A lovely day 30th October 2019. Just right for a walk in the country, a wander round some shops and pop into The Harris Museum and Art Gallery. About 3 miles.
Leaving the station in Butler Street, turn right towards the multi-storey car park and then across and over the Fishergate Centre car park to the far corner where you bear right up the road into Avenham Park.
In the park turn right. You’re quite high up and need to drop and cross the main route, that goes into Miller Park, and carry on above the Japanese Gardens. After 50 yards bear right on the cycle track onto the former railway line and cross the river. Good views.
Crossing the river with the Tram Road Bridge in the distance:
The view downstream crossing the river:
Cross the Ribble on The East Lancs Bridge, now a footpath/cycle track for today’s walk:
Then turn left at the other side and follow the river past the Tram Bridge and carry on until you can see the Capital Centre where you can get a coffee in Waitrose. The tributary is the River Darwen, from Darwen near Blackburn. The river side path has some mud and you need to keep on the raised bit on the left. Turn left at the obvious track crossroad.
At the side of the river path. Farmers working the rich soil of the Ribble flood plain:
You might find the road has a huge puddle. There is a 1 foot high fence you can step over before reaching puddle.
After your coffee you can look in some shops.
Then follow London Road, the main road,A6, over the bridge and turn sharp left along the other side of the river.
A nice track along the river with a good view across to the River Darwen and it’s bridge. Also a view of the Tram Bridge.
The Tram Bridge (closed) from the north bank:
Just Before you get to the Tram Bridge, climb up high on the right on a winding path, up a steep tarmac slope then onto steps with the captured guns from Sebastopol. Then onto the Promenade with view over the park. Facing is the Harris Institute an old place of learning, now empty.
The captured guns from Sebastopol overlooking the river:
The view over Avenham Park from the Promenade:
Then go to the left of the Institute till you come to Winkley Square. Nice Georgian sunken square. Go to the far end up Winckley Street as it’s a nice street with a cafe or two.
The Harris Institute, former place of learning:
Winkley Square sunken Georgian Square:
Turn right on Fishergate and make your way toward Waterstones, where you turn left and head onto the Flag Market which is an open square with good buildings around it. The Harris being the main one, Grade I listed.
The War Memorial, and Shankly Hotel in work:
The Harris has a fantastic collection. Must be one of the best in Britain for a place of Preston’s size. There is a cafe.
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery:
The latest exhibition inside the Harris, The Beautiful and Brutal: 50 years of Preston Bus Station:
Another new feature, The Wellness Room inside the Fine Art Gallery, a place for peaceful reflection:
Plenty more to see in The Harris. Large Fine Art Gallery, Discover Preston. Lot’s of pottery and perfume bottles. Fashion. Community Heritage Library and Main Library, Cafe.
