Log No 185. Thu 21st Nov 2013 - Lancaster to Knott End-on-Sea, 18 miles (2843 miles walked)

Up at 06.00 and away at 07.25 leaving the camper in the layby, it had been a quiet night with just the sounds of leaves being blown about.

I have been very fortunate with the weather lately and today was another dry one though it was cloudy.

The Lancashire Coastal Way (LCW) followed the side of the River Lune and I spent a few minutes watching the anticsfof a large flock of Lapwings as they would split into two groups, fly off separately then head back towards each other with one group parting down the middle to let the other group through, The way then went on top of the embankment along the edge of the saltmarsh before joining the cycleway along the dismantled railway line.

The old line went as far as Glasson, this was just a small village but it had a dock, a marina and a canal.

I came out of the village on the road and after going over the only small hill of the day took the footpath through fields to get to Crook Farm.

The LCW now stayed close to the shore going by the ruins of Cockersand Abbey before skirting round the marsh and joining the A588 where it crossed the River Cocker.

The embankment round Cockerham and Pilling Marshes was off limits to the public so I had to stay on the main road.

After 3 miles I turned off onto a minor road which went into Pilling before getting back to the embankment by the shore at the end of the marsh.

Unlike the earlier section this embankment had a tarmac path along the top and went right into Knott End-on-Sea.

This was my destination for the day and I had timed it well only having to wait 20 minutes for the bus back to Lancaster to pick up the camper.

There was no tiredness today after the easy 18 miles.

Knott End had a big free car park where I could had stayed overnight but I had the offer of a bed tonight from Stewart.

I met Stewart in Applecross back in July, he was there with his friend Dean for a couple of days to do some cycling and they had pitched their tents next to mine. Stewart said he lived near Fleetwood and I would be walking within a mile of his house. A couple of weeks later he sent me an email offering me hospitality when I get down there.

At the time it seemed such a long way away but, 4 months on, here I am.

Stewart entertained me for the evening by taking me out to his local fish restaurant and after a quick guided tour round the village into his local for a pint of Real Ale.
He has generously offered his hospitality for another night and a taxi service for my walk tomorrow. What luxury.