11 Ramblers completed the first walk of the New Year today. Setting off from the Ship Inn at Haskayne, we completed an 8 mile walk along the banks of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. In spite of the recent rain the towpath was passable with no dense muddy sections. The first part of the walk was quiet with no passing barges or fellow walkers on the canal bank. Our first prospective coffee stop at Scarisbrick Marina was aborted as it was closed! Our next attempt was equally fruitless as the next pub we got to was also still shut! However it was 3rd time lucky and we managed to find the Heaton’s Bridge open, much to the horror of the landlady, who clearly had not expected a group of 11 coming through the door as soon as she opened up. Some of the signs on the pub walls caused great amusement and those sitting in those areas were the butt of many jokes! Having warmed ourselves by the open fire, and replenished with warm drinks, we continued the walk along the tow path in the direction of Burscough. At this point there was much more human ( and canine) traffic on the path, with Xmas bikes clearly in evidence. Finally passing across Top Locks we reached our end point of the Ship Inn at Lathom, having had a lovely walk, in dry weather, and then enjoyed our pre-booked meal in the pub. Thanks to Alan for planning and leading the walk.
Our next ramble will be on Thursday 6th February and will be a circular walk from Ego at the Punchbowl in Sefton, through Lunt Meadows. Full details will be posted towards the end of January.