Wednesday 21st June 2023

Wednesday 21^st June 2023

Monthly Walk: Section of the Kingfisher & Tongue Trails

Sixteen walkers set out from the car park at Jumbles Reservoir, on a very hot and sunny morning, and after descending the steep path joined the Kingfisher Trail that follows the Bradshaw Brook into Bradshaw. Once across the main road we headed up to the entrance of Longsight Park and Arboretum, where we turned left and continued to follow Bradshaw Brook through the welcome shade of the trees. The paths are numerous in the park, and it was as well that the route had been well planned.

 

Eventually we arrived at the picturesque hamlet of Firwood Fold, where Samuel Crompton was born in one of the farm cottages in December 1753. His family only lived in the cottage until 1758 when they moved to Hall I’ th’ Wood. We took advantage of the shade in the hamlet for our morning coffee break.

Once refreshed we made our way out of the woods, where we first crossed Tongue Moor Road, then Crompton Way, before making our way along Green Way to Hall I’ th’ Wood. The hall is a Tudor wooden framed house that was built in the 16^th century. During the 18th century the house was divided into apartments, one of which was rented by the Crompton family. It was here that Samuel invented the Spinning Mule that was to revolutionise the textile industry.

After spending time admiring the house, but saddened by its condition, we joined a footpath that soon took us into a wooded valley, where we followed Eagley Brook, that meandered through the picturesque valley to Eagley village. Just before the village we turned right, climbed up a steep footpath and walked through Topping housing estate before joining the access road to Turton Golf Club.

Just before the golf club we turned right and headed down to The King William pub and back to Jumbles Reservoir, where we enjoyed lunch in the sunshine, overlooking the reservoir. After lunch we walked to the head of the reservoir and along the footpath leading to Turton Bottoms. Once in the village we crossed over Birches Road and continued along the footpath, following the stream and made our way to Birches Farm. From here we crossed three fields each one having herds of cattle, fortunately we had our own cow whisperer with us. Once safely through the fields, if not a little stressed we headed back to the car park at Jumbles having covered 10 adventurous miles.