Walk Report 14th December 2025 Booths/Avenham Park.

The walk had been selected to avoid being wet/muddy under foot, the route is well known to most of us but remains a favourite as there is no shortage of points of interest, is shortish and flat. Our start was delayed as Leigh had lost her car keys, so we all joined in the search, interestingly the car could be started and was driveable which meant the keys had to be somewhere inside the car (modern electronics!!!). Having turned the car inside out, to no avail, Leigh opted to drive off to her daughters as ‘she would be able’ to find to find the keys, presumably daughter has mystic powers or a key finder strobe. Leigh would then join up with us at an agreed meeting point, some of us found this all rather interesting and a little confusing, what key finding skills does this girl have?

We started our trek from Booths, Penwortham car park and joined the ‘Cinder Path’ as locals call it, passing Penwortham Primary School. Raymond was once a pupil here and passed his 11+ there (someone commented by golly that must be a great school if they could get Raymond through the 11+). Nearing the end of the pathway we noted the new Construction of the Ribble Flood Defence Gate. Next we arrived at Leyland Rd Penwortham Methodist Church where Leigh awaited us car parked and keys in hand, Reg and I baffled by this apparent magic decided to quiz Leigh at a later date. From the church we crossed the ancient packhorse bridge onto the northern side of the River Ribble. Due to continuing construction of the Flood Protection Scheme, we diverted onto Connaught Rd. and along South Meadow Lane, passing the former homes of Rodney and Margarets Mum’s, until we reached the entrance to Miller Park. The Park was busy and we noted the Lovely Fountain, also the shambles LCC has made of their once beautiful HQ and the Park Rangers House both buildings now being derelict, shame on LCC. We now entered Avenham Park walking along the top pathway until we reached what was Booths Family Home. Returning to the riverside path we paused to see substantial progress has been made with building of the new Tram Bridge, it really looks good, lets hope it opens soon. After a short break outside the Park café we joined the disused West Lancs Railway Track, the view of the Tram Bridge was worth another short stop. Following the track to the Fire Station on Leyland Road and then left into Stricklands Lane. At this point Leigh, keys in hand, left us to return to her parked car. The rest of us passed through Penwortham Park Housing to the Cinder Path, then retracing our steps back to or parked cars. Leigh had thoughtfully driven to meet us there to say bye bye to us all.

It was 4.5 miles of great walking, the predicted rainstorms never came, and Reg carried his umbrella all the way around for nothing. Next time we see Leigh an explanation of the keys magic will be sought.

Next walk (short walk for all the family)

New Years Day, 11.00 am

Take a look back on previous walks - click on this link - www.midgewalkers.co.uk