ASHTON

 TOWN & COUNTRY  3.5 Miles

Barbour Boys :- Danny, John, Anthony, Mike  (Dave & Liz)

We arrived at Haslam Park about 10.20..... "Haven't you been there a few times  before ?".... "Yes".... "Well why are you going again ?".........  "Because there are always new things to see and talk about. So shut up and let me get on with the blog."

After parking the car in the usual car park we were almost immediately on the canal towpath.

The bright green covering on the surface of the canal was caused by rapid growth of "Ginny Greenteeth" more properly called duckweed. Because we were near the end of the canal there is little movement on the surface, further along the canal the flow of water into and out of it keeps the surface much clearer. 

It is thought the legends of a cruel, witch like, monster (Jenny Greenteeth ... the name varies) living beneath this weed were told to keep children away from deep or dangerous waters.

To your writer's surprise once on the canal we turned right, heading into the Preston suburbs, rather than taking a left into open countryside. Ah Well.... lead on Danny.

Coming into view as we followed the canal was Tulketh Mill with it's magnificently tall chimney. Part of Preston's industrial heritage.

Just as on last weeks walk we passed a very brave duck who stood her ground as we walked past. Can you see the ducklings hiding underneath her ?

What's this bush covered in yellow ball like flowers ?

Now an even taller building graced the horizon. St Walburge's Spire which claims to be the third highest spire in England after Salisbury and Norwich Cathedrals. It is 309ft (90 Metres) tall and is a grade1 listed building.

It was only a few minutes before we reached the truncated end of the canal. There used to be a further half mile or so into the city centre where it was linked to the Leeds/Liverpool canal via the Old Tram Bridge, which you may remember we visited a few walks ago.

Shortly before the end we passed over this cheerfully painted bridge underneath which was the entrance to a small, boat-filled, Marina.

We now found ourselves in an area of terraced housing where some of the streets were still "Cobbled". Just imagine....... cobbled streets some laid down over a hundred and fifty years ago and still in good condition. What a comment on the potholed state of our present roads and streets.

A short break for a bit of fun. You will know the phrase about three monkeys. I'm not sure Danny has got his part right unless of course he speaks out of the back of his head.

Our good friend Martin, a regular walker over the years, is now incapacitated but used to be the the headteacher of this school. "Sacred Heart".

From the acres of terraced housing we moved into the more affluent area of Ashton. There were some spectacularly handsome and large houses. This gate gives some indication of the type of properties we were passing. I have to confess that I am a great fan of terraced housing having lived in one for 50 years. (A small house in Longridge and then, as the family grew) a large

Victorian Terrace in Grimsargh.

This, apparently, was originally the Fire Station.

As we reached Blackpool Road we passed St Andrew's school and the Church. We stopped briefly to explore the graveyard with mostly mid 19th Century headstones.

One of the memorials was to a family with the name "WELLBELOVED". Can't really better that as a surname.

Just a short distance now along the busy Blackpool Rd. I know ! I know ! it doesn't look busy BUT IT WAS ! before we arrived at the Parkside Cafe.  Lunchtime.

Just back a step though. Anybody know what these obviously old Cast iron things are set into the pavements, We passed several on our walk.

And look who has joined us for Lunch again. Dave, A most welcome addition to the quartet. We had only waited a few minutes before Dave's wife Liz arrived and parked just across the road to see him across to the Parkside Cafe.

Is this wallpaper too much (tasteless) our great fun ?  I favour the latter.

Aw ! Come on fellas......... Danny spills his tea on the table (Blamed the teapot 😏) and what's Dave doing with his fingers in his tea ? 

Yu just carn't take 'em anywhere.

 Lunch was good and rather delightfully served. The little grey pot, somewhat resembling a miniature pottery kiln, arrived in each empty cup and was the milk for our teas and coffee. Quite charming 

and so back to the car and home after a gentle but interesting stroll.

Well done Danny.👍

THE END