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By Chris Taylor
A new discovery trail has been launched on Scotsman’s Flash in
Poolstock, Wigan. The trail, designed and built by around 30 young
people from the local area comprises of 10 innovative pieces of artwork
located at various points around the flash, which visitors can explore
by boat.
The trail is unique in the fact that it has to be explored by boat,
rather than usual discovery / orienteering trails that are pursued on
foot, and by exploring the trail, visitors are able to view the entire
flash, which comprises of some stunning views.
I went along on the open day, which was packed with local residents,
councillors and all the people involved. The great turnout was made even
better with the arrival of Wigan’s own Mayor, who came along to oversee
the official opening.
After several brief speeches from those who helped to make the train
possible, the ribbon was cut and the trail officially opened.
Entertainment was provided in the form of James Bevington, the World
Junior Kayaking champion. After he demonstrated “how it should be done”,
canoes, kayaks and dragon boats were on hand for anyone willing to take
to the water.
Being on work experience for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, I was
lucky enough to be offered a place in a motorboat in order to explore
the Flash and see the new trail, which allowed me to view all 10 pieces
of artwork without the strain of rowing a canoe.
For anyone interested in water-sports of any kind, the trail is well
worth a look. In a kayak, dragon boat or the like it takes around 45
minutes to see the entire trail, which is situated at various places
around the Flash.
The trail is also ideal for educational / school visits as the
attraction is centred round the history of the Flash and the local area,
as well as the ecology and wildlife.
The construction of the trail was sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund
who hope that the new attraction will bring even more visitors to the
already popular Flash, which is of regular use by fans of water-sports.
Members of local nature organisations also turned out to see the new
attraction for themselves. Everyone agreed that the discovery trail not
only allows visitors to use to the Flash for fun and activities, but
also to learn about the ecology of the area, and the history of the
Flash, dating back to how it was created millions of years ago.
The works of art that make up the trail range from a mosaic of local
transport that depicts the Leeds, Liverpool Canal and local railways, to
a sunken model of the monstrous Pike that is said to inhabit the waters!
One particular featured of the trail to note is the unique “Pie Dial”,
which as the name suggests is a sundial shaped like a pie. I was told
that this is to celebrate Wigan’s little known heritage of word class
clock-makers, as well as the Borough’s current stereotype of the people
as “pie-eaters.”
Group bookings are available, and all the necessary equipment such as
life vests and wet suits are provided at the scene.
For the more adventurous visitors, sailing boats and windsurfing
equipment are available to rent for use on the Flash.
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