Sunday, January 20, 2008

The Lord Nelson, Croston

Our walk today is the first of a number of "Pub Strolls" starting by the village green in the centre of Croston (a farming village situated on the A581 halfway between Southport and Chorley. You can view a map of the walk at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1564807.
We parked next to the medical centre, behind the pub, and as we headed out of the carpark towards a thatched cottage...
Confusing sign
the sign to the right of the front door was a little confusing...
So what was the door on the left?
So was the back door the one on the left of the sign? Is it me?
Apparently 'cross-town', Croston, was built around an ancient holy cross and was for centuries the market centre for the extensive mosslands stretching westwards to the sea. The number of inns testifies to this former importance and makes it an attractive starting point for walks. Red-brick houses, cobbled streets and bridges over the River Yarrow are the main feature of Croston.
Opposite the Grapes pub; the River Yarrow.
The original settlement was founded upon a crossing point of the River Yarrow. A less well known Lancashire river which rises in the Chorley foothills, meandering westward to join the River Douglas (mentioned on a number of previous walks).
The three and a quarter mile walk is entirely flat, leaving the River Yarrow behind as it wanders over Croston Moss along farm tracks before returning to the heart of the village and back over the river.
There is no point in doing a pub stroll if you don't visit the pub. It was what I would call a "drinker's pub".
The Lord Nelson, Croston
It lays claim to being the oldest inn in Croston; apparently quite popular but small, cosy and 'rural'. Drinkers were concerned about the level of the Yarrow and 'How to self-certificate' so they still got paid. Apparently the former was affected by the tides (a chart of which was hanging on the wall).
We enjoyed a swift pint before heading to Martin Mere, on the way home, for a bite to eat. Chris wanted to see if the Eider Ducks were 'performing; Oooooo! The were not and, no surprise to anybody, the beavers were no where to be seen either! I hadn't seen this carving on previous visits and it was likely to be the only beaver we see here.
Carving at Martin Mere
I think Chris and I have decided that, when the nights get lighter we will try fit in at least one Pub Stroll a week and include a meal out. Watch this space.

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