Walk Leader: Ann Holden

Number on walk: 25

Distance: 10.7 miles with 161ft of ascent

Weather: Clear blue, sunny, very cold easterly wind.

We assembled on the free carpark near Knott End ferry and golf club, donning as many layers as possible for protection against the very cold easterly wind. We had a slightly delayed start, due to a few latecomers (many sets of roadworks north and south).  After the obligatory group photo, with the Wyre estuary and Fleetwood as backdrop we set off to cross the golf course to Hackensall Hall, a Grade II listed building built in 1873.

We followed the Wyre Way past the Brine Wells owned by Fleetwood Salt Company (est. 1883). Originally the brine was piped across the river to the salt works at Burn Naze; in 1902 Preesall Salt Works was built on the East side of the river and a 1 mile branch line from the Garstang & Knott End railway to the Preesall site was built in 1912.

On the estuary side of the Wyre Way we passed Barnaby’s Sands and Burrows March, one of the last extensive ungrazed salt marshes in Lancashire. We had a brief snack&brew stop on Corcas Lane, just past the extremely untidy Corcas Farm, with its huge pile of rusting horseshoes and other machinery.

From here we walked into Preesall, via quiet lanes and a very muddy public footpath. We ‘climbed’ the only real ascent of the day near Preesall School and paused at the top of the next field for a brief coffee stop and to admire the extensive view of the Bowland Fells, Williamson monument, Barrow-in-Furness, some Lakeland fells and the ever-present Heysham Power Station. Winter Hill was hazily visible too.

After descending the sodden grass field, we made our way alongside the main road and then quiet lane and tracks to reach the seawall. We headed along the seawall and everyone selected their lunch-stop at varying points, making use of benches and the sea-defence rocks. The main group walked as far as Fluke Hall; plenty of level rocks for everyone and good views across Morecambe Bay.

From here it was just a case of keeping the sea on our right and walking the sea wall for 3 miles back to our waiting cars. Everyone walked at their own pace, so no group photo at the end! Given the recent damp and icy weather, it was lovely to be out in sunshine on (mainly) decent tracks and with great company.