SATURDAY. Tewitfield, Lancaster canal
The 2008 trip thus far: 330 Locks; 641 Miles; 65 Swing\Lift Bridges. Bus pass journeys 27
We went for a walk; we caught the bus from Tewitfield, to Lancaster. Then by bus on to Morecambe Battery. The idea was to walk back to Hest Bank along the promenade and foreshore. The weather was warm and sunny with a few clouds, ideal walking weather.
The remains of a fine area were evident about the Battery, previously know as West End; well decorated buildings and the largest of which was the West End Market Hall of 1891. The almost universal large rock sea defences had been applied to the sea front, now of course sporting smart warning notices that they constituted a climbing hazard. No warning of stubbing your toes, I felt that this was a serious omission and one that should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The promenade was clean and litter free, street sweeping was taking place, beach cleaning by means of a tractor and weed removal trailer. It is good to see a town making a success of looking clean and welcoming to visitors. Lots of people about walking and taking in the stunning views across the bay.
We had lunch sitting on the beach looking across to Grange over Sands, with the lake district peaks in the background. Continuing our walk, we arrived at Hest Bank and took tea at the beach cafe as we were well before the 3.30pm closing time (previously mentioned).
We caught the bus to Carnforth and alighted at the railway station. I walked across the railway bridge to take some photos of the West Coast Railway depot, previously know as Steamtown and in BR days as shed code 10a. I bought a couple of second hand books from the model railway shop in the station and enquired about the engines on today’s steam specials.
The Ravenglass train was hauled by Jubilee 5690 Leander, which I had travelled behind and photographed on the East Lancs Railway earlier this year; the Liverpool to Carlisle and return via the Settle Carlisle line was in charge of a black five, not as had been advertised BR standard 8P pacific, 71000 Duke of Gloucester. I decided not to wait to photograph the return of this train.
We caught another bus, this time back to Tewitfield and to Martlet.
Weather – Mainly sunny, a few clouds but dry.
