the top of the hill where we emerged in a rather scruffy wide open field next to Pope Lane. Our route continued alongside the top of Redscar Wood to the rear of the crematorium. In the occasional breaks in the tress we caught glimpses of the river far below. Although only a hundred yards or so from Redscar Industrial Estate I was pleasantly surprised with how peaceful and scenic this stage of the route turned out to be. The dog enjoyed off-lead walking throughout. On the down side, there was some evidence that the path had seen some motorbike traffic so we might have struck lucky with our timing.

Leaving Redscar Woods

Once past the crematorium our route veered left, towards the edge of the industrial units, where we joined a muddy track adjacent to the units heading towards Longridge Road. After a hundred yards or so a well marked but incredibly scruffy footpath led us through trees and past more units before emerging rather unceremoniously on to Longridge Road at Redscar. This last stage did at least give a clue that we were on the original Round Preston route, with several old waymarkers still intact.

From here we were left with some road walking to pick up the car but Longridge Road is where we'll pick up the next stage of our route.

The GPS clocked our total distance at just over 9 miles. We probably did about a mile of road walking to end so estimate stage 1 of our route was a good 7 miles. Only about 15 miles to go then!

Click here for a Google map of the area.

A walk around Pennington Flash

Pennington Flash has been on our list of places to visit for quite a while. Created by mining subsidence and flooding, it has been turned in to a large nature reserve which is something of a mecca for north west twitchers. Of course, bird watching and mad Springers don't tend to mix too well but fortunately the Country Park provides space for both, as well as catering for sailing enthusiasts. Keep your dog on the lead near the main car parks and the bird hides and you'll find plenty of rough but open land for a game of fetch far not too far away with no danger of you or your dog ruining the twitchers' day out.

Our walk began at the main car park (£1 all day) next to the gold course, where we were greeted by hundreds of noisy geese and ducks gorging on scraps of burger buns being thrown to them by some equally noisy kids. Leaving the car park to follow the obvious path round the shoreline and past the bird hides we were soon away from the crowds and following well made paths next to a huge area of rough grassland where the dog was able to have a good half hour or so playing with his ball. Continuing onwards we reached the far end of the park, where there was plenty of evidence of fly tipping as well as rubbish left by inconsiderate anglers and dog owners, before working our way back around the shoreline to our start.




Our route was probably no more than a mile and a half, mainly on good tracks, but the dog must have run at least 10 times as far endlessly chasing his ball.

Some places need a sunny day to see them at their best. I think Pennington Flash is probably one of those places. Although I'm glad we've been, it's not a place we'll be rushing back to and we'll leave the twitches to enjoy the wildlife in peace.

Doggy rating 5/10

Click here for Google Map

Preston City Council Dog Control Orders - Consultation

Do you have views on where dogs should be required to be on leads, whether dogs should be banned for certain areas and whether fines should be introduced for those owners who fail to pick up after their dogs? If so, please complete Preston City Council's consultation which will help to determine the Council's approach to the development of Dog Control Orders.

Click here for survey

Thinking of buying a puppy or dog?

When we blogged "How Could You?" a few weeks ago we didn't provide any suggestions on where you could go to get advice on buying a puppy or dog. The following might be helpful but the best bet is to talk to lots of people about their experiences of getting and owning a dog.

Read the short essay "How Could You?"and think seriously about whether dog ownership is really for you. (get a tissue and prepare to cry first)

The Dogs Trust has a great website which provides lots of good advice on buying a puppy or dog as well as downloadable factsheets. The Dogs Trust never puts a healthy dog down so they promote rehoming dogs rather than buying from a breeder. With a database of thousands of dogs who are looking for a new home it certainly gives food for thought!

The Kennel Club has a good section which provides advice on buying a puppy or dog. The site includes information on finding the right breed, finding a rescue dog and finding a breeder. Bear in mind that the fact that a breeder is registered with the Kennel Club doesn't in itself mean they are reputable. Always try to find one that comes recommended.

