LEGGING IT ALONG THE LIVERPOOL LEEDS CANAL

Well, actually, I was walking along the tow path, 'legging it' was what the bargees used to do when they came to a tunnel - one would take the hours over the top, while the others lay with their backs on the barge and legged it through the tunnel with their feet 'walking' along the sloping roof.

I had an hour's tramp along the pathway at dusk, a lovely peaceful time in the midst of a demanding day. In spite of the litter, it was truly lovely. I have a weakness for canals.