Walk leader : Dave Hibbert
Walk details : In a change to the walk programme, our walk on Sunday 7 August will be along the bracing but invigorating promenade between Bispham and Fleetwood. It replaces the planned Hilbre Island walk which has been abandoned due to major flood defence works in West Kirkby and significant restrictions on parking. Our walk from Fleetwood to Bispham in Blackpool, is an easy, flat walk of approximately 6-7 miles along the promenade but we’ll need to keep a brisk walking pace in order to ensure that we keep to time. Of course, it wouldn’t be Blackpool without fish n chips – so we’ll stop off in Cleveleys for a chippy late lunch.
As this is a linear walk, we’ll meet in Bispham and get the tram to Fleetwood which is where we begin the walk, back to Bispham. There is plenty to see along the route – sculptures and stunning sea views towards Morecambe and the South Lakes. Oh…and of course views of Blackpool Tower! Dogs are welcome but please be aware there may be restrictions on the beaches; and the promenade path we’ll be using is popular with cyclists, joggers, families with pushchairs etc.
From the start point in Bispham (see details below), we’ll get the tram to Fleetwood so that we can start our walk by 12.45pm. The flat rate fare for all journeys is £2.60 and dogs are allowed on the tram for 60p (approx). Disabled access on the trams is also available. There are refreshment facilities and public toilets at Bispham and Fleetwood tram stops (you will have to pay a small fee for the toilets).
We’ll walk along the coast/promenade for approx 4 miles/2 hours along the seafront to Cleveleys (arriving approx 3pm) where we stop for a fish and chip lunch at the award winning Kay’s Chippy. They offer eat-in or take away and it’s dog friendly. Or bring your own lunch to eat on the seafront. We’ll stop here for approx 45 mins to 1 hour depending how busy the chippy is. And there may be a chance for a paddle in the sea and an ice cream! From here, at approx 4pm we’ll continue our walk for another 2 miles or so to Bispham and hope to arrive back at Bispham tram stop by 5pm.
Sensible, comfortable footwear recommended as this is an easy walk. Although it is August, please come prepared for hot sun (hopefully!) or inclement weather just in case – the walk is exposed with very little in the way of shelter. So sun lotion, hats and plenty of water and waterproofs/umbrellas are necessary.
As this is a linear walk, we’ll meet in Bispham and get the tram to Fleetwood which is where we begin the walk, back to Bispham. There is plenty to see along the route – sculptures and stunning sea views towards Morecambe and the South Lakes. Oh…and of course views of Blackpool Tower! Dogs are welcome but please be aware there may be restrictions on the beaches; and the promenade path we’ll be using is popular with cyclists, joggers, families with pushchairs etc.
From the start point in Bispham (see details below), we’ll get the tram to Fleetwood so that we can start our walk by 12.45pm. The flat rate fare for all journeys is £2.60 and dogs are allowed on the tram for 60p (approx). Disabled access on the trams is also available. There are refreshment facilities and public toilets at Bispham and Fleetwood tram stops (you will have to pay a small fee for the toilets).
We’ll walk along the coast/promenade for approx 4 miles/2 hours along the seafront to Cleveleys (arriving approx 3pm) where we stop for a fish and chip lunch at the award winning Kay’s Chippy. They offer eat-in or take away and it’s dog friendly. Or bring your own lunch to eat on the seafront. We’ll stop here for approx 45 mins to 1 hour depending how busy the chippy is. And there may be a chance for a paddle in the sea and an ice cream! From here, at approx 4pm we’ll continue our walk for another 2 miles or so to Bispham and hope to arrive back at Bispham tram stop by 5pm.
Sensible, comfortable footwear recommended as this is an easy walk. Although it is August, please come prepared for hot sun (hopefully!) or inclement weather just in case – the walk is exposed with very little in the way of shelter. So sun lotion, hats and plenty of water and waterproofs/umbrellas are necessary.
Risk assessment : A risk assessment was carried out in July last year. As this walk is a replacement walk, it’s not been possible to complete a new upto date risk assessment. Please be aware that there is little in the way of cover along the walk so please come prepared for all types of weather – rain, wind, sun and hot weather. Therefore, appropriate waterproof clothing, hat, sun lotion etc. We’ll be walking along the promenade for the duration of the walk and so sensible footwear is required. Walking on hard surfaces can have a greater impact on joints/feet than walking on grass or soil in the countryside so boots, walking shoes or trainers recommended. No sling backs or flip flops!
The promenade is used by dog walkers, cyclists, joggers, roller skaters, families with push chairs etc, so its important to be aware at all times of those around you.
We will have to cross the tram lines in places and so please use caution at all times and be on the look out for oncoming trams.
The promenade is used by dog walkers, cyclists, joggers, roller skaters, families with push chairs etc, so its important to be aware at all times of those around you.
We will have to cross the tram lines in places and so please use caution at all times and be on the look out for oncoming trams.
Start time and meeting point : Meet at 12.00pm at Bispham tram stop (opposite Queens Mansions holiday apartments) Postcode for the apartments is FY2 9HP. There is plenty of free on-street parking in the residential streets nearby. (Last year, I parked on Norfolk Avenue, which is about a 10 min walk to Bispham tram stop). Alternatively, meet at Fleetwood Ferry Port tram stop (end of the line) if you want to have a look around the Fleetwood seafront. Meet us at 12.45pm by the tram stop. Please let me know if you are going to do this so we know to expect you. There should be plenty of free (I think!) on-street parking along the esplanade in Fleetwood. If you decide on this option, you’ll have to get the tram back to Fleetwood of course at the end of the walk.
Directions to the start : By car – from central Manchester, allow approx 1 hr for your journey. The M60/M61, M6 and M55 will take you to Blackpool and Bispham. If it’s nice weather, you might want to allow extra travel time in case of heavy traffic to Blackpool.