Last Tuesday, having been stuck indoors for a few days I decided to get out for a walk. I decided on an easy, local route, catching the train to Appley Bridge and walking along the canal to Parbold, returning on paths through fields and woods.
A short walk along the road from the station and I joined the canal towpath
It was easy going as there’s only one lock on this section so it’s pretty much flat all the way.
Getting closer to Parbold there were narrowboats moored up along the bank
I left the towpath on reaching the village. I was looking forward to a brew and a bite to eat at the very nice little cafe opposite the old windmill. Alas, I too late I discovered that it’s cloded on Tuesdays (and Wednesdays too at the moment according to the note in the window). There isn’t another cafe in the village (as far as I know) so I continued on my walk, taking the lane lined with expensive houses (it’s a posh little place is Parbold) and then footpaths through the fields which led to a bridge over the canal.
The track led to the railway line, which I crossed using the level crossing
Carrying on along the lane I reached a t- junction where I turned right along a mettaled road, which eventually turned into a track and then paths through woodland and fields.
I climbed over the stile into the “Fairy Glen” – a narrow wooded valley created by Sprodley Brook which has, over time, cut down through the underlying sandstone to create a narrow valley with small waterfalls and cliff faces.
The path to Appley Bridge cuts across the bottom of the valley, but I decided that I’d extend the walk up and then back down before turning off towards my destination.
It’s a popular place and I passed several family groups enjoying the sunshine and playing in the woods and by the stream – the teaching unions were on strike that day.
The path wound it’s way up the hill, through the woods and over bridges crossing the stream
At the top of the valley I doubled back and then took the path towards Appley Bridge where I made my way back to the station along the road.
It was an enjoyable, easy walk on a pleasant, sunny afternoon. There was a sting in the tail, however. Towards the end of the walk I was experiencing a little discomfort in my right knee. Not too unusual, I thought, as I do have trouble with my knees, particularly coming down hill. But during the evening it became more painful and it was clear I’d done some damage to a ligament. That was a pain in more than one way as I have a little trip planned in a couple of weeks. So for the last week I’ve rested, avoided driving and stayed indoors even through I would have been tempted to get out for a walk on a couple of nice days. A bit of a disappointment as this is my favourite time of years when everything is fresh, the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing. It’s feeling a lot better today so fingers crossed it will be alright when it’s time for my break.