Day 27 - Tales from the Canalbank

 

Putting aside Warrington's defeat last night, I departed from my Standish B&B around 8am (B&B highly recommended but the proprietors insist on references). I was walking with Dave Jones, another ex-RBS colleague and, unfortunately for me, a committed Wigan RL man. Warrington's downturn in fortunes in recent games just would coincide, wouldn't they?

We had a mile or so stroll down to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, ironically passing last week's walking companion, Andrew, along the way. I'm sure he was keen to join us - well, he didn't run off in the other direction.

Thereafter, we were canalside for the next 20 miles. The canal actually stretches for 127 miles and allowed merchants in Bradford to transport textiles and coal to Liverpool. Construction commenced in the late 18th century, a diversion to Wigan meeting some (understandable) opposition. The famous Canal Turn fence at Aintree takes it name from the Leeds-Liverpool waterway. I'm delighted to share this information with you courtesy of Wikipedia.

There were no signs of textiles or coals on our route today as the towpath wound its way through Chorley and Wheelton and on to Blackburn, past Ewood Park and onto Junction 6 of the M65, where Phil collected us and returned me to his 5 star accommodation. There were numerous Canada Geese en route, some with their goslings, and I had to brave plenty of hissing to take the picture above. Up to now, I've met aggressive lambs, dogs, cows and now geese - Dr Dolittle and Noah never had to put up with this.

There was very little activity on the canal; only two or three leisure boats and occasional walkers and joggers but it was easy walking for 21 miles, the wind sometimes against us. With only 3 or 4 locks passed, it must have been flat. But it was great to catch up with Dave: he left RBS some 14 years ago and we have always made sure to keep in touch. Our shared interest in rugby league means that we tend to contact each other when there is a local derby but, whilst Facebook takes a lot of stick for many things, it can assist in maintaining friendships. 

Phil takes me back to Blackburn tomorrow morning, where I am back on the Leeds-Liverpool, heading for Barnoldswick. I am staying in an actual B&B on Saturday night - no references required but it can't be as good as this place in Standish.