Haigh Hall Wigan. 5 miles +. Walkers John W, Vic, Anthony, Paddy, Martin and Danny

We parked on street at New Springs, from where it was but a Hop Skip and a Jump! 😘 to the tow path of the Leeds - Liverpool canal. Once we had landed on the tow path!😂 we  set off westward crunching the ice over the puddles as we went. At the first bridge we came to we crossed the canal to follow a quiet and peaceful country lane lined with trees.

The lane got narrower as we walked on. As we approached a metal fence on our left, a gap between it, and a posted fence led us along a path through woodland, (I say along, but it wasn't very long at all) before reaching a broader path. We turned right, and soon arrived at a lodge which marked the entrance to the grounds of Haigh Hall Park.

      After crossing the lines of a miniature railway, we turned right to arrive at a small lake.

Opposite the lake, in the woodland, a good supply of logs, left behind by some thoughtful tree surgeons, provided ample seating for our little group, as we had our morning brew.

Every country park these days must have wood sculptures, and all, it would seem, must have the ubiquitous owl sculpture, and here was no exception.

Haigh Hall, ( pronounced Hay Hall by the locals ), once home to James Lyndsey, 7th Earl of Balcarres, now owned by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council.

There is an Interconnected Ornamental Balcony along the full length of the south west side of the building, overlooking parkland.

The parkland behind the hall retains many of the original features. A fountain, a large courtyard, one of the buildings of which is now a cafe, and two walled gardens. An abundance of picnic tables are provided around the park, but on a cold day like this, only Meanderthals are hardy enough, (stupid enough) to make use of them.

       

Among the many leisure facilities on offer in the park is a very well equipped children's play area.

                                       And for the older, more adventurous.......

         

There are not one but two crazy golf courses. This one has many special features. An 18 hole and a 9 hole public golf course.

Not everyone in our party had put sufficient layers on, to combat the cold. So after dinner we went in the cafe for a warm and another brew.

         We left the park by the main entrance, feeling much warmer, to continue our walk.

After passing the car park we turned left down a long narrow lane, descending all the way, until we arrived back at the canal, but further west.

It is compulsory on our walks, where possible to take a bridge photograph, our little bunch of exhibitionists however, always insist on getting in on the photo.😂

     

The ornamental balcony and this bridge along with other features, were cast on site in the Earls own foundry.

                The blue sky enhanced the reflection of the trees on the opposite bank.

                                                  A squirrel watches us go by.

                                Nearly back to the cars. A cold but sunny walk.

                                                                      DK