Wyre walk (From Chorley Citizen)

Wyre walk

3:59pm Wednesday 12th January 2011 in Leisure By Ron Freethy

The river Wyre is 52kms from source to sea and is Lancashire’s third largest after the Ribble and the Lune.

There are two sources of the Wyre, the Tarnbrook and the Marshaw which rise in the trough of Bowland.

The country park itself has a fascinating river. It began as a landscaped former refuse dump.

Since 1989 the park has gone from strength to strength. It is now the focus of a major bird watching area.

1.Begin at the country park and spend some time looking for the birds which haunt the estuary. From the car park look for a footpath indicating Thornton and Fleetwood take this footpath.

2.Approach the bird hide overlooking the estuary.

Entrance to this can be obtained from the ecology centre but keen birdwatchers can obtain a season ticket.

Return to the car park and head towards Skippool passing the boat slipway on the left. Keep to the left along a well-made path overlooking the estuary.

3.Approach an area know as Ramper Pot which is a sheltered hollow from which there are splendid and panoramic views over the Wyre and with the Shard bridge crossing coming into view.

Shard simply means the narrowing of the river.

Continue to follow the footpath hugging the coast line.

4.Pass the yacht club on the left to reach Skippol.

This area is busy with little pleasure boats but was once a thriving seaport. Sailing, vessels, especially from Russia and the West Indies (Barbados) traded in wine, rum, sugar and tobacco.

Skippoll was a tough place in those days and the ale houses were real dens of vice and cock fighting was rampant.

So was smuggling and the Royal Navy Press Gangs were constantly active. At Skippoll turn around and head to the left sides of footpaths.

5.Approach the pleasant picnic site at Cockle Hall. Here is the site of a 19th century cottage occupied by the Ferrymen and has often large familys.

The man rowed customers including sailors, travellers and locals across the Wyre to the Wardley Creek landing stage.

This operated until he more substantial passenger ferry between Knolt End and Fleetwood was opened in the 1860’s and which still operates today.

From the Cockle Hall picnic site follow the obvious track to return to the car park at the starting point.

Getting there

From the A585 Blackpool to Fleetwood Road to reach the river Wyre Hotel.

Then follow the B4512 and follow the brown signs to the Wyre estuary Country Park.

This is reached via a narrow track and there are large free car parks on each side.

Map reference: OS Explorer 286