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Main Instructor:

Susan Spall

Hosted By:

Susan Spall

Walk Description:

 Join us on a 6.5km walk tracing where the Walton Summit Branch of the Lancaster canal would have gone as far as we can before meeting the motorway.  

Starting from top lock on the Leeds and Liverpool, descending a flight of locks to where it joined the Lancaster canal. The short portion at the start thats still got water, before tracing the embankment, looking at the aqueduct by way of a subway over the river Lostock and the Whittle Hill tunnel entrances.  

Where the Duke of York basin would have been, (named after a pub) were there was coal wharves.  

Looking at a Lime Kiln again where the canal would have gone across the top. Before heading back to the Leeds and Liverpool canal via the river Lostock valley, which had numerous mills along its length.  

Johnsons Hillocks – completed in 1816 were constructed to connect the new Leeds and Liverpool canal to the Lancaster canal at the Whittle Springs Basin, an impressive flight of seven locks takes the canal up 60 feet. The Lancaster canal built 1796-1803 

Old Brickworks – was sited next to the canal and used clay from Lostock valley brought by overhead tramway to the works. 

Aqueduct bridge – was built about 1800 to carry the Lancaster canal over the river Lostock. 

Whittle Hills Tunnels – where originally a single long tunnel, but after two collapses the middle was opened so creating two tunnels Whittle Hills Quarries – where famed for their production of millstones from the high-quality millstone grit. A special stone wharf with a crane was built near the Duke of York to load the stones onto canal barges. 

The Duke of York Basin – was filled in when the canal fell into disuse about 1880. Around the basin where wharves with coal yards weighing machines and a smithy. 

Lime kiln – used limestone from Carnforth and coal from Wigan to make lime. 

St Helens Holy well – was moved when the motorway was built, an ancient spring whose healing waters were meant to have healing properties. 

Denham springs Mill – Denham Springs print works, part of the river Lostock mills. Probably the earliest cotton factory in the areas opening in 1783. Channelled the Lostock into course adjacent to the lodge. The lodge is built up from the river and two weirs direct water into it. By the 1840’s the waterwheel was supplemented by a steam engine, chimney still stands. 

 

  

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 parking on the side of the road after the double yellow lines just before you get to the canal. kenyon Lane, Heapey, Chorley, W3W///shapes.suddenly.cleanest