Allen and Tetley were huddled over the iPad and in deep discussion.
"Start from this car park by the creek, and walk beside the river to Little Singleton", said Tetley.
"That's good", agreed Allen. "Then on towards Singleton, and using the marked footpaths, get out to the main road at Poulton-le-Fylde."
Southey had wandered in and stood listening to his pals. "What are you doing?"
Tetley replied, "we have found the location of that Edward VIII postbox, which the lady we met on the last walk told us about. We are devising a route to so we can see it, and especially for Little Eric."
"Aww, that's so good pals. I heard your conversation. Is the route complete?"
"Mostly done", replied Allen. Then as Southey huddled with them, he pointed on the map. "At the main road take the A588 the postbox being on the corner of the first side street. Then we take the next main road right and at the junction turn right again."
After a pause, Tetley said, "we can take the paths north to Little Thornton and loop back to the start."
"Super pals", enthused Southey. "Little Eric will be so excited. Then of course we have to see what Dad thinks."
"I know", said Allen, "that's my job. But I need tea first."
As if by magic, just then Shaun came in with Grizzly and Little Eric in tow.
"Ooh great", cheered Southey, as he got the plates and mugs. "I'll lend a paw to help with the tea."
"Thanks pal", replied Shaun.
We dug into the cakes and there was quiet for a little while.
"The blueberry slice is delicious", said Shaun
"You're welcome", replied Grizzly.
"And so is the peach and apricot slice", went on Tetley.
Little Eric said, "my contribution today."
"I love the oat cookies", enthused Allen, taking another from the tin, having already scoffed two. "We've not had them before, Grizzly."
"It's not either of us you need to thank. They are Southey's work, and you are quite right they are scrumptious."
"You can certainly make them again pal", cheered Allen. Turning the conversation to walks, he went on, "Tetley and I have devised a route, to take in a visit to the Edward VIII postbox at Poulton."
"Oh wow, thank you pals", cried Little Eric. "I was so hoping Dad would take us to see it. I will then have seen one from every monarch's reign."
We all clustered round while Tetley then outlined the proposed route. "The paths are totally unfamiliar but hopefully the route will be ok."
"There are always ways round if we come up against any obstacles", said Shaun.
Allen had drained his mug saying, "I'll go and see what Dad thinks. Hopefully he will approve."
"I'll refill your mug", called out Shaun.
"Thanks", called back Allen. "And save me a cookie, they are so delicious."
As he walked back in a few minutes later, there was a smile on his face. "Dad likes the idea. The walk is on for Monday."
"Great", cheered Little Eric. "I can't wait."
We awoke to a day that was dry, at least from the sky, and rather cloudy, but nevertheless good walking weather.
We were eager to be off, but were patient as Dad got ready and loaded his gear, then calling goodbye to our Hug pals we settled in the car.
"How are we getting to the start?", asked Little Eric.
"I am taking the route via Cockerham and on through Hambleton, to cross the River Wyre at Shard Bridge", replied Dad.
"The road is rather winding and not fast so it will take a while to get there", added Shaun. "After the bridge we go right at the junction then take then third exit off the roundabout, and then first right, Wyre Road, to the car park."
Finally on the narrow lane, it was just a minute or so when Tetley pointed "here we are. Skippool Creek car park."
"Free too", said Grizzly. "That's nice."
While Dad got ready, we settled in the rucksack.
Shaun said, "We go right along the road, by the creek."
"The tide is right out and the boats are grounded, said Southey. "But look how high the creek must rise at flood, to bring them level with the landing stages."
Soon Shaun called out, "our route, the Wyre Way, is along that path branching left."
Reaching the fence by the road, the waymarks pointed us left through a gate and then back along the opposite side of the creek. After the bridge over Main Dyke, the path skirted left round a large pasture.
"Take a picture of that horse, Dad. It is posing for you", said Grizzly.
"So far so good, no sheep", muttered Allen.
"There's a long way to go, pal", replied Tetley with a laugh.
At a junction of paths, Southey instructed, "I know it does not look like it but the route is left past those trees and down to the banks of the river."
In yards Dad stopped. "Oh no", called out Little Eric. "This next section is so boggy. Can we get through."
"There are some tall grassy tussocks, I'll use those, and hopefully we can get past. There is more solid ground in about 20 yards or so", replied Dad.
This was accomplished, thankfully and we continued on a good path, if muddy in parts, along the banks of the River Wyre, that finally led to a short tarmac track to the road at Shard Bridge.
Grizzly said, "the bridge connects Singleton on the southern side of the River Wyre to Hambleton on its northern side. The original bridge was built in 1864, and it went on to replace a ferry service between Stanah and Wardley's Creek further downstream to the west. In 1993 this was replaced a few yards downstream by the current structure. Originally a toll was payable for the crossing, but from 1993 it became a free municipal crossing."
"I can remember when it was a toll crossing", said Dad.
"The Wyre Way crosses the bridge, but our route is onward by the river", said Shaun.
Carefully crossing the road, we descended the steps to the left of the house and then followed the clear path.
There were many small ditches, presumably for drainage from the farmland, so Dad had to be mindful not to catch his foot.
"We should have a shot of the River Wyre to include in our story", insisted Tetley.
