Wicked Wilton Walk

Members present: Sue Brooke, Dan Creber, John Dobson, Jim Gregson, Sandy Gregson, Alan (L'pool) Jones, Lorna Marsland, Lester Paine, Phil Ramsbattom, Dave Sumerfield, Chris Thickett, Peter Walker.

Guest present: Kate Sparks

We came, we walked - dodging between most of the showers - and apart from a few folks who hadn't had enough after 12 miles, arrived back together at the car park 5½ hours later. The others soon caught up.

The only minor incident of the day was a discussion with some trail riders who were advised that they were on a footpath without a vehicular right of way and who turned round and rode off very reasonably after a bit of huffing and puffing from one of their numbers.

Keith Williams

The Wacky Wilton Climbing

After some naff info from North West Water I thought a may have to change venues, but talking to more experienced club members (thank you) and checking the Lancs rock guidebook, we can climb in Wilton 1 and 4 (not sure where that is).

I intend to be at the 1st VD around 11:00am map ref SD 699134. Wilton is around 6km N of Bolton, up the A675, about 1km after the Wilton Arms pub turn left up Scout road, parking before the sharp bend. Wilton 1 is on the left. As this is a popular place can we please park careful. Wet weather alternative is Keith's walk, mountain biking at Rivington (great barn tourist info centre) or any wall of your choice.

The Wicked Wilton Walk

Although leaving the quarries on to Smithills Moor is convenient, they are poorly located in terms of a return route. I therefore propose that we meet at the San Marino bar restaurant at SD 678154 on the A675. We can use the car park at the back and below the restaurant. From there, go 150m along the road towards Bolton until the wood is reached on the right. Then, head SW up the edge of the wood to the top of Winter Hill. Descend N to Hordern Stoops, over Redmonds Edge to Great Hill. Descend NE to A675, through Tockholes Woods to the Royal Arms pub at SD665215 for lunch (no need to enter if you don't want to).

Take the tourist route to Darwen Tower then follow the Witton Weavers Way SE across Duckshaw Brook to path junction at SD687197. Turn SW here over Brown Lowe to meet the WWW again above Green Lowe. From here, head S to Hanging Stones then SSW to path junction above Higher Pasture House. (This section has no path and is a bit Scottish under foot.) Follow farm track towards Belmont turning L along the road until opposite Higher Whittaker. Take the track SW to the Egerton road at SD 680158. L up this road for 25m then R downhill to Ornamental Reservoir. Cross the long footbridge then climb up towards Greenhill Farm, bearing R just before the farm back to San Marino.

Meet at the restaurant at 9.30am. Distance: approx.18km (12 miles) depending on your route-finding or inclination. Best map: Explorer 287. Best compass: one that you know how to use in the mist over Hanging Stones.