WALKERS :- Anthony, John R, Paddy, Martin ,Vic
Danny, John W, Mick K, Dave.
With blue skies overhead and the weather set fair we parked up in a small but handy car park just off the road close to Silverdale.
Leaving the road behind us we set off along a deeply sun-dappled and well worn footpath through the woods.
The area was typical of much of the wooded, fractured limestone hillsides of this corner of North West England. From time to time man's hand could be detected in the form of old and sometimes mysterious ruins amongst the trees. Here we pass some strange concrete plateaux now almost overgrown.
The paths we followed were invariably clearly marked often with these quaintly attractive sign posts.
We were heading for the coast and it wasn't long before we caught distant glimpses of it.
The signs along the path also indicated that we were nearing the sea . Well perhaps that is a little optimistic. Nearing the mud and sand that the tide would eventually cover...….. the sea would be m i l e s away.
A narrow lane eventually deposited us on the shore.
Coffee time !
Coffee over we set off to follow the narrow rocky footpath that rose steeply away from the cove as it climbed the headland seen two photographs back.
Looking back, however, we saw a cave in the rocky cliff we had been sitting near and were now leaving. Several of us turned back to explore this cave whilst the rest waited for us.
We left this small and rather uninteresting cave and quickly caught up with the others who were sitting comfortably enjoying the expansive view of Morecambe Bay,
This narrow, rocky path climbed quickly away from the shoreline but soon opened out into an elevated grassy area containing several large and seemingly contented cows. They lay on the grass chewing their cud and watching with slightly bored interest as we passed by. the area also held stunning views out over the bay.
Once across these fields we arrived at the road again. Here a "Woolly" wrapped handrail helped us down a short flight of steps.
At the bottom of the hill a wrong turn took us in "Grand Old Duke of York " fashion up to the top of the hill then marched us down again. This is not surprising as this extremely attractive area is also a maze of winding lanes and paths. Getting lost from time to time is almost inevitable and part of the fun. We also came across a rather pertinent sign.
OK. OK. Yes we know !
Once back on track we found ourselves passing some very posh residences (We really must find a less prosperous area to walk in sometimes) and with lunchtime beckoning we found a nice corner seat at which to dine.
Here Martin and John compared notes on their "luxury" fruit salads.
Martin proudly pointed out that his was "reduced"...a bargain !
Lunch over Anthony discussed options for our way forward and wisely decided that the more gentle descent to Jenny Brown's Point was the route we should take.
The narrow lane was surprisingly busy with cars causing us to step aside at regular intervals.
From time to time we came across gaps in the thick hedgerow which allowed lovely views out across the muddy sands.
Looking across to the distant Heysham Nuclear Power Station.
As we arrive close to Jenny Brown's Point we left the road and took to the shoreline.
This lonely chimney is all that is left of a once thriving copper smelting site - - Time and tide and all that !
With a hot sun blazing from the sky, even though the sand had been replaced by lush sea-washed turf, it was good that we were able to rest from time to time in shady areas as we walked along the shore.
From here the path gradually began to rise away from the shore again giving us lovely views of this remarkably pretty area.
As we once again entered woodlands we were amazed at the tenacity of trees which seemed to be growing out of solid rock.
Leaving the woods we once again entered an area of grassland where we found "A Bridge" … Photo ?
Across the grass and through a gate and then up a steep rocky path into a final wood.
"What goes up must come down." as the saying goes and having climbed up through the wood the rocky path now "tumbled" down till it met a narrow road which in turn led us back to the car park.
An excellent walk amid stunning scenery in glorious weather. Well done. After such a sunny walk Martin's shandy was even more welcome than ever. Thanks.
From here the path gradually began to rise away from the shore again giving us lovely views of this remarkably pretty area.
As we once again entered woodlands we were amazed at the tenacity of trees which seemed to be growing out of solid rock.
Leaving the woods we once again entered an area of grassland where we found "A Bridge" … Photo ?
Across the grass and through a gate and then up a steep rocky path into a final wood.
"What goes up must come down." as the saying goes and having climbed up through the wood the rocky path now "tumbled" down till it met a narrow road which in turn led us back to the car park.
An excellent walk amid stunning scenery in glorious weather. Well done. After such a sunny walk Martin's shandy was even more welcome than ever. Thanks.
THE END
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