Longton. 5 Miles. Marsh Mallows, John W, Anthony, John R, Vic and Danny

Our walk today started from the Dolphin Inn, on the edge of Longton Marsh, and the start of the Ribble Way.

              We followed the Ribble Way but albeit, only till we got up onto the levee.

Once on the levee, BAe Warton came into view, on the opposite side of the river. From here the Ribble Way goes off to the right. We headed in the opposite direction.

We hadn't gone far before we began to be plagued by an infestation of rapacious horse flies. Fortunately John W had had the foresight to bring some insect repellent with him, and it worked a treat.

Dropping down from the levee, we enter a field of cows that showed no concern as we entered their territory. All the cows were Friesians except for one which was doing a Greta Garbo impression.

              The ever knowledgeable John W, informed us that she was an Ayrshire.

Having arrived at a kind of civilisation. Turning down the entrance road to a farm, we espy an ideal place to have our morning brew.

After passing the farm buildings, our way ahead was reduced to a narrow path, which entered a dark tunnel of overgrown vegetation and nettles, making me smugly happy to be among the ones who decided to wear long pants today. Here is Anthony emerging from the said tunnel.

The threat of rain which we were informed by the weatherman was on its way finally arrived. but would it last? or would it pass over? Anthony and I were just outnumbered by the optimists.

John W had made arrangements to meet Martin for Dinner. Walking along Marsh Lane to meet him, we pass this wild garden with some very tall foxgloves in it.

                                      Here is Martin waiting patiently for us.

We come across a row of unoccupied picnic tables. alongside the Red Lion pub. By now the rain had begun to come down a bit heavier. Even John R was persuaded to put his jacket on.

                               Martin decides to walk part of the way with us.

We followed a narrow path which led us to a long lane, ( Back Lane), at which point Martin decides to leave us and set off back to the village. See you Martin.

A feature of our walk today, was the very many new gates that had been installed, which John R informed us had replaced some very dilapidated stiles.

Back at the marsh we seat ourselves on some large pieces of driftwood, to finish our flasks off.

Meanwhile John R had met a friend of his up on the levee, who John informed us afterward, was a well travelled and seasoned walker.

Somewhere in the distance, beyond the point of infinity, is the path back down off the levee, leading back to the Dolphin, and the end of our walk. Thanks for arranging it for us John.

                                                                         DK