Day 29- Preston to Ormskirk
Actual distance 33.91Km or 21.07miles
Total Ascent 163m
Staying with Sefton North District Scouts
This morning we attended flag break at Waddecar and then had the chance to visit the Be Prepared- the History of Scouting Museum which was absolutely fascinating. They have a really beautiful collection of Scouting and GirlGuiding memorabilia and we honestly could have spent much more time looking around, but sadly as time was pressing we said our goodbyes and set off back to Preston.
We were joined on todays journey by Sarah and Abi which was lovely. We set off through Preston lovely cycle paths which narrowed into the Ribble Way. We were quickly slowed by a very, very narrow path with thick nettles, brambles and slippery mud, so were reduced to pushing the bikes for about 20 minutes. The mud was so sticky poor Abi lost her shoe and stepped in the mud in her sock. Happily we happened to pass a local cyclist, so asked him what the path ahead was like. He had a look at our route and kindly suggested a different, shorter, more realistic route which everyone was keen on despite it being a having a few extra hills!
Our new route took us along a really lovely cycle path at the side of a main road. Despite the gentle ascent the path was smooth and therefore felt like a dream. We stopped at a cafe for lunch, then continued along the road for a little longer before once again heading off cross country, following the River Douglas for a short stretch in order to reach the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The cross country section was very, very bumpy and difficult so we were very much hoping the canal path (which we had already googled to check it was rideable!) would offer some respite.
Before we could start on the canal we had our fourth puncture- again in Bethan’s front wheel, and our second in as many days! Phil fixed this but then found his portable bike pump was not working. After a slightly panicky few minutes it luckily started to inflate the tyre. With the bike fixed we set off along a nice gravel tow path, only to have it abruptly change to a small muddy furrow through the undergrowth. It felt worryingly like yesterday so we just hoped it would end!
Intermittently we had good paths, but the majority of the path was either grass or a narrow mud line, intermittently through very tall overgrowth vegetation. Some stretches were particularly tricky- Hattie and Phil both fell twice and Ollie once. Phil fell in the nettles and got stung again all over his arm, but otherwise the only injuries were to pride.
The sun shone all afternoon, so we were all grateful to find a pub for a cold drink and a quick break. Having looked at the map we made another alteration to our route and set off on a more direct road to Ormskirk. It was busy but tolerable and we made good time over the last few km.
This evening we have been incredibly warmly welcomed and hosted by the O’Malley’s, and got to meet several of the Leaders from 1st Southport. We have had a fantastic barbecue, a lovely warm fire and even better company. The children have had a fantastic time playing together and meeting lots of different animals. The absolute perfect ending to our day – thank you so much!
