Bright Sunshine to End The Day. Highs of 18°C Lows of 15°C
Parking:
N/A
Area:
Wigan
Miles:
11.4
Walking With:
On My Own
Ordnance Survey:
Explorer 27
Time Taken:
1 Hours 30 Minutes
Route:
Leeds & Liverpool Canal - Britania Bridge - Kirkless Hall Inn - Top Lock - Haigh Hall - School Lane - Pendlebury Lane - Haigh Hall - Top Lock - Kirkless Hall Inn - Britania Bridge - Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Map and Photo Gallery
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Poolstock Wigan 18:15pm 18°C
My bike had been gathering dust in work after leaving it there to create some space at home, I even thought about selling it which I'd probably end up regretting so I ended up buying one of those build yourself bike sheds which I'd completed last weekend and after a quick service, the bike was looking and riding like new again.
The former site of the Westwood Power Station 1950 - 1989
The wharf on the opposite side on the canal is where the old canal barges would unload coal from nearby Bickershaw Colliery which went onto power the power station.
Passing through Rose Bridge.
It had occurred to me that I hadn't seen that many canal boats this summer and for the life of me I didn't know why until I started to climb the Wigan Lock Flight where between two sets of locks the canal had been drained which I later learned was due to a burst water main and damaged aqueduct.
Top Lock.
Considering I've been out of the saddle for twelve months I'd enjoyed the hillier sections, shame my arse was a tad saddle sore though!
That golden hour.
I'm almost in Haigh Hall now with about thirty five minutes left until sunset when the light turns crisp and bright.
Looking ahead.
And looking back.
After a few minutes I'd arrived in Haigh Hall and left the canal via a steep ramp which I'd given myself a good run at before dropping the bike into first gear at the last minute which worked a treat.
Haigh Plantations.
Nearly at Haigh Hall.
Loving the light.
Haigh Hall.
The hall has undergone a fifty million pound face lift / restoration which once complete will include an art gallery, education area for children, event spaces for weddings and parties, rooftop terrace and restaurant, bar. Up until a couple of months ago the hall was completely under cover.
Looking out across Haigh Golf Course.
The sun is slowing sinking but leaving a lovely display of light.
Haigh Windmill 1838 - 1895
Once used to pump water from two nearby ponds to provide water to nearby Haigh Brewery.
Winter Hill from School Lane, Haigh.
With Wheelton Plantation seen to the left.
Looking new again.
Too new for my liking I need to ride through some muddy puddles on the way home!
Turning left onto Pendlebury Lane.
Where I was met with this brilliant view of the sunset.
Time to head home now.
With just ten minutes left until the sunset I took a long gulp from my water bottle and set off back towards the canal.
But with views as good as this.
I kept stopping.
That's your lot.
Eventually I got back on the bike but seconds later I could hear the clip-clopping of horses hoofs and sure enough from above the edge two women riding horses were trotting towards me with a third walking reigns at hand of a third horse holding up the rear, I stopped my bike completely and was thanked warmly by all three women. I saddled up again and joined the canal to see the sun disappearing behind a horizontal cloud expanding the golden light across the horizon breaking through the tree line for the next few minutes before being replaced by a pale blue and a sudden drop in temperature.
