Walkers :- Danny, Martin, John W,
Paddy, Anthony, Vic.
An obscure car park down an obscure lane led us to wonder if everyone would turn up. All six did.... eventually. After last weeks biblical flood scenario, (It rained ALL day) Noah went into retirement and Moses (Danny) led us out in desert conditions (30 degrees plus), Pharoah's chariots were not to be seen but horses appeared. But is that a pair of Marigolds or a comedy "Fly " hat ?
The first part of the walk was a repeat of part of last weeks walk until we left Factory Lane behind and turned right on Tram Road. We soon left this and followed a much more country style footpath.
This was a mistake in the true tradition of our walk leaders and after about quarter of a mile we had to turn back and follow the empty path back to the junction. We must remind our readers that we are NEVER lost simply not where we planned to go. "Ahem !"
Back at the junction we followed the original path down a rather steep and tricky slope to join another hard surfaced footpath.
Wherever we went on this walk there was evidence of old "Industrial" activity. Your writer, for one, at virtually no point in the walk, knew exactly where we were. Even though we were surrounded by major "Urbanisations" (Preston, Walton le Dale, Lostock Hall etc.) we were walking in thick woodlands with lakes, hay meadows and cornfields on either side. WONDERFUL !
Coffee time !.... taken by another quiet lake with ducks and Moorhens for company.
This took us behind the demolished "Vernons" factory alongside what we assumed had been the "Mill Pond" but was now an unexpectedly attractive lake.
The path rose away from the Lake until it came to a junction. We turned right to avoid a rather steep drop down to another track.
This was a mistake in the true tradition of our walk leaders and after about quarter of a mile we had to turn back and follow the empty path back to the junction. We must remind our readers that we are NEVER lost simply not where we planned to go. "Ahem !"
Back at the junction we followed the original path down a rather steep and tricky slope to join another hard surfaced footpath.
Wherever we went on this walk there was evidence of old "Industrial" activity. Your writer, for one, at virtually no point in the walk, knew exactly where we were. Even though we were surrounded by major "Urbanisations" (Preston, Walton le Dale, Lostock Hall etc.) we were walking in thick woodlands with lakes, hay meadows and cornfields on either side. WONDERFUL !
Coffee time !.... taken by another quiet lake with ducks and Moorhens for company.
The photo above is typical of the shaded nature of most of our walk. The dappled sunshine rarely being hot enough to trouble our elderly group.
"Social Distancing" was of course "De rigeur" between ourselves as well as the many other, walkers and cyclists who were out enjoying the superb weather.
As we walked through this thickly wooded area in Danny's well planned "Cool" shade. we occasionally burst out into sunny emerald gems.
And of course a couple of times we were reminded of our close proximity to "Civilisation"
As Vic "strolled" across this dual carriageway he came rather closer to "civilisation" than the rest of the group thought wise. The driver of the car didn't think it was wise either !
Once across the dual carriageway we found ourselves following the "Yellow Brick Road" well...... a sandy coloured track anyway. It was also "A Long and Winding Road" as it snaked it's way through more woodland. Cyclist were more numerous than pedestrians here.
Every so often breaks in the trees reminded us that, in spite of the thick woodlands we were walking through, we were always close to built up areas.
Once the "Road to Nowhere" brought us to "Somewhere". (Your writer still clueless) this beautifully manicured lawn slope and the wineglass topiary wiled us from the "True Path" and we made a short unplanned detour.
Back in command our glorious leader forges on.
There is never a sturdy oak table with two carvers and four stand chairs when you need them so here is the wayside spot where we choose to unfold our stools and take lunch.
Once the "Road to Nowhere" brought us to "Somewhere". (Your writer still clueless) this beautifully manicured lawn slope and the wineglass topiary wiled us from the "True Path" and we made a short unplanned detour.
Back in command our glorious leader forges on.
There is never a sturdy oak table with two carvers and four stand chairs when you need them so here is the wayside spot where we choose to unfold our stools and take lunch.
Hardly "Fine Dining" and the "Cuisine" wasn't particularly "Haute" either.
Soon after we burst into the known world (Known to our group anyway)
A bridge over the River Darwen close to it's "Watersmeet" with the River Ribble. A spot we have passed several times before on different walks.
A distant view of Preston looking rather magnificent in the glorious sunshine.
The next stretch of the walk WAS Hot as we were exposed to the hot sun for more than a couple of minutes for perhaps the first time.
And there was traffic......... "HEAVY traffic".
Another short stretch of woodland and out onto tarmacked roads. A bush shelter offered us a place to sit and finish our coffees and other liquids.
Not long after we were back at the junction with "Factory Lane" and Tram Road" and thence to the car park.
Here "Martin the Magnificent" provided each walker with a Choc Ice ... How ? and Wow ! and in the best Enid Blyton tradition of little boys adventures..... "Lashings of Ginger Beer" !!!
During lockdown Martin has been transformed into a 21st Century Percy Thrower. His Deepdale garden is a picture .... But... "No Martin. Your courgettes are NOT that big".
Well done Danny for well chosen route on a steaming hot day
See you all next week
THE END
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