Wednesday, 24th September 2014

Walk: Lower Kem Mill, Walled Garden, Cuerden Hall and Black Banks Wood
Start Point: Ley Inn, Clayton le Woods Grid Reference: SD 574 227
Distance: 5.5 miles Ascent: 650 feet
Time: 3 hours
Weather: Warm, dry and sunny
Comments:

Cuerden Valley Park is situated just south of Preston, surrounded on three sides by motorways M6, M61 and M65, with the River Lostock flowing north through its centre.
Nearly thirty people took part in the walk through this open valley with many small wooded areas. First heading south on the south side of Sheep Hill Lane to join the River Lostock the group then turned north and followed the river to Cuerden Hall passing the few remains of Lower Kem Mill on the way. A break was taken in the grounds of Cuerden Hall (Sue Ryder Hospice) before continuing north along a former servant’s path towards the M65. Turning eastward and then south along good paths and a few flights of steps the group returned to the Ley Inn for an excellent lunch. More information and a map of the valley park can be seen on:
www,curdenvalleypark.org.uk

On the way to Lower Kem Mill (ruin)

Some of the remains of Lower Kem Mill

Approaching Cuerden Hall

A Victorian Lady in the grounds of Cuerden Hall - part of a school project

A table for four in the grounds of Cuerden Hall

More Tea Breakers

Another aspect of Cuerden Hall

This is the sunken path used by servants of the hall in order that they could not be seen by the Toffs in the residence

This may look like a Canadian scene but it is in fact a hop, skip and jump from the M6 and M65 junction

A half mile to go before lunch at Black Banks Wood

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