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
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.
We were not alone on the aquaduct........
A little white dove kept pace with us as we crossed.
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.
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 ?
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
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