Leader: - Sue Lomax

Number on walk: - 17 plus 1 dog

Weather: - Morning breezy but dry, deteriorated from lunchtime to become rather wet and windy

Length:- Just under 10 miles

Setting off from the car park next to St Johns church / school in Whittle we made our way up towards Whittle Hills.  Once the site of one of the deepest quarries in the North West. Originally the stone was transported by canal to Walton Summit and Wigan. Some remains of the canal and entrance to one of the original tunnels are still just visible.

Field footpaths and stiles took us under the motorway to come out on Birchin Lane then across to Denham Hall and Walmsley Fold eventually bringing us out on Marsh Lane.  A spell along the quiet tarmac lane and we turned down the driveway towards Lady Hall farm and the Leeds Liverpool canal.

We followed the canal for about a mile before turning off to follow more field paths to the road leading to Hoghton. Lunch was taken outside Hoghton church hall which had the advantage of several benches but unfortunately not that much shelter.  Typically, it was at this time the rain, which had been forecast, arrived! At least as well as eating a quick lunch we had chance to don more waterproof layers!

Leaving Hoghton we followed the footpath out to Duxon Hill then (in order to avoid a particularly muddy bit of footpath) we followed the narrow road to Silcock Farm before taking to field paths again to reach Brindle.

Due to the rather unpleasant weather conditions and to avoid more slippery stiles I decided to stay on Denham Lane to pass through Top o th’ Lane and continue down to pass over the motorway.  We followed the road pass Hill Top farm and retraced our steps back to the cars.  

It was a shame the visibility wasn’t better as this walk has great views on a clear day.  However, everyone seemed to enjoy it despite being a bit soggy by the end.  Thank you all for joining me and for remaining cheerful despite the weather!!

To see the other photos please press Here