CUERDEN VALLEY 7/8 Miles
WALKERS :- Jim C, James, Paddy, Danny, Vic, Mick
Mike, John W, Anthony, Frank, Martin.
Last weeks outing was cancelled so it was gratifying that so many of our companions turned up for today's walk. After parking, very conveniently, just outside Bamber Bridge our first task was to cross the busy M6.
Before setting off , however, we were treated to a fashion show by Mick in his brand new waterproof jacket purchased at great cost (?) in his local Charity shop.
"Look...Furry pockets as well."
Over the motorway and then following the well appointed track skirting the edge of the Country Park.
To our right as we walked we could see the buildings of Cuerden Hall which we would visit later in the day.
Almost immediately we became aware that the park was a popular dog walking area. Hardly any of the many people we met were without a dog. Some had two dogs and there were even those with FIVE dogs ...Too Many ?
"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of paw (war)"
Shakespeare. "Julius Ceasar."
After a short time we swung away from the main track and climbed up to the wildlife centre (toilets) passing as we did this rather good wood sculpture.
Curiously it had been placed here in celebration of someone's wedding. (to an old bird ???)
Then went in search of the Walled Orchard where we planned to have our coffee break. We found it..... LOCKED ! What a disappointment. We peered through the fancy wrought iron gates to get a glimpse of the Alice-in-Wonderlandesque interior and then set off in search of somewhere else for coffee.
The path led steeply down towards the River Lostock through an area of magnificent, mature trees. Some possibly stretching upwards to a height of 150 feet and more.
Arriving at the river, seats offered ideal "brew" spots.
Are they all there ?
No.. there's only four of them.
Aha ! Here are the others.
(this photo was taken by one of two young mums, seen leaving in the background of the previous photo. Thanks !)
Coffee break over off again still following the excellent path down the valley. The path enabled us to keep dry shod as the heavy rain of recent days had left the land around very wet.
I feel I must point out that our walks are NOT simply about going from point "A" to point "B". The walks are perhaps more a "Vehicle" for banter, chatter, conveying news, joking (Oh yes !!!!) and as a consequence our progress is invariably S-L-O-W. Indeed we have been known to step aside to allow the odd impatient snail to get past.
As we approached the southern end of this linear park we came upon the remains of a 19th century Bleach and Dye Mill. The tumbled walls were low enough to provide ideal seating and so Lunchtime was announced.
A group of Old Ruins !
(Sorry couldn't resist that one)
The warm comfort of the afternoon sun held us here rather longer the we had intended but eventually we got to our feet and continued our walk not, though, before checking out the information boards strategically placed around the site. (Phew ! That was a long sentence.)
The dense woodlands through which we had been walking now gave way to more open vistas as we looked to leave the country park in our search for Lisieux Hall.
Having just had lunch we did not linger here and the photo above is posed for effect. A sign post told us we were moving in the direction of Whittle-le-Woods (very appropriate )
We can see le Woods but where's Le Whittle
(taking le photo)
Having visited Lisieux Hall several times before on our walks we were content to skirt round round it on this occasion.
We did pause long enough to inspect a piece of ancient farm equipment apparently abandoned in a small copse.
Once clear of Lisieux Hall's grounds we turned sharp right to head northwards to Clayton Green. The narrow but still well maintained footpath ended in our only stile of the day.
which in turn left us next to the gates of a huge gravel and sand quarrying business. The footpath marked on the map led us straight through the quarry yard but a very helpful gentleman showed us where the footpath had been diverted.
Our helpful "footpath" gentleman attends to other queries.
The diverted footpath was clearly marked but full of our chronic adversary.... MUD ! We were only on it for a short time, though, before arriving on the edges of Clayton Green.
Here we see Frank holding court surrounded by several acolytes. "I shall now walk through water" (That is NOT a miracle.)
The suburb through which we were passing was obviously well heeled and some of the homes were quite stunning. A comment passed by your writer led to him being accused of an alliance with the "Green Eyed Monster" Humph ! Something certainly caught Paddy's eye.
We crossed over the neat suburban roads until we arrived at the end of "Shady Lane". This would lead us back to Cuerden Park and the "Sue Ryder Home" which we wished to take a look at.
Shady Lane.
Along this lane were even more of the desirable residences that might perhaps have caused envy amongst lesser mortals. Certainly not within our high minded ranks, (???)
Wonderful topiary and life-sized sculptures adorned one garden.
Almost at our journeys end we turn back into the grounds of Cuerden Hall and make our way to the cafe area. We were aware that the cafe was closed but there were seats there to sit and finish our flasks.
The writer, still being of childish mind, could not resist giving the bell in the yard a "Ding" followed by a louder "Dong".
Out of the cafe area and past the Hall itself ...........
.........before leaving the grounds to walk the short distance back to the cars passing, as we did, underneath one of several motorway bridges close by.
and then back into the car park
Here the ever thoughtful Danny, conscious of the wobbling balance of boot removing ancients had constructed and brought along a BOOT JACK. Well done Danny. Brilliant ........... and it was well used.
THE END
p.s.
Whilst planning this walk the writer visited the Park Centre to check out parking and make one or two enquiries. When the receptionist discovered we walked on Thursdays she anxiously asked....
"What time will you be arriving ? Don't come at 10 o'clock. Our nature walk starts then and the toilets will be busy."
Obviously knew what was important to elderly gentlemen.
Unused Photos :-
