Bits and Pieces

After this mornings walk, this afternoons drive was a bit easier. We went to Parbold first to get a photograph of the newly refurbished Windmill pub, I didnt have time to go inside, but will be back.



Next we headed to the former Walton Summit Branch to take a photo of the bridge next to the Duke of York pub. There is a photo of this bridge with the pub in the background, and a boat on the canal.



The canal is now grass, the pub was open but still has an advert for its lease. Again I resisted going inside, and headed off to another pub, the Lord Nelson. The pub has a canal mile post by the front door from the Walton Summit Branch, showing just one mile from the terminus.



I had planned to stop off at the boatyard in Tarleton but the sun was going down so we headed home.

If you have been to the Windmill at Parbold, let us know what you think of it here:

http://www.towpathtreks.co.uk/LLC/pub_info_display.asp?ino=19

Canal Walk: Bootle to Maghull 9 miles

It is hard to believe that it is November tomorrow, the sky is blue and the sun is warm. Quite a lot of our summer days werent as nice as this. Altogether a perfect day for a walk on the canal.

We got the train from Liverpool Central to Bootle New Strand and walked to the canal, joining the towpath by the 3 miles milepost.

a complaint about poor education standards maybe.

The towpath is in very good condition here, a compact gravel which looks like flapjack. It must be ideal for cycling. The only problem is the amount of dog poo on it. But despite the poo the towpath is a big improvement on when I was last here.

a missing information plaque

the docks at Litherland seen from the towpath

The canal through Bootle and Litherland passes by a mixture of derelict factories and the relatively new buildings which have replaced them. At Litherland the new Tescos next to the BW depot is nearly finished. It will be a handy stop off for boaters on their way to and from the dock link in Liverpool.

BW Boats at Litherland

Cycling sign in Netherton

The canal at Aintree

We had a good look for milepost number six but I think it is definitely missing. Milepost 7 was there, milepost 8 has been repainted.

Tigger at Maghull

Spikes on Pipes

On the way we met lots of dogs but only one pit bull dressed as a pumpkin! Passing Aintree we left the conurbation of Liverpool behind. The canal leaves Aintree on an embankment, crossing the River Alt on an aqueduct.

A locked lock on a swingbridge

At Maghull we left the canal and walked the short distance to Maghull Station where we got the train to Liverpool.Maghull Station has a park and ride carpark for rail users and the Great Mogul pub is nearby for those thirsty from a towpath trek.

Photos will soon be online here: http://www.towpathtreks.co.uk/LLC/bootle_melling.html