Liverpool The first stretch of the Leeds / Liverpool Canal. 6 miles Walkers Anthony Vic and Danny

The weather was lovely as we parked up at Mersey Rails Hillside station on the outskirts of Southport  and caught the train to Moorfields station in Liverpool. We came out of the station and headed down to the waterfront.

The true beginning of the canal, crosses in front of The Three Graces, but distractions caused me to miss taking a photo of it. As I take this photo of the Liver Building, behind me a huge cruise ship is in dock 

                                                                  

                                                       

                                                                            

From the Liver Building, the canal passes underground into Princes Dock, then through a couple more docks that were inaccessible to us, so we had to follow the route by road. Vic got talking to some workmen by these barriers. Vic wanted to know what they were up to. They told him they were going to knock a section of the wall out, to provide access for the building of Everton's new stadium. They also directed us on the quickest way to get up to the canal.

We had dinner on the canal side, before setting off to find the locks. An army of Canada or Grey Lag Geese were marching military fashion towards the canal, a remarkable site.

The water in the canal at the top of the locks was stagnant and quite mucky, but the locks themselves looked to be in excellent condition.

                                                                       

                                                              

                                Leaving the locks we set off for Leeds 😄

                                                         

                                                                           

What looked to be an old warehouse, was now providing some space for Liverpool's film industry.

                           Not the nicest apartment conversion, at least from the outside.

The far side of the canal for a considerable distance has been devoted to a nesting habitat for the canal's large population of birds. Which just goes to show that if you provide the habitat the birds will come

                                                                                      

       The yellow water lilies will provide shelter for other aquatic animals and amphibians.

This bird, from a distance proved difficult to identify as you don't normally expect to see,  cormorants on the canal.

                         Another old warehouse, ripe for conversion into apartments.

This conversion has a Mediterranean aspect about it. The plastic sheep are keeping the plastic grass trimmed.

Afternoon brew, in the shade unfortunately. The canal towpath is ideal for a cycle ride Mike.

                                  

                                    The tow path continues on the opposite side.

A short spur on the opposite side was for barges to moor up and transfer their cargo's. Information courtesy of Vic, who quizzed a man who was working in his garden.

                                                    

                           The Southport to Hunts Cross train crosses the canal.

It was decided by a 2-1 majority, to leave the canal by the footbridge ahead, and catch the train from Bootle New Strand station.

                             Two lady artists were busy at work on the quay side.

                           On our way home after an enjoyable walk, on a lovely day.

                                                                     DK

 

           
 


 

Ascent of Red Pike and High Stile from Buttermere

Arriving in Buttermere, there was just a smattering of low cloud to add a bit of atmosphere to the picture.

            The Bridge crossing the water between Buttermere and Crummock Water.

                After crossing the bridge there began a long climb up through the forest.

                          Coming out of the forest, the climb continued relentlessly.

                                               Clouds are gathering over Buttermere.

                                 Sourmilk Gill spilling down from Bleaberry Tarn.

On the way to the tarn I was caught up by a young lady, she was doing the same walk as myself but was also going over Haystacks as well. Clouds were gathering about the summits

above the tarn.

Nickola, the young lady, is a seasoned walker, and far fitter than myself, leaving me in her wake.

She was waiting for me at the summit, and took this picture of me beside the cairn, 2477ft (such as it is)

              Although we were in sunshine, the gathering clouds below spoilt the view.

                    As we set off for High Stile things weren't getting any better.

                  But the cloud did give the deep rocky gullies a kind of atmosphere.

                 Looking back, a break in the cloud reveals the summit of Red Pike.

        Nickola took this one of me beside the more substantial cairn of High Stile, 2647 ft

                                                                 Still a white out

                                                         

As we neared the path down to Buttermere, where I was to head down the cloud was beginning to break up. I thanked Nickola for her company and settled down for my dinner while Nickola continued on to Haystacks. However I didn't stay there very long as there was an invasion of flying ants, which forced me to find another place for my victuals.

                           Haystacks with a little wisp of cloud on it's summit.

                                Visibility is improving as I make my way down.

Once down at the end of Buttermere an easy near flat walk to the other end of the lake, and I was soon back at the car.                                                                                                             It has its advantages being an old man. I enjoyed walking with Nickola, and because of my age I was not seen as a threat. If I had been a young man she probably wouldn't have spent the time of day with me.                         DK