Lancaster Canal Day 3.
Distance today: 21.3 miles.
Total distance: 677.2 miles.
Accommodation: hotel.
The pleasant but generally unnoteworthy walk along the canal continues. At one point I passed by the Smithy Leisure Park and saw that at the deluxe end of the static caravan market you were offered your very own mooring. Would you need a narrowboat and a static caravan? Further on, I took a minor detour to visit the Barton Grange Garden Centre. According to their sign (and the Garden Centre Association), they are the Destination Garden Centre of the Year. As tempting as it is to be sarcastic about the whole thing, I was actually just sad that for some people, a visit to a garden centre probably did represent a highlight. Surely there has to be more to life than that. The place was huge but as the restaurant was disappointingly expensive, I settled for a cup of tea. I was there to break up the day more than anything else.
I didn’t quite make it to the end of the canal at Preston because the accommodation I had chosen was in nearby Ashton-on-Ribble. Claremont Hotel was nothing particularly special but it was convenient and cheap enough. After doing a bit of laundry and lazing around for a while I headed out to find something to eat. The Lane Ends pub was at the end of the road and even though it was only 7pm, the locals were already at full tilt. It was all a bit loud and lairy. Added to this there was a 20 minute wait for food so I ended up just staying for one beer before heading off. Not far down the next street I came across the Mango Tree Indian takeaway and decided a curry was as good idea as any. I just ordered a simple curry and rice dish with some onion bhajis but when I was handed the carrier bag with all the food in it, I couldn’t believe how heavy it was. I was always worrying about re-fueling and I think I was about to re-fill my tank. Back at the hotel, I was heading to my room when the woman on duty kindly offered me a plate and some cutlery which I thought was a nice gesture. The curry was very tasty but although I hate waste, I have to confess to not being able to eat it all. I did my best but alas, it was one super-size bhaji too many.
