MANCHESTER

CASTLEFIELDS    6 Miles

FOUR FESTIVE FELLAS :- Danny, Anthony, Jim C, John W.

Our annual "Santa Saunter" was sadly rather sparsely populated this year.  As usual after finding our way to the Lowry Centre car park where we were joined by Jim C. we proceeded to briefly lose our way in what has become the time honoured manner. We are gentlemen, you must remember.  A large acreage of shops can seriously affect the male thought processes.

But no matter. It wasn't long before we were seated at our usual cafe at our preferred exit .

Out into the fresh Salford air and across the nearest bridge heading for  "Old Trafford" where we would take some of the usual and some not so usual photos.

The rather confusing look beyond our walkers is caused by a building entirely swathed in reflective windows = one giant multi-faceted mirror.

As we walked by the Salford Quays we looked back at the ultra modern skyline behind us.

It did not take us long to arrive at the canal which we intended to follow but just beyond it was Manchester United's stadium\  We could hardly not visit this, possibly, one of the most famous places in the world.

As well as statues of past footballing greats much of the precinct was devoted to praising the countries emergency services.... excellent.

Three Hot Dogs !  Mmmm ?

Away from United's ground and soon following the canal. It was just a short distance before the towpath swapped sides. The "Throstles Nest" bridge taking us over.

It's difficult NOT  to take photos of cobbled roads and paths. Rather like swans they positively invite attention.

Over to our left was the tramway along which we would return at the end of our walk.

Further along the canal we passed this structure which gave no information as to its purpose. We could only surmise it was part of the drainage system.

There was a large ball ceaselessly revolving under the inlet flow.

We continued along the canal passing under some incredibly structured bridges and soon arrived in the busy commercial centre of the city.

The large "Barge" that had passed us earlier had stopped and was busy clearing rubbish out of the water, A job, the crew insisted, was something of a "Painting the Forth Bridge." task.

Then we arrived at Castlefields basin where we invariably stop for our lunch break when on this walk.

Someone with more lasting and decidedly more worthy fame than footballers also hails from Manchester.

Just across this bridge and in the sunshine can be seen the benches where we shall dine.

Just to the left as we sat munching the canal continued beyond this lock into the heart of the city.

As we sat eating some disreputable fellow, who shall remain anonymous, scattered bird seed around our feet !!!................................ it was DANNY.. I lied !

Almost immediately ravenous hordes descended upon us. Thanks anonymous person

By the way....... lies must be OK.  Top politicians tell them regularly.

Castlefields, as you will undoubtedly know, is named after the Roman fort that once dominated the area.

Here's a replica or perhaps more of a reminder of that fort which we passed by.

But it seems there is also a Spanish connection down at this end of Deansgate.

Passing the science Museum we continued till we arrived at Deansgate itself.

Behind Jim is the incredible Hilton Hotel which divides opinion as to its magnificence or otherwise.

We walked along Deansgate before turning right to go to the Town Hall and the Christmas Market in the square. All under wraps for several years apparently. We moved on.

Eventually turning through an alley way into St. Anne's square where the Christmas Market now began.

St Anne's Church straight ahead,

On a bench outside the church was a sculpture which spoke eloquently and powerfully of Christian values and community responsibilities for the homeless in our society.

A closer look at the sculptures feet reminded us of  powerful message of compassion and care for the less fortunate delivered 2000 years ago.

In the square a busker was playing a most unusual instrument.

Anthony went over to ask him what it was. (can you slot it in here Anthony ?)

With our planned walk completed we now tramped the busy streets of Manchester looking for a tram stop and a tram that would take us back to Media City and the car park. ( It's behind the town hall lads. You'll have to go back there !)

So we did !

On the tram a young man asked us who we were and where we came from.

He then asked us to guess where he came from.  Italy ?  "No. " he said " Other side of the Adriatic. Croatia."  Anthony and John had both been to Croatia and he was pleased to be able to say he knew the places we had visited.

As we got off the tram at Media City there in front of us was a LARGE  floating globe. Obviously sending out a message ?????

So back to the car and a stop/start drive through busy traffic back to Preston

THE END

JW