LANCASTER HALTON

WEATHERPROOF ! 6 Miles

WALKERS :- John W, Mike, Paddy, Anthony, 

                       James, Danny, Jim, Dave, Vic.

With a dire weather forecast for the day we all donned our waterproofs before setting off. 

We had parked in the Car Park next to the unusual, single lane "Halton Bridge". an area we had cycled through on several occasions.

Leaving the car park we followed the road back to the Lancaster to Hornby road. Over the road and up the lane opposite with the grey of the day beginning to turn rather "damp"

The track led us steadily upwards with a strong wind blowing the increasingly heavy rain into our faces.

With "Talk" being as important as "Walk" there is always time to stop and discus things.

Your writer must confess that he saw little of the surrounding countryside for the first hour or so as he was plodding head down  to avoid the blustery rain.  He did notice some remarkably UN-interesting stones and puddles as the toes of his boots beat out a slow Splish Splash in front of him. 

With coffee time rapidly approaching our walk was providing little shelter as the rain continued to sweep about us.  Our leader for the day (Anthony) had sensibly decided that the café in Williamson Park was probably our best bet so although 11 o'clock was now behind us we forged (Rather a dramatic word for a wet walk) ahead.

We passed the heavy security fencing of the "Young Offenders Compound"

This was the second consecutive walk on which we have passed a place of incarceration.  We remain joyously free to walk where we wish. (Even when cold and wet)

But to cut a long story short …………..

 ……. "That's scraping the barrel.. even for you JW".

With the trees offering some shelter (not a lot) Danny pauses to take a photo of one of our "Dripping" group who asked to remain anonymous. "Don't worry I shan't say a word to anyone Mike."

Soon after we passed the site of the old Lancaster Moor Hospital (More incarceration ?) which has been redeveloped in recent years.

Attached to a lamp post was an advert. Just the right place for Meanderthals,

Just a little further and we entered Williamson Park and headed uphill in search of the café next to the  butterfly House and the Ashton Memorial. 

Before reaching the buildings we passed a rather simplified bird watching hide. On the other side of this rather odd wall was an enclosure with bird feeders inside.

At last the dry warmth of the café and cups of tea or coffee provided by Mr Anonymous. (It was Mike again...Thanks).

We "lounged" with our coffees for about twenty minutes before leaving to brave the wintry weather once more. It was , however, lunchtime by now so a further long trek (100 yds) found us inside the Ashton Memorial.

The quite magnificent monument has offered us a sheltered dining place on previous walks and with seating limited we spread ourselves around the circular hall.

As we sat eating our sandwiches a glance through the windows showed us that the sky had brightened and even scrappy patches of blue had appeared.

Lunch over we packed flasks and sandwich boxes away and put rucksacks back on our shoulders. As we departed Vic announced that there was a notice saying "No food or drinks to consumed on these premises".  Oh dear ! We'd better leave !

Down the steps and then continuing downwards we followed the path leading towards Lancaster.

A hint of "Dreaming Spires" here.

Rather more Steaming  than Dreaming

The path continued steeply down until it joined the road which dropped down past the Cathedral. Here, as we passed Royal Lancaster Grammar School, a door opened and a young lady appeared and jumped back in surprise (horror ?) at the sight of a large group of elderly gentlemen.

Once over the shock she was happy to chat for a few minutes.

Down past the cathedral and a sharp turn through a car park before arriving at the canal.

Beyond the car park, behind the trees and before the cathedral lies the canal.

Canals always offer an interesting link between places we visit. Full of life and activity. This stretch  was no exception

Who was Joseph Clayton ? (answers on the back of a fag packet please. "Passing Cloud" by preference.)

Unusual gardens

Graffiti

Eccentric Bird boxes ?

Which J W tried to play.

and things lurking in the watery depths

We continued along the canal stopping briefly at intervals to allow the natterers and chatterers to catch up.

"Which way now ?" asks Paddy.

"Carry on along the canal" says Anthony our leader. "Until we get to the aqueduct over the Lune."

We crossed over the main road out of Lancaster and then arrived at the aqueduct where we dropped down to the cycleway/footpath.

Just close to the bridge a stone seemed to indicate a path specially for CATS ! Surely not .

Anyone know what this means ?

From here we followed the well surfaced track as it followed the Lune upstream to Halton and the cars. Passing, as we did, underneath several bridges.

Before long we were back at the car park. The day had once more proved an often repeated phrase amongst our walkers that it " NEVER rains ALL day". We had arrived back at the cars with our clothing , in the main, pretty dry. Sadly it had been no-ones  birthday this week so we had to go home "Cakeless. "   Ah well ! It had been a good "Wet & Dry" walk. Well done.

THE END

p.s.  The riddle of the "Cat" stone has been solved (thanks Anthony) It's almost as bad as a JW effort...…………………… Wait for it...………… here it comes...…..

CAT on Road...……….  CATON Rd,   Aargh !!!