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We had a big turn out for today’s walk, with twenty seven meeting at Hightown Station. The weather was quite mild and I soon regretted wearing a warm coat. We set off along a tarmac footpath alongside the railway line and passed the entrance to Altcar Training Camp. After a mile or so, we crossed the River Alt and the path narrowed and swung left with woods to our left and open fields to our right. Turning north we came to Ravenmeols Nature Reserve and passed through a small wood to reach St Luke’s Church Road with its roadside lamps lit. A short stretch along Lifeboat Road took us to the car park where we intended to stop for a drinks break at the Green Beach Coffee Van. Unfortunately the Van wasn’t here today so we just stopped for a rest. We set off after our break with sand dunes behind us and crossed the grassland on sandy paths. Several sandy “bunkers” were scattered about that wouldn’t go amiss on Formby Golf Club. After passing into woods, we came to the wooden footbridge over Wick’s Lake. Our luck was out again as the bridge was closed for repairs. A short detour through the pine woods brought us almost to Victoria Road. Guess what? –  the path was blocked and fenced off. We retraced our steps and took Blundell Avenue and Larkhill Lane to reach Victoria Road. This took us across the railway and via Argomeols Road and Gregsons Avenue to the Freshfield Pub. After an enjoyable walk, we were ready for lunch. Anne had earlier reserved tables and given our meal orders in, so we didn’t have long to wait for our food.

Thanks to Anne for organising the lunch and to Anne and Pat for planning, recce-ing and leading the walk.

Have a lovely Christmas and see you all in February.