The Meanderthals: 2016

SALFORD QUAYS 7 Miles

WALKERS :- Paddy, Harry, Vic, Anthony Dave
John W, John R, Jim C, Jim D.

We left Preston in good order and good spirits. Thereafter confusion began to creep into our day. The F1 driving style of those in front left John W cursing as he weaved his way through the busy motorway traffic trying desperately to keep the cars in front in sight. The tension increased as we negotiated the maze of "Traffic Lighted" junctions as we approached Salford Quays. At this point we lost Paddy and there was no sign of him as we parked up in the Lowry Outlet Centre. A 'phone call and several minutes later and Paddy appeared and parked close by. Now...... "All is calm. All is bright ."

We emerged from the car park into the rather bewildering pathways of the Lowry shopping centre where our first "Muddle" began - Toilets ! There appeared to be NO signage as to their whereabouts. We eventually found them and then sought out the next old man's "Essential" - CAFFEINE"

Two or three less thirsty members of the group wandered off to look at one of the spectacular bridges crossing the quays.

The reader will by now have noticed the head wear sported by each of the group. This was to be our annual "Santa Saunter" so Santa Hats were a requirement.

The group gathered together again and set off to cross one of the other bridges on the quays.

We now followed the bank opposite "Media City" as it led us in the direction of "Old Trafford" the home of Manchester United.

As we followed the footpath we were passed by numerous schoolchildren as their teachers herded them towards whatever target they had in mind. They were astonished to see so many elderly Santas and our passage was greeted by many smiles and shy waves.

Very soon the route turned away from the waterside and there before us was the famous stadium.

For the second time the Santa Hats proved to be an "Icebreaker" as a friendly "Hawker" approached us with a very appropriate message.

We did not linger long within the hallowed precincts. Just long enough for an odd photo.

Best, Law and Charlton. Sounds like a dodgy law firm.

Having left the "Manchester Ship Canal" behind we dropped down some steps to follow its smaller neighbour, the "Bridgewater Canal".

It was not long before we arrived at the above bridge which crossed the canal to follow the opposite towpath which would take us to "Castlefields", Not , however, before taking the almost obligatory "Bridge Photo".

It was not the first time we had followed this route but it was still pleasant and interesting. On the opposite side of the canal the modern structures of the "Metro" stood like a reminder of the progress transport had made over the centuries.

On one side of the canal we came across some sort of a "sump". We did not linger as the site was quite disgusting.

Soon we arrived at Castlefields at the junction of several waterways. LUNCHTIME !

Lunch over and we recrossed the canal by a rather photogenic little bridge with a watery backdrop (Literally) and followed it to the next exit near to the end of "Deansgate"

As we walked we passed further evidence of "Old" and "New" constuction.

The busy thoroughfare of "Deansgate" greeted us as we climbed up from the canal.
Our snaking group of Santa hatted Meanderthals caused quite a stir as we threaded our way through the Christmas Market filled streets. Many a smile was observed and many a chuckle heard.

We briefly lost one of our members. (Not Vic this time) but soon Dave caught us up and handed round large pieces of scrumptious, (not a word I like but fitting) coated fudge he had purchased at one of the stalls.

OOOoohhh Look. Fudge !

We made a brief obeisance to the Magnificent Town hall festively adorned with a rather large Santa

before dropping down through a narrow side street to visit the church of Mary, known as "The Hidden Gem".

Inside the hidden Gem

Part of the very modern "Stations of the Cross"

Briefly back onto Deansgate before turning into St Ann's Square were we sat to finish our flask. Again we attracted attention and were greeted, commented upon and even photographed.

Onward again searching for the Metro line that would take us back to "Media City"

The ticket machine was rather a challenge and almost defeated the combined efforts of nine "Intelligent" men. (would you care to repeat that word ?......... NO !)

Terrible Ticket Traumas !

E V E N T U A L L Y we all got tickets and clambered aboard the correct tram.....again, not before a group of highly amused and giggling young ladies shouted to our group to ask "Have you got our letters ?"

By the time we arrived at "Media City" it was dark enough to see the light show.

Just before we went back inside the shopping Centre for the car park. a team of reporters from "Manchester Television" collared us for a comment on one of the light sculptures. Guess who "volunteered" to go in in front of the camera !

You're right ! Vic. Star of stage, screen and television !

At last back to the car park where our muddles continued. Paddy's car had gone AWOL. Soon found and off we went through the massed motors of Manchester's evening debouchure.

An incredibly interest filled walk with more photos to follow below.