Wharfe and Weft

Blackburn 6/7 miles

Walkers :- Paddy, John W, Anthony, Martin, Mike, John R.

Just a short drive took us to Blackburn where we parked amidst the Victorian splendour of the suburbs surrounding Corporation Park. 

 Immediately across the still cobbled side road and a small gate allowed us into the magnificence of Corporation Park.  Our path led us upwards for a short distance before a flight of stones steps quickly took us even higher into the park as we searched for one of the four "Panopticans" placed around the district. Some of our group had not previously visited this panoptican and we spent some time enjoying the promised view which it afforded.

 Experience has taught us not to trust steep paved paths in parks which are often rendered slippery by leaves and  slimy growths. So it was a cautious and slow descent through the park.

 This wonderful Park has much to recommend it and so much to see.

 The rather beautiful but sadly neglected orangery or conservatory

 

One of many handsome statues to be found in the park.

The park had made much use of water features and a fine job it had done.

By the time we had descended the entire length of the park and arrived at the imposing gates it was coffee time and as the sun was shining warmly on the war memorial we chose this spot for our "elevenses".

Coffee time over we left the park and turned towards the town centre where we walked down the handsome Richmond Terrace to visit the textile museum.  Unfortunately it did not open until sometime later so we moved on. The quite vast buildings of Thwaites Brewery lay before us and it took just a little while to circumnavigate it. Before bidding it adieu we admired the "Terracotta" mural on it's wall.

 A short climb away from the brewery and a helpful pointer from a car park attendant and we arrived at the canal a short distance from the preservation area of "Eanam Wharfe"

 "Oh come on Paddy. It was only a five pence coin."

It was rather early for lunch but a warm sun, inviting seating and an interesting spot persuaded us to start munching. We also noticed an inflatable boat which was feeling a little "DE-flated".

Lunch over and we now briefly retraced our steps before continuing along the canal heading for the "Wainright Bridge." This was originally called the "Millennium Bridge" but was altered to celebrate the famous citizen's anniversary. Before leaving the canal and arriving at the bridge a rather  unusual object was spotted by paddy and fished out of the canal.

   "What's this 'ere then ?"

"Another of John's silly hats ?"

NO !

Under the "Brewery Bridge" and about 100yds beyond and we left the canal to traverse the Wainright Bridge which your writer for one found just a little disappointing'

Shortly afterwards three of the group went astray and had to be brought to heel by Paddy. Back together and a steady plod took us back to the middle of town where the broadcasting station of BBC Radio Lancashire wiled us into it's warm embrace.

After spending some time looking at the WW1 exhibition  we crossed the road and walked the short distance to the Cathedral. In a rather less than respectful manner  we ignored the religious aspects of the cathedral and went straight down into the crypt and warming beverages all round.

 But we made amends by spending time afterwards exploring the body of the church itself. It was judged to be delightfully airy and light but we were slightly surprised to see a crucifix with a figure with a statue on either side in support. This felt a rather Roman Catholic display.  We were universal in our admiration of this "Modern" cathedral.

Our interest filled walk continued as we returned to the previously closed museum. A small but fascinating glimpse into Blackburn's past. It was rather unsettling a visit as many of the "Historic" exhibits were all too familiar to most of our group. 

Paddy points to a Victorian predecessor. A "Chemist and druggist".

and here's our rather fierce looking author taking photos on his miniaturised digital camera

And so we headed back to the cars by way of a steep climb up through Corporation Park but not before encountering another drama. That of a road accident.

The "shepherd" does not want you to see the body lying in the road. (the victim was alive and did not appear to be seriously hurt.........we hope !)

THE END    

G.G.

p.s. It is always amazing how much of interest even a very ordinary (sorry Blackburnians) town can offer.

Corporation Park--->   Panopticon--->   Museum--->   Brewery--->   Canal Wharfe--->   Celebrity Bridge--->   Radio Station--->   Cathedral---> etc.   An excellent walk. Well Done !

p.p.s. The gnome did not forget or lose ANYTHING ! 

and again a few more photos from the day.

"Sorry luv. Can't hear you properly. Mi 'phone seems to have disappeared !