Moses Gate. Farnworth.

 In the nineteenth century the area was very industrialised, coal mines, sewage works, bleach works and paper mills. The River Croal in those days the was so dirty and polluted, the water was unsuitable for paper making, so lodges were built, which are now home to a large variety of birds.

Heading down to the first and largest of the lakes.

There are several car parks in different locations within the park. The one where we had parked was not the one from where our walk was to begin, so it took a little while for todays leader to get his bearings.

The first part of the walk was across the river from where we were. We crossed over the River Croal,--- but not by this bridge I hasten to add.

Hey-up, is this John telling another of his jokes.

The area has been planted with lots of trees, but they need a few more years to reach maturity.

Is it nearly brew time? Will YOU SHUT UP ABOUT BREW TIME.

In this part of the reserve there's a distinct lack of picnic benches or even seats. We eventually had to settle for a fallen tree.

This sculpture of a frog / toad has a front leg missing. Or should I say arm? What would you say?

This redundant railway line provides shelter from the elements, both wind and rain, for both walkers and cyclists, but it's not on our route today unfortunately.

This is the access path up to the bridge. I wonder if there's a sign at the top, advising cyclists to dismount before coming down it.

Our path lays straight ahead but we will be crossing this bridge on the way back.

WILL YOU STOP COMPLAINING. NO WALK IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A BIT OF A CLIMB.

Some of the areas industrial heritage is still to be seen, like this paint manufacturer at

 Oaken Bottom.

The area has a scattering of small towns and villages. This is one of them, with the unusual name of Tonge Fold.

The cemetery at Tonge Fold, where we had us dinner.

For a small town like Tonge Fold, the cemetery is unusually large. Perhaps it is shared with it's much larger neighbour, Farnworth.

Afternoon brew, the river is behind us, which we must cross to get to the park and back to our cars.

Safely back at the lake.

The End

DK