Wednesday, 10th April 2019
| Walk: | Butlers Delf, Billinge Hill, Witton Country Park, Butlers Bridge, Pleasington | ||
| Start Point: | Butlers Arms, Pleasington | Grid Reference: | SD 642 265 |
| Distance: | 4.8 miles | Ascent: | 520 feet |
| Time: | 2.5 hours | ||
| Weather: | Wall to wall sunshine but a cold wind in the shade | ||
| Comments: | Two walks took place from the Butlers Arms. Eight members took a three-mile stroll whilst Twenty-nine members (including two children) took a more strenuous route with a steady ascent in the first couple of miles to reach Billinge Hill. Having reached the top of Billinge Hill a short break was taken prior to the descent in to Witton Country Park. Being Half Term and near to Easter a Fair was set up on the park. The return to Pleasington was via a path which was probably used by clerics and worshipers attending mass etcetera at Pleasington Priory. The main route was by the way of field paths, woodland and parkland paths. Pleasington Priory or Church of St Mary and St John Baptist was constructed in 1816/19. It cost £23,000 and was a thank you offer by John Francis Butler. (The name Butler crops up on maps with: Butlers Delf, Butlers Bridge and Butlers Arms). The rout offered views of Preston and the Fylde, Longridge, Chipping, Darwen and its Tower |
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The Leader
A view from Butlers Delf
The Wainwright Toposcope at Butlers Delf
Butlers Delf – a former quarry
Heading for Billinge Wood
Entering Billinge Wood
A plaque sited on Billinge Hill
The Leader going downhill on Billinge Hill ------
followed by his group
A Ball in a Bole
Descending towards Witton Country Park
A café in Witton Country Park
The Fair is in town ----
but there isn’t time to stay -----
and take a flight
A sandwich-board – but no Sandwiches
Name this sign
Returning from the cemetery ---
a Hearse and Pair
A rear view of Pleasington Priory
A front view of Pleasington Priory
(Church of St Mary and St John Baptist)