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Main Instructor:

Susan Spall

Hosted By:

Susan Spall

Walk Description:

Join us for a 6 mile walk from the centre of Parbold. We will quickly join the Leeds and Liverpool canal and walk along the towpath to Appley Bridge.

On the way we will pass the locks, one is now disused, but they were known as being deep locks. Once at Appley bridge we will cross the canal and walk up the road before entering Fairy Glen, where we can slowly meander through enjoying the noise of the streams and waterfalls.

On leaving the glen we cross a couple of fields before walking back on a lane and once again finishing the walk on the canal. If you wish we can enjoy a cuppa at just before we finish the walk. 

 The walk up the road is a gentle hill of about a mile. Stiles and please expect the possibility of mud during the walk. 

Parbold lies in the valley of the river Douglas, which of course we explored in 2022 as part of the coastline series. and is at the bottom of Parbold Hill. T

he village is dominated by the hill, which at the top looks over the West Lancashire Plain and Northwest of England across to Liverpool and Manchester. 

Appley Bridge is a small affluent village also nestled in the Douglas Valley and by the Leeds and Liverpool canal. Appley comes from Apple Lea (on the river Douglas) from Appleleye found in the 13th century Chartulary of Cockersands Abbey. In the ancient parish of Eccleston.

Was once a busy industrial village with a paint and linoleum works, several quarries and clay pits for the wigan brisk company. 

Fairy Glen has been created by the river Sprodley cut through the underlying sandstone with small waterfalls and cliff faces. All within an ancient broadleaved woodland. A Biological Heritage Site for the oak, ash and alder trees.

 Appley Bridge canal locks, two shallower locks are disused. The lock in use is the older and deeper. The other locks were built to conserve water but also to speed up traffic as the deep lock took a while to go through. From here back towards Liverpool is a 27 pound all the way to Liverpool.  

It is essential to register and book in advance online.

 

It is advisable to wear a bum bag with a water bottle or hydration pack. Do bring a high energy snack to have on the hoof or as soon as we finish. Wear comfortable clothing that suitable for the weather. Do wear sturdy grippy shoes.

We respect people`s busy agendas and do like to start promptly. Please arrive 5 minutes early for your class and be ready to start on time.

 

Walk speed guide:

Gentle stroll - Gear 1 - Nice pace that you can do for extended periods. 2-2.5mph (these generally are our Wellness walks)   Easy walk - Gear 2 - Faster pace gained through technique. Expect Gear 2 at times throughout the walk with occasional photo stops. 2.5mph (Most of our 1-hour Explorer walks)   Moderate walk - Gear 2/3 - Faster again using technique and with less recovery. Very little stopping. 2.5mph-3mph+ (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks)   Strenuous walk - gear 3/4  (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks).

You are asked to contact your WALX Guide by phone, leaving a voicemail or sending an sms text to the number listed below, if you are likely to be delayed as we do start classes promptly.

Whilst we do understand that sometimes it is not possible to make a class, please be aware that we do operate a no refund policy if you give us less than 2 hours’ notice.

All activities are undertaken at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents incurred. We undertake to deliver all classes with qualified staff and have made every effort to risk assess all WALX. On occasions it is necessary to make dynamic risk assessment decisions when there is a localised incident such as trees fallen en route, flooding, traffic changes, etc.

Please ensure your PARQ is up to date and notify us in writing if you have any change to your medical records, or physical or mental wellbeing. This should include any surgery, falls, knocks, or accidents. Thank you.

Contact details (only contact to notify if late or cancelling)

Matt 07530 813225

 

Location Notes:

car park at the end of Bramble Way - Free. No Toilets