Bing, Bang, Bong, Sing, Sang, Song. Spring 2025
11 people attending
9 places left
Join Andy and OutdoorLads for a satisfying spring stroll from Bongs (Tyldesley), to the industrial Leigh town centre, and back.
We will start in Bongs - meeting outside the Post Office in the town centre. We will then walk along part of the Manchester looplines/guided bus route to Leigh, where we will meet the 'Leythers' and get some lunch. There will also be plenty of time to have a mooch and a coffee in one of the many cafes around Leigh. After lunch, we will walk back via Lilford Woods.
This walk provides the opportunity for us to learn more about the historical towns of Leigh and Wigan and the huge mining industry and wildlife within the area. We can also explore the history of the looplines and guided busway.
The meeting point is very easily accessible from Manchester, and Wigan / Leigh areas, and both bus routes operate along the busway and operate several services regularly.
Start time 11a.m. Plenty of parking nearby.
For those wanting breakfast, or maybe a slice of cake, there is a lovely bakery at the start point which also sells hot drinks and bacon butties; a variety of fresh sandwiches and pies/pasties etc.
Please note that Tyldesley is easily accessible by bus from Manchester and surrounding areas and there are several nearby guided bus-route stops as the network travels through Tyldesley.
For more information visit:
https://unionarmstyldesley.co.uk/ (Union Arms menu's, including non-gluten and vegan options)
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/greater-manchester/routes-and-maps/vantage (GM Guided Bus Info.)
V1 Leigh to Manchester Royal Infirmary bus routes and timetables can be found here
V2 Atherton to Manchester Royal Infirmary bus routes and timetables can be found here
This walk is approximately 9 miles, and mainly flat terrain. Feel free to come back to the Union Arms in Bongs, (which is dog friendly), for home-cooked food/drinks after the walk. The bus will take us back if the weather is bad.
All photos taken by Growler
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What to bring
A nice comfortable pair of walking shoes should suffice where footwear is concerned.
Walking Boots
Why boots? Won't trainers do?
Well, no - they won't keep your feet dry (think long wet grass, boggy moorland, streams and muddy fields) and they offer very little ankle support on rough paths (mountain walks especially), making twisting an ankle far easier.
Walking trousers or shorts
Sorry - no jeans please. It's happened before where someone has become cold, uncomfortable and miserable after getting their jeans wet early on during a walk. This is an inconvenience at best and a liability at worst, especially on exposed higher level walks. Walking trousers dry far more quickly and are more comfortable when wet.
Water/bladder
Medication if necessary
Rucksack
Boots: Breathable walking shoes. Preferably waterproof for any wet/muddy areas
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Socks: A good walking sock to protect your feet
Layered clothing: Interchangeable base and mid-layer/outer layer recommended for this time of year
Hat/cap
Trousers: A pair of walking trousers over jeans and shorts etc. due to changes in weather and consider a breathable fabric where possible.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Walking pole/s if preferred
You may wish to bring along a camera to capture some of the beauty of this magical part of the country.
Extras
Sit mat
These cost next to nothing, don't take up much space and provide a welcome perch during a lunch break when everyone else has nicked the best seats.
Walking Poles
The popularity of walking poles is steadily increasing as more people realise the benefits of them - this includes people of all ages. Poles offer a better spread of effort on ascent, taking some of the load off the legs and onto the arms. The same concept applies more so during descent due to the additional shock loading which would otherwise be present on the knee joints.
Poles are best used in pairs to balance your gait.
Torch
A torch isn't usually needed for easier walks, but do check the walk write-up as the short daylight hours during winter and evening walks during the summer mean that walks can sometimes finish at or after dusk.
Recommended for mountain walks during summer and winter months.
First-Aid Kit
Even on short walks, it's always useful to have a couple of plasters handy in the case of blisters or other minor mishaps. Compede is useful for blisters in the early stages and is available at most outdoor shops.
For hills or mountain walking, minor cuts and abrasions can and do occur, so a few extra items such as swabs, dressings, tape and antiseptic cream will be useful. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for pain killers.
LifeSystems do a conveniently sized pocket first-aid pouch, also available at most outdoor stores.
Whistle & Survival bag
Useful in the case of emergencies on the hill for attracting attention and keeping warm. Survival bags also offer a convenient way of attaining a faster descent down a suitably snowy hillside - not that we officially condone that sort of thing of course!
Food & drink
Please feel free to bring a packed lunch. There will also be plenty of opportunity to stop somewhere in the town centre and eat lunch and there are many shops nearby to purchase snacks, pasties, sandwiches, burgers and drinks etc. Pub/cafe lunch also an option.
Food & drink
A packed lunch and hot drinks/snacks. Good walking nutrition would involve bringing the following for longer walks…
- Trail Mix.
- Nuts and Seeds.
- Energy Bars.
- Granola/Granola Bars.
- Fruit/Vegetable Puree.
- Canned Fish.
- Water.
- Homemade Power Cookies.