Ashton Walk – 19th July 2026

Walk Leader – RODNEY SWARBRICK

Whereas most of Rodneys walk take place in the extensive countryside around the Preston area, todays walk was to take place in the heart of the town using two of Preston’s Green Flag parks. 9 walkers assembled on a warm sunny day, in contrast to the last time we did this route when we had set of in torrential rain which had steadily got worse all afternoon

Turning right from our starting point on Eggerton Road, we passed Ashton House on Ashton Park, which was on our left. Ray had given us some history of this last time, but due to the weather conditions, I don’t think anybody was listening. We noticed that we passed what was the stables to the house which were quite substantial buildings but have now been converted into apartments. Crossing Blackpool Road, we went down Cottam Lane and under a railway bridge which carried trains to Blackpool one way and to Preston station and Manchester Airport the other way. Going through a gate, we emerged onto a shaded  path which eventually came out to The Lancashire University Sports Grounds, which it appears is also the home of Blackburn Rovers, the famous Preston North End and also Macclesfield football academies

Carrying straight on, we came to a canal where we turned right so the canal was on our left, where we were able to admire the efforts that many of the houses on the opposite bank had gone to. Whilst we were trying to identify some of the beautiful flowers, some of the party managed to see a Kingfisher. The walkers that were lagging behind had missed it but we were all able to see the Dragonflies that were darting around over the water

We had the customary coffee break at the canal basin which was part of the Ribble Link (linking the canal to the River Ribble). Pictures taken, we went over the bridge and continued along the canal to Savick House where a gap in the hedge took us into Haslem Park, where many families were picnicking and playing games. Keeping to the left, we came to the park exit but rather than return to our cars along the busy Blackpool Road, we re-entered the park through a different entrance, this time through an ornate set of gates donated to Preston Council by Mercy Haslem to commemorate her Father, John Haslem. We were also able to gleam that the parks upgrade was mainly due to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We followed the wide path until we came to some steps which took us down back onto Cottam Lane and returned to our cars

Two hours had been spent walking four and a quarter mile in the middle of a built-up area yet still able to enjoy all the usual countryside elements. Our thanks go to Rodney for again organising another successful walk

   Report by JOHN WAITES

Next walk   -  Sunday ????

Start time - 1.45 pm

 pm

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