Heysham walk (From Chorley Citizen)

Heysham walk

3:44pm Wednesday 16th March 2011 in Leisure By Ron Freethy

Over the next few months I will be strolling around East Lancashire and places a little further afield in search of my favourite balance between history and natural history.

This week I have been to Heysham which is one of the most unspoiled and historic places in Lancashire.

The single street leads to an ancient church and an even older Christian chapel.

From the chapel a track leads on to Heysham Head which is a haven for those in search of wildlife and seen at its best in spring.

1. Begin at the Curiosity Corner Cafe and follow the street looking out for the Heritage Centre on the right.

This is the place to discover all about Heysham.

Continue along the street and look out for a Royal Hotel on the left. Near to the Royal is a little cottage which was famous in the early 1900s for the nettle beer brewed there by granny Hutchinson.

Nettle beer is still on sale in the village.

Just before the road forks, look out for St Patrick’s Well, also called the church well. On the left, it is set in an alcove and reached by a set of steps.

2. Rejoin the street and fork left. Ascend gently to reach St Peter’s church on the right. This is one of the most beautiful little churches in Britain and overlooks Morecambe Bay.

There is part of an anglo-saxon cross in the churchyard.

As you leave the church the views and the history gets even better. Climb a set of stone steps to reach the ruins of St Patrick’s Chapel on the right.

This dates to the late 8th century but there is evidence of extensions in the 10th century but as usual there is not a complete agreement between scholars. The place is hauntingly beautiful.

Close to the chapel are some graves cut out of the solid rock. It is thought that a religious settlement was set up by Irish Christians and hence the name of St Patrick’s Chapel.

3. The stroll so far is one of the historical interest but now the natural history takes centre stage.

The track heads on to Heysham head and Thrubshaw point. The National Trust bought the site and has developed it into a naturalist’s paradise.

A series of footpaths lead past bluebells and seaside flowers.

Birdwatchers flock to the cliff edges to watch migrating movements and the ebb and flow of the tide.

Here in spring is one of the few remaining areas where skylarks can be seen in full flight.

4.Follow the path as it loops round to the left, away from the bay and around Barrow’s Field.

Then ascend the path to reach Vicarage Wood. Follow the winding footpath through the wood and an old orchard.

There are entries in the church registers indicating that apples, pears and plums were cultivated in profusion. Descend through this wooded area to reach the car park.

How to get there: Heysham is about three miles from Morecambe. It can be reached via the A683 from Lancaster and then taking the brown signed route to Heysham. There is a large pay and display car park in the village centre.

Distance: 2 1/2 miles