GREAT ECCLESTON

 "AROUND THE BEND" 3.5 miles

LOOPY LEGSTRETCHERS :- Jim, John, Mike, 

                                                  Danny, Anthony.

Yes dear readers. Our ageing crew have finally gone round the bend - Well, LOOP actually. A loop in the course of the River Wyre

And there it is.........

But let's start at the beginning...............

We parked South of the village next to St Mary's Church.

Passing through village we came to a rather "Bland" track taking us down to the busy road from Garstang to Blackpool.

After crossing (carefully) the busy and speedy road a stile led us into a farmyard. The path led off to the right but no footpath was indicated.

Someone could be heard working in the building so we went to ask rather than possibly upset the land owner.

A delightful smiling farmer told us that we were on the right track but advised us not to go down that way as it was knee deep in Mud. " Go a bit further down the road there is a much drier track which leads straight to the river."

And so there was !

A few minutes and a short climb later we were on the footpath along the top of the levee above the waters of the Wyre.

In the distance was a footbridge crossing the Wyre to the St Michael's road. 

By the time we reached the bridge (and pipeline) John at least was feeling the strain of lack of exercise (New Knee). So we had a few minutes rest.

John soon recovered and we set again along the Levee towards the Cartford Arms and the toll bridge.

As we continued our walk Mike pointed out an attractive building across the river , This during the fifties and sixties had been the locally famous "Dish Dolls" cafe and restaurant.     mmmmm  ?  ........ we were all old enough to remember it.

In general there was little to impede our progress (SLOW progress) just the occasional gate usually accompanied by a stile, Take your pick.

By now we were nearing the Restaurant and the Toll Bridge.

As we approached we found evidence of a saying often used in nature "Red in tooth and claw" Many, possibly most young birds, never reach maturity.  Indeed some naturalist aver that the large clutches laid by some birds (notably blue tits)  are actually pre-destined to be food for larger predators.

Outside the Carters Arms were about half a dozen greenhouses with not a tomato in sight. Instead there were tables chairs and benches and a heater. This enabled diners to be outside enjoying the view but still staying warm and dry whatever the weather. What a great idea. Mike told us he had similar plans for his greenhouse. 

The Cartford Arms was , of course , right next to the Cartford Toll Bridge

At the start of the bridge was a list of charges for different vehicles. Mike was a little put out to see that there appeared to be no charge for bicycles. "They charged me 10p last time." As there appeared to be no charge for pedestrians Jim suggested that he should carry his bike over next time !😉

We left the Restaurant and the bridge to climb up , what to this Neo-synovial , felt like a steep rise.

During the Sixties, the "Pub" , as it was then , lay at the bottom of a quiet lane and John visited it on a few occasions with his guitar as it hosted "Folk" evenings. It has been considerably developed since with some quite spectacularly "Up Market " Residences.

Outside one residence was this charming and witty area set aside for Mini-Beasts.

It does not show up in the photo but the insect condominium was labelled " Bee & Bee"

As we recrossed the busy main road and entered the village (Great Ecclestone) we were both fascinated and charmed by the number of Ancient, attractive and interesting buildings it contained.

"BEWARE OF THE DOG"  thanks for the warning !

We now searched for a cafe........ and found a rather nice one.

The cafe when we went in was virtually empty

By the time we left it was full and busy

As we left even the outside tables (it was quite chilly) were being occupied.

It was only a short walk now back to the car but your photographer could not resist a picture of what, on the surface, looked like a very unusual "Raised flower  Bed". or am I being unnecessarily cynical 

I think, maybe in the summer, when it is full of flowering plants it would be a beautifully respectful symbol of the church's beliefs.

and so to home after a most refreshing blow by the river and an unexpected "treat" of a village.

JW