Walkers:- Paddy, Anthony, Martin, Mike
John R, John W, James, Harry.
Seven Santas left Fulwood shortly after 9.30 and soon arrived at a rather surprising Worden Car Park. We drove through the magnificent new gateway to see that gone was the rough gravel surface and in its place was a pristine tarmac surface with bright white markings and warnings as to the dire consequences of careless parking or overstaying one's welcome (3 hours Max.) John R., whom we had arranged to meet, was nowhere to be seen. He soon appeared, however, and told us of some unfettered parking close by. We moved our cars ! Then off we set.
Worden is a prize-winning park full of interest. We first passed the miniature railway where a new engine shed was being constructed. (Government grant for "Slow Speed 2" perhaps ?) Then on past the cafe and into the cobbled yard of the craft workshops where Paddy had had his Missal re-bound which sounds rather a hazardous exercise. Bouncing Missals are to be avoided !
Paddy in the craft yard. Head down to avoid religious U F Os
Immediately outside the yard was the large, leaning tree which had been planted to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee. Cedar of Lebanon. The nearby conservatory caught some peoples attention as had an attractive but unknown flowering shrub in the yard. From here we walked the short distance to the Maze. Boldly, our intrepid walkers stepped through the gates and began to follow the paths through it. Even though we could clearly see the paths through the winterthin hedges we frequently had to retrace our steps. Eventually we arrived at the centre of the maze, marked by a large tree. Here, conscious of the possibility of a lengthy escape we decided to have our morning coffee break.
We had nothing to fear as the maze offered an "Idiots" escape route which we, being fully qualified "Idiots", were happy to use.
There was much more to explore in the park but we left this behind us and took the main pathway as it led out of the park towards the southern end of "Schleswig Way".
In spite of the forecast of teeming rain by lunchtime the sky now began to show signs of brightening and blue patches, albeit small ones, began to appear. A good but damp track now led us along the edge of Leyland's built up area and a short way along here John W spotted a golf club (No 7 iron for aficionados) in the hedge. Quite fortuitous in a way as he had left his "pole" in the car and golf club acted as a makeshift walking stick for the rest of the day.
The track ended at Leyland lane at a point about 50 metres from the southernmost roundabout on Schleswig Way, We crossed both and in a couple of hundred yards took to the fields to follow the banks of the River Lostock. A rather damp choice and not on the planned route but it had been a considered option.
Lunchtime was upon us by now and we searched for a sheltered spot to settle down.
And here they are.....plus photographer.
Our journey continued with a decidedly "perfumed" atmosphere as we skirted the edge of a large sewage works. Our sojourns would not be the same without a little indecision as to the way forward. but problems were soon solved and we quickly made our way back to the planned route. We now came to quite a busy road which we had trouble crossing until a kindly motorist stopped to let us cross. Well... you really should make way for Santas at this time of year. Altcar lane was now followed up to a right angled turn at which point the planned route was once again abandoned in favour of a rather inviting footpath which followed the dge of a valley on the other side of which was the wooded edge of Worden Park. We were to finish our walking by following the main road back to the car park but roads are never a favourite so we crossed into the park and were directed along a footpath by a group of delightfully helpful youths. The footpath proved rather long and indirect so we left it and slithered up a steep, muddy and leaf strewn bank which opened out at part of the miniature railway we had encountered at the start.
Now we simply had to follow the track back through the park and leave it as we approached the cars.
Once again Martin provided refreshment but this time added to with delicious mince pies supplied by Danny who had been unable to come on the walk. Three cheers for our quartermaster duo "Hip Hip .........etc.
.....and finally John R (last weeks winner) presented the "Walker of the Week" cup to Mike for his cartographically magnificent efforts.
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