Sunday, 19th January 2014

Walk: Potters Brook Bridge, Lancaster Canal, Glasson Link Canal, Lower Thurnham, Thurnham Hill and Cockerham
Start Point: Cockerham Village Hall Grid Reference: SD 465 520
Distance: 8.25 miles Ascent: 230 feet
Time: 5.5 hours    
Weather: A damp start with sunshine later, a cool breeze mid afternoon
Comments: On this walk the leader had nineteen followers. Leaving Cockerham the route joined the Lancaster Canal at Potters Brook Bridge. Slip sliding along the tow path of the canal, the group headed for the Glasson Link canal for refreshments. Replete, the group then followed the Glasson Link for a while, before leaving it for Lower Thurnham. A change of landscape saw low laying fields, many of which were waterlogged. At times it was a little difficult underfoot but members of the group took it in their stride. During the walk the group observed geese, swans and model aircraft take to the air. An enjoyable walk even though it was a little wet and muddy underfoot.

Scroll down to see photos of the walk

Leaving the departure point on time

 

The first gate of many gates

 

Off to find the Lancaster Canal

 

The first of many mud baths

 

A long way from Candleford

 

Canal miles

 

A hall adjacent to the canal

 

The Lancaster Canal near to Ellel Grange

 

A better class of bridge to serve Ellel Grange

 

Gale damage

 

Time out for a brew

 

No 1 Lock on the Glasson Link

 

More canal miles

 

The junction of the Glasson Link and Lancaster Canal - the bridge was for barge towing horses to cross the link

 

Two Brians

 

Replete and ready for the next leg of the walk

 

Another view of Lock No 1

 

A lone swan

 

January on the Glasson Link

 

Leaving the canal for Lower Thurnham . . .

 

but the leader finds it a tight squeeze

 

More mud

 

Future Sunday Roasts . . .

 

but don't mention Mint Sauce

 

Foragers

 

Up for Thurnham and down for Cockersands

 

Christmas escapees

 

One of many water features on route

 

A familiar scene - drainage ditches filled to the brim

 

Finding a dryer route

 

A choked drainage ditch

 

The leader in action

 

A short diversion due to waterlogged fields

 

A hidden bridge

 

The leader again

 

They take off . . .

 

for a low level flight . . .

 

whilst these birds fly over them at a higher altitude

 

The only climb on the walk

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