Capitol Centre

 A BIT GALLIC !    5 Miles

Les Amis :-  Danny, Anthony, John W, Vic, Paddy.

                      Martin & Dave (diners)

As we left the Capitol Centre  "Park and Ride" it  began to rain .It did not stop.

We were soon on the A6 in Walton flats heading for London Rd. Bridge.

Something must be interesting as we cross over the Ribble to turn into the Boulevard.

 On the opposite side of the bridge were the fields Vic visited weekly as a youth. The Preston Grammar School playing fields. A little "Terrier" of a footballer he tells us.

What's this about ? ON the garden wall of a house a little way down the Boulevard.

"Nothing is impossible to a willing heart "

Perhaps that's how they got the boat into the garden -- that or very heavy rain.

Only  ashort distance down the Boulevard we turned right to follow another road where Vic was keen to point out the spot where his grandparents had lived.

To the left of the red brick wall behind Vic is a small gate. This used to lead to a steep , narrow path which climbed up to Frenchwood Knoll.  Both Vic and Danny agreed it was known as "Plum Pudding Hill". With the one near Moor Park that makes two in the town. Are there any more ? 

We continued down the this road until we arrived at what looked like a dead end. "No,  through that corner " said Danny, today's leader.

Indeed it took us onto another narrow steep path up to Frenchwood knoll.

Leader Danny waits till we have all found the path. It was so dark with the sombre clouds, heavy rain and trees overhead our camera switched itself to automatic flash.

Just as on our last walk there were Bluebells by the wayside, Look carefully , however, the flower heads surround the stem. These are not English bluebells they are foreigners. Spanish Bluebells . Escapees from gardens. Where's Priti Patel when you need 'er ?

Once at the top of the path....

.....the towers of the now closed St Augustines church could be seen over the rooftops.

Then something of a blast from the past as we came across the headquarters of the fondly remembered, red liveried,  Ribble Bus Company. Remember the "Gay Hostess" buses ?

RMS (Ribble Motor Services ?)

Soon afterwards our route arrived at another dead end but this time the way forward was more obvious.

A walker coming up the path greeted us with a smiling "Good morning Gentlemen".  GENTLEMEN INDEED !  Well,  we can take that .

With rain steadily beating down we dropped through the "Wildlife Garden" to arrive at a junction of paths close to the sadly closed "Tram Bridge".

Continuing along the riverside, tree lined, avenue into Avenham Park we first passed this remarkable stand of trees.

So tall and straight they looked "Proud" to be there. Trees of the week perhaps ?   Danny, though,  had spotted a fine specimen earlier which he may have photographed.

With the rain still falling monotonously we were unable to pass the park's cafe without stopping for an excellent "Brew". Paddy had a little difficulty with the "New World" protocols but that was overcome. Thanks Danny for the brews.

Drinks downed and "facilities "used we followed the path up onto the old railway bridge, Now a walking and cycling track,

 

The fence along the bridge was festooned with "Love Locks" which I find to be quite an amusing pleasant and harmless practise. Some don't.

Here's Vic.... Looking for Love ???

Mark and Jane seem to have found love but "Oh dear" if you look closely at the lock you will see that the heart is "Broken" and are those raindrops or tears on the lock ?

We were now following the old railtracks and footpaths which criss cross the agricultural land south of the Ribble.

It's a lonely job being a leader !

I'm sure this art installation has a meaning. If you know what it is please tell us.

Has John got a new waterproof or is he auditioning for a role as the comic Super Hero --- Banana Man ?

By 12.30 we had arrived at our pre-arranged dining spot. The shelter at Vernon Carus Sports Club Bowling Green. 

Opposite were the Newman College football fields , Formerly of the Catholic College where most of the rest of the group had played football in their youth. Some not entirely enthusiastically !

Here Dave was waiting for us and Martin arrived soon after.

Lunch over and the rain still falling but only gently now we continued our walk in the direction of the Tram Road.  Martin and Dave came along for a while.

I WONDER WHY !

As we reached  the junction with Tram Road, Dave and Martin waved us

 goodbye and we crossed over to follow the footpath in the direction of the Capitol Centre.

Martin and Dave (marked in Red)  wait to see us on our way before turning back to their cars.

 Whilst the "Men in Black"  (and Blue) descend a steep set of steps.

 Around us the Wild Garlic is  still in full bloom ..... and FULL odour !

As we walked along an excellent and quite attractive footpath another odour assailed the nostrils.  Not outrageously unpleasant but definitely "Different",

It was the sewage works to our right.

The blackbird didn't seem to mind so why should we ?

Having passed the sewage works we found ourselves on the arrow straight farm track leading to the Park and Ride.

As Walton was the site of a roman encampment this straightness of roads might have been influenced by the Romans.

With the rain still a steady drizzle the decision was made to cut short our walk and return to our cars.

Just "One more river to cross" as the song goes,  The River Darwen (often pronounced "Darren") 

Over the Darwen we go but Why oh Why has John decided to pose there ?

"Just showing you the River Darwen. That's all !"

Ok,  but that is a very good point at which to say.....................

THE END

JW

 

p.s. Why the title "A Bit Gallic" Well, we went into Walton - LE - Dale and went through FRENCHWOOD. Got to be a french connection somewhere. Hasn't there ? ..... or maybe it was just amusing the writer !