| Rocks and Water at Anglezarke |
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Date : 17th May 2009
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Leader : Sue Baxendale |
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Report by : Sue Baxendale |
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Photos © : N/A |
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| CLICK HERE FOR ROUTE DETAILS |
Anglezarke reservoir between Belmont and Rivington was the destination for the Sunday afternoon walk of six miles recently enjoyed by Hyndburn Ramblers.
Leaving the cars in the large free car park by the reservoir the walk started by following the route of the Anglezarke nature trail. Information boards along the way provided details of the various plants and birds that may now be seen in the area. The walk led through woodlands and along the base of the now disused Lester Mill Quarry whose imposing wall is often used by climbers but not on this day. The bluebells were giving a beautiful display enhanced by the smell of the fresh blossom on the trees.
The woods now left behind, the path followed the edge of the reservoir which was very low indeed with great stretches of mud and just a small stream bringing water in. Leaving the reservoir behind and crossing a minor road the trail headed up the valley below Stonskey Bank giving further clues to the impressive industrial activity that must have taken place here when the quarries were being worked. The path followed the course of The Goit, a canal that feeds the reservoir and on to White Coppice cricket ground.
Here use was made of the benches around the cricket ground and the little café was a good source of a hot drink although by now the sun was shining. A walk through the hamlet of White Coppice brought some admiring comments on the gardens and houses to be seen, from the smallest of cottages to much grandest residences.
Field paths took us past more smaller reservoirs and then up a lane to Higher Healey. From here the views westward were visible and the town of Chorley soon came into view. The M61, canal and other landmarks such as Botany Bay could all be seen. Through the woods - rather a muddy stretch of path this one - and on up to the viewpoint at White House where Blackpool Tower and The Big One were clearly visible.
The group continued on down through the fields and onto White House Lane, complete with loose cattle, to arrive at Kays Farm where the said ‘escapees’ were duly ‘grassed up’! Continuing along the lane a footpath off took everyone along the edge of Anglezarke reservoir it was around here the rain started. As the walkers entered the last field an enormous bull was staring back at them but he was more concerned with keeping dry under a tree than this minor intrusion. One thing to note was however, why, in a field surrounded by trees did he choose to stand under the tree right next to the stile? Anyway, from exiting this field it was but a short walk along the road to cross the reservoir and to the cars for the journey home.
