WALTON LE DALE

 BACK IN TIME WITH DANNY

Time Travellers :- Frank, Andrew, Danny, John W,

                               Anthony, Vic,  Mike.

A narrow, easily missable alley way took us into Walton le Dale Recreation Ground and ample easy parking.

After waiting for some time for those who HAD missed the alley way we set off on our Danny Guided "History" tour.

People who use staple guns to put up notices should also possess staple extractors !!!

Across the road and up another alley way to find a narrow path in a corner.

Notice the "curtain twitcher" as we go past

This steep little path would lead us to the ancient church of St Leonard's.

Before we turned towards the church we looked at the Old School. Now in a sad state of repair. It's most recent use was as a squash club.

We turned to face the church and stopped briefly for those of us who had recently visited Martin in hospital(*) to report on his condition.

As we walked round the outside of the church ( it was locked.) Danny told us some of it's history. I'm sure he will share this with you, dear readers, in his version of the blog.

Down through the graveyard at the bottom of the hill was our next visit. St Patrick's church.

And here we are leaving St Leonard's and taking the path down to St Patrick's

St Patrick's church was open and as we entered we were greeted by some of the Parish ladies sorting out the flowers.

More than 50 years ago I (JW ) taught in the school next to the church. As we left one of the ladies discovered who I was . "My sister still  talks about you" she said "She was in your class. " WOW !"

Just a little further along the road beyond St Patrick's was an old Milestone, Very old ones can be inaccurate as they followed the "Roman mile" which was 1,618 yards rather than our 1,760 yards. The word Mile originated as "Mille!" or 1000 soldiers marching steps.

Right next to the milestone was this house " Bar House ".  This was the site of a Toll Bar before the road became a public highway.

Some of the original toll house may have been incorporated in the Porch.

From here a left turn took us up Knot Lane where Danny told us a deadly duel had once taken place (see Danny Blog) and hence to Church Brow where Danny told us of more historic occasions ( See D blog). Past St Leonard's church again where unusual buildings confirmed the use of the old school as a squash club.

Buildings with no windows ..... Squash Courts ?

Danny informed us that on the other side of the road there had once been houses. Long since taken away by the actions of the river.

The River Ribble looking towards Preston

River Ribble looking upstream towards Samlesbury ( Past Frank ! )

Many people are unaware that the River Ribble is tidal as far up as this area. Such a long way from the sea.

After even more of Danny's "Fascinating Facts we now made our way to Holland's Garden Centre where there was an excellent cafe. LUNCHTIME !

Good walk so far Danny 😀

With History behind us ( Isn't that where you would expect to find History ?)  We then set off to follow the banks of, first the River Darwen and then the River Ribble. A left turn out of the car park took us down to the junction with the A6. Then briefly left towards Bamber Bridge before turning down the very pretty Walton Park Rd

As we walked down this road we passed St Leonard's school (some distance from the church !)

Beyond Walton Park we were soon following the riverside footpath as it led us towards the iconic , but closed, Tram bridge

Up the embankment onto Tram Road and down the other side.

TRAM BRIDGE. Thought to be unsafe but whispers are that it will soon be repaired or rebuilt.

We continued along the riverside path until we arrived at the old railway bridge which is now a cycle track and footpath,

As we began to cross the bridge we stopped to chat to this elderly gentleman.

We then continued across the bridge stopping to have a look at the "Lover's Locks" .

One of which was both amusing and rather charming.

Obviously "Life in the old dogs yet"  💕😀

Over the bridge and down to the cafe in Avenham Park

Flask finishing time.

At the cafe in the park.

YOU CAN'T STOP MEANDERTHALS FROM TALKIN'  (To anybody)

Tram bridge from the other bank of the river

Your writer asked for this photo to be taken to show he was on the walk, 

Shouldna bothered.

Along the Boulevard to London Road Bridge and a little more history from Danny.

All that now remained was to follow the A6 back to our cars.

Just one more stop though.......... at  the house where Joseph Livesey (the founder of the total abstinence movement) was born.

 An excellent walk packed with interest , Well done Danny,

THE END

JW

(*) for those who don't know.   Martin one of our staunchest walkers had a bad fall in the snow and ice just before Christmas and is presently in The spinal unit of Southport and Ormskirk General Hospital