Strugglers :- John W, Anthony, Vic, Paddy
Mike, Mick, Martin, Danny.
We parked in Williamson Park on the southern edge of Hambleton, This was possibly one of the nicest most "Thoughtful" recreation grounds we have visited. It even had an area dedicated to "Teenagers"
Who's kiddin' Who ?
We left the park and headed south towards the river. We first had to follow the quiet country lanes before leaving them at "Rose Farm".
The way through the farm was by no means clear as there were non of the usual little yellow arrows guiding the way. Compounding our confusion were the number of gates and lanes leading away from the farmyard.
Danny waits patiently for the stragglers to catch up . SORRY ! We don't have "Stragglers" only walkers who choose a more "comfortable" pace.
As we left the "grazed" grass of the first fields we got the first hints of what was to come. We are as you can see, entering an area of loooooong grass.
The next farm we entered was rather a sprawling affair and we explored several "avenues" (including this one) before settling on a route which was then confirmed by a friendly and helpful farmer.
Soon after, we arrived at the "Levee" which edged the course of the Wyre and it's extensive marsh areas. Here the "Wyre Way" a national long distance path SHOULD have taken us forward. In fact the path disappeared …. submerged under nettles , brambles, and long,
foot-snagging grass. PATH THERE WAS NOT !
foot-snagging grass. PATH THERE WAS NOT !
Were we on the right path ? The Map said so. The GPS said so. But there was little other evidence. Until, that is, we found a stile. Broken down and buried by the overgrowth. BUT.... it did say "Public Footpath.
After twenty minutes battling we saw another footpath sign some way out into the marsh. So with some difficulty we slithered and clambered down the steep side of the levee and cautiously tiptoed across the marsh.
…… only to encounter yet more long difficult grass and reeds.
This is a footpath ?
Mick was in the Vanguard and here he is approaching the Marshy footpath sign. (post)
At the post Jim C points out where the footpath is..... or isn't !
The path continued to be hard work until we reached a more reasonable patch where we decided to take coffee. We settled down on the edge of a rather murky, muddy creek
The path continued to be hard work until we reached a more reasonable patch where we decided to take coffee. We settled down on the edge of a rather murky, muddy creek
We had not been there long before the tide began to pour into the creek. Marshes with incoming tides are never a good idea so we soon packed up and left.
Whilst not being so overgrown the path remained difficult with hidden gullies to trap the unwary (J.W.)
and it wasn't long before the long reedy grass once again became a challenge.
Whilst not being so overgrown the path remained difficult with hidden gullies to trap the unwary (J.W.)
and it wasn't long before the long reedy grass once again became a challenge.
By now the wide expanse of marsh had narrowed down to a small strip alongside the main river channel.
Not far ahead of us now we could see the shard Bridge and the riverside hotel nearby.
At last, after a morning struggling along a path totally overgrown and the ankle wrecking swampy terrain, we were able to climb away from the river and onto a road.
At last, after a morning struggling along a path totally overgrown and the ankle wrecking swampy terrain, we were able to climb away from the river and onto a road.
Not for long, however, as we crossed the busy road and quickly dropped back down to the river on the other side of the Shard Bridge.
The well defined path you can see in the above photos soon reverted to a narrow track which in turn soon disappeared under the thick rushes and reeds. Lunchtime had passed before we decided that a large log at the edge of the "Jungle was the only suitable spot we were likely to find at which to dine.
but we couldn't all fit on the log.
The well defined path you can see in the above photos soon reverted to a narrow track which in turn soon disappeared under the thick rushes and reeds. Lunchtime had passed before we decided that a large log at the edge of the "Jungle was the only suitable spot we were likely to find at which to dine.
but we couldn't all fit on the log.
Martin and Anthony are actually sitting on the path !
Time to move on and I'm sure that Paddy and Jim were not quite as grey-haired when the walk began.
The path continued to challenge our, by now, wearied legs and it was not until the outskirts of Hambleton hove into sight that anything resembling a path passed under our feet.
"This could be a path" says John, "No . my mistake. it ends here."
A small, lonely blue flower had caught our attention earlier in the walk but as we approached Hambleton there were swathes of them - but what are they ?
We arrived at a point where a deep creek came right up to the levee and rather than walk along the coast to the top end of Hambleton we decided to cut in land and follow the suburban roads back to the cars.
The walk, however, was not ready to loosen it's grip just yet and help was needed to clamber up the slippery slopes of the levee.
Tough as the walk was it was not without interest and the Wyre estuary did afford some austerely attractive views. Here Mike pauses for a while, perhaps to reflect on the good points we may have left unnoticed.
One more stile to negotiate and then back to the cars for Martin's shandy and Mick's cakes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mick. All in all a 5 mile walk with an 7/8 mile effort !!
Paddy prepares to tackle the world's easiest "Limbo" challenge
THE END
….but what were those flowers ?
COMMON SEA LAVENDER
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