Midge Walkers
Walton-le-Dale & Fishwick Bottoms 20-10-24
The last time this walk was undertaken was February 2018. Today’s weather forecast wasn’t good, having predicted high winds and rainfall under the banner of Storm Ashley. Our meeting point was the car park at the Capital Centre and 8 of our enthusiastic group, together with Noola the Rottweiler, set off at 1.55 p.m. Crossing to the river side of Victoria Rd and turning right, we soon passed the Yew Tree pub on the right and a commemorative memorial to Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, erected in 1887, on the left. Immediately beyond this, the old Police Station, now a private residence, and opposite a blue plaque recording the name of Joseph Livesey founder of the Temperance Movement in !832.
Turning left at the White Bull in to Church Brow, the first building we came to used to be a Methodist Church and school on the corner of Kings Croft founded in 1868, but now occupied as residential properties. Continuing up the brow, on the right we passed St Leonard’s Anglican Church, parts of which date back to the 16th century. Further progress brought us in to Cuerdale Lane where we took a farm track to the left, down towards the River, passing through Ribble Side Farm. In the past we have always found this area challenging with mud and suchlike and today was no different, but we pressed on, taking in the views towards Preston with some of the prominent high rise structures puncturing the skyline.
Crossing a series of muddy fields, interlinked with swing gates, we eventually emerged on to a stony drive leading us to Cuerdale Hall Farm, where we returned towards the River bank with views of the Tickled Trout ahead.
It was in this area in 1840 that one of the largest treasure trove’s of silver was unearthed and is now housed in the British Museum. It was identified as the Cuerdale Hoard. After a further field and stiles we followed the perimeter of a corn field which found us emerging on the side of the A59 and turning left over the Brockholes Bridge routed us to the opposite side of the Ribble.
Turning left to follow the Guild Wheel, past what used to be Fishwick Golf Coarse on the right , we continued to a point where a picnic table provided a suitable stopping point for our refreshment break. Having had the benefit of the wind behind us on our outward route, it was perhaps unsurprising that on the return it became a decided disadvantage especially as it seemed to have increased its force.
Arriving at London Rd and turning left, we soon regained our starting point, having completed a course of 5 miles and being thankful that the anticipated storm had been avoided.
Take a look back on previous walks - click on this link - www.midgewalkers.co.uk