Surprisingly, the RSPCA website doesn't contain much advice on buying a puppy or dog, but does provide a pet finder search from which you can see details of dogs that need a good home in your area. The site does though provide some hard hitting information on puppy trafficking, where puppies are bred in large numbers of profit, often with little regard for animal welfare. You can of course expect to receive plenty of advice before you adopt one of their rescued pets.

German Shepherd Dog Rescue is one of many charities which is dedicated to the welfare of specific breeds. The site does though provide some good general information on what to think about before you buy a dog or puppy.

The English Springer Spaniel Club website is a great resource for anyone thinking about buying an English Springer Spaniel. Take some time to read about the breed as there are two distinct types: "Working" and "Show". Your first decision will be which you would like - ours is the "Show" type. The site also provides a "puppy register" and you can register your details if you want to go on a list which will allow breeders to contact you.

Last but not least, our great Springer came from Melverly Springer Spaniels - Thank you Ray Smith for giving us the best dog we could wish for!

Ultimately, all the web sites in the world are not going to make the decision as to what is right for you. Use some common sense when you are looking for a breeder. Don't buy from a website without seeing a puppy. Always go and visit the breeder - they should be as interested in you as you are in the dog. Be pleased not defensive if they ask you questions about your lifestyle and what you can offer thier dog - they want the dog to go to a good home!

Snow, snow and more snow

Mud seems a distant memory given we've now had three weeks or so of lying snow and temperatures that have rarely risen above freezing. Our normal pattern of walks has certainly been disrupted as only the brave (or foolhardy) would venture down some of our local narrow lanes. We're lucky though to have Preston's Tram Road close by as well as being able to hop in to the car to get to local parks for a good run around. In a relative lull between Christmas and New Year we even made it out to Roddlesworth and Tockholes, although we began our walk at Abbey Village as the road over the tops was closed due to black ice.

We don't normally add many pictures to our blog entries but I'm pretty sure we'll soon be looking back on the last few weeks and finding hard to imagine the winter wonderland we've experienced.


Early morning on Leyland Road. Welcome to Penwortham!



Loving the snow at Hurst Grange Park, Penwortham



Preston skyline from the fields near Factory Lane

A secret hideaway



The reservoirs near Abbey Village

Preston Junction Nature Reserve

Chasing balls at Worden Park, Leyland



A new vantage point at Worden Park ,Leyland

How could you?

If you're thinking of getting a dog you could do worse than read this. It's a sad sad tale so grab a box of tissues and brace yourself.....

Copyright Jim Willis, 2001

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend.

Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" - but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" - still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch - because your touch was now so infrequent - and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.

You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.

At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind - that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.

She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.

She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself - a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.

And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.


A Note from the Author:

If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Anyone is welcome to distribute the essay for a non-commercial purpose, as long as it is properly attributed with the copyright notice. Please use it to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious.

Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay and neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals.

Jim Willis

Dunham Massey (Cheshire)

Another hard choice this afternoon...Trafford Centre or walk the dog? Obviously at this time of year walk the dog won the day so after dropping off the brave shoppers the dog and I headed for the relative peace of Dunham Massey near Altrincham.

Dunham Massey has 250 acres of parkland, much of which offers sanctuary to over 100 fallow deer, as well as a historic mansion and winter gardens. The site is owned and managed by the National Trust and unsurprisingly has a dogs on leads policy throughout the parkland.

Our visit began at the visitors car park (£4 per car or free for NT members) from which we took a route of about 4 or 5 miles along the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal, Dunham Forest Golf and Country Club and returning through the woodland deerpark. The towpath offered some off lead walking but it was on the lead for most of our route. The dog didn't seem to mind though. He was happy to sniff trees and bushes at every opportunity before eying up the hoards of visitors eating icecreams (yes, icecream in December)and, more aptly, soup and rolls at the Pavillion. Santa was paying an early visit to the park so he was equally happy to be admired by the many young visitors waiting their turn to pass on their christmas wish lists.

There are loads of footpaths and bridleways round here so you should be able to find a walk to suit all abilities. Well worth a visit!

Click here for the National Trust site

Doggy rating 7/10

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...

Dogs are not permitted on this beach between 1st May and 31st October.....Ive no problem at all with that in most cases but love it when the dog bans are lifted and we can avoid the worst of the mud associated with our normal walks.

