Haslem Park - Cottom

We all gathered on the Haslem Park carpark for todays walk, but where's Vic? We waited and waited, and speculated, and went looking for him, but there was no sign of him. Eventually we set off without him in the hope that he would catch us up. Anyway, welcome Don, one of the original Meanderthals, who hasn't walked with us for some time.                                                                                                                                                          

    Our first destination was the lake, but when we got there, there was still no sign of Vic.

                                  After further speculation, we set off for the canal.

On reaching the canal tow path, Vic was spotted heading our way. He explained that traffic build up, due to an accident on Longridge Road had caused him to be late, and as he does not carry a mobile phone with him, he was unable to let us know.

What a joyous site. Dad is there as well but just out of the frame. It brought a smile to the faces of passers by to see this early manifestation of what spring is all about. Sorry about the poor photo but I couldn't leave it out.

There seem to be more of these delightful birds every year. This one was braver than most, as it waited till passers by got right up to it before flying off.

The brightly coloured early foliage of the weeping willows was particularly wonderous to see.

                              A lady bargee making the most of the lovely spring weather

               As we left the canal this wonderful blackthorn blossom came into view.

Arriving at the Last Whistle cafe, on the edge of the canal, by the UCLAN Arena, we found the cafe to be closed. Ample outside seating was provided however so on a lovely day like this we were quite happy to have our morning brew al fresco.

This is a sport / pastime I haven't come across before. The pole has a rubber bung on the end of it, so they are able to push themselves along, much as a punter doe's on the river.

Having reached the furthest point of our walk, we settle down for us butties. St Andrews church at Cottom is the white building in the background.

An un-adopted road on the east side of the green leads us back to the imaginatively laid out parkland that weaves its way through and alongside some more recent developments around Cottom, and in my opinion it's a credit to the planners who designed it. The parkland runs alongside Tom Benson Way and the subject arose as to what the late Tom Benson was famous fore. We all knew he was a long distance walker but didn't know the details. According to Google he walked a distance of 314 miles around Moor Park in 1997, breaking the world record of 309 miles. So there😀.

                     One of several small lakes within the boundaries of the park.

This lone swan didn't appear to have a mate, but perhaps it's mate has been left sitting on the eggs.

This is the start point of the Ribble Link, where barges can moor up as they wait to enter the locks to begin their journey. Today there is only one barge, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Arriving back at Haslam Park we walked through it's long avenue of lime trees, before crossing the park back to the carpark.                                                                                         We've done this walk before, but I can't remember doing it in Spring before. Thanks John.                                                                        DK