Today, I’m excited to share with you Burtie’s latest escapade, which takes us through the enchanting landscapes of Spike Island and Pickering’s Pasture. It’s a journey filled with historical tidbits, beautiful scenery, and, of course, the boundless energy of our beloved Burtie the Jack Russell. So, grab a cuppa and join us on this delightful adventure.
The Charm of Spike Island
Our day began at Spike Island in Widnes, a captivating spot where the canal meets the River Mersey. This area holds a rich history, once bustling with industrial activity a century ago. Today, it’s a serene place for a stroll. As we wandered, I couldn’t help but think of the Stone Roses, who played here over 30 years ago. Imagine the echoes of music that must have filled the air back then!
There’s a boat in there!
Burtie, ever the curious explorer, was in his element. Sniffing every nook and cranny, he led us through the grassy paths that now cover the once-busy port. We even encountered the remnants of old locks and canal systems, a reminder of the area’s industrious past. Despite the low water levels caused by the shutdown of Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station, the canal still holds its charm.
We enjoyed a coffee at Zena’s Cafe at Spike Island. Burt didn’t miss the opportunity to say hello to a few people!
A Visit to Pickering’s Pasture
Next, we headed to Pickering’s Pasture, a lovely nature reserve on the banks of the River Mersey. It was a glorious afternoon, perfect for a leisurely walk. With my trusty new walker, I navigated the paths more comfortably, although managing the walker, camera, and Burtie’s lead was a bit of a juggling act!
We also had the delighted to meet one of Burt’s Facebook followers Gill, a lively Scouser with a fantastic sense of humour at Picking’s Pasture. Burtie was thrilled to make a new friend, especially when he discovered that Jill had a fellow Jack Russell named Harley. The two dogs hit it off immediately, and it was heartwarming to connect with someone who shares our love for these adventures. Jill’s stories and laughter added a special touch to our already wonderful day.
Gill, Burt and Harley at Pickering’s Pasture
The evening light cast a magical glow over the landscape, and Burtie’s excitement was infectious. As we walked, we reminisced about our past adventures and dreamed of the many more to come. The sight of the Mersey flowing gently alongside us was simply breathtaking.
The Joy of Exploration – On To Hale
This adventure was not just about the places we visited, but also about the joy of exploration and the bond between me and Burtie. Whether we were meeting friendly followers or discovering new paths, every moment was a treasure. My new walker made it possible to enjoy longer walks, and Burtie’s patience and enthusiasm made every step worthwhile.
At Hale Park, we had the pleasure of meeting Burtie’s Facebook follower, Madeleine, and her charming dog, Cuthbert. Madeleine shared lovely stories about her own adventures with Cuthbert, adding warmth and camaraderie to our visit. It was a joy to connect with fellow dog lovers and make new friends in such a beautiful setting.
Madeleine and Cuthbert at Hale Park
Glorious sunset at hale looking towards Liverpool John Lennon Airport
As we concluded our journey, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for these simple yet profound experiences. Exploring with Burtie reminds me of the beauty in everyday moments and the joy of companionship.
Watch Spike Island, Pickering’s Pasture and Hale – More Widnes Adventures Video
Join Us on Our Adventures
If you enjoyed reading about our Spike Island and beyond adventure, be sure to watch the video for a more immersive experience. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more delightful journeys with Burtie. Your support means the world to us!
Until next time, happy exploring!
Video Transcript
Well, my third video is here, and I think things are getting better! In this episode, Bert goes off to Spike Island, a lovely area with a canal that flows into the Mersey. It’s quite famous because the Stone Roses played there many years ago. We wander around Spike Island, then visit Pickering’s Pasture, and later, Hale Hall and Hale Park. Along the way, we meet a couple of friends who are followers of our adventures. I also test drive my new walker! Have a look and see what you think. If you’re enjoying these videos, don’t forget to like and subscribe—it really helps. Thanks a lot!
We’re down here at Spike Island, where a canal runs out into the Mersey. When they shut down the Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station, they stopped the water pump that filled the canal, causing the water level to drop and leaving boats on their sides. Over a year ago, this area was empty, leading to a big rescue mission for the young swans and other wildlife. It used to be a very busy industrial port 100 years ago, but now it’s a beautiful place to walk. You can see the locks down there, and we might take a walk later. As for Bertie, he’s doing some serious sniffing!
Spike Island is now reclaimed and grassed over. They used to have concerts here years ago, like the Stone Roses about 30 years ago. It’s a lovely place to come and walk. There’s also a lovely little café here, a great place to come for a cuppa. We’re right by Widnes in Cheshire. The canal enters the River Mersey here. It’s grown over and not really used as a dock anymore, but you can still see some boats around. There’s the new Widnes-Runcorn Bridge, probably 3 to 4 years old. The water levels are low because when the Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station shut, they turned off the pumps that fed the canal.
Moving on to Pickering’s Pasture now, a lovely place to visit. It’s a glorious evening, and I’ve got the walker with me. Trying to do a video going down a hill one-handed while holding Bert’s lead isn’t very effective, so I’m going to stop for a moment. It’s a lovely evening here. I need both hands to control the walker properly. Bertie is patiently waiting for me, what a little star! It’s really lovely down here at Pickering’s Pasture, on the banks of the River Mersey. If you follow the Mersey, it takes you towards Fiddler’s Ferry. The canal sometimes has very low water, especially after the power station closed down.
This is my first time out with my trusty walker, and I’ve discovered that it’s not easy to hold the video camera, the dog’s lead, and the walker all at once. But when I’m not filming, I’m walking more upright and not limping as badly. It’s great! Bertie has been absolutely fantastic, walking right next to the stroller. I’m so chuffed! We need a name for my walker—any ideas? I’m feeling a bit dangerous today and tempted to take it up a hill, but I’ll save that for another day when I’ve got a friend with me. Can you imagine getting stuck there overnight? Anyway, it’s a gorgeous spot with the dark sky, the new bridge, and my little Bertie boy. What a fantastic adventure!
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