This morning we actually had blue sky, white clouds and sunshine so it was the ideal time for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
The old Louth Navigation Canal is often just referred to as the Louth Navigation. It must be well over ten years since I last took a stroll alongside what remains of the canal. It is not navigable as there are no longer any locks. Their sites have been turned into weirs. The route of the canal runs from Louth, in Lincolnshire, to Tetney on the coast where it meets the North Sea. We had a grand hour or more walking a short section.
This was the first time I had started at the start. In the past I have parked in a lay-by and joined the towpath / footpath somewhere along its route. There is parking by the Navigation Warehouse ......
(Google Earth view on the iPad:)
.... and a short walk down the nearby road leads to the canal footpath by the site of the Town Lock which now houses a tilting weir so that the flow of water away from the town can be controlled.
The first section of the walk is close to the edge of the built up area and has many lifebelt stations in case of emergencies as the canal level is well below the footpath and steep sloping unfenced edges are a trap for the over adventurous. It is so nice in these days of 'elf and safety' to have uncluttered views.
Not a lot to be seen on the wildlife front. Near the edge of town was a large group of ducks though not a single youngster to be seen.
There are other areas nearer the centre of Louth where most congregate so maybe they breed in that area.
One lonesome Water Hen
Plenty of wild plants to be seen including bindweed ....
.... what looked like giant rhubarb plants
Thanks Jan for the ID - Burdock - reminded me of the Dandelion and Burdock drink I adored as a nipper.
.... plus ????? .....
Thanks Jan for the ID - Himalayan Balsam
.... and a lonesome poppy.
Penny was having the time of her life investigating everything she could reach though she remained on her lead. It was good training for her as we met many other people walking their dogs.
She was as good as gold saying hello to those which were friendly and staying out of the way of those which appeared more fractious. We met one other greyhound and owner and chatted for a while before continuing on our way.
All in all it was a very pleasant walk. Hard to believe that only a few yards to our right was a line of houses. Every one we met said hello - such a friendly atmosphere - we will no doubt visit again in the not too distant future.
We kept going until we reached the site of the next lock (Keddington Lock) which is no more though the brick pillars which supported the lock gates can be seen either side of the weir.
At which point we about turned and retraced our path back to the Navigation Warehouse.
A bit of video of the two weirs seen on our outing.
Although the water seems to be fast flowing the canal itself appeared slow moving and the water was murky with soil being washed down by recent heavy rainfall.
The Louth Navigation Canal is looked after by the Louth Navigation Trust whose official site can be visited
HERE.
