About to cross the bridge over the outflow of Jumbles Reservoir.
The overflow from Jumbles Reservoir.
One of many paths that were more like a stream.
Jumbles Reservoir from the western shore.
The north east panorama from the Witton Weaver Way north of Cheetham Close.
Turton and Entwistle Reservoir from the road over the dam.
Great cormorants in Turton and Entwistle Reservoir.
Heron art in Turton and Entwistle Reservoir near our lunchspot.
Elaine leading the way to the footbridge north of Fox Hill.
Not risking the ford!
Wayoh Reservoir from the Witton Weaver Way path at the south east corner of the reservoir.
A path being used by Mallards.
Walk stats: Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 972'.
Time: 4 hours 6 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Elaine.
Just as we arrived at the Water Fold car park it started to rain, and we ended up sitting in the car just hoping that the torrential rain would stop. Thankfully after an hour it eased sufficiently, for Mike to open the his door say "come on lets go".
It was still raining, so we all set off full waterproofs, but I decided to remove them just before we reached the road to Turton Towers.
Many of the paths encountered today were more like streams and he paths around Turton and Entwistle were flooded so much that we were unable to walk along the southern side of the reservoir.
On the northern side we were able to get as far as the Heron art work, but even this was only done by weaving our way through the trees / forest adjacent to the path.
Thankfully one of the benches was dry and on dry land, but the other was partially submerged in water.
We were able to sit enjoying our lunch, not exactly in sunshine, but at least it had stopped raining.
After lunch, it was decision time, do we retrace our steps to the dam or should we be more adventurous and use a bit of map reading and use some unknown paths to rejoin the planned route at Entwistle Station. We ended up choosing the latter, but the route north of Fox Hill to and beyond the footbridge wasn't easy, especially climbing up the steep wooded bank on the north side of the footbridge. Once we had rejoined the Witton Weaver Way it was all plain sailing.
Navigating on new paths in an unknown area is always rewarding, but I don't think I will be repeating the Fox Hill footbridge route again, especially when an alternative is available even if it is a little longer.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Great crested grebe, Black-headed gull, Wood nuthatch, Mallard and Common buzzard.
We arrived back at the car, grateful that the car park was no longer awash, and having had an enjoyable walk with one of our Bolton friends.
after walk drinks were enjoyed at the Netherton Hall at Frodsham, where the Lees bitter went down well, but of course it always does!
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