Lancashire Walk
Blackpool to Fleetwod shoreline

Walk Route Description

      
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The seafront at Blackpool offers excellent walking and a wide range of things to keep your interest. Further north the once busy fishing port of Fleetwood is in complete contrast to its glitzy neighbour. These two towns are linked by the Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramway and this proves an interesting mode of transport to enable you to do a lengthy linear walk without worrying about complicated transport arrangements.

      
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The start for this walk is Starr Gate at the southern end of Blackpool's extensive promenade (grid ref. SD305317). It is also the southern terminus of the tramway. Adjacent to the tram terminus is a large pay and display car park which even on a warm, sunny day in June had plenty of space. The temptation is start walking north, however a look to the south is of interest as you will see miles of empty sands backed by extensive dunes. You will soon realise that nature is not far from the glittering temptations of the Golden Mile.

Turning north, with the sea on your left, the walk begins. All you need to do is carry on until you reach Fleetwood, enjoying the sights and sounds along the way. The first landmark passed is the Pleasure Beach. The screams of people riding Pepsi Max will no doubt grab your attention. Moving on you soon pass Sandcastle (an indoor water park) and the South Pier. The promenade has seen extensive improvement in recent years and must rank amongst the best in the world.

Central Pier, the Golden Mile, Blackpool Tower and North Pier follow in fairly quick succession and soon people get fewer in number as you start the section to Bispham. Here there is a high level path with cliffs on the seaward side and pleasant lawns and gardens too. The path undulates and on a clear day you will see the Isle of Man and the Lake District as you head north.

The next landmark is the Norbreck Castle Hotel followed the genteel suburbs of Little Bispham. Passing Anchorsholme Park on your right, you reach Cleveleys where once again significant improvements have been made to the seafront. You might find yourself alone as you pass the northern housing estates of Cleveleys to pass Rossall School. There is still a feeling of solitude as you enter the southern outskirts of Fleetwood with its estates of semi-detached and bungalows.

Passing a golf course and Rossall Point the path turns east and you are entering the final section. The low-key attractions of Fleetwood include two boating pools, the Marine Gardens and the Marine Hall. All that remains is to continue until you reach the ferry across the River Wyre to Little Knott. Close by you will find the tram stop with a service back to Starr gate every 20 minutes.

 
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Walking in Lancashire

This guidebook describes 39 circular day walks from 5 to 13 miles and one linear route. The countryside ranges from the low lying land around Cockerham, Lytham, Martin Mere and Croston to the heights of Boulsworth Hill, Ward's Stone, Fair Snape Fell and Pendle Hill. All walks are suitable for most abilities, mainly following paths and tracks.
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