The start of the walk - Appley Bridge to Parbold - about an hour's walk.
A canal maintainance barge.
Anglers.
“Caught anything?”
Waiting for a bite.
Hard to believe 9 million people live within an hour's drive of here.
An old canal half mile marker.
Pleasant countryside.
Bluebells - sign of Spring.
Two channels here - the one on the right now derelict.
Main canal loch.
See the height of the drop in water levels.
A hand windlass is put on the end of the bar to wind open the flood gates.
When the waters on both sides of the gates are level, two people push the arms to open the gates.
The main canal.
I crossed the bridge to look at the now disused channel built so boats could use two lochs in busier times.
The disused section is now a tranquail backwater
The main canal is on the left - the now disused right hand section was for when two lochs were needed.
But there is still a sailable section.
The old disused loch gates.
Steps to a long gone footbridge.
....... and drained at it's end.
...sadly in decay.
Overgrown.
Looking down on the main canal.
Neat boat.
This loch has the biggest drop on the canal.
Nice boat.
A view of the disused loch gates from the main canal.
Sleek craft.
Everywhere is greening up nicely.
Bluebells.
Canal and rail bridges.
...and onward to Parbold.
Bridge 41
The River Douglas is close by the canal here.
This bridge leads to the track up to the top of Parbold Hill.
This is the track over the bridge.
Pair of mallards, the female has dull brown plumage for camouflage when sitting on the nest.
Time out for a spot of fishing.
The trees are lush and green now
The Southport - Wigan train line follows the canal.
The Gemka.
This is Parbold Church across on the Parbold Hill road.
As you get to Parbold there are some nice canalside gardens.
This bridge carries the road that comes down Parbold Hill.
In the shade.
Weird gate design.
A lady doing some gardening.
The Duke - Someone must be a John Wayne fan.
Parbold and its old windmill ahead.
The end of the outward leg- Parbold village.
The Windmill pub, Parbold.
From Parbold bridge, the next stage - I'll walk this next time.
The old windmill.
Flowers are springing up everywhere now.
Station Road, Parbold.
By the bridge.
Time to head back - view from Parbold bridge.
...and more flowers.
Parbold Church in the distance..
Near Parbold.
Walking back to Appley Bridge.
..by bridge
...and towpath.
”In you go you two - I'll keep watch.“
Ashurst Beacon in the distance.
Nearly back at the disused arm.
A couple enjoy the tranquility after a stroll.
Of course Monet might have painted it this way.
...and put it in a frame.
Nearing the end of the walk.
Back at Appley Bridge - hope you enjoyed the walk
