BOLTON LE SANDS

"ON A WING and A PRAYER"  4 miles.

Snail chasers :-  John W, Jim, Mike, Danny & Anthony.

 A quiet side road off the A6 and close to the canal provided ideal parking for our walk.

Boots on, sticks in hand and hats on heads we dropped down the the main road and immediately across it.

We made our way down an unexpectedly hilly suburban road.

A couple of minutes later our progress was halted by the flashing red lights over the level crossing barrier and a minute or two later the train thundered past.

As we arrived at the edge of the suburbs distant views of the Lake District hills came into view over Morecambe Bay.

We passed the strangely named "Bland Cottage". Nothing about this pretty area could be considered "BLAND".

As we passed a field a large flock of starlings took to the air. ("Wings !") There were several other groups up there too and we hoped for a "Murmuration". we only got a whispered.......  Naa !   wrong time of day fellas.

We had now arrived at the levee which marked the tidal area. There were benches. What do we do when we discover benches ?  Sit on them and admire the view of course.

Across the bay we could just make out a few of the buildings in Barrow 

(only just!)

Nearer to hand the marshy pools offered feeding for the curlews and other waders who came in their millions (?)  to feed in the vast tidal bay.

A short tramp along the levee and we arrived at Red Bank Farm within whose buildings nestled the "Archers" cafe.

This proved to be an excellent cafe. Certainly the "Poshest" we have visited. It's popularity evidenced by our having to wait to be seated.

Our plates were generously filled and whilst not cheap the food was reasonably priced.

The staff apologised for putting us in the "Extension" and hoped it was not too cold. It was, as you can see, most certainly NOT.

EXCELLENT.

We even had "Furry" seats to keep us warm.

A few yards beyond the farm was this intriguing sculpture. 

"PRAYING SHELL" it was entitled. Done by Anthony Padgett Born in Burnley

PRAYER

A legend has grown around the sculpture. It was put there to symbolise The opening of the mind (like the opening of cockles in the Bay) and prayers being said for those dying at sea. Just three weeks after it's installation it was on this spot that the bodies of those poor, Chinese cockle pickers, were brought ashore. It is now irrevocably associated with that tragedy. Look closely and you will see that a phrase in Chinese has been added to the dedication plaque.

A cold and lonely spot on that dark night.

In the same field a short uphill detour took us to the Ordnance Survey "Trig point".  Must be one of the lowest in the country. From here there were further extensive views across the Bay.

From here the fields dropped downhill to a car park we have used on previous walks when heading towards Morecambe.

Grange over Sands we thought.

Across the Bay a view of Morecambe and further out to Heysham.

To our left as we walked down to the rough car park was a lonely looking house which had featured in the TV drama "The Bay".

From here we left the shore and followed the country lane back to the A6.

A right turn at the A6 and a few hundred yards brought us to a narrow ginnel which climbed up to the canal.

Immediately before us at the top of the steps we had just climbed was a swing bridge which seemed to greatly interest Jim.

I think that "ubiquitous" is the only word to use when it comes to swans and the canal.

After about a half mile plod we came to the bridge close to which we had parked the cars.

So.... through the kissing gate on the left just before the bridge and with cars hardly more than 50 yards away we were soon speeding our way South down the M6........ and home.   All agreed this was a surprisingly delightful walk.

JW