This weekend has seen us make two trips to the Lancashire coast. On Saturday we returned to the wonderful Formby Point. Parking at the Nation Trust Car Park we followed the well marked path through the woods and dunes to Life Boat Road and returned along the beach. My mum, who had joined us for the weekend, commented that the woods and dunes have a continental feel to them, reminiscent of the South of France. Although the weather wasn't up to Mediterranean standards, I have to agree that the landscape is totally unlike anywhere else in the North West. As always, the dog loved the trip. Unfortunately the Red Squirrels seem a rare sight these days but nonetheless please observe the dogs on leads policy through the woodlands.

A day off today, and some more sunny weather, resulted in a trip to Cleveleys. Parking up at the 5 bar gate car park, north of the town centre, we were straight on to the beach and enjoyed a brisk cold walk towards Bispham. After a mile or so we retraced our steps and had a wander through Cleveleys before buying a sandwich which was saved for the relative warmth of the car. As always the views across the bay were great, with the snow capped Coniston fells gleaming in the sunlight. The sea defence works are progressing well and the Royal Hotel to Cleveleys stretch is complete. I can envisage hundreds of people sitting on the wall enjoying fish and chips on the sea wall in summer - no wonder there's a dogs on leads policy on the prom. We uploaded a picture to Facebook here

Unfortunately it's back to work tomorrow, otherwise a trip to Silverdale and Arnside would have rounded things off nicely!

Crosby and Anthony Gormley's Another Place

It was raining (again) in Preston this morning. The thought of Worden Park with it's great dog wash was tempting but heading towards Leyland we spotted what appeared to be a break in the dark clouds in the skies to the south. Excited by the prospect of not getting wet we joined the M6 and were soon speeding southwards towards rays of sunshine, deciding whether to take a visit to Pennington Flash or "somewhere else".

As we reached the M58 "somewhere else" won the day and we headed off towards Liverpool, still not quite sure where we'd end up, but with the thought of a trip to Crosby and a look at Anthony Gormley's Another Place seeming attractive.

Om entering Crosby the car park was well signposted and we were pleased to find masses of open grassland adjacent to the Marine Lake where we enjoyed a good game of fetch before heading over the dunes to the beach.

From Preston Walkies

The beach itself is vast and, with the tide retreating, we wandered out to some of the many figures gazing out to sea. The dog wasn't too sure what to make of them at first, but was soon interested in nothing other than his ball, as is usual. Even the passing ships leaving the Mersey on their way to yet another place were no distraction.

We spent an hour or so on the beach before returning to the fields for more ball games. Best of all, the sun shone pretty much throughout!

Click here for Google map

Rufford to Mawdsley

It feels like we've had more than our fair share of rain over the past few weeks but inbetween downpours we have managed to venture out on a few new walks, finding new paths around the lovely Beacon Fell (nice and quiet again after a busy summer) and exploring the vast network of footpaths around Rufford.

Navigating some of our walks is complicated and, given this blog never really attempts to be a step by step guide, it sometimes doesn't seem worth blogging our visits. Sometimes though, just giving a feel for the route and the general area might give others some inspiration to find their own way through new territory.

The walk from Rufford to Mawdelsey, returning along the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal is one such route. The walk takes in plenty of open farmland, some country lanes and, best of a all, a few miles of towpath walking before ending up near the marina at Rufford, where you can reward yourself with coffee and cake.

Our route began at the station car park at Rufford. We turned right from the car park and endured a rather risky 100 yards or so of walking along Meadow Lane before crossing and taking the public footpath through the fields. We were soon on more open ground, high on the one of the paths that run adjacent to the drains, where the dog enjoyed a brief spell off the lead. Reaching Gales Lane we made our way, taking a complicated network of footpaths, towards Church Farm Stables and Cedar Farm Gallery before heading towards the Rufford Canal via Sandy Lane and Daub Lane before crossing more fields and crossing the river Douglas.

A mile or two of towpath walking led us back to the car, rather tired by happy. Two word of advice if you walk round here: Take a good map or download one of the excellent route planners from walkingworld

Click here for a Google map of the area