Sunday, 8th November 2009
| Walk: | Brindle, Withnell Fold, Withnell, Solomon's temple, White Coppice, Wheelton Plantation, Higher Wheelton | ||
| Start Point: | Brindle village hall car park | Grid Reference: | SD 599 241 |
| Distance: | 11 miles | Ascent: | 1,340 feet |
| Time: | 5.5 hours | ||
| Weather: | Damp at the beginning but soon clearing and some sun later on | ||
| Comments: | The signs at the front of Brindle Village Hall discourage people from there parking but there is plenty room at the back which can be used. Following a spell of wet weather the fields were rather muddy and bridges and stiles needed a great deal of care. The pretty little village of Withnell Fold is somewhat spoilt by the old mill buildings alongside the canal but this hasn't deterred the building of some very impressive houses! Heading up to Snape's Heights a lovely green track gives way to moorland pasture before reaching an access track that leads onto the road through Wheelton. After a short road walk the route heads across to Wheelton Moor and the ruined buildings of Solomon's Temple. From here a wide track is soon reached, leading to a junction with the White Coppice to Great Hill path. Unfortunately the next section of the path has been seriously eroded by mountain bikes over the past few years. Skirting the picturesque cricket ground the path parallels the River Goit but after being used by contractors' vehicles it is in a sorry state. Leaving the riverside to head past Brinscall Hall a tree-lined avenue leads across fields to Higher Wheelton. Re-crossing the Leeds and Liverpool canal it is then a few more fields back to the car park. A lovely low level walk with lots of interest on the way. | ||
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
The damp start makes for a very slippery bridge
The Leeds and Liverpool canal at Withnell Fold . . .
where the mill used to make paper
Some of the houses are quite modern . . .
the Reading Room has been refurbished . . .
and some of the houses are quite old
The local residents look rather sorry for themselves
A lovely green path . . .
gives way to rougher pasture as we approach Withnell
Karen takes a liking to the lone tree - Jubilee Tower (Darwen) can just be seen on the horizon
Solomon's Temple provides the perfect spot for lunch . . .
and even has a window intact
Heading down to White Coppice . . .
with the picturesque cricket ground
The fence posts tell their own story . . .
as we walk past an unnamed reservoir
Contractors vehicles have really churned up the path . . .
in their bid to create a new route
The River Goit and Wheelton Plantation
A pleasant track leads towards Brinscall Hall . . .
where we make use of the wall to eat our lunch
Leaving the hall is a tree-lined track . . .
but I don't think many vehicles use this route
Thankfully, neither of these dangers are to be seen
Some stiles are rather awkward with no foot boards
Walking back along the canal tow path . . .
John and Eric discuss the depth of the water
2 pints please!
A young foal poses for the camera . . .
but Mum is more interested in the grass