Friday, 13th February 2009

 

Walk: A674, Ollerton Fold, Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Riley Green, Houghton Bottoms, Feniscowles, Stanworth Farm
Start Point: Lay-by on A674, just South of M65 junction 3 Grid Ref: SD 628 241
Distance: 7.6 miles Ascent: 480 feet
Weather: 3.5 hours
Accompanied by:

On my own

Comments: This was adapted from walk 28 in Curious Lancashire Walks. The first two thirds of the walk was quite pleasant, especially the stretch along the River Darwen. After touching the edge of Feniscowles the surrounding scenery wasn't particularly inviting and the motorway was rather close by.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Heading down to the Leeds & Liverpool canal . . .

 

where the first bridge is number 90 . . .

 

and bridge 91 looks just the same . . .

 

but the motorway bridge is quite a different construction

 

Narrowboats at the Boatyard PH

 

The ducks are surrounded by ice . . .

 

but a couple make an escape

 

'Do you think we could win Dancing on Ice?'

 

Houghton Tower, one of the finest old houses in Lancashire

 

Longridge Fell in the distance

 

Cottages at the old mill settlement of Houghton Bottoms

 

The River Darwen . . .

 

with its impressive viaduct . . .

 

and weir

 

The valley broadens as the path tracks upstream

 

Back to the canal, but the bridge is a much more mundane affair than the previous ones

 

And back to the modern world of motorways!!!

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