Monday, February 4th was the first of our fortnightly social prescribing walks in partnership with Canal & River Trust.
We walk sections of the Leeds Liverpool canal that runs by Kirkby and Melling. It is a stunning place with beautiful rural views and plenty of nature on the picturesque waterway.
26 people joined in on the very first walk and started on the walk at different muster points. Those clocking up the most steps started the walk from Tower Hill Community Centre walking down towards the Carters Arms and cutting through into Melling via Rainbow Drive.
A group of patients and Dr Maassarani himself, complete with professional walker outfit of warm coat, wellies, hat and gloves joined the walkers from Melling Surgery on Waddicar Lane. We even had some well-behaved dogs join us too!
A group from The Princes Trust then met us at The Horse and Jockey where we walked to the canal en-masse. A quick brief from Sara Ponting of Canal & River Trust and a head count and we were on our way!
In the Summer of 2018, the canal at Melling suffered a devastating breech that took a good few months to repair. Sara pointed out where it had happened and explained the work that had gone into helping local wildlife, cleaning up the canal and carrying out the professional repairs.
Along the walk we saw plenty of water wildlife in the form of ducks and birds. Someone even swore to spotting some fish!
As we got to the white bridge we did a right turn and said hello to our equine friends in the farm. Many grand and noble horses greeted us along with the small, mischievous and very cute Shetland ponies. Lots of selfies were taken!
We stopped off at The Bootle Arms for a quick regroup and some decided to be extra enthusiastic and take themselves past St Thomas’ Church towards Maghull, increasing their walk.
It was back down the field towards Waddicar Farm nursery where we got our group shot. This is a stunning part of the walk as you can see the view for miles.
We headed back to Melling surgery to drop off some of our walkers before heading back up Rainbow Drive and following the route back to Care Merseyside at Tower Hill Community Centre.
Even though temperatures were very crisp and cool, it was a bright sunny day so everyone went away clocking up more steps and more Vitamin D! People made friends, lots of laughs were had and it was great to experience an outdoor activity together.
To join our next Canal & River Trust walk, please check out the latest dates on our event calendar.
