Walk Leader: John Brewer (standing in for Jane Anthony)

Number on walk: 15 & 2 dogs

Distance: 9.5 miles

Weather: Warm for the time of year (especially after the recent sub-zero temperatures) with some sunshine in the afternoon.

The walk was attended by 15 walkers (10 men, 5 women) and 2 dogs.

The walk started promptly at 10:00a.m. crossing the Lune via Denny Beck bridge and proceeding through Halton village past a previously unnoticed café venue – the Red Door before turning onto the path through the Territorial Army training base. The route followed the river until reaching the Canal aqueduct and then crossed the aqueduct and headed along the towpath towards Lancaster, leaving the canal to drop down to the Millenium Bridge. The route didn’t cross the bridge but took a short climb up to Lancaster Priory and Castle. After a brief drink stop the walk crossed and then followed the railway line shortly turning away from the railway to pass some allotments and into the Fairfield Millenium Green and Community Orchard. A narrow old path / track led to Aldcliffe and the canal, coinciding with the location of a refreshment stop the previous week! The route rejoined the canal and headed back towards Lancaster passing the Water Witch and White Cross pubs before leaving the canal and heading up hill to Williamson Park and lunch at the Ashton memorial, with distant hazy views towards the Lake District. After leaving the park and following Quernmore Road alongside the cemetery the route turned left towards Lancaster Farms YOI onto a very rutty Moor Lane before crossing the M6 and dropping down Grimeshaw Lane to the A683 Kirkby Lonsdale road and finishing down the pretty Denny Beck Lane back to the car park.

The flat route and lack of stiles contributed to a good pace and an early finish. Thanks to those who attended and wishing everyone a very merry Christmas.

Photos can be seen 'here'