| Walk: | Padua Farm, Bark House Bridge, Wallets Wood, Butterworth Brow, Yarrow Valley Park, Willow House Farm, Clancut Lane, Three Arch Bridge, Delph Lane (track) and Charnock Green | ||
| Start Point: | Bowling Green Pub, Charnock Richard | Grid Reference: | SD 552 160 |
| Distance: | 5.75 miles | Ascent: | 450 feet |
| Time: | 3 hours | ||
| Weather: | Warm and sunny | ||
| Comments: | Unfortunately the intended leader was indisposed. However, the deputy leader stepped in and did an admirable job. Leaving the Bowling Green she led the group past “High Winds” to cross the west coast rail line near to Padua Farm on the way to Common Bank. From there the walk continued by the side of Wallets Wood to emerge on to a highway near to Gillibrand Park. The route then followed the River Yarrow to Butterworth Brow and then by Birkacre Road to Yarrow Valley Country Park where elevenses were taken. On the site is a large area of water which was probably a lodge for the former “Birkacre Works”, which according to an old map was where bleaching, dying and printing took place. (The map can be seen on a Lancashire County Council web site, http://mario.lancashire.gov.uk. This site can be used for checking locations of public footpaths and the reporting of public footpath problems). Leaving the Country Park the route re-crossed the Chorley to Coppull road and used an ascending cobbled path, which was probably used by mill workers of long ago on their way Birkacre Works. The path was used by the group to reach Sharrocks Farm and Willow House Farm. The leader then took a rout e over Clancut Brook to Clancut Lane and over the railway again. Heading north, roughly parallel with the railway, the route continued to Charnock Green passing Fishers Farm, Lower House and Roscoe House Farm on the way. After an enjoyable walk the group dined at the Bowling Green Pub. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Winter Hill and transmitters
Judith negotiates a fallen tree
Part of the group
Bridge or ford - take your choice
Descending to the River Yarrow from Gillibrand Park
By the River Yarrow
A pond by the Yarrow
Blossom in bloom
Yarrow Valley Country Park
Whot - no ducks
Beside the lake, beneath the trees, fluttering and dancing in the breeze
Walk tall
Spring flowers
An old cobbled path - probably once led to a mill
Lower House - a little bit of history