Meandanthony's walk Miller Park - Penwortham 6.5 miles

The car park at Miller Park was pretty well parked up when we arrived, but there was still a couple of spaces left for us.

           The smaller variety of daffodils have taken centre stage in the displays this year.

                       The Japanese Garden is looking quite bare at this time of year.

Climbing up and crossing the Combination Bridge that once carried the East Lancashire Railway across the River Ribble,we followed the tree lined path that forked off, (if you'll pardon the expression) towards Penwortham.

                                 Exiting onto Leyland Rd, opposite the fire station.

Turning right towards Preston, we passed one of the small beer houses that seem to be springing up everywhere. But unfortunately due to corona virus are not allowed to open.

Turning left into Stricklands Lane. Where once there was a car scrapyard, there is now a small housing estate. In our younger days we could pick up spare parts there, at a reasonable price, which helped us keep our cars on the road.

                                                      Some attractive garden art.

Once again we have taken advantage of the seating which is always in plentiful supply in cemeteries, to have our morning brew. This one is Hill Rd Cemetery. The busy Penwortham by-pass is close by, but is screened off by some large trees which minimises the traffic noise.

J.W, Martin and J.R who were on a separate walk in the area, and not far away came to meet us, whilst keeping to the social distancing rule of course. After a short chat they went on their way.
        A walk across the adjacent Grange Park led us to Cop Lane, opposite J.Rs bungalow.

Turning right, after a couple of hundred yards we turned right again into The Aspels, at the end of which was another entrance back into Grange Park, albeit a much swampier part.        Some conservation work is being carried out here. They are digging out some or all of the Laurel trees to make it lighter, and planting some of our own native trees. Probably a directive from Boris, now that we are out of Europe.

As luck would have it 😉 with dinner time now upon us, we were attracted, like bees to a jam jar back to a comfy seat in the cemetery. 

After dinner, walking down Hill Rd towards the A59 who do we spot coming in the opposite direction? but another meanderthal, Jim with his wife Sue, who like us were out taking exercise and enjoying being out in the fresh air. Who are we going to meet next?

After visiting the old parish church of St Mary, high up on a hill overlooking the River Ribble, we had intended, like J.W and Co (having previewed his report) to make our way from there down to the riverside walk, but like them, Finding our way blocked off we had to make a diversion round the houses.

         The riverside walk, not exactly enhanced by the flyover ahead, but that's progress!

Again, like John, neither had we ever noticed the intriguing name on this bridge. Where was the Fish House? What is the history of it?

On our way back to the cars we came within spitting distance of the house of one of our other meanderthals (Dave), not that we would 😋. But we did decide to give him a knock and pay our respects before setting off home.

                                                                       DK