The Meanderthals: PARKING ? NO PROBLEM !

PRESTON PARKS 10 Miles (almost)

WALKERS :- Mike, Paddy, Frank, John R, John W
Anthony, Danny, Vic, Jim D, Jim C.

With possibly the easiest parking spot we have had this year we were soon all gathered ready for our walk. A welcome sight was Martin who, although not ready to walk at the moment, had come along to tell us about his situation as it stood and strongly encourage us ALL to take "the Test" .

With the low winter sun casting long shadows we all listened intently to Martin before setting off around the town.

Park No 1. ,obviously, was Moor Park where the council were busy renewing some of the footpaths.

We stopped briefly to examine a pile of bricks. Could this be a turner prize winner ? No ! It was an apprentice bricklayers piece which in spite of it's obvious weight was carried in a past Guild procession.

Leaving the park behind we walked on through the terraced streets of Deepdale heading towards the start of the Lancaster Canal and Haslam Park (No 2.)

Here we are passing down the locally famous "AKADOK ST." - Preston's curious pronunciation of "Aqueduct St." which formerly passed under the now truncated canal (hence aqueduct) and at the bottom of which is the new beginning of the canal.

We followed the canal for perhaps three quarters of a mile -

- before dropping down into Haslam Park and it's large and rather pretty pond. During this short "Navigation" three of our walkers became separated from the main group but joined us as we sat by the pond for a coffee break.

Off again in search of Park No 3. though Haslam park still had things to offer, not least some magnificent trees,

Out of Haslam Park and along a suburban side road until we arrived at the busy arterial road leading out of Preston towards Lytham, St Annes, Blackpool and the other coastal resorts. The sun was still shining brightly as we crossed the Blackpool Road and entered Ashton Park. Park No 3.

Old Irish Saying "May your shadow never grow less."

The footpath through Ashton Park took us downhill to another busy highway which, having crossed, led us into the Dock Lands. In doing so it passed the old buoy which used to Mark the entrance to the Ribble estuary. The "Nelson Buoy".

Lunchtime was now upon and the quayside at the huge "Albert" dock proved ideal.

The view beyond the water was for us Prestonians really not to be missed.

One or three of the group finished their sandwiches early and went in search of civilised toilets. They were successful and emerged from the clean, warm and well appointed conveniences just as the rest came passing by.

Over the lock gates and down to the "Bull Nose" where the waters from the double "Marinas" disgorge into the River Ribble.

Just a few minutes at the Bull Nose then we pick up the familiar route of the Guild Wheel which we have both walked and cycled along before/

Our steady progress along excellent but hard surfaced paths was by now taking it's toll on the knees ("speak for yourself" I hear murmured) and we soon stopped again to give them a little respite and admire the view.

There appears to be a sickeningly fit person passing by.

The Guild wheel continued to guide us. First to the bottom of Fishergate and Penwortham Bridge and then along Broadgate to another locally iconic spot the "Continental" hostelry. Another brief rest before we entered Park No 4. Miller Park. This is one of the jewels in Preston's crown. (Be quiet you Sand Growners.)

This park is, as it were, twinned with Avenham Park . Park No 5. and here we stopped for a welcome hot drink.

"Are you sitting comfortably ? Then I shall begin." said the wise (?) Mr Johnson. Oh come on ! Surely you're all old enough to remember that.

Coffees, Teas and hot chocolates consumed it was onwards and upwards out of the park but not before a small detachment (very military you see) went off to see the Sebastopol Canons overlooking "Tram Bridge".

A Canon ....... (Yeeees !)

......... overlooking Tram Bridge !

The detachment now quickly joined the Regiment and proceeded to recce the town centre, passing as we did the one time maternity unit in Bairstow street, where both Vic and John W's wife Val were born over ******* years ago.

Going down the rather handsome, Georgian (?)

Bairstow Street.

On through the busy shopping Centres of Fishergate, The Flag Market and Lancaster Rd. passing as we did the magnificent Harris Library building and the equally wonderful Open Covered Market with it's famously huge roof. It was all covered in plastic as major refurbishment takes place.