Forton

 The bulk of the village, named Fortune in the Doomsday Book, is situated to the west of the A6, between Garstang and Galgate. Up to the dissolution of the monasteries the land belonged to Cockersands Abbey.

After parking up on the playing fields car park, we returned to the A6 and turned north. After about 150 yds, a stile in a hedge on the left took us into sloping grass land. As we

climbed the slope, looking back, we could see the part of the village that lies to the east of the A6 with the church of St James, Shirehead, on the left.

Zooming in on the church with its bell housed above the gable end.

After crossing the meadow we came out onto Wallace Lane. Wallace seems to be a popular name in the village. 

There is also Wallace farmhouse.

And Wallace cottage.

Turning right onto Lunesdale Drive, a footpath on the right led to this stile.

Crossing a couple more fields of long grass and a concealed footbridge we had our morning brew behind a hedge, that sheltered us from the cool breeze

The fields we had crossed up to this point had all been of uncut grass without any meadow flowers, so this one made a welcome change

Yeh we know, but who cares.

As we joined the canal we met a Canal and River Trust chap. While we were in conversation with him, along came another man who told us that there was a cow in the canal nearby, Along came another Canal and River Trust chap, and we all set off to look for the cow, We found it, but there was nowhere in the immediate vicinity where it would be able to climb out and we were lost for ideas how we could help. One of the C and R T chaps said he had some waders in his vehicle and set off to get them. Being unable to help the poor beast we moved on as John had arranged for us to meet Martin for dinner.

 

This Narrow boat was heading towards the cow, so we warned the captain about it. He had a stout rope attached to the back of the boat, so he may have been able to help out.

This lady is trying to restrain her excited and over friendly young boxer dog.

Ahead is Stony Lane Bridge, where John had arranged to meet Martin.

Here we are. but where is Martin. John contacted him by phone and before long he found his way to us.

This picnic bench on the side of the canal was ideal, and we were in no hurry to move on,

but move on we must

Back at the canal bridge we say good by to Martin and continue on our way along Stony Lane. at the end of which we turn left onto the busy Cockerham road and immediately left again onto the equally busy Ratcliffe wharf Lane.

After crossing the canal bridge next to the wharf we came across this desirable property. Two guard dogs came bounding towards us barking loudly followed by the lady who quickly brought the dogs under control, She told us the house was built in the 1700s but had since been renovated by her neighbour across the road. I'm sure the house has been extended as well, but it has been very tastefully done. Shortly after passing this house we had to take cover from a heavy shower of rain.

A little further on we turned left down a track passing a number of properties before the track reduced to a narrow path along the edge of a large field of sweetcorn 

Before returning to the car we decided to finish off our flasks. I came across this ancient seat and got my flask out, along came John and sat next to me causing his side of the seat to collapse, as i sat back down my end also collapsed. 

I think local youths had set it up as a booby trap,😅

Back in the village Forton United reform church dates back to 1707. We are almost back to the car now.

The End  DK