ON THE WATERFRONT

As the weather was just sunshine and showers today I decided to leave Hubby in charge of the workmen (I'm not allowed a look in anyway) and go out for the morning, especially as the weather is due to get pretty yuck here for the next 2 to 3  days so I wanted to make the most of it being pleasant.

I decided to go to Garstang. I've driven past many times  but haven't been into Garstang for many many years. 

I  was out of Grange by 9.30 onto the A590, the M6 to Junction 33 and onto the A6.  I was parked up in the High Street Car Park by 10.15 - not bad going, and no I didn't break any speed limits.

It's a good park, right by the river and they have public toilets!!  However I decided to pop along the High Street and go into the first cafe I saw, which was The Cobblers.  An attractive cafe.  Lovely cappuccino, small selection of bought in cakes, although they looked OK but I decided poached eggs were better for me than cake so that's what I had  with some wholemeal toast.  It was actually really lovely and the eggs cooked to perfection.  The toast was very thickly cut so although they give you two slices that was too much for me.

Well fortified I proceeded on my way.  There is a circular walk taking in the riverside (the river Wyre) walk near the car but I decided to have a nosy in the town and walk through the high street.  It was very busy but not over crowded and very friendly.

I eventually came to a bridge on, funnily enough Bridge Street.  Went for a short walk there by the river then came back and as I crossed over the bridge again I noticed a tourist map.  Very useful, it showed me a walk along the river to Lancaster Canal, so that was it.  

I retraced my steps but couldn't find the path, almost gave up but crossed the bridge and re-checked the map and yep it says it's right pasat The Cornmill.

So back I go.  The Cornmill is now a Residential Care Home.  There are no signs whatsoever that there is a pathway anywhere near there but on heading towards the entrance of the home, feeling like I was trespassing, I could see no paths whatsoever.  However on the left was an archway which left to staff rooms and their car park, so I ventured through there, expecting to be yelled at any time.  However at the far end of the car park, there was the pathway.  No signs or  anything but it was by the river.

I ventured down it, it was pleasant and sheltered.  Nothing spectacular but pleasant enough.  I eventually came to another bridge, going underneath that you the have to climb two quite steep wooden steps.  I thought it would be another road - but no there it was LANCASTER CANAL right in front of me.

Terrific.  It was breezy now but lovely and sunny so I ventured along the path for quite a while, going under 4 bridges.   On the way I met a lady with a dog called Archie - beautiful dog, which sort of looked like a two toned brown husky.  He was a little shy to start with but then very enthusiastic.  He is just 6 months old and loves to be petted - don't need telling twice.  A pleasant conversation then I moved on.  I heard a gaggle of women approaching but after quite a few minutes they appeared - a ladies walking group I guess.  All very pleasant.  Then a couple with three lurchers who were chatty (the couple not the lurchers) and they said there was a barger further up called the "Swan Song" with two swans outside it.  So I ventured towards it.

On arrived at The Swansong Barge the swans were further down the canal.  Aah well never mind.  I really enjoyed the walk.

It was great that every bridge there was a tourist map, all in good order and very informative.  I discovered that if I carried on I would end up at Forton which I didn't want to do all on my own so I turned round.  I discovered from those maps that there was another bridge I could go up on to get back into the centre of Garstange, which I duly did.

There were lots of boats and barges on the canal and a few dog walkers so well used.  It had a really lovely feel to it.  

I then walked through the town again, past Th'Owd Tithe Barn and back towards my car park.  I decided to go into the Art Gallery and Cafe for a coffee.  It was a very basic cafe but the coffee was fine and there was art work to peruse on the walls.  Very friendl very young lady served me.  

After that I just went back to the car and came home. Whilst on the M6 I went through a couple of heavy showers so my timing had been really good.  

I will go back and take Hubby and do the full canal circular walk, which about 3.3 miles - 4 is about my limit so that should be good. 

Now home and the workmen are progressing well.  Little noise today, thank heavens, as Margaret next door wasn't too happy about it.  Still it was only one day and the noisy side is done - apart from when the concrete mixer gets going when they re-render the balcony.  

In extras I've put together a collage from today, hope you like it. 

That's it form me for today, do take care blip friends and stay safe and I will see you all tomorrow.