Amazing Anderton Boat Lift

Amazing Anderton Boat Lift

amazing holidays/days out

Hello. I'm having a little bimble. My first port of call is the Anderton Boat lift at Northwich, it has been on my 'to do' list for ages. It's an amazing piece of engineering which moves narrow boats from the low level of the River Weaver to the high level of the Trent and Mersey Canal. there are two lifts side by side, so when one is going up the other is coming down. I paid the £7 to ride on a boat and go up on the lift. The pilot gave a very informative talk. It was a slow process, steering the boat into the lift, waiting for the lock doors to open and close. It was similar to going into a normal lock.  

For more information on the Boat Lift check out this site.

Luckily the rain held off long enough for me to walk around the site. The Anderton Marina was full of boats. This part is for permanent residents. 

That's one place ticked off, tomorrow I am going to see the Pontcysllte Aqueduct. My B & B for two nights is in Llangollen. I had a walk around the town and bought some food for my picnic in the room. The River Dee runs through the town. Beautiful scenery.

The weather hasn't been too good today, where has the sun gone? Tomorrow I plan to walk the four miles along the canal to the Aqueduct, and back again. Janet, if you are reading this, the mobile phone signal is very poor here.

I'm a bit  tired so I'll sign off now. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

A walk from Filey back to Hunmanby.

A walk from Filey back to Hunmanby.

holidays/days out walking

Hello. Here is the last part of my two day walk in East Yorkshire. The weather has stayed dry, it has been sunny, but it is oh so windy on the coastal path. 

Filey is the start/finish point of three long distance paths, the Cleveland Way, Yorkshire Wolds Way, and the Centenary Way. This is the monument which marks the spot. I have done most of the Cleveland Way, parts of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, and a little bit of the Centenary Way. 

I set off through Filey Country Park along the coast, and was battling the wind along the Cleveland Way. I had it in mind to walk to Scarborough, but when I got to the holiday park at Gristhorpe Cliff, more caravans, I decided I'd seen enough of the sea, and turned inland down a track which led to a road. It was a relief to get out of the wind. I crossed over the A165 and walked through the village of Lebberston.

I got to a crossing over a railway line, the gate was shut but not locked, and I didn't know if I was allowed to go through the gate and walk across. There was a sign which said phone signalman for permission to open the gate. I guessed that might be for cars wanting access to the other side. I was pondering because there was a sign which said no trespassing on the railway, wondering whether to dash across. Just at that moment a signal lady stuck her head out of the cabin door and said I could cross.

A few yards further on I saw this unusual house at Lingholm Farm, I wondered if it might have been a church at some point.

I walked past Magdalen Grange Farm, and over the River Hertford, and came across this picnic area which someone had spent a lot of time planting and tidying it up. A sheltered little haven.

I crossed over the A1039 road, and joined the Yorkshire Wolds Way. This was sheer heaven as it was in a valley and sheltered from the wind, and lovely and warm in the sun.

I reached a road and the quickest way back to Hunmanby would be to turn left on it, but it was very busy with cars whizzing by, and no footpath. I decided I had time to take the long way round and carried on along the footpath.

There was a hill to climb out of the valley and I did a u turn along the Centenary Way which joined up with the fast road closer to the village. Oh boy, the wind blasted me again, I was cold through to the bone. It was a long straight stretch past Field House Farm to the road. Lovely views mind you. Love that yellow.

It was nice to get back to my car and sit in the warm for a few minutes before I set off for home. I sent a text to Janet, my lovely house/cat sitter, to let her know my estimated time of arrival. The journey took a bit longer than I thought because I popped into Morrisons at Beverley as I was passing, and managed to get a few yellow stickers, ha ha. It was 16 miles for this walk, so a total of 27 for the two days. That's given my challenge a little boost.

I have emailed the nice couple from The Poplars camping and caravan park, at Sewerby, and they got back to me, Their names are Sarah and Russ, so if you fancy having a look round the area and need accommodation, they also do B & B, give them a shout.

I am planning my next trip which will be to the other side of the country, North Wales beckons. I have a list of places I want to visit, just sorting out the order in which to do them. I won't be booking any accommodation, preferring to be flexible. Weather permitting I would like to go up Snowdon. and visit  Anglesey.

