Midge Walkers

Walk No.  188

Lostock Hall -Tram Rd 17-11-24

The last time we did a version of this walk was October 2022 following a week of fairly frequent rain. The promise for today was very much the same, so the twelve that turned up were all suitably dressed in wet weather attire. Setting off at 1.50 from the car park at the end of Todd Lane South and walking along the path at the side the of the River Lostock, which was in full flow, skirting St Catherines Park we crossed the reconstruction of an “Inglis” Bridge as used in World 1. Following the path to the main road (Watkin Lane) we turned right crossing at a point prior to the former Methodist Church, now occupied by commercial units.

Continuing past the former School building to Ward St, we turned left, passing the New Day Evangelical Church and walking at the side of the rail line, a footbridge brought us to a series of paths at the rear of properties to emerge on to Croston Rd. Turning left we crossed a rail bridge and turned right along School Lane. This brought us to Coote Lane, where following a brief left turn a path on the opposite side adjacent to Stanley Fold allowed us to access a route alongside the rail line, which was to say the least a little muddy. A stile part way along gave us access to the next field and up a banking where the mud persisted. 2 large horses found our presence of great interest and came galloping towards us and mingled amongst us. Taking a position behind our leader, who was unaware of its presence, the larger of the two, gave him a hefty nudge with its rump, sending him sprawling in the soft mud. Other than his pride, fortunately no other hurt befell him, but he did look a bit grubby. Ploughing on it wasn’t long before another of our number went sprawling with feet being stuck in the mire. We were probably all glad to emerge through the gate to the solid ground on to Flag Lane.

Turning left to a point where a fingerpost sign pointed us to the right, down the side of Claytons poultry and egg merchants, a path took us over a footbridge to emerge on to Bee Lane. Turning right and walking to the end,

we crossed Leyland Rd and entered The Cawsey, towards where the Gas Works used to be and now filled with hundreds of new properties. A new Lidl Store is noted to be under construction which doubtless will do very well. A little further along we joined the old Tram Rd turning right towards Lostock Hall.

After some distance we branched left down to cross Wateringpool Lane and take a path through the woodland which brought us to skirt around the perimeter of a lake where we found enough bench seats to pause for our promised coffee break. Young Jack treated everybody to chocolates from his sweet bag. As the rain started to fall again we just had time for our usual group photo.

Following the path through the tree lined route ultimately brought us to Todd Lane North and turning right continued along the footpath to the road junction at Brownedge Rd. Crossing in to Todd Lane South and over the railway bridge, the return to the starting point was straight forward.

The walk was punctuated with interesting action albeit not necessarily planned. Equally it had intervals of dampness which we coped with but could have well done without. Not withstanding these distractions the 4.5 mile walk had been well received by the majority and conveyed their appreciation to the organisers.