"Happy New Year", called out Allen to all our pals.
"Thanks, and a Happy New Year to you", called back Craig. "Are you planning a walk soon?"
"Once I have tea and cakes, that is the plan."
"Ha ha", laughed Fred. "No plan for a cake free January then?"
"Heaven forbid."
Walking in and hearing this, Tetley said, "Allen giving up cake is beyond comprehension!"
Just then Shaun arrived with the flasks of tea and soon we and our pals had steaming mugs in paw.
The cake tins were opened, Little Eric saying, "we have been working extra hard. There are Chorley cakes and chocolate caramel shortbread from Grizzly. I've made peach and apricot slice, blueberry slice, and chocolate covered flapjack."
"Wow you are really spoiling us", Tetley cheered.
"Plenty for our other pals too", said Grizzly.
Hurrying Southey came in with more cake tins. "I've made scones. There are sultana, cherry and ginger, and cheese. Butter raspberry jam and cream too. Dig in everyone."
"Thanks" said Gladly. "You bakers are truly ace, and we really appreciate it."
"Aye", agreed Shaun. "Never take it for granted."
All satisfied, even arch cake stuffer Allen, our thoughts turned to walks.
"Sunday looks to be a nice day. Clear skies but cold", said Little Eric looking up from the iPad. "So where to go?"
"It would be nice if we could visit Uncle Brian's tree, so start at Crook o'Lune maybe?, mused Southey.
Grizzly said, "we could do the round to the Waterworks Bridge, but instead of taking the path out by the river, walk the cycleway to Caton."
"That's a good idea", agreed Allen. "I think we have walked it before but no matter.
"You know I had the same thought", replied Shaun. "But could not find it in a story."
"The problem with having 600 on the website", stated Southey. He then looked at Tetley, "you can remember so many details of past walks and dates. Can you help us out?"
"For once I am stumped. Like Allen I feel sure we have walked the cycleway, but when escapes me."
"Well whatever it's a plan. So roll in Sunday, assuming Dad is happy to take us out", cheered Little Eric.
"I'll check", said Allen trotting out of the room. Soon back, the smile on his face told us the walk was on. "Dad says it will be good to get the first of the 2026 walks under our paws."
As a Dad was getting ready, Allen looking out said, "we are indeed to get as sunny but cold crisp winter day. There is no wind which is in contrast to the forecast."
"That's good, make it more pleasant", replied Little Eric. "But I am glad to have my woolly hat and scarf."
"I'm ready", called out Dad.
So calling "goodbye" to our pals, we scampered out to the car, for the short drive to Crook o'Lune.
Entering the car park, Tetley pointed, "Woodies is open. You'll be able to have a snack afterwards Dad."
"Oh yes I look forward to a bacon sausage and egg bun and mug of tea."
As Dad got his boots etc. on, We snuggled down in the rucksack. "Before we start, let's go and look at the view along the valley", suggested Southey.
Wow", breathed Shaun. "Just so beautiful, with Ingleborough forming the backdrop. with behind it on the left Simon Fell and Park Fell."
"We climbed all three with Uncle Bob long ago", commented Tetley.
"Where those people are walking on the left side of the river is our return route", stated Little Eric.
"Right", said Southey. "We make our way down to the cycleway and cross Lune East Bridge."
Dad took it carefully as the surface was slippy with frost, but not before we stopped to read the award plaque concerning it's restoration, so cyclists and pedestrians could continue using it to cross the River Lune.
Reaching the far side, Dad made to stride out, but was stopped by Tetley asking, "if we go down to the right, there are those otter sculptures. Would be nice to include pictures in the story."
Then it was best foot forward along the cycleway towards Caton, on what was formerly the Little North Western railway line from Lancaster Green Ayre to Wennington.
Presently Tetley pointed, "how about we have our picture taken on that seat?"
"Ooh yes", agreed Shaun, "but it looks a bit wet."
"No problem, I have a towel in the rucksack that you can sit on", replied Dad.
The picture taken, and as we snuggled into the rucksack Allen called out, "thanks Dad."
Dad strode off and in ten minutes we arrived at Caton and the site of the former station.
"I know you have notes Grizzly, but before you set the scene for us let's go into the village for a look round", suggested Southey.
"Fine with me", Grizzly replied.
So we strolled the short way along the appropriately named Station Road to the centre.
"A post box", shouted Little Eric. "One more bagged. Please take a picture Dad. It dates from the reign of King Edward VII."
"That's the Station Inn across the road", pointed Tetley. "No need to say how it got it's name."
"I drive through here on the way to Elaine's at Feizor, and have wondered what that building just on Brookhouse Road is", pointed Dad.
