The Wyre Way at Knott End

My walk this week was from Knott End On Sea from where Les and I did a circular walk taking in part of the Wyre Way Long Distance Footpath.

We parked near the sea wall in Knott End and were just in time to see then ferry depart for the short journey across the estuary to Fleetwood.

We  followed the Esplanade along the seafront before heading inland to follow footpaths to the farm at Curwens Hill. The path was lined with wild flowers which soon had me stopping to take photographs.

After a couple of miles we reached Corcas Farm where we turned right into Corcas Lane. On either side of the lane were the Brine Wells. Vast deposits of Rock Salt lie below the surface at Knott End and wells were first drilled in the 1890’s. Some of the well heads are still standing in the fields.

Soon we joined the Wyre Way.

This Long Distance footpath runs from Abbeystead reservoir in the Trough of Bowland to the estuary mouth at Knott End. We were only going to do the last couple of miles.

Most of the way was along the embankment. To our left were the mudflats and salt marsh. On our right there were more brine fields. There were frequent notices warning us of the danger of venturing onto the mudflats but they looked OK.

It was lunchtime so we climbed down to the landward side of the embankment to enjoy our lunch sitting in the sun.

It was only half an hour till we climbed back up the embankment but the scene had changed. The tide had come in and the mudflats and salt marsh were covered by the tide.

We continued along the embankment and then crossed the golf course to reach our car at Knott End. The ferry was just coming in so it was a chance to take more photos.

At the end of the walkway there was a statue entitled “Matchstick Man and his Dog”.

This was a tribute to LS Lowry. Lowry was famous for his paintings of the Matchstick Men but he used to come to Knott End in the summer of the  1940’s and 1950’s to sketch the ferry and its occupants.

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At just over six miles it had been a short and easy walk but full,of interest.

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Monochrome Moods

This image, Crinkle Crags viewed from Cold Pike is my entry for this weeks Monochrome Madness challenge.

It was one of those marvellous days in the Lake District. Les and I had set out to climb Pike o’ Blisco from Dungeon Gill, only 2100 feet of ascent and two and a half miles. We made good time so decided to extend out walk. How about doing Crinkle Crags? We could see the jagged edges looking sombre in the shadow of a cloud and the inviting path leading up to them. Lets do it.

But first we decided to make a detour to Cold Pike, 2259 feet. It would only add on another mile and a few hundred feet of ascent. It was well worth it for the views.

By the time we got to Crinkle Crags my legs were feeling a bit heavy but the ridge route was interesting as always.

Our descent was via Three Tarns and the Band.

It was an energetic day out. . Not sure if I could do it now.

Making Music

This was my entry for this weeks Monochrome Madness challenge.

Taken nearly in the morning in a park in Xian.

I haven’t a clue what the instrument is.

A Grey Day at Wray with Ray.

At the weekend I was walking in the Lake District with Crosby Rambling Club. Our destination was Hawkshead and when we arrived it was a grey day, low cloud and a fine drizzle. I had accompanied Malcolm on the reccee for the ‘A’ party a couple of weeks ago so today I decided to take it easy and join the ‘C’ party on their walk.

I had never walked with this group before, what would it be like? Would it be too slow? No need to worry. The slow pace was more than compensated for by the entertainment factor. Pauline kept us amused with her “Pearls of Wisdom” including her specialist subject – Gates and fences of the 15th century !!!

It would be a relatively short walk, only about six miles, but it give me a chance to visit Wray Castle, A National Trust property that I had never been to before.

Ray was our leader and we set off from Hawkshead heading north east to cross Loanthwaite Lane and on to Hole House Farm.

The way was often muddy and we had to pass through some marshy areas.

We came to a stile with a sign alongside saying – LIFT. Pauline spent ages searching for the button to operate it.

Signs of Spring were all around us, in the hedgerows and in the fields where there were lots of new born lambs, some wearing cute little plastic coats.

After about an hours walking we entered the Wray Castle  estate and made our way down to the shore of Lake Windermere. A chance to wash some of the mud off our boots and stop for lunch admiring the view across the lake.

After a quick bite too eat it was time to visit the castle.

Wray Castle is a Victorian building in the neo-gothic style. The house was built by James Dawson, a surgeon from Liverpool. The house and grounds have belonged to the National Trust since 1929 but have only recently been open to the public. Since being acquired by the National Trust the house has been used as a Youth Hostel and as a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers. Unlike most National Trust properties the interior has no furnishings or paintings. The rooms open to the public are almost empty.

An exception is a room on the ground floor which features a huge ‘Snakes and Ladders board’.

The game illustrates the Social Etiquette of Victorian Society and how a young lady can rise up the social ladder. Or after committing a Faux Pas or social gaffe can easily fall from favour.

More of the must do’s

You host a ball and become toast of the town.

A  mutual acquaintance formally introduces you to a wealthy suitor who is new to the neighbourhood.

The Faux Pas.

Scandal – You have been caught having a private conversation with a potential suitor.

You have publicly disgraced yourself by intellectually upstaging a man. You are now officially a member of the ‘blue stocking club’

You have turned 21 and are still single. Enjoy the life of a spinster.

Soon it was time to leave and re-join the group for the walk back to Hawkshead. The way was undulating with some muddy bits. We crossed Low Wray Bridge and passed Blelham Tarn on its northern side. I spotted a heron on a small pond.

Sitting on a bench opposite the pub in Outgate was an Easter Bunny holding a basket of Easter Eggs.

Pauline thought maybe one was for her.

We crossed more fields to join our outward path at Loanthwaite Lane for our way back to Hawkshead.

We were back in plenty of time to enjoy some refreshments in the local pub. I chose a pint of Cumbria Way. Nice and refreshing. Some of the ladies samples a glass of wine from the comprehensive wine list.

At the end of the walk my legs felt fine but my sides ached from too much laughing. It had been great company. Well done you ‘C’ group walkers.

It was a long journey home and once there I needed to relax. What better than a glass of wine. A nice Rioja, Baron de Bardon 2011, reserve. Now at its best.

A perfect end to the day.

Girl with Umbrella

On Wednesday, Crosby Camera Club held its Digital Image of the Year Competition.

I entered four images but came nowhere !

My best effort was Girl with Umbrella.

The judge thought that a tighter crop may improve the image.

He may be right !

From Below

Here is my entry for this weeks Monochrome Madness Challenge.

                                            Silver Birch.

This weeks challenge had a set theme – From Below.

I could not think of any images in my archives so I had to go in search of an image. Walking through Formby Pinewoods I looked up and saw this.

It just about qualifies.

Taxi for one

This is my entry for this weeks Monochrome Madness challenge run by Leanne Cole.

I call it ‘Taxi for one’

It was taken in Beijing where the bicycle seems to be the main mode of transport ,sometimes carrying huge loads.

It reminded me of the Katie Melua song – There are nine million bicycles in Beijing.