Astley Park with Barry Hayhurst
2 to 3 miles with Little Climbing
Each Mid-Week Stroller walk has a destination providing a venue for drinks / snacks / meals etc and starts at 10:30am.
Meet at “The Evaders” memorial garden adjacent to the car park on Hallgate, Chorley (Sat Nav: PR7 1XA), then afterwards at “The Astley” public house, just across the road from the car park on Hallgate.
From the Evaders garden we make our way to Dog Trap Wood, continuing along the perimeter of the park to the Park road gates before heading to the Sensory Gardens and War memorials.
From here we take a little detour and pay a visit to Pets Corner a social enterprise scheme run by The Brothers of Charity, where they have “fluffy animals”, tortoise, reptiles ect; (a small donation to the upkeep maybe required).
We now retrace our steps back to Great Wood following the course of the River Chor. On leaving the woods we make our way to the newly re-stored Grade 1, 17th century Astley Hall, its lake, Walled (Victorian) garden and coach house.
Throughout our stroll look out for many various varieties of flora and fauna eg: Bluebells, Wood Anemone, Marsh Marigold and more along with Mistle Thrush, Tree Creeper, Jay, Goosander. Or catch a fleeting glance of a Kingfisher or Sparrow Hawk.
Just a reminder that the woodland paths could muddy, so remember to wear the appropriate footwear.
After our Jolly jaunt around the park all are invited to retire to The Astley Village Inn (across the car park) for a little refreshments, if you wish.