Sorry but I've been experimenting...

Yes I haven't posted here for a while and it isn't because we've stopped Meandering. 
It's because I've been posting at https://findery.com/ACLjohn
Partly to experiment with Findery and partly because I find it easier to post from my iPad when out and about.
Back to our Meanders.
On Sunday we decided to do a walk, to look at how the relatively NEW "Broom's Cross" Road has had an impact on the footpaths we've walked quite a few times.
You can see the 7.24 mile route we took at http://gb.mapometer.com/walking/route_4276162.html 

I must say, we were both impressed; the paths have been enhanced by the planting of trees, new hedges and fencing.

New pools are in place and wildfowl are starting to investigate.
The whole experience added to by the sunshine and Spring flowers.
If you live near, and/or are visiting the area, it's a walk worth doing. We ended up at Costa, in Maghull, as you can see from the collage, for a drink and a snack.
P.S. If you like jigsaws, try this...

Mersey Way - Liverpool to Speke

Our 4.543 miles (7.3113 km) route along the River Mersey yesterday has been saved and can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6782699.
We set off from home in sunshine and walked down to Maghull Station, catching two trains to end up at Liverpool South Parkway station.
To be honest, the initial part of the walk, along the B5171 and through Garston, was spoiled by the amount of rubbish on the footpaths.
Once on the Mersey Way, however, things improved considerably. 
I was annoyed that I'd forgotten my monocular as the tide was out and the number of birds along the river was amazing.
Take a look at the slideshow of some of the photographs I took...

or go to https://sharalike.com/s/kXTk
Our plan had been to return by train, from Hunts Cross, having gone back inland after John Lennon Airport. That wasn't to be as there was a sign, on the Mersey Way, telling us we couldn't continue any further - no reason given.
So we went back through Speke Hall and went to Dobbies for lunch.
We then caught a bus back into Liverpool, a train back to Maghull and a walk home; by which time we were walking in sleet.

An enjoyable walk and the big plus for going on a Saturday, rather than our usual Sunday walk, was the frequency of Buses and Trains.

The Cricketers Ormskirk - our 41st walk for a Wednesday Pub Lunch

It was nice to get out and about today for our 41st Walk and Wednesday Pub Lunch.
The 3.6706 miles (5.9072 km) route has been saved and can be seen at...

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6766081

Today we...

• caught the bus to Maghull Railway Station, 
• caught the train to Aughton Park then we 
• completed the walk for our pub lunch...

To return home we caught a bus back to Maghull.
There were quite a lot heading into Liverpool...

 ... but very few going to Ormskirk...

 From Aughton Park Station we turned right and headed along Long Lane, crossing the A59 at the end and then across the field towards the reservoir...

 There were patches of blue sky...

 ...albeit small (Fisherman's Jackets).
Gorse was in flower and looking back at the bright yellow flowers, we could see Christ Church, Aughton, that we had passed earlier...

 Looking back in the direction we were heading, we could see more flowers and, in the distance Ormskirk Parish Church...

 As we would expect at this time of year, here in the North West of England, a smallish flock of geese flew over...

 The only other plants of interest were teasels...

 ...and, after we had passed under the railway line...

 ...past the trees, whose trunks were covered in moss...

 ...we saw 'catkins'...

 ...for the second time this week.
We made our way through the Bus Station, to check times for our bus home, and, as always, took a look at the Wall painting at the end of a row of terrace houses facing Moor Street in Ormskirk....

 ...not one of Banksy's although probably inspired by him!
Time for lunch! Find out more about our experience at...
http://maghullfoodie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/the-cricketers-ormskirk-our-41st-wandwpl.html

After our lunch, we headed a short distance down the road to catch our bus.

Another enjoyable walk in West Lancashire.

The Blue Anchor, Aintree - our 35th Walk and Pub Lunch

Today's 4.3193 miles (6.9513 km) route to the Blue Anchor in Aintree, has been saved and can be seen at... 

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6739583

Starting in the car park, behind Costa, in Maghull, we headed towards the Leeds Liverpool Canal, via our usual short cut... 

Once we joined the Canal at Shop Lane Swing Bridge... 

 we headed towards Liverpool along the tow-path...

 The next swing bridge, at Hall Lane...

 ...is where the boatyard is, that at one time we were hoping to buy...

 We continued along the canal enjoying a wide range of plants...

 ...including waterlilies...

...and the waterfowl (ducks, moorhens, coots, etc.,)...

 In the distance we could see Liverpool's two Cathedrals and Liverpool F.C.'s New Stand being built...

 We were also lucky to see two herons, one that flew away before I could take a photograph...

 ...and another, further on, after the next swing bridge...

 ...that I did capture...

 One thing that Chris pointed out, was how well camouflaged the ducks were...

 ...and how a photograph of them would make a difficult Jigsaw.
There may be one later this week at...

http://www.acljohn.com/

Not long after passing under the M57 we crossed the River Alt...

 ...and we were soon at Canal Turn at Aintree Race Course...

After that it wasn't long before we reached "Melling Road" bridge...

...the road that crosses Aintree Race Course, and, as you can see from the map, this was very close to our destination, The Blue Anchor

 You can find out about our experience at the Blue Anchor, via my Maghull Foodie blog...

After lunch, we caught the 159 bus, just outside the pub, to Old Roan Station...

 Here we caught the Train back to Maghull...

...and a bus back to the start... 

In spite of the weather, very fine rain every now and then, this was another enjoyable Wednesday Meander!

You can take a look at the slide show of the photographs I took at...

https://sharalike.com/s/jdvG

or via the embedded version below...

The Harvester - our 33rd Walk and Pub Lunch

Today's 4.8232 miles (7.7622 km) route to the Harvester at Aintree, has been saved and can be seen at http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6730587
After a poor start to the day, weather-wise, the clouds broke up and the sun appeared every now and then.

With some variations to routes well walked in the past, we were lucky enough to see...

• Moorhens.
• Coots,
• Ducks,
• Herons (x2),

...along with the usual rooks, crows, sparrows, gulls etc.
As you can see from the photos, Autumn is rapidly changing the environment.

Green Lane Swing Bridge

Shop Lane Swing Bridge

A59 Bridge over Leeds Liverpool Canal

Info overload on a pole...

As it says on the sign

Path beside Melling Brook

Nice new picnic bench - shame about the cans...

River Alt towards Sefton Village

Switch Island and new Southport road.

River Alt towards the A59

Autumnal

Aldrins Lane Swing Bridge

 Lots of Autumnal signs berries...

 ...of many colours...

 ...and varying amounts...

 and leaves changing colour...

 ...at different rates.
Eventually we reached our target destination, The Harvester at Aintree.

You can find out what we thought at our Maghull Foodie Blog.

After lunch we headed back onto the main road and caught the bus back to Maghull.
You can visit https://sharalike.com/s/hNYc to view a video clip of the photographs that I took or watch this clip...