I nearly didn’t make it. But here I am with my cheese and onion slice and a hot coffee watching the world go by.
Glasson Dock is quiet today, very few people about which is unusual. The lady in the shop/café says things have been ‘dead’ since the New Year. A few workmen from the docks, people visiting the Smokehouse, the occasional dog walker. But as I say it is virtually a ghost town, not even the motorcyclists have braved the cold dull day.
The harbour basin is still empty though cranes have arrived to repair the outer sea gates. I wonder how this has affected the ports diminishing trade. No sign of the The Victoria Inn reopening. I’ve just learnt there used to be another pub on the harbour front – The Caribou, possibly the oldest property in Glasson. One day I should give the Dalton Arms pub round the corner another chance, it seems to have improved with better reviews. But today I’m content with my coffee.
One good piece of news is that the Port of Lancaster Smokehouse have managed to open their modern shop on the quayside right next to the café. I wander in to have a look around – they have a wide selection of their own wood smoked products and lots of deli type delights from mainly local suppliers. I come away with some smoked mackerel as a present for friends I hope to visit later in the day. 
***
But first I have to cycle back to Halton by the Lune where my day had started. 
Last time I headed for Glasson from here on my bike in December I was thwarted by a puncture. That other episode when I demolished my car’s tailgate occurred after a Glasson Cycle ride. Last winter I couldn’t get through floods and ended up with very wet lower limbs when I dismounted and retreated for safety. The story and pictures are here.
Was Glasson becoming my ‘bête noire’?
I almost didn’t make it today.
The old railway out of Lancaster makes a perfect cycle way alongside the Lune all the way to Glasson. I rarely cycle on roads now so I treasure the safer off road experience. All is going well through the city. my replacement inner tube holding up well. Once out of the industrial area one is suddenly in open countryside. Bird watchers are focused on hundreds of geese in a nearby field, all is drained land either side of the way. I pass a couple of walkers with a brief chat and head straight on. But is that another flood ahead? It stopped raining a few days ago so I wasn’t expecting any problems. Exactly the same spot where I came to grief last winter. But surely it can’t be very deep. I ride into it, crushing the ice as I go. Things then become a little scary, the water deepens and the ice has my wheels slipping sideways. De-ja-vue. I gingerly dismount and turn around after maybe 20 yards. My way to Glasson is blocked, but wet feet are luckily my only problem. 
Calling it a day I cycle back along the lane to meet up with the two walkers once again. They had been closely following my progress into the water before proceeding farther themselves. We agree it is impossible to get through. But what is this right by them? A small track goes into the undergrowth and continues along slightly above the flooded lane. I had not noticed this last time. In fact the narrow path is probably on the actual line of the railway embankment, the lower flooded lane a more recent addition. 
We walk along together, they are wanting to get to the Canal and go back to Lancaster. The water down to the right is now a lake of considerable size and depth, turning round was a wise decision. This way has been used before for exactly the same purpose as ours today. We are rewarded after 500m, rejoining the lane where it goes up to Aldcliffe. They to the canal and I thankfully onwards for that coffee in Glasson. 
***
I really should get to Glasson Dock sometime!
Grand little place. The shop/café is excellent.
I hiked that stretch in June of last year, meeting up with a fellow coast walker on route, and we stopped off at the Dalton Arms for a pint or two. Seemed a nice place. It was a little drier underfoot then!
Next time I’ll give the Dalton Arms a visit.
I’m glad you didn’t come to too much grief – wet feet excepted!
I hadn’t learnt from the last time.
I have added the smokehouse to my list of place to visit. We love fish.
The new shop is on the quayside. Their traditional wood smokehouse is round the back. You won’t be disappointed.
With our increasing wetness I reckon that before long a blow up rubber dinghy will become part of the standard gear packed for a day excursion or backpacking trip.
At least you live on a hill.
I’ve had many a scary moment involving water on backpacking trips.
A valiant effort and the discovery of a new pathway to avoid difficulty. I’m about due a visit to Glasson. Though I’m not brave enough to cycle in, I shall be visiting the new smoke-house shop. And coffee, of course.
Without cycling you could plan a circular walk from the Stork Inn at Condor Green taking in Glasson, Cockerham Abbey, Thurnham Hall and the Glasson branch of the Lancaster canal.
I shall have a look at that one, thanks. I do need a change of route when I’m in that area. 👍🙂
You have probably done it before.
No, I don’t know the area around Thurnham Hall at all.
Deli looks great. Interesting that the village once had a pub called The Caribou!
Terrific selection of ‘food goodies’
Sorry weird spelling errors!
Strange indeed, predictive text again. Corrected.
Good to know you finally fixed the bike BC but with all that water on the path it sounds like you should invest in some flippers and a snorkel 😀
….or a canoe