This morning in Broughton I discover that the delightful parade of shops in the main street are all owned by the same person – the butcher, the baker, no candlestick maker, but a wonderful greengrocers, wicker baskets overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables. We stock up…..

Out of the village we walk along the thankfully quiet A595 until a public footpath turns us left onto a wide grassy path down to the tip of the estuary.

At Duddon Bridge we turn off right on to a minor road and then left into an area of woodland. Off to our right stand the restored ruins of Duddon Ironworks, an 18th century blast furnace using local charcoal and water power from the River Duddon .

Astonising delicacy in the stone formations of what I believe are the blowing/casting arches – the information board was weather worn and illegible.

After a wander round the ruins we rejoin the path which winds upwards through peaceful woodlands.

Up and up we go until the path narrows and eventually disappears – but not for long. At this point it looks like we may have to climb a barbed fence into a field but just as I begin girding my loins (click and see how) I catch sight of a faint narrow path off to the left which will take us over a gate and back down to the road.

How to look coy when you’re over 70………..

A mile down the main road we opt for a footpath off to the left through an area called Gornal Ground – the grass path is wide and dry with a clear view of the estuary in the distance.

There is a footbridge (or a plank) over a muddy stream and a stone wall to climb – all fun.

Joining a minor road into a village called Lady Hall we find another footpath through muddy fields, over the railway line and down into Shaw Marsh.

As I look back I can see the viaduct carrying the train from Millom to Foxfield on the other side of the estuary. I can sort of understand safety concerns, but wouldn’t it be nice if there was a footpath next to the railway line to save us from miles of tramping through muddy wet terrain. Ah well…..

The path through the marsh eventually joins up with a minor road running past Green Road Station. I later discover that this unremarkable railway station has a history worthy of the attention of the BBC. In 2019 a therapeutic project was devised where former addicts would maintain the station, tending plants and painting to aid their recovery. The project, supported by Northern Rail, used the scenic station and surrounding neglected areas, as a rehabilitation space, often involving local community involvement. Here is the link…………

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-57900674

The map and signs now show us that we have suddenly joined the King Charles III England Coast Path to take us through Millom Marsh to Millom. This path has been celebrated quite recently as an UNBROKEN path around the coast of England – I beg to differ and let’s leave it there.

Up onto the bank above the marsh we walk a couple of miles into Millom and back to our car. This has been a bit complicated but lovely walk in the sunshine.

Distance: 9 miles