Hullo. How are you? I hope you are having a good day. I’m Mark and I’m walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats…
The day started with some urban walking along the A49 and over the M62 motorway then continuing along the A-road to Newton-le-Willows.
From Newton, I left the main roads and headed back into the countryside. A short distance out of the town, I crossed the border between Cheshire and Lancashire, bagging yet another county, which feels incredible.
The route took me through Haydock Park racecourse. Literally through it – the public right of way cuts directly across the track, giving an interesting view of the course.
I then walked around the outskirts of Golborne and into really pleasant woodlands for a few miles.
As I walked through the woods on the well kept paths, I kept noticing tiny model houses 15 feet or so into the woods on both sides of the track. I have no idea who placed them there or what they are for, but it made the walk amusing and, I imagine, make comfy homes for wayward hedgehogs.
The woodland walk brought me to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. This is an impressive project, started in 1770 and spanning 127 miles over the Pennines, via 91 locks, to join the two cities. I cannot help feeling the history beneath my feet when walking along the canal system. Imagining Yorkshire traders sending their goods to the sea ports of Liverpool for export to the world and exotic goods finding their way to Leeds from every imaginable culture.
The canal towpath is amongst the best kept I know of, making the final three or so miles into Wigan a breeze and delight.
The canal passes through the Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve, which creates an extraordinary leisure facility for the local community. Each lake has its own name, my favourite of which was Scotsman’s Flash, which was noisy and excited by scores of young people playing on the river in canoes and paddle boards.
The canal path runs all the way into the centre of Wigan giving an interesting juxtaposition between a busy road to one side and a tranquil set of locks to the other.
Arriving into Wigan, I had an explore around town before heading to my hotel for my usual routine of washing my gear and getting dressed for the evening.
The Day 29 Vlog
Fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support
As I walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats, I am hoping to raise £10,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support, who do such a wonderful job of supporting families through the most difficult times. If you are able to spare any amount and would like to donate to MacMillan, please do so through my Just Giving Page.
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