After talking with Uncle Eric on Tuesday night, Dad told us, "the plan is to walk part of the Cumbria Coastal Way, and then complete the circle with a section that Uncle Eric has devised. We will be starting from Milnthorpe, which is where the coastal path starts."
So we met at the car park just off the road to Arnside.
"Good morning Uncle Eric", called out Southey. "Good to see you and we are looking forwards to the walk."
"Nice to see you too lads."
As they got ready, we looked about, Grizzly calling out, "look there's an information board about the Cumbria Coastal Way. Let's go have a look."
"It encompasses the whole coastline, even up to Silloth and beyond", commented Allen. "So when we walked from Silloth we must have done a short section of the path."
By now Dad was ready and called out, "come on lads, time to get settled in the rucksack."
"Ok", called back Little Eric.
Uncle Eric said, "we go left along the road towards Arnside."
This runs by Dallam Park through which runs the River Bela, seen here from the narrow old bridge, leading into the park. A plaque told us this was once the main road and this ran by the river now the footpath through the park.
Across the river we could see the impressive Dallam Tower. Grizzly informed us, "Dallam Tower is grade 1 listed, and is described as early 18th century with 17th century core that was remodelled in the early 19th century and has rainwater pipes dated 1722. The interiors include panelling by Gillow the famous furniture makers."
"We have walked many times through the beautiful deer park, and seen the large herd of deer, said Tetley. "There are many magnificent trees, like that group there", he pointed.
Soon we came to the present bridge spanning the River Bela. This is undergoing repair, requiring re-pointing, so there are temporary traffic lights.
"We take Marsh Lane to the right, just before the bridge", called out Shaun. "That is the Cumbria Coastal Way, as indicated by the signpost."
"I recall we parked along here", said Southey, "when we did a walk through Dallam Park."
"Yes pal, you're right. It was on 8th August 2020", replied Tetley.
"Once again you amaze me pal, with your memory!"
We expected the road to be very quiet, and indeed there were few cars, but being a recognised national cycle route, there were many cyclists. One, a lady, called out, "I love the teddies. Great they are having a walk."
Ah how nice we thought.
"That's Whitbarrow Scar", pointed Grizzly. "Another place we have been too a few times."
The road brought us to Marsh Farm where it bent sharply right. Soon coming to a junction, Uncle Eric said, "we go left."
As we strolled on, Allen said, "that's a nice tree. Worth a picture for the story Dad."
This lane led to College Green Farm, Shaun saying, "we go right and follow the road to the main A6."
Taking care this was crossed and it was up the steep narrow lane opposite to the main road through Leasgill.
"Look", called out Shaun. "A milking churn stand. Perfect place for us to sit for our picture."
Across the road are the houses of Sands View. "I love that sheep ornament", pointed Grizzly.
"Oh yes", agreed Allen. "Let's hope there are no real sheep for Dad to photograph."
"Turn right" said Uncle Eric, "then we will soon branch off left along Mabbin Hall Lane."
Commenting, Uncle Eric said, "the school closed in 2017, yet the redundant sign has not been removed."
The lane climbed steadily, alongside Heversham Head Plantation.
Pointing into the undergrowth, Little Eric said, "that boulder in and erratic of Shap granite, presumably left millions of years ago by the retreating glaciers."
Minutes later a path went of left along an avenue of trees.
"We have passed the other end of that path when we walked along Grievegate Lane", commented Shaun. "That ends at Mabbin Hall that we will pass presently."
Soon after that and just before the end of the woods, Shaun said, "we should go right along this track. There is a stile and path a bit further on, but with the vegetation at its height is will be all but impassable."
This was fine, but the only downside was that Dad and Uncle Eric had to climb over the locked gate!
The route was clear descending below Heversham Head towards the playing fields of Dallam School. The large herd of cows completely ignored us.
Away to the left there was a fine distant view of Farleton Knott with the buildings of the community of Woodhouse in the foreground. "Please take a picture Dad", said Southey.
"We are coming to the tight kissing gate", pointed Allen. "It will be rucksack and camera off, for you to get through Dad."
"Aye lad, we have been here before a few times."
Following the waymarks we crossed the playing fields to a gap stile and then crossed the old railway trackbed and up onto Woodhouse Lane.
"Go left a few yards then over the stile to the right", advised Uncle Eric.
Beyond a clear path struck uphill to an awkward stone step stile.
Beyond keeping by the hedge to the left it was to the field corner and left through a gap stile and then right round the corner of the hedge, as indicated by the waymark suitable for bears and Shaun too of course.
This led to a ladderstile. "Hmm", said Tetley. "This will be a bit difficult, with the bottom rung having fallen off."
Dad was over first and snapped this of Uncle Eric at the top.
Note too another waymarker suitable for us.
Uncle Eric said, "go left and skirt round Lower Haverflatts."
Here there were more cows, but they too ignored us.
Beyond the property, Uncle Eric, instructed, "keep to the left boundary and down to a gate. Through this and cross the pasture to gain Haverflatts Lane via the gated gap stile."
There we went right and just followed the narrow lane all the way down to Milnthorpe, with the folly of St Anthony's Tower away to the right.
"Thank you for suggesting this lovely walk, Uncle Eric", said Grizzly. "It has been most enjoyable and we whilst we had done parts of it before there was quite a lot of new ground."
"You are welcome, glad you liked it."
So saying our goodbyes, Tetley checked the time, saying, "there is time to go to see Martyn and Sarah and have lunch at the River Bela Cafe."
For sure lad", agreed Dad. "And you can all come in too, and Barnaby and Lee."
They had come, as always, to see Uncle Eric.
Dad had the Cumberland sausage whirl with chips and egg, then lovely piece of chocolate marble cake and pot of tea with extra hot water. All the while he had a nice chat with Martyn and Sarah. A lovely time as usual.
