Crook-O-Lune

Todays walk began from the car park next to the bridge that crosses the Lune to Halton. We welcome back Jim, who hasn't walked with us for a while. The weather was fine and sunny but the first part of our walk was for the most part in the shade as, as we walked along the old railway track that was lined with trees on either side. Our first destination was the cafe at Crook-O-Lune.

                    Here we are approaching the first bridge over the river Lune.

Having reached the Crook-O-Lune we find the cafe is closed. Not to worry, we were able to make use of the picnic tables and have our own refreshments.

         

As we set off along the wrong path, we come to a well positioned memorial bench. Back on the right track we look back to bridges two and three over the river.

The parent duck in the photo, swimming against the flow kept leading the way with an extra burst of speed to cross the river. The little ducklets, which were not much more than balls of fluff, displayed amazing energy as they followed behind in hot pursuit.

Having followed the river for a while, we now enter the dappled sunshine of a woodland path.

The fourth bridge, (Not to be confused with the one in Scotland😅) and our second destination comes into view. This bridge is of strategic importance as it carries Manchester's water supply from Thirlmere in the Lake District.

A massive ten year project is underway, to replace the whole 96 miles of aqueduct. We cross the river at this point.

The ex school teachers are pointing out the differing heights of the flood levels over the years. The scary thing is, the highest flood was in 2015, and is way over their heads.

 It might not be the Fourth Bridge, but its still mightily impressive. We set off now for our third destination, Caton, where we are to meet our friend Martin for dinner, alfresco style, as usual.

When we belatedly arrive at the Bull Beck cafe, (a popular venue for motorcyclists) Martin is waiting for us.

All good things must come to an end as they say, and before long we have to bid our fond farewells to Martin and continue on our way.

                  On our way back along the old railway track, back towards Lancaster.

Back at the Crook-O- Lune, we cross back over the river and carry on along the river bank.

When we reach the weir, where, at the right time of year, salmon can be seen jumping, on their way up to the spawning grounds, the riverside path comes to an end, and is diverted back up to the old railway line. Danny, being rather reckless (as is his nature) spotting a kind of path, continuing alongside the river, and wanting to take a look at the rapids further downstream, sets off on his own along the kind of path.

The rapids turned out to be, not that impressive after all, and by the time he'd got to them, the kind of path had kind of become impassable, leaving him with the option of returning the way he had come, or clambering up a steep bank to get to the proper path. Needless to say he chose the latter😡😡

On reaching the railway line, the rest of the Meanderthals were nowhere in sight, so like those little ducklets earlier, he had to expend a lot of energy playing catch up. He caught up with them when they were almost back at the cars. Phew!

             Nevertheless it was a very enjoyable walk, on a lovely day.

                                                                      DK

CROOK O' LUNE

LOVELY LUNE    7 Miles

Lunatics :-  Paddy,  Vic,   Anthony, John W, Jim C, 

                    Danny and  Martin.

After driving up the busy M6 and turning right at junction 34 we soon found ourselves parked up on the banks of the Lune opposite Halton.

Off we went past the old Railway Station.

The first part of our walk didn't actually follow the edge of the river but stuck to the old raiway track.

This is now a cycleway as well as a footpath so we were sharing it with cyclists.

I don't think HS2 would squeeze through that tunnel so presumably it was a narrow gauge railway. Must investigate. 

It wasn't long before we came to the first of the two bridges over the "Crook".

Our target for coffee break was the car park and cafe at Crook O' Lune. Disappointingly the cafe was not open so we had to settle for our flasks.

The area was busy. The warm sunshine had enticed people out to this lovely spot. We managed to find seating overlooking the famous "Turner's View"

Nearby was an artist's easel. I know Turner painted in water coiours and oils -- But "Concrete" ?

The leader assumed that the  gateway next to the view,  which looked very welcoming, was the way to go.

It was a delighful path with superb views over the River Lune.

"Those Blue Remembered Hills"  far away on the horison is Ingleborough Fell.

One of several memorial benches.

Delightful as it was after a couple of hundred yards Anthony pointed out that this was not the path we should be taking, The leader's assumption had been WRONG .  Turn around !!!

Down some steep steps and onto the correct path on the north banks of the river.

The rather crowded "Doggy" area around the "Crook" gradually faded until only the serious walkers were to be seen around, (does that make us "Serious" walkers ? - Discuss !" )

Just nice trees !

Whats that in the river ?

This is what it is ........

That duck has a LARGE family.

Out of the fields and through quite dense wood 

At this point a phone call from Martin announced his arrival at our chosen lunch spot. "We're 30/40 minutes away"  we told him

By now we were approaching the aquaduct carrying the water fromThirlmere  to Manchester. This, we hoped, would take us back across the river.

There was some concern expressed that aquaducts do not normally carry footpaths.

The leader (JW) was greatly relieved when the promised footway was actually there.

We were not alone on the aquaduct........

A little white dove kept pace with us as we crossed.

Marked on the bridge on the other side were the flood levels over the years, ields Some must have beed at leas 15 ft above the level of the flelds. Stupidly your photographer didn't take a shot that showed just how high the marks were.

Now across the fields to "Bull Beck"  car park and picnic site to meet up with Martin.

Another busy spot on this sunny, blue-sky'd day.

 But two picnic tables were available but who are those people hiding in the bushes ?

Aha !    Vic and Anthony. ( Paddy had also been there)

........ and dining at the other table...

Jim C, Martin, and Danny.....................    and John W

Time to set off again. Here comes Jim C back from his search. " For What ?" you ask  "Never you mind"

We estimated this tree to be well over 200 years old.

So.... Goodbye to Martin and across the road back to the path.

Not just one path but a TRIPLE path.

Lancashire Bridleway - Lune Riverside Walk - Lancashire Witches Walk

Onward down the track and then a brief stop when we reached the road up into Caton

Remember last weeks very tall, straight trees ? Well here are some more.   but what species are they ?

When we reached the "Crook" again we climbed up to Turner's view again to finish our flasks

Who's that ?   Oh dear - JW posing again !

As we crossed the bridge something caught our attention

What was it ?

Wow ! Swimmers in the river.

Leaving the "Crook" we abandoned the track and took to the river bank 

Danny looking to photograph the bridge from below.

There was a tree creeping towards the river. It "Froze" when it saw us coming.

Just a little further on we came across the swimmers we had seen from the bridge.

We were not the only ones watching the swimmers. So was this friendly Charolais cow.

What this concrete area was about we couldn't fathom but there was water gushing underneath it.

We followed the river bank for sometime before we returned to the track.

Back up to the track. Danny continued along the bank by himself to rejoin us further on.

A few minutes later we were back at our cars and were soon on our way down the M6 back to Preston after a delightfully sunny day full of interest.

THE END

JW