A Tour of Penwortham via the River Ribble. 5.5 Miles Wakers Anthony Paddy Martin Vic and Danny

Leaving the car park on Hill Road Penwortham, we turned right then right again down Valley Road. At the end of the road we turned left over a stile and followed a shaded path.

At the end of the path, after passing through a gate, we emerged
into a much brighter landscape of open grassland.

The downside was that the path became quite muddy in places and in others distinctly boggy. The path eventually came to an end with us exiting through a hedge  onto Liverpool Road, by which time we were all suffering from trench foot.

After a short walk along the A59 towards Preston, we turned left
immediately before the bridge crossing the River Ribble and continued along the riverside walk, very popular with dog walkers.

Some wooden sculptures embellished the footpath, keeping a watchful eye on us as we passed by.

A little further along the path brought us to a seating area, which afforded us ample room to social distance while we had our morning brew.

Our walk along the river was enhanced by the many wild flowers
dotted along the edges of the path.

On the opposite side of the water is the Bull Nose, where vessels coming up from the estuary can split off from the river, to enter Preston Dock 

Continuing along the river bank.

Vic is intrigued by the platforms on the pylons.

Leaving the river at a path on our left we headed towards Howick.

Not the grandest venue for our lunch, but beggars can't be choosers.

Off again we shortly arrived at Howick Cross, at the junction with
Liverpool Road.

Crossing over Liverpool Road, our route took us down Howick Moor Lane, passed All Hallows Catholic High School.

On reaching the newly transformed road junction we turned left to
reach a recognisable large roundabout where we crossed over and walked down the r/h side of Booths Superstore. At the end of the road we turned left along Pope Lane and on reaching a bungalow belonging to one of our fellow Meanderthals we crossed over the road to the signpost on the other side and followed the footpath towards  Hurst Grange Park.

We soon reached the entrance to the park.

Not far to go now

But the temptation of a couple of bench seats beside a lake was to much. We finished the remains of our coffee's just as a few drops of rain spurred us on our way

The rain held off, and on completing our walk, Martin once again
provided refreshments in the form of a glass of ginger beer and a mini magnum for anyone who wanted one.

Cheers Martin
DK