Local Life - Wigan - June 2021

52
PARBOLD
EIGHT
Parbold is known as the walking capital of West Lancashire and this
route epitomises why that is the case. Starts at Hunters Hill, a former
quarry that is known for its pleasant woodlands and its diverse wildlife.
You will then travel across open countryside and ancient woods to the
very popular Fairy Glen, with its waterfalls and cliff faces.
FACTS
Starting Point L40 3SR
Miles 7
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
OS Maps Ref: JT-Parbold-Eight
Points of Interest: Fairy Glen, Hunters
Hill Quarry, Parbold Hill
Summary: Leave the heights of
Hunters Hill and slowly fade down to
the Douglas Valley floor, and then you
face a steep climb back up.
Follow the route downhill until you reach the Leeds Liverpool Canal,
before then starting the steep climb up Parbold Hill and beyond. On
reaching High Moor, you travel up the Harrock Estate driveway and
climb to the highest point of the walk, Harrock Hill reservoir. The route
again fades downhill before another steep climb to the starting point.
FACTS
Starting Point L40 1TB
Miles 8
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
OS Maps Ref: JT-RuffordCroston-
Circular
Points of Interest: Picturesque Croston,
little-used stretch of Leeds &
Liverpool Canal, good pubs nearby.
Summary: Solitude central and flat
as the proverbial pancake – quiet
stretches of canal and Moss areas,
interjected by a stroll through
Croston.
RUFFORD &
CROSTON
CIRCULAR
If you like your canals to be without the hordes of fishermen and cyclists,
the Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which runs from
Burscough up to the Ribble estuary, is the place for you. A pleasant stroll
past Rufford Old Hall and up to Sollom on the canal is followed shortly
afterwards by an amble up the riverbanks of the Ribble to Croston.
After a walk round the outskirts of Croston, or if you prefer, a stop off at
one of the many village pubs, you’ll arrive at the big skies, open spaces
and total silence of Croston Moss before meeting up once more with
the Ribble which takes you back to Rufford.