Easy like Sunday morning, blessed with glorious October sunshine, three companions gathered at the gates of Besingwerk Abbey ready for a pilgrimage. The tree-lined path birthed us on our way along this ancient route, the light glowing emerald and gold through the changing autumn leaves. St Winnifred's Well offered it's sacred waters to us - a little too chilly for bathing, but a drink from the syphoning tap was welcome and all agreed on its clarity and freshness, free from impurities and chlorine. Onward and upward we soldiered, rising circa 250m above sea level through green fields to look back across spectacular views of the Dee Estuary, Liverpool and towards the Lakes on the horizon, stretched beneath a vaulting azure sky. Through the binoculars, Blackpool Tower was visible between the angelic, white wind turbines out at sea. After pause for thought and perspective at the trig-point, we continued through farmland and past disused quarry to St Pios and the friary at Pantasaph. Here we enjoyed a leisurely lunch basking in the sunshine in the courtyard, before exploring the Calgary walk with the Stations of the Cross depicted in beautiful mosaics at points on a zig-zagging path through the woodland garden. This walk tells the sad story of Jesus on his path to crucifixion, with a breathtaking life-size installation at the summit. Descending sharply the cascading steps (which were surely a labour of true love to build), we made for our return. And behold! Out onto open land, and a brief but joyous flight of fancy on the rope swing in the woods celebrated infinite heavenly views of the coast, before coming back down to Earth heralded by the dulcet tones of an ice cream van playing the 'Sailor's Hornpipe'! Alighting once more at our start point at the Abbey, there was ample time for afternoon delights in the Victorian cafe, and though the feet were complaining, the hearts brimmed with thanks for a sublime day out. (A couple of us also sampled the Sunday menu at The Druid Inn afterwards and so the even pagan stomachs were truly satiated !)
