Malcolm's life and travels: The Lancaster environs

Having visited with Anne and James previously we had seen something of this historic city so after a very leisurely breakfast we took a trip to Glasson Dock where the Lancaster Canal links to the sea via the River Lune. The canal basin was quite busy no full of boats including a few narrow boats and several larger vessels were moored. The dock which used to be a hive of activity in the 18/19th centuries.

The visit concluded with a browse and shopping opportunity in the Port of Lancaster Smoke House where a varied display of goods tempted me to make a few purchases including some tasty looking garlic and herb smoked mackerel which will make a very acceptable unch or starter with salad or perhaps some pickled beetroot.

We returned home for a smorgasbord lunch including local pork pies and ham and a French inspired lager shandy! Once replete we once more ventured out but northwards to Arnside. By now the sun was shining and we enjoyed a walk along the beach and back enjoying both the company and the scenery. It is such a pretty area with the Lake District providing a backdrop to the North.

We continued along the road that took us through Silverdale with views of Morecambe Bay and onto Tewitfield near Carnforth where we dined in the Longlands Hotel. It was an interesting menu with well flavoured food and my lamb chops on a bed of Mediteranean vegetables with feta and a beetroot purée was succulent and three of us had the spicy pear tarte tatin for dessert!