Grimsargh

After parking up round the back of JWs house, we crossed the busy Longridge Rd and turned left down Douglas Lane. A large innocuous looking patch of reeds, John told us hid a dangerous pond of water in it's midst

A little further along the lane we came to another pond of water. Whilst ponds are a wonderful asset for attracting wildlife, they can present a danger to young children.                Sorry, I think i'm getting to be a worrit in my old age.                                                                We followed our leader along a winding road harbouring some large individually designed detached houses.

Some blind ended cul-de-sacs led off what appeared to be the main road, but weather it was the main road or another cul-de-sac was by no means certain. It was little wonder that we finished up in the wrong one. Enter Vic. (That's not him). Not Grimsargh's official guide, but could well be a contender if that post ever became available. He led us along a little used path and soon had us back on track.

Anyone not in the know might be deterred from venturing down this lane, but a little way along it we came to a stile on our left leading down some hazardous steps to a narrow bridge crossing the Tun Brook.

The rain that had been with us on and off from the start of our walk showed no signs of easing.

This house which we have passed on more than one occasion during it's construction and landscaping is now looking completed.

We took advantage of these well positioned planks outside this woodstore to have our brew whilst sheltered to some extent from the wind, if not from the rain.

          As we set off again, the track was getting muddier and the sky was getting darker.

       

We set off across the field enduring strong winds and sleet, but then, oh no!! Turn back lads we've come the wrong way.

Well we've had our dinner in cozier surroundings, but beggars can't be choosers, this was the best we could manage. This is the entrance gate to UCLANs observatory at Alston Hall. Thankfully it was not in use today.

This is the observatory. The sky is looking much better in this direction, but was I to turn 180 degrees and take another photo, it would have looked as dark as ever.

Behind the observatory, Alston Hall is a Victorian gothic style house built originally for John Mercer, a Newton -le-Willows colliery owner in 1876. It has had many owners over the years. More recently Lancashire County Council, who turned it into a residential training centre. It is now privately owned.

                                     Dinner over and ready to continue our walk.

Dave, our friend with the cap and stick has decided to take a short cut back to Grimsargh and his car.

The rest of us walk in the opposite direction, downhill towards the river Ribble. Before reaching the river however we turned left, crossed a stile and climbed a muddy bank. This is the furthest part of our walk. On reaching the top of the bank we followed a path, not very obvious in places as we started our way back.

As we pass through a farmyard, John pauses to make the acquaintance of an inquisitive calf.

This is Jenkinsons farmhouse. The lady who lives here is a keen and accomplished gardener. Her garden during the summer is well worth seeing.

                        At the end of the drive we emerge again onto Alston Lane.

                          Passing another farm we spot two young lambs in a tub.

                                       This one is trying it's best to escape.

We set off along an enclosed path, as we make our way to Elston Lane in Grimsargh, and back to our cars.

                                                    A wet but interesting walk. DK