Sunday, 22nd October 2017

Fortunately an overnight gale had abated by the time that eleven walkers took part in the walk.  Leaving the Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve the group passed some of the former clay pits used for extracting clay in order to make bricks.  It was intended to use a quiet unmade Back Lane.  However, as the photograph shows, it was impassable due to flooding and the group had to retrace their steps to use Marsh Lane instead.  Thus adding 0.7 of a mile to the route.  Later the group were able to pick up the intended route to join part of the Ribble Way.  On the way they passed “Pilots Cottage” which it is said, housed the River Pilots of the nearby River Douglas.  Leaving the very breezy Ribble Way the group then headed across soggy fields to reach Hall Carr Lane before crossing more water logged fields to reach Hall Lane and Longton Brickcroft.  A good walk, a little heavy going underfoot but the wind certainly blew the cobwebs away!