PILLING to KNOTT END CIRCULAR

 


Summary

Date - 23rd September 2017 Distance - 8.25 miles
Ascent -
520ft
Map - 296
Start point - Lane Ends Amenity Area (SD 4151 4943)

 

Summits Achieved

No summits were reached on this walk

 

Preface

Allen and Tetley strolled into the room, to find Southey with a consoling paw round Little Eric's shoulder, as he wailed, "it's all my fault."

"Whatever is the matter", said Tetley.

"Well", sobbed Little Eric, "if I had not still wanted to advance my Wainwright total, Dad would never have fallen on Scarth Gap, and damaged his knee."

"Oh pal", said Allen. "Don't say that. It's not your fault."

"No pal", went on Tetley. "Dad would never think that. There's always a risk and in all the 7000 miles he has walked there have been some other incidents but he has never really suffered any serious injury."

"But he had to cancel a walk with Uncle Eric", sniffed Little Eric.

At that moment Shaun and Grizzly arrived with the tea and cakes. "I heard that", said Shaun. "Yes he had to cancel, but that was just that he did not feel quite recovered enough. But I bring good news. Dad has decided that we are walking on Saturday."

"Oh that's so good", said Little Eric, his face brightening. "Where are we going?"

Ever thinking of his stomach, Allen said, "let's get the tea and cakes first."

"Typical", laughed Tetley, as he went off with Southey to get the mugs and plates.

Tea poured, we helped ourselves to the delicious cakes.

"My favourite", said Tetley taking a bite of the chocolate caramel shortbread.

All content, Shaun enlightened us about the walk. "Dad has decided that a flat walk is necessary to see how his knee is holding up. So we are going to walk in the Pilling and Knott End area."

"We have never walked there before, so it will be good to explore", agreed Tetley.

"I am just so glad Dad feels able to go", replied Little Eric, who was obviously feeling much much brighter.

 

The Walk

We awoke to cloudy skies, that were to be the order of the day, and a cool wind at times. Dad had hoped to walk in shorts but just too cool.

"Well after all it is autumn", said Grizzly, as we headed off.

The route was to Lancaster then taking the road to Cockerham and on towards Pilling.

Shaun had got the route highlighted on the map, and after Cockerham said, "to get to the car park it is the first road off to the right, a few miles further on."

The start was at the Lane Ends Amenity Area, signed off the main road, and just a short distance on the right.

A free car park set within trees.

As Dad was getting ready he met a local couple who had been walking their dog.

Having commented on the weather the lady said, "looks like you are off for a walk."

Dad told them briefly where we were going, the gentleman saying, "that will be a nice walk."

Dad then asked about a cafe for afterwards. No surprise there we thought!

They suggested the Ellitson Arms in Pilling, or otherwise driving to Knott End.

So leaving the car park, Shaun instructed, "we go right and follow Backsands Lane."

The road was lined either side with fields, in which sheep were grazing. "Look called out Southey that one is posing for you, Dad."

"Hmph", grunted Allen. "There goes the sheep picture free story."

Just before crossing Broadfleet Bridge, Allen pointed, "that's an impressive building with its former windmill."

Dad strode on, only to be halted on the bridge, seeing this swan with cygnets line astern.

Being on the coast there was no surprise to see skeins of geese flying over.

Shortly we came to the Golden Ball pub, and looking left Tetley said, "that might make a nice shot towards the church."

"Right", called out Shaun, "along Fluke Hall Lane."

"Then where?", asked Little Eric.

"Fairly soon, left along Libby Lane", replied Shaun.

Keeping out eyes peeled, Tetley soon called out, "there's the footpath sign."

This was tarmac for a short way and then a surfaced track. Beyond a stile the way continued across a field by the hedge on left.

"Another nice shot to the church", called out Southey.

Dedicated to St John the Baptist, the church was built in 1886–87, on a site some 100 metres (109 yd) to the north of the old church, it was to replace. Designed by the Lancaster firm of Paley & Austin it provided seating for 410 people. Constructed in sandstone with slate roofs, the plan consists of a five-bay nave with clerestory and north and south aisles. The south porch, two bay chancel with a north vestry form a transept. The west tower has a recessed spire. (source Wikipedia)

At the end of the field we climbed the wooden step stile in the left corner.

