~Mill Hill to Higher Wheelton~
24th February 2011
Another section of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. I was in Blackburn for an afternoon appointment and decided to extend my canal walk by another few miles in the Liverpool direction.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
L&L Canal nr. Mill Hill (Blackburn)
Last time I walked from Mill Hill in an easterly direction. This time I am using the same start point on the canal bank and walking in a westerly direction. The towpath is always on the right (facing forward) so any photos with the towpath shown on the left are taken as I look back.
The Canal, Higher Broadhalgh
A feature of the walk away from Blackburn is the number of homes with gardens reaching the canal. You will notice that the sun is shining, something of a rarity this February.
The Canal, nr. Feniscowles
Boundary Marker
This borough boundary also marks the end of "East Lancashire", in my opinion. East Lancs is hilly, West & Central Lancashire are much less so. That green fence is a nuisance, it runs for about a mile keeping everyone out of woodland which must belong to the paper mill in the valley.
Canal Reflections
The green fence extends on the right hand side - as far as the eye can see!
Countryside
Finally out of the urban sprawl of Blackburn and the green fence disappears down the embankment. The bridge in this photo is the only one in this walk that I've used before - on a walk along The Witton Weavers Way a couple of years ago.
More Reflections
Riley Green Marina
Ollerton Bridges 2 & 3
Two canal bridges are named in this area, Ollerton Bridge No.1 is missing.
Canal Reflections, Withnell Fold
Withnell
Canalside House
There's something rather splendid about this one.
Leaving The Canal
That's the end of this section, I'm on the bridge that will lead to Higher Wheelton and from where I will catch a bus back to Witton, a short walk from Mill Hill.
Sunset 17:36
Walkers: Just Me
Time taken: 2hr and 10 minutes over about 6.5 miles.
Route: Canal from Mill Hill to Higher Wheelton, bus back to Witton, walk up to Mill Hill.
Weather and conditions: Sunny Intervals.
Greetings Count: Quite a few walkers, with and without dogs / small children. Pleasant greetings every time, better than last time.
Richard's Refreshment Review: Nothing to report today.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2011 ©
Take me back to the start ....