Burton-in-Kendal to Windermere- 18.8 miles

After yesterday's rain this morning was perfectly still with a cloudless sky. After an excellent breakfast I left Burton and was soon into the country lanes where apart from the odd car I didn't see anybody . As my journey progressed the countryside became gradually more rolling and the mountains towards Windermere came into view. Over my head flew two Lancaster bombers on their way to an air display . Later in the day I would see them again as they flew over lake Windermere at low level. I stopped at Underbarrow village where the local village fair and marrow judging competition was going on . A group of Gig riders were out with their horses and the place was a hive of activity.

Reaching Windermere I relaxed in the sun and ate some fish and chips and drank a cold lager and watched life go by. This week I have covered over a 100 miles and met many interesting people. It was now time to go home .Hopefully Scotland awaits next year.

Forton to Burton - in- Kendal - 19 miles

My sore toe seemed a lot better this morning thanks to antiseptic cream and prayer. I was up at 6 am had breakfast and was on the road at 7am. It was cloudy and cool and I felt that rain was not going to be far away. I was proved right when about 3 miles up the road it started to rain steadily and this continued for much of the day. As I passed Lancaster university I could smell autumn leaves which covered the footpath . In Lancaster I took shelter from the rain and had some coffee and Bakewell tart. Back on the road again as I got near to Carnforth I could see the sea and the hills around Silverdale. I could also smell hot dogs, the type you used to eat at fair grounds, that always smelt better than they tasted! Perhaps hunger was getting the better of me. The good news was that the sky was clearing and the sun was breaking through. I eventually arrived at the Kings Arms at Burton - in- Kendal. 

The poet John Keats  had lunch here in 1818 whilst taking shelter from a storm,

when on a walking holiday . I was proud to follow in his footsteps .

Preston to Forton 18.1 miles

Today was supposed to be a shorter day but yet again I misjudged the distance. The weather was warm and sunny and by the time I got here I was pretty worn out and had a good size blister on my little toe. My fault really as I should have noticed my sock rubbing and dealt with it earlier. On the positive side I did see a Kingfisher whose brilliant blue body darted along the Lancaster canal.

Lots of narrow boats were heading up and down the canal. Others were moored their owners doing a spot of fishing or just socialising with other owners. Tomorrow is an even longer day so let's hope the blister plasters do the trick.

Newburgh to Preston 19.8 miles

I was on the road early this morning and the  sunshine was glorious. As I headed out through the village, parents were just dropping their children off to school and chatting in the playground . I crossed under the Leeds and Liverpool canal and fought my way along a unmaintained footpath where Balsam seeds exploded into my face and brambles tugged at my shirt sleeves . Climbing a fence I eventually reach what seemed like civilisation . I then rejoined the canal again for many miles passing lots of houseboats on the way. Stopping for lunch at a small street side cafe I heard a young girl offering to carry an elderly lady's bag as she met her husband at the hairdressers. "What have you got in your bag, bricks" she said as they both laughed. My journey then took me along the Ribble Way to Preston on a large bank which acted as a barrier to prevent the sea flooding the farmland . The river was full of geese and other seabirds looking for lunch! As the sun set I had lunch at the marina . In all a very good day.

Warrington to Newburgh 16.4 miles

I had just finished my large breakfast and after I got my stuff together, set out on a grey morning through suburbia . From the start of the day I knew it was not going to be very interesting. Rows of dull streets lead to more rows of dull streets until I reached UpHolland and broke into the country, with views of the Pennines in the far distance . Farmers had been busy adding manure to their fields and the smell was breathtaking . In a car you just wind up the windows and drive faster to escape it. On foot you have to try and ignore it and think of other things. I met some ponies who greeted me and I stroked their heads and had a chat before passing on my way.  A more pleasant smell that wafted my way was an autumn bonfire bringing backing memories of my Head Gardener days.

Tomorrow is a walk along the canals and waterways which I am really looking forward to.

