Worden Park

With such a varied and diverse countryside in Lancashire it is easy to overlook the municipal park as a means of getting out into the fresh air. It will come as no surprise to discover all the main towns in the county have large areas of open space set aside for public amenity. In the coming weeks many of these will be featured but we begin with Worden Park in Leyland.

Once the home of the Farington family, Worden Park was taken over by the local authority in 1951. Since local government reorganisation in 1974 it has been managed by South Ribble Borough Council. Covering over 60 hectares it caters for a wide range of community activities. Close to the site of the old hall the courtyard is devoted to art and crafts and has a theatre. Nearby this centre there is a thriving miniature railway which on Sundays during the summer offers rides to the public. Run by volunteers it is a very popular attraction. On the town side of the park a large section is given over to playing fields, while just beyond the duck pond there is a children's playground.

Situated on the southern edge of Leyland the park acts like a natural buffer between town and countryside. It has an abundance of plant and animal life.

All these aspects make Worden Park a popular attraction with over a quarter of a million visitors coming from a wide area to enjoy the activities it offers. Little wonder then that it is also a prize winning park. Since the inception of the Green Flag  Award in 1996 Worden Park is the only open space north of London to be awarded it every year - a remarkable achievement.


 Start: Main car park, Worden Lane.

 

 From M6 junction 29 follow signs for the town centre. From Turpin Green Lane turn left into King Street. At traffic lights turn left into Towngate.  As you approach Tesco's turn left at traffic lights and then right onto Church Road. Follow the road as it bend to the left. Cross the mini roundabout at the top of Fox Lane into Worden Lane. The entrance to the park is 500m along on the right.

Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette

Factfile: Distance: 3k 2m
               Time: One hour to do the walk, two to three hours to make use of the attractions and several more hours if you go into the maze.
                Summary: An easy walk on surfaced paths.
               Map: OS Explorer 285 Southport & Chorley

Directions: The first part of the walk is not in the park at all but requires you to return to Worden Lane and turn right walking alongside the old stone walls of the estate. Pass a second entrance and turn right onto a footpath close by Swiss Lodge.

The path follows Shaw Brook on your left through a wooded vale. In about 300m you will reach the folly which was built in the late 18th century to adorn the small waterfall. It takes the form of an arched ruin.

 Now on the park's nature trail, keep to the main path as it enters a more densely wooded area and then crosses a wooden bridge.

After a second footbridge there is a stone shelter on a brow - at one time a summer house.

The third footbridge will bring pass a pond and onto a tarmac drive.

Turn right. A short distance ahead follow turn right again onto a stoned path. You are now skirting the Walled Garden on your left.

Over the past three years the garden has been undergoing a programme of restoration and improvement in a partnership project between South Ribble Borough Council and a group of charities. The project's main aim is to allow people with learning difficulties develop life skills and practical skills in an integrated working environment. Supported by helpers and volunteers the service users have contributed substantially to the recovery of the garden.

When the path forks bear right to reach the entrance to the maze - a lime tree marks its centre.

 It you want to extended the walk by 5 miles - enter the maze. If not turn right and walk along the outside of the maze to reach the formal gardens.

From here there is easy access into the courtyard and the Arts and Crafts centre and the coffee shop.

Follow signs to return to the car park but if you wish to extend your walk cross the playing fields to reach a wooded footpath beyond the children's playground.

 

Turn right to reach Worden Lane.