Right, it's Crafty Club time and I have to get ready, so I'll sign off now. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

A walk from Hunmanby to Filey

A walk from Hunmanby to Filey

holidays/days out walking

Hello. Again I am going to split a one day walk into two posts. Easier for me and not so laborious for you to scroll through masses of photo's. Sometimes my posts go on for too long. I don't know about you but I tend to scan blogs to pick out the bits that interest me. 

So, the view from my window at the start of day two. 

Here is a little Good Morning video I made before I left the camp site.



The morning was fresh and sunny, and a bit chilly. I drove a couple of miles north to Hunmanby, on the outskirts of Filey. There is a nice little square opposite the church which is convenient for free parking. From what I saw it's a lovely village, and a lady dog walker confirmed it is a lovely place to live. I set off along the Centenary Way, which is an 83 mile long walk from York to Filey. The tarmac road narrows down to a farm track, then goes through some fields. These cows and calves were curious and edged their way forward to have a closer look at me. The bull is taking it all in his stride, not really interested.

Crossing over the A165 as I was coming into Filey I took a right turn, past Muston Grange and over a railway line,  towards the sea. Down the steps to the promenade. As I look along the coastline I can see the cliff around the other side of the bay, where I will be walking next.

Not many holiday makers about yet, a few dog walkers. It's quite a short promenade, with a few seaside attractions, it doesn't seem overly commercialized.. I didn't venture into the town.

Love this cute model changing hut. It was rolled down to the waters edge with the bather inside, to give some privacy when entering and leaving the sea. What a good idea, saves getting all that nasty sand in your knickers, ha ha. I have never liked going in the sea for that reason. I have always hated sitting on a beach.

The gift shop worker getting ready for the days trading. Laying his wares out on the forecourt of the shop.

This sculpture has also been shown in Whitby and Scarborough. High Tide in Short Wellies is the creation of Ray Lonsdale. The iron fisherman is about 10 feet tall.

I sat for a few minutes and ate a boiled egg. No one for Crazy Golf yet, the girl waits patiently in the paybox for punters to turn up. Don't think she will be doing much business today.

A look back as I continue my walk. Leaving Filey.

Looking ahead to the next bit, around the top of the cliff. I can see dots in the distance, there are others walking that way.

Bye bye Filey. Still windy.

And here we are at the end of the cliff top walk. It's as far as I can go, Filey Brigg End down there in the sea. If the tide was out I could take a track down onto the rocks, but it isn't. There are signs at the Lifeboat Station saying not to attempt it until two hours after high tide. It's a very steep drop down there. 

Flippin heck, it's windy and cold. Lovely view.

Right, that's it for this post. It's a longer walk than yesterday so I'll break off here and come back tomorrow to finish the story. Thanks for popping in, see you soon. Have a nice Sunday.
Toodle pip

A walk from Flamborough Head back to Sewerby.

A walk from Flamborough Head back to Sewerby.

holidays/days out walking

Hello. Here is part two of the first day's walking. After a quick toilet break at Flamborough Head, too cold to hang around, I set off along the coastal track towards North Landing. Here the sea birds are clinging onto the cliffs as the wind was howling around them, and the waves were lashing the rocks below. 

There are names for all the nooks and crannies around the coast, but I can't be bothered to remember them all. I just like to enjoy the change of scenery, the sounds and the smells of the sea air, and marvel at the wonders of nature.

How wonderful to look down on the crashing waves, and further out into the wide sea beyond. We are just a mere dot on this amazing planet.

At the top of the steps approaching North Landing. A sheltered cove, ideal for mooching around the waters edge.

More sea views  and the path ahead. 

It was a long and hard straight trek to Thornwick Bay. Battling against the wind I decided it was time to head inland, I needed some respite, and some calm. There is a large mobile home holiday park here, with some of the caravans parked perilously close to the edge of the cliff. I noticed one jutting out with a 'For Sale' sign in the window. I wondered why anyone would want to buy that, being buffeted by the wind, and with only the vast ocean beyond with nothing happening. If there are no passing ships what is there to look at?

