Lancaster Canal Day 2.
Distance today: 18.5 miles.
Total distance: 655.9 miles.
Accommodation: campsite.
Slightly comical start to the day as I found myself keeping pace with a bin lorry as I walked along the road back to the canal. When we reached the level crossing, we all had to wait 10 minutes for the train to pass. I got chatting to the crew and was asked to bring back a pasty once I’d reached Cornwall. Sure, what flavour?
Back to the towpath. Again, not the most scintillating scenery but it was getting the miles done. When I reached Lancaster I headed into the city to visit my favourite phone-charging outlet. It feels like Wetherspoons has become the modern-day community centre. A couple of woman there with their young kids were bellowing at the top of their voices. One of them was obviously trying to get through to some service on her phone and the whole pub was treated to the on-hold muzak. Not exactly the serene place to contemplate life but after a cup of tea, a pot of porridge, and a phone charge I was happy enough.
I think maybe because I have walked along the canal near Stroud many, many times, it is hard for me to get excited by any canal. That said, it’s almost always pleasant and occasionally there is something to pique my interest. And … it’s easy miles.
Once again, handy campsites were in short supply. With nothing in the 20 to 25 mile range, I ended up at the Greaves Farm Caravan and Camping site which might not have been as far as I wanted to go, but was at least right by the side of the canal. £10 for the night plus £1 for a 5 minute shower, which did make me smile. I don’t know why, it just felt Scrooge-like. While the campsite was a bit isolated, if you walked across the fields one way, you’d get to a pub and if you walked down a lane the other way, there was a garage with a shop. After a mini power nap I headed to the shop and discovered a fish and chip shop on route. As it was only around 5pm, it wasn’t really tea time but I figured I couldn’t be bothered to go back there later so I stopped and had an early fish supper. Back at the campsite I had a shower – for a pound – and that was me done for the day.
