The November Ramble – Around Pilling
The November walk should have been a pleasant eight mile trek around low-lying farmland between Pilling and Knott End, returning along the sea wall. However, the endless rain the previous week and a forecast of heavy rain and gales provided us with something a little different.
Having parked by the sea wall at Fluke Hall, we started walking into the Pilling Lake District, every hollow filled with water just above boot depth. Nothing like starting the walk with wet feet. Nevertheless, our party of six and the swimming dogs took it all in our stride. Not a place for wimps!
The first point of interest was a ruined farm, followed by a series of fields, stiles and footbridges. Next we had a bit of respite with a stretch of dry lane and then it was back through farms and fields. At this point we encountered hundreds of Canada Geese, feeding on the stubble left after the corn had been harvested.
We had now reached the halfway point, the fishing lakes populated with various species of duck and our lunch stop. The rest of the walk would take us to Preesall and Knott End, followed by nearly three miles of sea wall. However, due to the endless rain, wind and wet feet, we decided to ignore lunch and take a short cut back to the cars.
The final leg of the walk along the high sea wall provided us with impressive views in all directions. The wind here was quite light at a time when the south was getting a battering.
A bit of a disappointing day, but this is a walk that we can perhaps return to some other time.
Linda and Eddie Grange