WALKERS :- John W. Danny, Martin, Mike,
John R, Anthony, Paddy.
The Seven Samurai... X no.
The Magnificent Seven.. X No
The Seven Old F---s.. YES !
You will, of course, have guessed that only seven of us walked today on a gentle, time, challenge and length limited walk. With five of us off on holiday to Spain NEXT WEEK we did not want any mishaps to occur THIS WEEK.
Leaving the car park close to the locally famous "Continental" Pub we followed the River Ribble downstream a short distance to the Old Penwortham Bridge, (1740.)
Arriving at the steps up onto the bridge.
We gathered briefly on the Northern side of the bridge before crossing over from Preston to Penwortham (lower).
How old are those cobbles ?.... In better condition than our other roads.
At the far end of the bridge we looked for a stone which has connection (not sure exactly what) with a previous bridge the collapse of which required the building of this one.
From here we followed the busy road towards Lostock Hall passing as we did the house where one of Paddy's daughters lives. Scarcely half a mile along this road we came to the decorative arch which was the start of the footpath/cycleway leading to the Old Tram Road.
F1 Racers ?
The footpath rose gently until it was level with or merging with the old Preston - Southport railway line.
As we walked great wafts of nostalgia floated around us as the playing fields of Preston Catholic College, where several of us had triumphed or perhaps more truthfully suffered all those years ago, appeared through the trees to our right.
A gap in the trees allows us a view of the playing fields and even a sight of the house which belonged to a much favoured "Schoolmaster" with whom we are still in touch.
A handy set of benches allowed us the opportunity to take an early coffee/tea break and wallow in the aforesaid nostalgia for a while.
Paddy tries out a rather "Arty" bench
Whilst Mike checks out the highly unusual " street" lighting.
We continued to follow the old railway line towards Tram Road. As we arrived at the embankment the track split. We took the road to the right which passed the "Vernon Carrus" sports fields as it took us towards Factory Lane.
Just short of Factory Lane, however, an intriguing little foot path wandered off, seemingly following the edge of the embankment. We followed it.
We eventually arrived at the end of Factory Lane where we passed an unusual construction straddling a small brook. We had no idea what it was.
And then we came to the ruinous buildings which were once the prestigious home of Vernon Carrus, manufacturer of medical supplies.
Factory Lane led briefly away to the left before petering out into a gravelly track then rising to meet Tram Road.
A scary moment as we thought Danny might have done a "Vic" on us.... but no .... there he is.
Tram Road is rather like an art school exercise in "Perspective" as it seems to fade away into the distance before reaching the famous "Vanishing Point".
As we walked down this beautiful tree lined avenue Danny informed us that most of the ancient trees were Limes and that the avenue would be delightfully scented when they flowered.
and we got distant glimpses of that magnificent edifice - the County Hotel which we would pass nearer to later in our walk.
There was also evidence of the passage of "Meanderthals" or if not them. then something equally childish.
Ten minutes or so later after meeting up with several dogs (and their owners) we arrived at Tram Bridge. You will know from our last blog report that this was once a horse drawn tramway connecting the LEEDS/LIVERPOOL canal to the LANCASTER canal.
We did not venture onto the bridge but dropped down to the left to pass underneath it and head towards the confluence of the Ribble and the Darwen.
As we passed under the bridge we saw the evidence of homeless persons seeking refuge there.
What a shameful sight in one of the richest countries in the world.
Back on the banks of the river we headed towards Walton le Dale and the busy A6 road.
Just before we reached the River Darwen we took a right turn which led us under the bridge carrying the road past the Capitol Shopping area. Here we stopped whilst Danny told us about the "Cut" between the river Ribble and the Darwen which historically was used to power several mills . No trace of it remains.
Danny the history lecturer.
Just prior to reaching the A6 we slowed down (how much slower can we get ???) to admire the almost Disney like charms of Walton Green. It almost seemed to have been transplanted from some Cotswold Village or South Downs hamlet.
And so out onto the A6 and past Pinocchio's Restaurant where , reputedly, Cromwell had slept at the time of the Battle of Preston. (Oh Boy ! Did that fella sleep around.. or what ?) Here we were regaled by another tale from electrician Mike who before he retired had been called to fix a photocopier at the mill. Total mystery....until he opened up it's innards to find a very surprised and very dead MOUSE clinging tightly to one of the wires. (Perhaps mistook it for a computer !!)
Another mystery......... around the next corner was an ordinary looking terraced house but in the window we saw this.
.....and beyond the window the house seemed to be full of antique dolls and other very old artifacts. Very odd.
Lunchtime.......was taken overlooking the river opposite the Capitol Centre. The council had thoughtful provided some excellent benches.
"See no evil, hear no evil..........." No. No. No. we've done that one before.
Across the busy road and onto London Road Bridge. Yet more Cromwellian connections (Civil War)
Over the bridge and a left turn took us onto the "Boulevard" which has apparently been renamed for part of it's length but your writer can't remember what.
Further evidence of the spring ( When's summer coming ?) could be seen along the banks.
Burgeoning Wild Flowers
Nesting Goose.
.......but I shall leave it to your own fertile imaginations to work out what "Catholic Maths" is or are.
We were now approaching Avenham Park and Tram Bridge (from the other side) could be seen in the distance.
Up a short slope and the bridge was to our left as we entered the park.
Along the delightful tree lined avenue which separates the superb park from the banks of the river and we arrived at the café. Surprise ! Surprise ! it was coffee time.
Just after this photo was taken Danny treated us all to a superb display of "Coffee Juggling !"
Thanks Paddy for the very welcome beverages.
Out of Avenham park, through a railway arch and into the even more splendid "Miller Park" where once again the County Hotel caught our attention.
We had stopped briefly to pay our respects to the memorial to a young man who had gone missing only to be found some time later in the river.
Our Journey over we walked quickly to the cars where wonder of wonders, there was CAKE ! The day before Danny had joined the already crowded "Septuagenarian Club".
" Happy Birthday to you... Happy birthday to........etc. etc. "
Martin ! No need to go down on your knees to Paddy. Danny will give you some cake with pleasure .
And so, with our mouths full of delicious carrot cake, our day arrives at .....
THE END
No comments:
Post a Comment