HUMPHREY HEAD

HUMPHREY HEADLESS 7miles

WALKERS :- Anthony, Vic, John R, Martin
                       Harry, Danny, James, John W.

Clear blue skies and sunshine. That's got to be a good thing. After a two car drive to Grange-over-Sands we parked in a most convenient car park close to the shore. 

Martin's bin 'ere before ……. Oh dear... sorry !

 From the car park we dropped down and followed the path to the bridge taking us over the railway and onto the promenade.

J.W. declared this bridge to be unsafe for toddlers as it had gaps which a child could easily fall through.

Here we saw the first train of the day . Not exactly on track !

Once over the bridge we turned right to follow the prom . In the distance we could see our target "Humphrey Head"

But first we had to pass the "Lido" where John R told us of the campaign to refurbish and reopen the battered site. The campaign was being supported by one of TV's "Hairy Biker" chefs. If I could remember which one I would tell you dear reader but...………..

To one side of the prom was an area of "fitness" equipment which our elderly but UN-wise fellows decided to try.

Move on !  Move on !  before something snaps. (not the equipment).  After a longer than usual drive coffee time was upon us.

From here in Cumbria (formerly Lancashire) we could see right over to the Yorkshire Dales with Ingleborough prominent on the horizon.

At the end of the prom. our way took us under the railway line and briefly alongside a field and past some most attractive (and well "groomed" houses) before returning to a narrow path running tight up against a steep bank beside the rail tracks.

At the end of this narrow path a steep flight of steps took us back  into "Well heeled suburbia".

Time for a brief rest perhaps ….?

Shortly after we arrived at Kents Bank railway station which looked as if it had come straight out of a "Fifties Movie"

At the end of the platform we once again crossed the tracks to follow an extremely narrow concrete path which lay between the railway and the marsh.

As we walked we past a wooden structure. What it was and the reason for it being there we couldn't fathom until Harry being knowledgeable about these things told us exactly what it was ……" It's a Wooden Structure"   ….. Hmmph !

The concrete path ended and we then had to contend with the marsh. This proved to be a difficult and strenuous stretch of the walk. The choices were -- a wet sodden path with pools of unknown depth or rather steep side paths strewn with slippery rocks. 

This photo includes an unintended "Selfie" of your writer. Ever a shady character !

The difficult terrain caused at least one tumble as we tramped across it.  

About half way across this marshy stretch we felt the need for a break and the lateness of the hour and some inviting sunblessed rocks suggested "Lunchtime".

Lunch over we set off to tackle the second half of this difficult path round the edge of the marsh. First passing this outfall pipe (?) pouring into the deep ditches which cut through the marsh.

As they paused to have their photos taken the group complained about the swarms of midges buzzing around them. This should ,perhaps, have told us that the pools of water we would encounter further along the path were filled with stagnant water and were at times rather smelly.

A few minutes later we at last arrived at the headland - Humphrey Head. A narrow, brambly track led us over to the other side of this narrow peninsulas. 

NOW HERE'S THE THING !!!

The marshy stretch had been very tiring and a decision had to be made 

 Walk to the end of the headland  or just as far as the "Trig Point". 

In the end we did neither..... A rather confusing notice at the gate we wished to pass through said both "WELCOME" and "PRIVATE" We stuck to the road looking for a way up to the trig. point. Then we stopped to make a decision !  No-one wished to return across the difficult marsh but the alternative was a longer route than planned to circumnavigate it. (That's a big word writer !) Our speed had been slow and the dusk would soon be drawing in ……. We turned back.

The map showed us a way past a sewage farm (very appropriate) and track over a wooded limestone hill. So that's where we went.

Approaching Wyke Farm with a Limekiln to the left

Passing the sewage works and entering Kirkhead wood.

As we sat to admire the view and finish our flask a passing young lady explained the best way to get back to Kents Bank and our way home.

This involved climbing up through the scrubby woodland to reach the tower at the top.

The tower was under repair and the gentlemen working at the top again advised  us in which direction to go.

"Down there."  they said.  So "down there"  we went.

We were soon down to the road which then led us steeply down to Kents Bank  station.

From here we retraced our steps (somewhat wearily) back to the cars.
Our walks are never over till they're over (Ooh  ! What a cliché) and as we walked back little things caught our attention.

Who needs a Rubic's Cube when nature can provider her own puzzles.

and scattered amongst the pebbles beside the promenade were delightful painted stones.

THE END

CONFESSION. Your writer did not plan this walk very well. In spite of repeatedly studying the Ordnance Survey maps no official footpaths could be found for large parts of the route. There was evidence of many unofficial footpaths along the route but relying on chance was not wise. and meant us not fulfilling our original plan and possibly walking further than we should. 

Such poor planning will not to be repeated. 

   p.p.s. Humphrey Head remains to be "conquered." ,