During the freezingly cold January of 2010 I was determined not to waste a minute of my time in the Lancashire countryside once the sun started to shine.

Whilst snowed in, I planned to stroll around the paths surrounding the old halls and country parks and to celebrate how lucky we are to have such treasures so close to us. This one takes in Haigh Hall at Wigan.

From the car park go to the park entrance which is on the left as you come in. Turn left through the golf club (open to the general public) and see the family putting green on the right.

Pass the old stable block (within which is the cafe complex) with its impressive clock tower and turn left.

The very impressive children’s playground is on both sides of the wide track. Pass a pond on the left with colourful water lilies and a fountain. Next on the left is a crazy golf course.

Approach the large walled garden – seen at its very best at this time of year. Entry to this is through an arch and inside are lots of cosy seats away from the hustle and bustle of the playground areas.

Just before the walled garden there is a picnic site on the right and, as elsewhere in the country park, dogs are welcome on leads, it should go without saying that poo should be picked up. From the garden the route continues straight ahead. The sign indicating the miniature railway should be ignored at this point, cross the line.

At the large pond on the left is the ideal place to enjoy a bird watch. After meandering for a while the path sweeps to the right.

Cross the railway line with the little station away to the right. The route then continues straight ahead with part of the golf course to the left and Haigh Hall ahead.

In 1188 the Haigh estate was owned by Hugh Le Norreys but it was Mabel, the daughter of his grandson, who brought fame to the family.

In 1295 she married into the Anglo-Saxon family of de Bradshaigh. The Bradshaighs remained in residence until 1770 when the estate ran out of male heirs. It passed into the hands of 10-year-old Elizabeth Dairymple and she eventually married the Earl of Crawford who set about mining a rich seam of coal. He also started his own iron foundry. In 1947 the estate was bought by Wigan Corporation.

At the hall turn right and then left. Ascend the steep road and return to the stable block and car park.