Monday, 1st March 2010

 

Walk: Whittle Hill, Denham Hall, Hough Hill, Leeds Liverpool Canal, Croston Farm, Cuerden Valley
Start Point: Home Grid Ref: SD 574 225
Distance: 8 miles Ascent: 760 feet
Weather: A mild and sunny morning, clouding over in the afternoon and a heavy snow shower after lunch
Accompanied by:

On my own

Comments: Setting out from home I made my way across to Whittle Hills in mild weather with the sun shining. The Whittle Tunnels had beckoned to me for some time and today I would explore them before continuing to Denham Hill. The first tunnel was approached alongside a garden where some very noisy and rather vicious looking dogs made their presence known. I then made my way a little further north to explore the second tunnel, a much quieter affair. Crossing a number of fields I eventually walked past Denham Hall and continued on to Denham Hill. From here a short stroll took me across to the trig point on Hough Hill. The views were great with clear skies and the estuary could be seen quite clearly. It was then across the field again to reach the canal. Following the towpath I reached the locks at Johnson's Hillock where a found a bench bathed in sunlight for my lunch time stop. When it was time to leave the canal I found that it was necessary to walk as far as Moss Lane before doubling back through the adjoining field in order to reach the stile. By this time the sky had darkened dramatically and it wasn't long before the rain arrived, quickly followed by a very heavy fall of snow. By the time I had reached Cuerden Valley the snow had stopped and the sun was shining again. A very enjoyable day, exploring some of the local paths.

 

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

The southern of the two tunnels . . .

 

seems wider than . . .

 

the northern one

 

Denham Hall

 

Denham quarry

 

Great views today over to the coast . . .

 

Preston . . .

 

and Jubilee Tower, Darwen . . .

 

from Hough Hill

 

Lots of narrow boats are moored on the Leeds Liverpool canal . . .

 

and one makes its way north

 

Some geese are looking for a snack . . .

 

as is this bird (don't know what it is though)

 

Lock keeper's cottage at Top Lock . . .

 

where the water is at its low point

 

Just in case you didn't know!

 

Further south the water is at its high level . . .

 

in some locks

 

Now which way shall I go?

 

Some rather grand houses . . .

 

back onto the canal

 

After a lunch time stop the clouds roll in . . .

 

and a heavy snow shower . . .

 

clears by the time I reach home

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