Alfred Wainwright centenary walk, Witton Park, Blackburn, Lancashire. Wed 17 Jan 2007

Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alfred Wainwright the author of many walking guide books. To commemorate it there was an organised walk around the Witton park area of Blackburn. Which is quite fitting as A Wainwright was born in Blackburn and started his walking excursions here. The afternoon walk started in the main Witton Park car park next to the athletics track. After an introduction by Nick Burton, our guide on the walk, we set off through Crow Wood and up to Billinge Nook.

A pleasant walk through Billinge Woods.

There was no rain but it did start to get quite windy as we climbed higher. Steve Becker from BBC Radio Lancashire was also with us and during the walk he did short interviews with various people, though I don’t know how successful he was in keeping the wind off his microphone. Although we were on Under Billinge Lane we left it for a nice path through the woods which took us to the east side of Billinge Hill and the park access from Billinge end Road. The wooded path continued west until we came to the car park and open fields.

The wind then hit us with its full force. We had extensive views as the path followed the ridge of the hill. We stopped briefly at an old quarry where some of us tried to find a bit of shelter to have a quick drink from our flasks. Someone’s cap was whipped off by the wind and deposited into the flooded quarry. But it was near the edge and soon recovered.

The windswept ridge.

Descending past Butler's Delph

After passing Butler’s Delph the fields became very wet but at Pleasington Old Hall we were on tarmac again. Old Hall Lane soon joined Sandy Lane, Pleasington where we passed Pleasington Priory. A left turn off the road and we followed a path downhill to the open fields of Witton Park. Crossing over Buttler’s Bridge we followed the path along the side of the River Darwen. We all held on to our hats as the wind was still strong and anything blown into the river would definitely be lost.

All too soon a footbridge took us over the river and back to the car park. A superb walk to commemorate the memory of a special man, who’s work and knowledge lives on in his magnificent walking guide books. The first one I bought was ‘The Western Fells’ and cost £1.40. I’ve had it for over 30years and it’s still as fresh and relevant now as it was then.
Many thanks AW.

Leaving the high ground.