| Walk: | New Reed Brook, Mawdesley, Black Moor, Low Meadow, Prescott Bridge, Leeds/Liverpool Canal, Rufford. | ||
| Start Point: | Fettlers Wharf, Rufford | Grid Reference: | SD 465 156 |
| Distance: | 6.3 miles | Ascent: | 187 feet |
| Time: | 3 hours | ||
| Weather: | Mainly sunny and not too cold. | ||
| Comments: | The walkers assembled at Fettlers Wharf which is a marina on the Leeds/Liverpool Canal at Rufford. Rufford Old Hall is in close proximity and information about it can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-ruffordoldhall. Leaving the marina the group of twenty-five first crossed the Preston/Ormskirk railway and then the River Douglas before leaving the road to cross the fields to New Reed Brook. Whilst walking on the embankment of the brook a tractor could be seen ploughing the, now dry, fertile dark soil. At Gales Lane the group left the brook to cross Black Moor Road and enter Sandy Lane. A few yards down the lane the leader led her flock towards Mawdesley to circumnavigate a church to rejoin High Street and then take refreshments at Jay Bank (name of lane). Continuing down the lane to Daub Lane members of the group were able to admire a carpet of crocus in a nearby garden. At Green Lane spring bedding plants, which gave a splash of colour, were on sale at the road side. On fields once again the leader took the party over the River Douglas on a bridge supported by steel cables. Unfortunately the bridge moved up and down as people walked on it. A little off-putting for one or two of the group! Over the river and on to Hoscar Moss there was more evidence of the fertile land being prepared for summer crops. This area is used for growing vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks and onions as well as cereal crops. Leaving the moss the route taken by the leader was via Prescott Bridge and on to the towpath of the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. Shortly after passing some locks the group reached their destination at Fettlers Wharf Cafe. Another dry day, a nice walk and a good meal! Thank you leader! | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Off to Mawdesley
On the embankment
New Reed Brook
Ploughing in progress on Mawdesley Moss
Nearing Mawdesley
A drunken Furrow
A church at Mawdesley
White horse - no green grass
Signs of Spring with crocus . . .
and catkins bringing colour to the countryside
A welcome at Mawdesley
Refreshments at Jay Bank
Another sign that Spring is just around the corner
Crossing the River Douglas
On the straight and narrow
Some admirers
Rolling winter wheat
What will spring forth?
Leeds to Liverpool canal near Rufford
Sowing seed
A lone swan