Back on the 18th January we walked from Widnes to Halewood on the TPT. The completion of that section, much of it alongside the River Mersey, left only Halewood to Southport on the west end of the trail. We therefore decided to make an excursion over several days to finish off this part of the TPT.
Since completing LEJOG in August 2019 we’ve continued walking. With the TPT going through Longdendale it was the obvious route to use and public transport links to Manchester and beyond made it reasonably straight forward. However we were getting to the point where the journey to and from start and finish was taking almost as long as the walk.
Furthermore we needed to get used to walking more than one day at a time again as we plan more spring and summer walking for 2020.
Day one of this TPT Fest was from Halewood to Aintree. The route mostly follows an old railway line and is known as the Liverpool Loop. It was cool, not busy and getting greener. The good things about a route like TPT is a good consistent surface most of the way and good signage.
Less good is the amount of rubbish that finds its way onto the trail. TPT is fortunate to have volunteer rubbish collectors in places, but it is sad to see it in the first place.
Our overnight accommodation was next to Aintree Racecourse.
Day two was bright and surprisingly warm for February. It was 14 miles to Freshfield Station including a side visit to Formby red squirrel reserve.
But first there was plenty of snowdrops along the Cheshire Lines path and the wonderful sight of a Barn Owl hunting over the fields. There was also a short section on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
On the third day we were walking from Freshfield Station to Southport. The first part of the route was alongside the railway line and then through Ainsdale woods. The morning light meant this section was very beautiful, but we still didn’t see any squirrels, or dune beetles or natterjack toads. Was ever thus.
The final section was along the track beside the coast road. Actually the finishing point came up unexpectedly. It was midday and we were already there. We walked along Southport pier and had some ice cream. Well, it was a walk!
From Psalm 139
If I wake up early and fly with the morning light, even as far as the sea, you will be there to lead me and to hold me.
I am thankful for the beauty of these few days, the rhythm of life as I walk along, as the seasons change.
God grant a quiet night
JAL 06.02.2020 TPT Halewood to Southport.