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