In addition to this excellent opportunity to take
an historic and spectacular walk across Morecambe Bay, with the
Queen's Guide to the Sands.
There is also a separate evening event
linked to the Bay crossing
– see GC2Q0X5.
The walk involves crossing the River Kent, which is usually knee
deep. The best way to dress for the occasion is to carry a small
sack containing a change of clothing, and a towel, plus anything
you might want to eat or drink en route.
Secondly, it's cold out in the Bay, all year, so you need something
warm and waterproof on your top half. For your legs and feet, I
find that a pair of old tracksuit bottoms is fine, with a pair of
old trainers on your feet. The sand across the Bay is ridged in
many places, and this is very hard on your feet if you think you
might walk barefoot. Cedric can do it, but I've seen a lot of
people suffer.
It's a great experience, and if you've not done it before,
then maybe you should try.
Dogs and Muggle friends are welcome as long as they are all
under proper control – you know what muggles can be like if
they're not watched all the time!
Finally, Cedric receives the princely sum of £15 a year from the
Queen for fulfilling his duties, although this is an unofficial
'private' booking, and not part of his duties as guide. So I
propose asking if anyone attending would consider making a donation
to Cedric, by giving it to him direct at the end of the walk. He'll
be well pleased. However, there is no obligation to do
this.
A note of caution
It is rare for Cedric to cancel a crossing. But heavy rain in the
Lake District during the week before the crossing can affect the
course of the River Kent, or, more to the point, create channels
that are too deep to cross. Obviously, we won't know until a few
days before, and, of course, there's nothing we can do about it.
So, I advise anyone travelling a fair distance - they came from
Kent last year!!! - to have a Plan B.
Oh....and we can't do anything about the weather.
Sorry!
--oo0oo--
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
THE LOGISTICS
The walk will start at about 1.15pm, and should take around 3
hours,
getting us to Kents Banks at about 4.15pm.
Unfortunately, because of engineering works there are no trains
between Kents Bank and Arnside until mid-July – and
that's a bit too long to wait. So, you will need to do some serious
jiggling with cars, pairing up with someone else so that you can
use two cars. This will be a test of your logistical skills.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Rail replacement coach services will operate between
Grange-over-Sands and Arnside during the works. This will help
those who want to leave a vehicle at Kents Bank. There is a train
at 1039 from Kents Bank, arriving Grange-over-Sands at 1045. A bus
then leaves Grange at 1115, arriving Arnside at 1145.
If you are parking at Kents Bank, please
do so considerately and ensure that you do not obstruct the road or
driveways that may be needed by emergency
vehicles.
Information about the engineering works, and bus
replacements
is available at
Trans-Pennine Express