Let’s give this a go!! Yesterday’s blog was taken down from Facebook – I have no idea why. I have appealed and am waiting to hear.

Thursday 23rd January 2025

Apart from being up to our ankles in mud and at one point up to our knees in water, our walking day wasn’t too bad. The start was a little challenging and I so nearly turned back. It was a ridiculously narrow path, on a slope and slippery. After a half mile of this, with lots of muttering, we took the alternative lower path which was very wet – nothing like starting the day off with wet feet!

The first 6 miles was a complete mixed bag of terrain – from boggy to tarmac, from puddles to farm lanes – you never take anything for granted. Stopped and had a lovely chat with a farmer in his tractor – he was just about to start lambing and explained all about it. He was fascinated that we were walking all the way to Lancaster in this weather – mad Southerners! I’m sure this area is fabulous in sunshine but even today the Lune estuary was pretty scenic.

Our half way point was Glasson Dock, a quiet village and marina. We treated ourselves to a coffee stop and a humungous slice of Millionaire’s Shortbread – they had the thickest layer of caramel and the thickest layer of chocolate that you’ve ever seen – the perfect energy booster.

Rejuvenated we made our way to our next path and were delighted to find another tarmac surface – in fact it appeared to be an old railway walk as long, straight and flat – a complete breeze for ramblers. Halfway along, the app suggested a turn off onto a sea wall path – after a ‘brief’ investigation we decided it was far too muddy so stuck to the very lovely manageable path all the way to Lancaster – great decision.

It felt like coming home walking back into Lancaster. We’ve so quickly blended into this historic city – everywhere you look is magnificent, even the newer builds are so cleverly designed to merge in tastefully. Plenty of student halls too – sneaky views of untidy bedrooms!

11 miles today.

And back to our temporary home, muddy boots and all – to find our little charges, Monty and Kit, in their usual cuddling position.