WIGAN

 HAIGH HALL & PARK  5+  Miles

SIX PACK :- Vic, Danny, Paddy, Martin, Anthony, John.

After roadside parking in the "Top Lock" area we quickly made our way to the canal (Leeds Liverpool)

Despite the blue skies or more probably because of them the morning was decidedly chilly.   What is Vic doing ?......................................Definitely NOT.

Reflections in the canal showed how still and windless the day was.

We were not to follow the canal for more than a few minutes before leaving to cross over a bridge and head towards Haigh Hall park.

Not far into the woods a log filled clearing begged to be used for our coffee break.

  

In front of us as we sat drinking was a small but attractive "lake". Danny went to it to take some photos..

And what's this ? A narrow gauge railway comes out of the woods to cross our path.

Not much further along the track and we came to a "Gatehouse" which indicated the start of the park itself.

Just before breaking out into the more manicured acres of the park we once again encountered the rail lines.

Lovely house Danny but I doubt you'll get a mortgage on it. 

The wintry sun continued to smile on us we pottered through the park. It also mischievously spoiled photos.

There always seems to be a sculpture of an owl wherever works of art appear in the countryside. This was not one of the better ones.

Dropping out of the woods we joined the drive up to the Hall.

Lords of the Manor but have they got the Manners.  Of course the have !

Just as they group decided to leave "Stage Left"............

............... Vic enters "Stage Right "   Where had he been ?

Lunchtime in a rather chilly spot.

Clouds had by now veiled the sun and the atmosphere had become damply cool !

We were now walking through a very well planned and constructed play and exercise area. Both children and adults had been catered for.

Some of the holes/obstacles in the Crazy Golf course. It looked most inviting and exciting.

We read the notice. Gasped at the "Ropeways" and rapidly moved on.

The designer of this facility might be clever and brave but his grammar leaves a little to be desired..........     What Next ?

A "Long and Winding Road".........

Guarded by a "Fierce" lion.......... "that leads to...................

A CAFE !!!!!!

Which , as I mentioned in my last blog, is now an indispensable constituent of our walks

'ello.....  who's "Billy No Mates" ?

We left the busy (?) centre of the park and very soon turned down a narrow lane which led us , at times , steeply downhill for some distance.

If you look carefully you will see a foot (shoe) print carved into this stone . These were seen at intervals during our walk and seemed to mark out a walking route.

Down, down, down, tough on some of our ageing knees.

"Cap'n Birdseye " ?  "Cap'n Pugwash" ?    or just John looking reliably daft,

The desire for group (bridge) photos still lingers and here's Danny taking one.

Drat than low winter sun.    No ! No ! Never malign the sun at least it has shown it's face.

In recent times Danny has taken to bringing food for our feathered friends . the ducks are cautiously staying just out of shot.

Your writer was amazed to discover a year or two ago that fungi are considered to be  neither animal nor plant but are regarded as a kingdom of their own. Whatever,  they frequently offer patches of beautiful colour on our autumn walks.

A small bridge we have walked over at least twice previously as it gives access to a small pool or pond.

Aha ! Here are Danny's Ducks.

Rather an elegant bridge almost certainly built by the estate as it is not the standard design used by the "Navvies".

This stone had your simpleton of a writer quite puzzled. We were near Wigan so which local council held the initials LLCC ?  Much smarter Martin gently informed him that there was a little "o" after the last C i.e. Co = Company not Council.  SOoooo........  Leeds Liverpool Canal Company.... OBVIOUS !!!

Throughout our walk Robins kept appearing. Here's one just as we finished our walk.

"When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbin' along"  

Anyone remember that song ?

Now then... Why is Paddy fishing about in the canal.

It's a body... do we need to contact Agatha Christie

Not really. Sadly. It's a poor little duck.

Just a little downbeat to finish what had been a splendid walk. But that's nature.  

Well done and thank you Danny.

THE END

JW

p.s. Sorry about the standard of photos. The photographers skills (if any) were not sufficient to cope with bright sunshine and deep shadows.