Keep safe!

Keep safe!
You are responsible for your own safety and that of your dog. The walks listed in this blog are not detailed guides. Plan your route! Click the landrover image for safety advice from Bowland Pennine MRT.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Much Hoole and the river Douglas

We were up and out early this morning for the short trip to Much Hoole and a walk along the banks of the river Douglas.

Our route began at the historic St Michaels Church,where Jeremiah Horrocks was curate on the early 1600s, following the footpath over the stile almost opposite the church car park.

Crossing open fields we soon reached Haunders Lane (very narrow in parts) and followed this right towards the river. The views from the riverbank were wonderful and, happily, the dog was not silly enough to wallow through the thick bankside mud whilst we admired the moored yachts.

We followed the river south for a mile or two of mainly off lead walking before rejoining Liverpool Road and the short walk back to the church.

Overall, a nice walk with plenty of off lead stretches. The Douglas is tidal in this stretch so I expect the character of the walk changes significantly depending on the tidal state.

Click here for Google map

Doggy rating 6/10

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Hoghton to Pleasington

It's quite while since our last blog. Worden Park has been our most frequent destination, not least because of the wonderful dog wash in the main car park. Just the job to get the dog clean after a good muddy run in the rain!

Today's weather was a welcome change, so we headed off to Hoghton for a (partial) riverside walk to Pleasington and back. We parked up at the top of Chapel Lane and followed the road for 3/4 mile or so to Hoghton Bottoms, bearing left at the bottom to the small footbridge over the river.

From here, we took the well signed path right past the picnic table alongside the picturesque river Darwen. The dog had a wonderful time off-lead, splashing in the river, before the path headed off inland past Pleasington golf course towards Pleasington Road. Parts of this route were very muddy in places, with little option but to grin and bear it. The dog was of course in his element wandering through slurry but Dogs Dad wished he'd worn boots rather than trainers!

On reaching Pleasington Road we turned left past the church, walking carefully along the road before reaching the gated Long Lane where the dog was once again off-lead back down the hill towards the river. Once again, parts of the path were very muddy, requiring a short detour through adjacent fields to avoid one impassable stretch.

We returned to Chapel Lane hot and tired, the dog probably wishing he'd had his summer "number 2 all over" cut and Dogs Dad wondering why he was wearing his fleece jacket.

Overall a nice walk with quite a few off-lead opportunities. The footpath erosion, numerous stiles (mainly dog friendly)and mud make it completely impractical for anyone with mobility difficulties or buggies though.

Click here for Google map.

Doggy rating 6/10