Finally, at a sign indicating further progress along the bank was private land, the path swung right to pass between a caravan park, grassy at first then surfaced to take us onto the main road at Little Singleton.
"That garden border by the caravan site access, will make a nice picture", suggested Allen.
At this point is a busy junction. "I remember passing this many times with Uncle Brian, when we went for days out to Blackpool, said Dad. "Lots of happy times. Going on rides and seeing the Ice Show at Pleasure Beach. Walking along the promenade and down North Pier. Then there were visits to see the Illuminations. I recall more than once we walked all the way from Bispham to South Pier to view the whole length."
"Lot's more happy memories", said Allen.
"Yes lad. Uncle Brian loved Blackpool. Long before I knew him, when he was living in Nottingham he came on holiday for a number of years. He recalled to me seeing all the shows on the piers and at other theatres. They were famous stars of the time that he saw."
"Our way is along the B5260 Lodge Lane", pointed Southey.
With care Dad got us across the two busy main roads onto the quieter Lodge Lane. "At the sharp corner, the plan is to take the track straight on", advised Tetley.
This leads to...
...but Southey called out, "the sign on the gate indicates this is private and no public access."
"Oh heck", said Little Eric. "What are we going to do now?"
Allen and Shaun were peering at the map. "There's a way round", said Allen a few moments later.
Shaun gave the directions. "Keep on the road to the the junction at Singleton and there go right. I'll advise further, when we get there."
"Ok lads", said Dad striding out.
Shortly Grizzly said, "those daffodils will make a lovely colourful shot."
Just before the junction Little Eric said, "I wonder where that entrance with the large lodge leads?"
Later Grizzly told us, "it leads to Singleton Hall that was built in 1873 for Thomas Horrocks Miller and his first wife Belle."
As promised Shaun gave further instructions. "Turn right onto Station Road and then just past the houses go right on Carr Lane and through Mount Farm."
Clear of the farm, Tetley called out, "look there's the famous Blackpool Tower."
Grizzly once again educated us. "Its height is 518 feet (158m) and dominates the promenade. Construction started in 1891, and it opened to the public on 14th May 1894, being at the time the tallest man made structure in the British Empire."
Soon Shaun said, "we climb that stile right."
The path led across the field and on along the left side of Knowle Wood.
Here is where Allen's luck ran out regarding sheep pictures, Dad quickly snapping this shot. "Darn", he huffed. "I should have kept my mouth shut, when Dad took the horse picture."
After a gate, a stile took us onto a track. "This is the end of the private track", said Tetley. "We are back on route and go left."
The track passed through Long Wood, where there is this pretty pond surrounded by the trees.
Onwards we dropped down to a kissing gate into a field where the path continued along by the hedge and to a footbridge over Main Dyke. "We crossed this further downstream just before it empties into Skippool Creek", commented Southey.
Beyond the fenced path led into Poulton Business Park. "Where now?", asked Grizzly
"Right a few yards then across in the same direction, to then take the next road left", said Southey.
At the end Allen said, "the map shows the footpath is straight on to then cross the railway line."
However this is now blocked by a tall metal fence, Dad explaining, "must be since the line was electrified and the crossing is no longer safe for pedestrians."
"No problem", said Shaun. "All we need to do is follow the road through the estate and out onto Garstang Road, and there turn left."
Knowing we needed to be on the far side, Dad crossed as soon as there was a gap in the traffic.
"There's a seat", called out Tetley. "We can have a break here, and have our picture taken too."
Allen said, "not far now Little Eric to the King Edward VIII postbox."
"I know pal. I'm getting excited. They are rare, as he reigned for less than a year."
We had a snack and Dad a biscuit and water. Then, snuggling down into the rucksack off we went.
"Take the next right onto Lower Green", advised Shaun.
Then approaching the corner with First Avenue, Little Eric let out a shout, "there's the King Edward VIII post box. At last I have seen one."
"Please take the Royal emblem in close up", implored Little Eric.
"Would you like me to take you sitting on top?", asked Dad.
"Ooh yes please, I would love that", replied Little Eric.
Calming down he got settled again and Dad walked on. Shortly Southey said, "we go right here on Station Road, to a junction and then right."
This was Breck Road and Shaun said, "if we are to do the loop to Little Thornton, then we have to look out for a path left."
There was no sign and all we saw initially were large houses and gates to them. We got to the school at Moorland Road, Little Eric calling out, "there's another postbox, and peering closely he said, "this dates from the reign of King George VI, who became king following the abdication of his brother Edward VIII."
By now we had missed the footpath, Dad saying, "if we go on along Breck Road, we will come to the roundabout. There we can just cross onto Skippool Road and then in few yards right onto Wyre Road to the car."
"That's fine Dad, the loop seemed a bit pointless", replied Tetley.
At the corner of Wyre Road is Thornton Lodge Hotel, like all hospitality venues closed due to lockdown.
"Thank you Dad for taking me to see the rare postbox", said Little Eric.
"It's been and interesting walk and great to do new ground for us all". added Shaun.
"You're welcome, but you must thank Allen and Tetley for devising the route.", replied Dad. "Home now and I plan to take the more direct route via St Michaels on Wyre and then the A6."
