The Meanderthals: Lancaster

29th January 7.28 miles
Walkers Vic, Martin, Anthony, Paddy, John W

Heedless of the atrocious weather forecast our intrepid band set off as usual with "Hearts Aglow" and headed for Lancaster. Our numbers were somewhat diminished by ecclesiastical duties and ailing relatives.

After a little difficulty parking we finally left the car a short distance from "Nazareth House" and set off in spring-like sunshine. We were all clad in in what approximated to Arctic Attire and felt rather absurd as "Normally" dressed folk passed us by. A few minutes later we turned off the road leading into the city centre and followed a beautifully cobbled footpath that led us steeply northwards towards the canal. The steepness of the path was short lived and we soon topped the rise and paused to admire the view over the city and down to the canal before us. We quickly dropped down to the canal and crossed it by a rather handsome bridge meeting as we did two fashionably and sportilly dressed young (ish) ladies wielding TWO poles each and striding out in the opposite direction. Such obvious fitness can be rather depressing.

And so...once more we found ourselves following a canal into a city centre. The sunshine blessed us still. This rather attractive stretch of canal took us back to the main road through the town. Turning left the road led us down towards the river but we had other things to do first. Not far down the road we came across the entrance to a group of almshouses. These formed an intimate rectangle which contained a small but attractive garden area leading to a tiny chapel. Godliness being demanded by the Victorian guardians of the morality of their impoverished clients. Indeed within the chapel we found instructions for the tenants to be sober, prompt, tidy in their appearance and in bed by 10pm !

Next stop Lancaster Castle and prison were we were unable to resist the temptations of the rather pleasant cafe . Hot chocolates and coffees served by delightful staff and paid for by Martin (I note this so that Martin (and Paddy) will not getaway with paying again.) The buildings of the prison appeared to be in poor condition, no doubt pleasing to the souls who are no longer incarcerated there. Before leaving we availed ourselves of the "facilities" - no easy task with several layers of clothing keeping out the weather and then worked our way around the raised pathway of the Castle. As we did so a fire alarm went off and we were treated to the site of bewigged judiciary waiting out in the cold for the all clear. One of their number greeted John W as an old friend "Who is she ?" pondered John. She told him ! "Of course" he said.
A quick visit to the Priory which had ancient connections to Cockersands Abbey (one of our regular walk destinations.) and so down to the River Lune at the Millennium Bridge. A very brief stop and as the weather began to take notice of the weather forecasters we headed up through the city centre. Past the "Dukes Playhouse" and Dalton Square and so for our next brief visit - The Catholic Cathedral. I find this a remarkably uninspiring building BUT........... A steady plod uphill past the Cathedral and into Williamson Park where we sought the shelter of the Ashton Monument for our lunch. The weather was now decidedly wintry and as we sat in the warmth and shelter of the elegant and magnificent tribute to a loved wife, a fierce blizzard turned the park white. Lunch consumed and on down through the park, passing the rock surrounded pond and out onto the roads again. The weather was now rather unfriendly and with heads down we made our way back to the car which was some distance away.

A walk full of interest with many stops and discussions. Led by Anthony well done.