Local Life - Wigan - April 2019

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through the kissing gate and climb up hill on a gorse
strewn path. The views are magnificent, the Darwen
Tower and wind turbines overlooking Earnsdale
Resovoir, as the path arrives at Dean Lane. Cross this
and then go uphill in the same direction.
Glorious 360 degrees abound as you follow the track
(Trash Lane) past Clayton Bank and then bear left
and start a gradual descent down Weasel Lane until
you arrive back at Tockholes Road. Cross straight
over the road and down Long Lane, a single track
road. When you arrive at the T-junction with the lychgate
opposite, turn left and follow the road round
the bend past a handsome church.
Bear right at the fork and follow the track downhill
to a small hamlet (passing two ‘private’ signs meant
to keep out vehicles) and you’ll arrive at a farm gate.
Once you go through the gate and head towards
the farm in the distance, keeping to the right hand
perimeter of the field. Just after a stunted clump of
trees you’ll see a rather rickety stile. Hop over here
and head diagonally across the field towards the
steel gate entrance to the farmyard of Shaw’s Farm.
Once you’re through the gate, bear right across the
farmyard and once you’re through, follow the track
until you reach a fork. Bear left towards Bradley Farm.
Once you’re passed the first building on the left, turn
left and follow a long straight path away from the
farm.
When you arrive at the end of the second field, you’ll
see a sign post advising you of three options, turn
right and shortly afterwards, cross a stile and as the
view of another reservoir opens up on the right, bear
left down the hill towards a wooden footbridge.
Cross the bridge, turn right and cross a second
bridge. Follow the path for 20 yards and take the
right hand fork before you reach the third bridge.
The path uphill isn’t immediately noticeable but stay
on the left near to the edge and you should pick up
the path to the top. At the top turn left and follow
that path as it open out and after five minutes you’ll
arrive at a back alley. Turn left, then cut right through
the houses and turn left on Bolton Road to the
starting point of the walk.
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear
whilst walking. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure
that the walk is accurate, neither the publisher or its editorial
contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability
to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions
resulting from negligence, accident or other cause.
Length of walk: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Medium
Accessibility: Muddy in places with stiles to
negotiate; some of which are a little wobbly. Some
fields may contain livestock.