Leader
Patrick Pope
Description
This is an easy, circular 5 mile walk, starting at Prestwich Clough and into Drinkwater Park. It takes in the Clough, mixed, native woodlands and meadows, wildlife ponds and a section of the River Irwell.
The paths are wide and well established, but there are a couple of short, ‘steepish’ inclines to negotiate. Regular walking boots should be fine. However, the recent heavy rain may have made some of the paths muddy. It is advisable to bring waterproofs with you, but hopefully we will escape any showers.
There will be a short lunch stop after just over a mile and a half in the grounds of Philips Park Hall, but there is no cafe. However, the beer garden of the Church Inn will be open at the end of the walk, if anyone wants to stay on for some refreshment!
Start point and time
Meet at 12.30 in front of the main gates of St Mary’s Church at the bottom of Church Lane (M25 1AJ ). There is some (free) parking on Church Lane , but spaces may be limited.
An alternative and possibly better option, might be to park (free) at the Fairfax Rd car park (near to Prestwich metro link station), which is next to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (M25 1AS). When parked, cross the road to the entrance to Prestwich Metrolink station, where a member of the group will meet you and escort you to the walk start point. Please aim to arrive at Prestwich station by 12.20pm.
By tram: there is a regular Metrolink service to Prestwich (Bury line) from Piccadilly via Victoria (about 20 mins journey). Exit at Prestwich and you will be met at the entrance. Please let Patrick know if you will be arriving by Metrolink. Please aim to arrive at Prestwich station by 12.20pm – so that we can head over to the walk start point which is a 10 min walk.
Directions to start
M60 to Junction 17 (Prestwich /Whitefield ) and on to the A56 Bury New Rd towards Prestwich centre. If parking at Fairfax Rd, turn left at the lights by Marks and Spencer, and the car park is about 100 yards on the left.
If parking on Church Lane, continue through Prestwich and turn right into Church Lane (opposite the Red Lion pub).
Contact
Patrick on 07708 152 106
Changes and cancellation
In the event that there are any changes to the regulations (for example a further lockdown) before the walk, which means that it will not be able to proceed, an email will be sent to everyone booked on the walk. Very occasionally, due to severe weather or another serious event, a walk may be cancelled. In these instances, a note will be added to the website at least TWO hours before Start Time. So, do check the website before you set out, and if in doubt use the walk leader’s mobile contact number.
If you need to cancel contact general@outonsunday.co.uk. If it’s on the day please call the Walk Leader instead.
COVID-19
At the time of publication restrictions and rules were being relaxed. For now, until we have confirmation of the changes ……………
Remember that social distancing applies throughout the walk, and bring face covering and hand sanitiser, just in case. If you are car-sharing or using public transport, follow the relevant rules and guidance.
Click here to take you to the walk booking system