Northwich to Winwick (Warrington) 20 miles

The day started sunny as I left my B & B . I stopped a few yards up the road and tried to take a photo of the Coachman inn where I had stayed the night. Not used to the weight of my rucksack I nearly toppled over and fell into a shrubbery. I picked myself up and tried not to look to embarrassed as a young couple and their baby passed me. Next there was a discussion with the  young lad on the checkout who said he could not get himself a girlfriend these days. I just bought my bananas and offered some words of encouragement . It was good to be on the road again as I winded my way through the suburbs of Northwich and out into the Cheshire countryside. A Robin pecked at a worm in the road and left off till I passed by only to return to his lunch when I was at a safe distance. Why do I like walking? Two big influences have strongly coloured my life . A book called The Map that came to life which caught my attention at a time when I hated reading. It  also captured my imagination of  the wonder of maps and how they reveal the landscape . The other factor was my father who encouraged me to walk , cycle and explore, a gift I would come to treasure greatly. My journey today was one of many waterways, the river Mersey, the Manchester ship canal and the Sankey canal. On the Sankey canal I saw a Heron doing some fishing as

he flitted just over the heads of a family of swans. I followed the Sankey canal all the way to Winwick and arrived late afternoon . A warm relaxing bath soon revived me and I am looking forward to tomorrow's adventure.

The Big walk starts again from the 1st - 7th September

I will soon set out again on the Big  Walk which this time takes me from Northwich in Cheshire to Windermere in the Lake District, a journey of  95 miles. With this in mind I have started  my long distance training again  and yesterday did a very hilly  circular walk of 21 miles from Seaton via Sidmouth, to Southleigh and back to Seaton. The weather started of sunny but very windy and the threat of showers was never far away.  As I reached Branscombe the first of the heavy showers started and I quickly slipped on my waterproof jacket. Soon it was all over and the warm moist smell of water vapour  drifted up from the road as the sun broke through the cloud. I stopped for some lunch at the half way point in the Blue Ball inn. The steep climb out of Harcombe  into the woods really tested out my fitness and I stopped at the top to look at the beauty of the woodland and get my breath back

. On the miles of loney lanes back to Southleigh a group of about 40 pheasants  ran ahead of me in the road not having the confidence to flit over the hedge.  I eventually lost them after half a mile as a gateway into a field gave them a opportunity to escape.
Returning via Holyford wood I had to climb over a wind blown tree before leaving the wood.  At the edge of the wood I saw a young fox who looked at me before disappearing into the bracken.
Today my legs are a bit stiff after the 21 hilly miles but not tomorrow they will be fine again.

The Big Walk - Northwich to Windermere 95 miles - September 2nd to 7th

I am now planning the next stage of my journey from Lands End to John O Groats. This will take me from Northwich to Windermere in the Lake District. My journey follows the canal system through  Lancashire  eventually reaching Lancaster via the Lancaster canal. From here I will cross into Lake District  using public footpaths and minor roads. This will be my final journey of the year before I set out again in June 2015.
I then hope all being well to do two weeks walking in one go,which would take me from Windermere to Glasgow. I am looking forward to reaching Scotland and eventually the wild areas of the Scottish highlands in 2016.

Tarporley to Northwich - 12.7 miles

My last day on the road arrived and so having stocked up on supplies at the local Spar, I left Tarporley and was soon into rural Cheshire. The heavens opened in a torrential rain storm and soon I was bombarded with hail stones. Red soil from the fields was washed into the road making deep pools along the both sides. Cheshire is a real mix of those who struggle to survive and the most wealthy with large houses and two range rovers or Audis in the drive. Footballers and golfers are amongst those who live in the bustling villages. I pressed on and eventually arrived,

glad to get some lunch and pass the time of day with the locals. I am now planning next Septembers route which will take me via Lancashire to Windermere  in the Lake District. Let's hope it rains just a little less !

Wem to Tarporley - 23.4 miles

What a day, I was awoken early by the rain beating on my window and the train shaking the B and B . Breakfast was good and so out into the streets of Wem I went knowing it was to be a long day. Let's not mess around , weather forecasters lie. Showers is what they said but it was just wall to wall heavy rain. Another strange thing happened to me today which  has happened twice this week. I'm minding my own business when an elderly women pulls up  in a car and offers me a lift , usually in the wrong direction to where I am going. I have to explain that I am a walker and despite the evidence am doing this for "pleasure". Anyway after some hand gestures and my mime skills I usually manage to get rid of them. Unlike the Llama who greeted me and then tried to spit at me . In trying to avoid him I suffered a bit of camera shake. Anyhow after 23.4 miles in the pouring rain I am recovering with a pint of Black Sheep ale and all the pain seems a distant memory. Tomorrow is a short day 11 miles and it's

 back to Alison and Devon on Wednesday .