21 members of the walking group set off from St Michaels station this morning in beautiful Spring sunshine. Given the awful weather over the last few days we were delighted to see the clear blue sky and feel warm sunshine giving us a welcome dose of vitamin D. During the course of the walk the layers came off, with many of the group finishing the walk in short sleeves! Following the path from the station we walked up the very cosmopolitan Lark Lane with its eclectic mix of bars and restaurants, and made our way to Princes Park. Situated to the North of its larger neighbour, Princes Park was once joined with Sefton Park, but the growth of road traffic and the building of Merchants Houses, caused the divide in the two parks. From here we walked to Sefton park, where, having a brief stop for a cuppa, we visited the Palm House and then walked along the side of the lake and boating pond ending at the Marie Curie Field of Hope with its amazing display of daffodils, dedicated to those who have lost their lives to a terminal illness. The daffodils are very late this year due to the cold wet weather, but the display looked particular splendid today bathed in sunshine.
Leaving Sefton Park, we walked through the much smaller Otterspool Park eventually arriving at the café where the walk was due to cease for those taking the short route of 5 miles. From here some walkers left to catch trains either from Aigburth or St Michael’s, but 10 of us decided to elongate the walk by taking the route back along the promenade. The Mersey looked splendid bathed in sunshine and was as calm as a millpond. 4 walkers took the route back to Brunswick station with the remaining 6 continuing on to the City centre via the Albert Dock. Feeling suitably righteous at having completed a 9.5 mile walk, we decided to treat ourselves to a welcome drink on the terrace bar overlooking the waterfront, in the shadow of the Liver Buildings, before returning home to put our feet up for the evening at the end of another successful walk! Thanks to Margaret and Chris for undertaking the recce and leading the walk.
Next walk is on Thursday 3rd May. There will be only one walk of approx. 9 miles starting near the Anderton boat lift in Northwich. There will be car share, leaving from the Baptist Church Car park at 9:30. Full details will be posted on the website and on a poster in the coffee morning.