RIVINGTON

WATERWORLD 6.5 Miles

Walkers :- Paddy, Anthony, Vic, Danny John W .........Martin

Your writer has to confess that whilst he knows exactly where Rivington is (on the map) getting there involves him in rather more guesswork than it should. But, along with the others he  got there so off we go..........

With a bright but low sun casting deep shadows and throwing much into silhouette the day looked wonderful but  photography proved difficult.

"C'mon let's go"  says Danny, our leader, as he leaves the car park and sets off into the woods.

In these Covid Lockdown days people want to get outdoors so we met lots of dog walkers throughout the day.

Here's one brightly attired little canine (and friend).

We walked North through the woods heading to the main road across Rivington Reservoir.

Passing the charming Rivington Primary School

Then down to the reservoir.

A lovely sight on a placid early Autumn day.

We followed the road filled with parked cars. Across the reservoir and then once across we turned right to continue North now on the West Bank.

As we passed the "Gatehouse ??" we pondered the significance of the large cross on the side of the building.

The recent heavy rains had turned the overflow channels into spectacular "White water" rivers

Regular readers will know that we have three breaks during our walks.  Morning Coffee - Luncheon - and Afternoon Tea (coffee mostly) The first was upon us. 

A quiet spot to take a break.

As we sat chatting and drinking coffee a number of people walked by, cycled by, and even went past in a wheelchair (Did I just tell you this was a quiet spot ?) and one .........

.........  still some distance away

on a horse.

Coffees finished it was onwards and upwards until we reached Anglezarke reservoir.

The overflow from Anglezarke presumably going down to Rivington.

Somebody said "That's a nice view" then these two spoiled it.

Once passed the reservoir we left the road to take to the footpaths again. We were now walking in a generally Southerly direction.          Ooh.  Look another dogwalker.

The track here was broad and well made and at first followed the side of a powerful waterworks channel. Quite a roaring torrent. 

After about three quarters of a mile the path became narrow and muddy as it followed a small but lively brook.

Paddy does some nifty dance steps to get past difficult puddly bit.

Then pauses momentarily before ascending these rather "pretty" steps. Your writer counted them hoping they the would be "John Buchanesque" but no. there were 41. A momentary disappointment.

Just a short distance now before we arrived quite close to the Rivington Primary school. 

Paddy does not look happy with this tight kissing gate which does not bode well for those of us with more "generous" proportions. We all managed to squeeze through, however, and then passed the Unitarian chapel to rejoin the flooded Rivington road.

Just after the "flood" we turned left to plod steadfastly uphill to Higher Rivington Barn when lo and behold a car stopped and the driver chatted to us. BUT not just any car. It was MARTIN come to join us for Lunch.

Once we had joined Martin in the Higher Barn Car Park we found some "comfortable" seating and sat munching and chatting and more importantly these days resting.

Leaving the Higher Barn complex we set off downhill soon taking to the woods in search of our last point of interest "Liverpool Castle".

Before we got there , however, we came across a group of woodland workers, Being nosey parkers we asked them what they were doing. Their answer was quite a surprise. They were holding a "JOB INTERVIEW". Good heavens !

The gentleman in the background had applied to become a tree climber and "Lopper". The man in front was testing his ability and skills.   Hope he got the job.

A couple of minutes later we arrived at Liverpool Castle. Not a real castle but a Folly designed to look like a ruined castle.

"Afternoon tea" was taken on the castle walls. NOT by your writer of course who's wimpish fear of heights kept him well away from the large drop beyond the walls,

DO NOT STEP BACK DANNY IT'S A LONG WAY DOWN !

Flasks emptied we were soon on our way. Once again through the woods back to the cars. Last photos of the castle as we left.

The next photo elicited the comment "Nice shot. Pity about the subject" He obviously didn't like the trees ! Hmmph !

Nearly "home" but here's another dog walker but who's in charge the walker or the dog ?

Back at the car park we met a Pre-Meanderthal Walker,

And then once again there was Marvellous Martin waiting for us with ice cold Shandies. Terrific !!!

A good walk. Well done Danny,

THE END

JW