| Walk: | Chingle Hall, Ladyewell Shrine at Fernyhalgh, Haigton Hall, Clock House Farm, Cow Hill Farm and Whittingham Hall | ||
| Start Point: | Stags Head, Goosnargh | Grid Reference: | SD 561 364 |
| Distance: | 6.2 miles (including diversion) | Ascent: | 373 feet |
| Time: | 3.25 hours | ||
| Weather: | Bright most of the time, cold with an odd flurry of snow | ||
| Comments: | Our leader chose to start the walk from the Stags Head, Goosnargh. Goosnargh is the largest parish in Lancashire. Forty-one people joined the walk and the first point of interest was Chingle Hall. Originally known as Singleton Hall it was constructed by the knight Adam de Singleton in 1260. It has a religious history and contains many Priest Holes and the like. It supposedly has Ghosts and is reputedly the most haunted house in the country. You can read more by logging on to: www.Ghost-Story.co.uk. Moving on we crossed Blundel Brook to pass New Chingle Hall before reaching Haighton Green Lane. Leaving the road again, more fields and stiles were crossed before the party arrived at Ladyewell Shrine which is a place of pilgrimage. Ladyewell has been in existence since the 11th century, for more information log on to: www.ladyewellshrine.co.uk. After taking a break and making use of the facilities at Ladyewell the group passed through the grounds of Haighton House, where it is said, the Everton FC manager resides. At Haighton House the leader had intended to follow the course of the Savick Brook to Londonderry Bridge, but there was a problem with its walk-ability. The route was extended to pass by Clock House Farm and Cow Hill Farm to reach Londonderry Bridge. Heading north the party re-crossed Haighton Green Lane and headed for the former Whittingham Hall. Leaving the not too muddy fields the last stretch of the walk was along the drive of the former Whittingham Hospital, which was the second largest Psychiatric Hospital in the country. A small unit remains but the site will eventually be developed for housing. That is when planning and highway matters have been resolved. The meal was enjoyable but don’t mention the price of a bowl of chips. Well done leader. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Introductions
Chingle Hall
House of Ghosts - Chingle Hall
Stepping out
Eighty-two feet across Blundel Brook
Part of the food chain
Tea break at Ladyewell
The group leaving Ladyewell
Estimates required for a porch
Stag's Head - start and finish