I walked through the caravans, and had to ask someone the way out, and eventually found the main entrance onto the road. At the end of the driveway are two yucky turquoise blue ponds with fountains spewing out what looked like some kind of obnoxious poison. That did not seem natural at all, in fact it reminded me a very heavily polluted sickly looking cesspit.

The lady I spoke to said it's a great place for families, plenty for kids to do. There is a camp site, but the place is so big you need a map to find your way around.

I'm on my way, heading towards Flamborough Village. 

Once through Flamborough I found a path through some woods which took me back to Danes Dyke. These little signs are helpful.

I was back on the coastal track. Follow the arrow to the left to Sewerby. When I got back to the car a large furniture removal lorry had parked two inches from my bumper. I joked with the driver and his mate, asking if my car was in their way. They were there for the night so when I moved they were able to get their lorry in a straight line against the kerb edge.

I fancied chips but sadly the chip shop in Sewerby was closed, so I had to drive a few minutes towards Bridlington where I found another one. Mushy peas and chips for dinner tonight. Then I went in search of a camp site, there was one marked on the map not too far away next to a railway line. I pulled in The Poplars, and pressed the buzzer at reception for service. I think the owners were a bit taken aback when I asked for a tent pitch but would be sleeping in my campercar. They couldn't decided what to charge me when I asked. We then had a smashing chat about money saving and simple living. They are keen frugalers so we spent twenty minutes swapping money saving stories. Eventually we haggled over the price, they did me a very good deal. I'm sorry to say that I forgot to ask their names and I can't find them on their web site. If you want to check it out it's here. They also do B & B at a very good price. It's a small camping and caravan site, good washing facilities, nice and quiet.

I did a bit of sewing after I ate my luke warm chips, but gave up when the light faded. Early to bed for me. Rosy cheeks from the wind.  
 

A few empty pitches, it's early in the season, best get booked if you want to come high season. The location is ideal for Bridlington and the east coast up to Scarborough. 

I'm staying in this afternoon, just found out that my favourite weather man Owain, has his first show on Radio York, started at 12 finishes at 3. I've already sent him a text and now I'm bopping away to his music.

I'll be back tomorrow with the next part of my two day walking break. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip.

A walk from Sewerby to Flamborough Head.

A walk from Sewerby to Flamborough Head.

holidays/days out walking

Hello. There are a lot of pictures to show so I will split them into manageable sized posts. My two days away started when I parked at Sewerby Village car park. I didn't actually go into the car park because it was £2.90 for the day, not bad I suppose, but I would rather not pay at all for parking. The access road outside had no restrictions, and there was room to park without getting in anyone's way. It's in striking distance from the beach so that's the direction I headed for. 

Sewerby Hall is close by, here is the Land Train setting off for Bridlington. I am going in the opposite direction. Seeing this made me a bit sad, it reminded me of when I brought Rocky here, we had a lovely day out. I pushed him in the buggy along the Promenade to Bridlington, and we came back on the train. 

Happy memories which brings tears to my eyes. Still miss him. 

Sewerby Cricket Club were out enjoying their sport. I didn't hang about to watch, it's not my scene. 

Sewerby Hall, looking fab in the sun.

Onward I went towards Flamborough Head. Although sunny, the wind was biting cold. The views were lovely, but not warm enough to sit and daydream.

There are a lot of steps up and down as the track meanders around the gullies. This is Danes Dyke.

One of the few places where the beach is accessible on this coastline. 

Onward and upward, the coastal path goes along the top of the cliffs.

South Landing is another place with access to the Beach. Anyone want to build a sandcastle, buckets and spades for sale here.

I saw quite a few people with binoculars, and cameras with ginormous lenses. It's a bird spotters haven here. 

Oooops, best be careful then. The path was perilously close to the edge at times, and it was very windy. this is the long stretch from South Landing to Flamborough Head.

The roar of the sea followed me the whole time. The wind was causing it to rush onto the beach. Would have been good for surfers, if they could stand the cold.

Breathtaking views. 

After a hard push against the wind I arrived at Flamborough Head. The Foghorn Station. 

I have been inside this lighthouse before on a previous visit, so I won't go in this time. You can read about it here.

I'm going to make a break here, and resume the story tomorrow. with more photo's. Come back if you want to read more. Thanks for popping in, see you soon.
Toodle pip