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.