| Walk: | Great Hill, Wheelton Moor, White Coppice, The Goit, Brinscall, Withnell Moor, Woodsfold, Abbey Village and Roddlesworth Reservoirs | ||
| Start Point: | Crooklands Road Car Park | Grid Reference: | SD 665 192 |
| Distance: | 10 miles | Ascent: | 1,400 feet |
| Time: | 6 hours | ||
| Weather: | A damp start but brightened up later with some sunshine. A cool breeze late in the afternoon. | ||
| Comments: | A damp start didn’t prevent twenty one bodies joining Bob on a tramp around Wheelton and Withnell Moors. Starting with a climb up to Great Hill we followed him over paths and tussocks, hidden pools of water and over an imaginary stile to have a break on Great Hill. Descending over open moorland we headed for White Coppice. Bob, however, turned right just before reaching White Coppice and the eager beavers in front had to do a “U” turn and climb back up a short gradient. After following The Goit into a wooded area we had lunch near a waterfall sheltered by trees. When walking across Withnell Moor the view took in Chorley, Southport, Preston, the Pennine Chain to the north and Darwen Tower. After leaving the moors it was intended to follow FP 49, at GR642218 near Woodsfold. However, the route appeared to be obstructed by steel security gates at the entrance to industrial premises. (The matter has been referred to Lancashire C.C). After a detour via Abbey Village we passed Rake Brook and other reservoirs before a longish ascent to the ruin of Hollinshead Hall. Here, Bob told us a little about the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. We concluded the walk on a short section of road. Another enjoyable walk. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Up to Great Hill
Wot, no stile!
Morning break at the cross shelter on Great Hill
Bob relates information about . . .
RA sign No. 2
A gentle descent towards White Coppice . . .
which shortly comes into view
RA sign No. 1
Climbing again we pass a lone tree . . .
and find a property ripe for development
Gina steps out . . .
followed by Judith
Returning via Rake Brook reservoir . . .
and a ready-made seat for our afternoon break
Bob tells up about the Gregorian calendar . . .
before we walk the last leg back to the cars