"Let's go look then", replied Shaun.
As can be seen it is the Victoria Institute. Over the windows to the left is this inscribed stone.
Doing a quick calculation of the Roman Numerals, Grizzly said, "1887. So it must have been built to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria." (Click the link above to find out more)
Before recrossing the road, we stopped to look at the War Memorial.
Along Station Road, Grizzly pointed to this house.
"In private ownership and called Station House, this would have originally been the stationmasters house."
To the right stands Caton Catholic Church. "This was originally the goods shed. The car park area to the right and some of the field further on would have been sidings for goods wagons. The 'Little' North Western's affection for arched windows made it well suited for its new ecclesiastical function. This was thanks to negotiations between the parish priest of Hornby and British Rail."
Moving onto the cycleway that was the former trackbed Dad stood against the wall surrounding the garden of Station House.
Grizzly went on. "In the foreground Station Road becomes Ball Lane. A level crossing was needed and there were crossing gates, where we are standing and opposite where the fence now stands. The signal box stood in the area just beyond the fence, and the platforms stood either side of the cycleway."
"The wall to the left would have been the backing wall of the platform for passengers towards Hornby. The station was opened on 17th November 1849. Initially the route was constructed as single track with a passing loop here. The Lancaster to Hornby stretch was eventually doubled by the Midland Railway in 1889. British Rail closed the station on 1st May 1961 as an economy measure."
"Thank you pal for enabling us to visualise how the station once was", said Tetley, patting Grizzly on the shoulder.
As Dad made to continue along the cycleway, Allen called out, "take a picture of that sign. After all your surname is Ball."
Continuing on we passed Bull Beck parking area. Shaun said, "we need to look out for the gate left into the fields."
Keeping are eyes peeled it was Little Eric who called out, "there's the kissing gate."
This led into a huge field, Shaun directing, "head to the gate in the far left corner."
Gradually we came closer to the river, meeting a lady with her dog and Dad had a nice chat about the lovely day etc.
"There are some lovely reflections", pointed Southey. "Worth a couple of pictures."
Through the gate the path became a track following the river, Dad then veering left to head towards Waterworks Bridge.
"Ooh look, sheep", pointed Southey.
"Darn", grumped Allen as they just sat and ignored his attempts to shoo them away. Dad was hauling the camera out, "oh well not a good start to 2026 in getting a sheep picture free story."
As we approached the bridge Tetley, reminded us, "it carries the Thirlmere Aqueduct over the River Lune. I have done a bit of research." Then pointing uphill he said, "there's one of the valve houses. That is where the aqueduct transitions from a tunnel...
...to pipes for the river crossing."
Pointing to this hatch cover, he went on "MCWW for Manchester Corporation Water Works, and TA for Thirlmere Aqueduct."
The path led through the recently planted trees part of the plan to create more woodland by the river...
.. and then into mature woodland.
A couple were coming the opposite direction and Dad stood to the side to let them pass only to slip over on the muddy slope.
The lady was most concerned saying, "are you all right."
"Thank you, but yes I'm fine. It's not the first time I have slipped during the many years I have been walking."
She told us, "there's a very muddy patch further on."
This was in dip that we recalled is always muddy even in after long spells of dry weather. "Careful Dad" said Little Eric worriedly.
We got through but his boots lost grip with all the mud. Dad was going round to the left where the bank drops vertically into the river. Stopping he said, "not this way as I could easily fall in." Instead he climbed up round a tree, another lady saying, "are you ok, do you need a hand."
"I'm ok, thank you."
They had encountered similar difficulties, her husband having climbed high up the bank to avoid the muddy path only to slide down. He was ok thankfully.
Added a bit of excitement and Dad had a chat with the couple for a minute or so as we strolled across the level grassy area.
"Look at those white geese", pointed Allen. "Seems they would rather be on the bank than in the cold water."
Within minutes we were at the car, but first we went to see the tree that Dad had planted as a memorial to our dear Uncle Brian. We entered through the gate into Hermitage Field Memorial Forest, by which is this information board.
Then just a short way up the path we reached the tree. A rowan. "It's growing well", exclaimed Grizzly. "I wonder if the bluebells will come up this spring. We'll have to come and see."
Hoping out we clustered round the plaque.
"It is hard to believe that it is over six years since he died", sniffed Allen. "I miss him so much."
"As do we all, especially Dad", replied Tetley, giving him a hug.
Thanks for a super day out", cheered Little Eric as we settled in the car for our picnic and warming mugs of tea.
"You're welcome lads. Good to get the 2026 campaign under way."
Dad went to Woodies for a mug of warming tea and a bacon sausage and egg bun. "Lovely" he said, "rounded off the walk perfectly."
