Log No 183. Tue 19th Nov 2013 - Grange-over-Sands to Silverdale, 18 miles (2805 miles walked)

I had bought a newspaper on Monday, not something I do very often, and it had said the country would getting arctic weather later in the week and it could last a while. It was certainly cold through the night with clear skies and this morning all the puddles were frozen.

It was to be another big detour today to get over the River Kent, leaving the camper where it was I managed an early start at 07.50 and set off along quiet farm roads.

The day was calm, clear and cold with the sun just about to rise over the low hills.

It took me just over 2 hours to get to the bridge at Levens and without having to walk on a main road.

From Levens it was a short section on the A6 then I got back on the country lanes.

It was a real pleasure to be out walking in this weather, particularly as I was going to be able to stay clear of traffic.

I took my first break after 3 hours by the River Bela just before I got to Storth, there was warmth in the sun but it was cold in the shade.

I even managed to avoid the roads through the village of Storth by a footpath along a dismantled railway and came out by the shore near where some fishermen were trying their luck.

The next mile to Arnside was walking on the top of the embankment at the edge of the saltmarsh.

My plan had been to walk through the woods at Arnside then into Silverdale and catch the 15.51 train back from there.
With my early start I realised I could get the earlier train at 13.47 by taking a more direct route, that would mean I could then drive into Lancaster in the daylight and find somewhere to park for the night.

I was able to walk directly alongside the railway using minor roads and a footpath.

They maybe use the name "The TransPennine Express" for all the northern trains and not just the services from Lancaster to Carlisle, but the first time I used it I wasn't expecting to see a train consisting of only one carriage pull into the station, some Express that!

Today the Express had two carriages which is maybe why the ticket inspector never had time to get to me before I got off 2 stops later, and I was the only one to get on at Silverdale but the journey time was only 11 minutes. A free trip today.

An enjoyable stroll of 18 miles.