Lytham

As we met up to begin our walk, the weather was a bit bleak, but we were optimistic that it would improve as the day went on. We set off for Green Drive.

The entrance to Green Drive with this picturesque house named Swiss Lodge to the right of the entrance.

Green Drive, as seen. is a long straight pedestrianised drive, flanked on either side by mature trees.

Emerging from Green Drive we cross Ballam Road to follow the perimeter wall of Lytham Hall grounds to the main entrance.

                                        The entrance to Lytham Hall grounds.

During the summer months Lytham Hall is the venue for several plays put on by various theatre companies.

                                                                     Here is another.

                                     This is my nomination for tree of the week.

                                                   I just had to go and give it a hug.

                                                   Lytham Hall in all it's splendour.

This sow in the animal enclosure seems very contented after having had a rummage in the straw in it's sty.

Not so this big fella, who was creating an almighty rumpus, letting the attendants know that he was hungry.

                 This goat doesn't know what all the fuss is about, as it chews on a stick.

                                Martin has come to join us for our morning brew.

                                             Setting off again, to continue our walk.

After leaving the hall grounds by the rear entrance we crossed the road to enter a neat housing estate. After a short distance we turned left along this footpath that crosses a bridge over the Blackpool / Preston railway line.

After crossing the railway line the path opens up onto this short private but concessionary road  leading towards the coast.

     As we arrive at the coastal path, a skein of geese are on their way in the direction of the estuary.

We had arranged to meet up with Martin again at dinner time, at Lowther Gardens. The wind on the coastal path was quite fierce, so it turned out to be a good idea, as it was very calm and sheltered here, in front of the bowling greens.

The birds in this vicinity must be used to being fed, as, as soon as we sat down and got our butties out, they decided to join us also.

As we set off again Martin walked along with us, but we hadn't gone far when we got caught in a heavy shower, so Martin decided to return to his car.

Fortunately the shower didn't last very long. We turned right out of the back entrance to the park, on our way to Lytham town centre.

A short rest in the square at Lytham before making our way down the main shopping street and back to our cars.

                                                                   DK

 

LYTHAM

WET or DRY ?         5 +  Miles

DAMP DAY DODGERS :- Danny, Vic, Mick, Mike

                                           Anthony, John, Jim, Martin.

An old friend of  walk. BUT........

Sitting in the car waiting to start the outlook did not look good.

Either way..........

By the time we had arrived in Lytham, however, the rain had eased off to a dampish drizzle.

We parked in our usual spot on the edge of Lytham and set off towards Lytham Hall

and soon entered the narrow wood that leads towards the Hall.

A rather apt advert at the gates.

We step aside for a small excitable dog and it's owner. Then continue along this tree canopied avenue.

The last time we came this way much tree felling had taken place. Perhaps this ivy clad trunk might be a clue as to why.

We soon reached the road leading into Lytham which we followed for a short while before turning into the Hall grounds and soon reaching the Hall itself.

With an excellent cafe and lots of seating we settled down to wait for Martin.

And here he comes.

After many years of hard work the once practically derelict Hall has been transformed magnificently. The gardens were filled with flowers and plants for sale. 

Your silly photographer took NO PHOTOS !!!! Hopefully Danny did.

Well ONE photo.

After some time spent  chatting we took advantage of the facilities (Don't we always ?) and set of once again through the wooded grounds.

Throughout our walks we meet many dog walkers but today we met a very special dog.    A TALKING DOG.       Honest !   (fingers crossed)

We asked it a few questions.

What's on that tree ?

BARK !  said the dog

What's on that house ?

WOOOF !   said the dog.

What's in that bottle ?

WHINE !  went the dog.

What's in that bush ?

HOWL !   the dog began

FANTASTIC !  That's the truth. the whole truth and nothing but the........erm ?

But we had to move on.

One of our previous routes took us through this wood but today we passed it by to walk through an area of obviously VERY  expensive housing with a rather "Snooty" message for passing "Peasants"  , Do they mean US ?

One of the houses was "Ultra Modern". Here is John expressing his, somewhat conservative  opinion of it.  Eight it !

We emerged from this area and soon found ourselves on a very windy (but dry) promenade.

A flock (skein ?) of gas flew low over our heads, Just managed to catch them on camera. I think Danny got a better shot.

On turning round, however, we found them again along with other birds on a rock just off the path.

We continued along the prom till we came to Lowther Park where we were to meet Martin again.

As we crossed the green to reach the park we came across a little white "Ball". Was it a golf ball ? Was it an egg ?

On picking it up we found it was a mushroom and then saw that there were many scattered over the green.

Once in Lowther park and and having met up with Martin, we sought a sheltered spot out of the wind to have our lunch.

The bowling clubhouse was just the thing.

As we sat munching we attracted the local birds . At least our butties did.

I think this one is a bit of a "poseur"

Lunch over we set off .  We decided not to return to the prom. where we usually finish Lytham walks but to go through the town centre.

A final birdie bye bye before we leave the park and to martin who made his way back to his car.

On our way to the town centre we stopped to admire this knitting which the TV tells us is a national effort to celebrate the queen's jubilee.

A final sit down in the town centre square before we take the last (rather long) trek back to the cars.

.....and so to home after a much drier day than had been forecast. and one full of interest. Never a problem repeating walks as there is always new stuff to discover. Well done Danny.

THE END

JW