"Left now", said Shaun, "to the stile by that gate."

Arriving Allen said, "that's a bit unusual with the step across the corner."

Beyond through the trees the path was overgrown with nettles.

"Just as well you are not in shorts", commented Grizzly.

"Indeed", Dad replied. "There would be no chance of not being stung."

Out of the trees we crossed the field, Dad drifting right to the footbridge in the hedge.

Reaching it, Shaun instructed, "we do not cross, instead it is right alongside the ditch."

This brought us via a stile onto Wheel Lane. "Straight across along that track", advised Shaun.

In the footsteps of the gentleman, Dad strolled the track until it swung right towards the white house.

Here a waymark indicated we should go ahead on the narrow grassy path between hedges and past this pool...

...to a stile. Stepping a few yards right it was on in the same direction, and via stiles and a footbridges, to eventually pass through a gate on the right onto a surfaced access drive and go left to the road.

"Where now?", asked Southey.

"Turn right", replied Shaun, "and walk to the next sharp bend."

There a waymark indicated the route was through a small wood gate onto the grassy footpath.

"It's blocked", called out Allen, seeing the wood barrier beyond the gate.

"Oh heck", muttered Little Eric.

Shaun however saved the day calling out, "there's a gate in the fence from the drive to the caravan site, onto the footpath."

The grassy way led over a stile, then almost immediately left through another wooden gate into the caravan park.

Here these two goats were inquisitive. "They're begging to have their picture taken", laughed Tetley.

"At least they're not sheep", went on Southey, giving Allen a look.

Beyond a gate it was across a field, to then cross the footbridge right. A path now took us left beside a large fenced area, to cross another footbridge onto Tongues Lane.

Shaun was quick with directions. "Turn right, then it's along that track on the left a few yards on."

Along here we passed some bullocks.

Before the facing fence the route was clearly right over a bridge, to follow the stiled way with Wheel Foot Watercourse to our left. This horse being in the field beyond.

The path became narrow and overgrown, leading on to a surfaced drive, and out to the road.

"Cross the road and onto that path opposite", advised Shaun.

This led finally to steps up onto the embankment, so joining the Lancashire Coastal Way, and turning right.

"I'm hungry", complained Allen rubbing his tummy.

"You're always hungry", laughed Tetley.

"Actually I'm ready for a rest" replied Dad, "let's sit by these rocks."

So we sat happily munching away on our sandwiches and cake with warming mugs of tea. Then we posed for our picture.

"What a shame the views are not good", said Grizzly.

"On a good day we would see our beloved Lakeland Fells", replied Tetley.

"Aye", said Southey, "the only dominant features today are the Heysham Nuclear Power Stations."

Settled again in Dad's rucksack, he strode out along the embankment...

... until reaching the parking area at the end of Fluke Hall Lane. Walked its length, to eventually arrive again at the Golden Ball public house, and retrace the outwards route on Backsands Lane...

... to the tree enclosed area where the car was parked.

"That was a lovely walk", said Little Eric, "but how are your knees?"

"Not too bad", was Dad's reply. "They hurt a bit at times and I am not sorry to be back at the car. Mind you I have walked further than planned."

"You should have measured the walk before we set off", scolded Tetley.

"Aye you're right lad. I'm not used to worrying about the distance."

"Cafe time", called out Grizzly.

"Yes lad. According to the Internet, there might be one at Bells Farm."

However on arrival, Dad was told this had closed over a year ago.

"Bother", exclaimed Southey. "Best to go to Knott End I guess."

This is what Dad did. On and on he went even on reaching the town, and finally his perseverance was rewarded seeing the Knott End Cafe. "There's a large free car park behind", called out Shaun.

The cafe has been in the same family since 1946 and the staff very cheerful and friendly. Dad had a cheese and apple pannini, with chips. Then a gorgeous piece of chocolate caramel shortbread. Tea too of course. The fruit scones looked good too, so he brought two home for Uncle Brian and Dad to have for tea. They were delicious.

Rounded the day off perfectly.

Thanks Dad as always. We love you!

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