This is an easy, flat walk along the promenade and coastal path via Cleveleys and Rossall to Fleetwood. It is approx 8 miles and we return by tram (for those who dont fancy the whole walk we have a couple of options to shorten the walk – see below). There is plenty to see along the route – sculptures, formal gardens and stunning sea views over towards the hills of the South Lakes. Have a look at the photos from last year’s walk in the Gallery (see June 2017). NB: We won’t be walking through the main commercial seafront at Blackpool as our walk starts from the North Shore, away from Blackpool and towards Fleetwood – so die-hard ‘kiss-me quick hat’ Blackpool fans will be disappointed.
Leaders
Winnie ‘the dog’ with Andrew and Dave
Description
Our first stop will be for lunch, will be the Award winning Kay’s Chippy just off the seafront in Cleveleys for fish n chips. They offer eat-in or take away and its dog friendly. Or bring your own lunch to eat on the seafront. We’ll stop here for approx 45 mins.
Our next stop will be at Rossall Point observatory. We’ll spend a bit of time here as it has educational info about the coast and viewing decks for bird watching across Morecambe Bay. It’s open till 4pm and free entry but opening hours are subject to volunteer availability which we realised last year!
We aim to arrive in Fleetwood at approx 5pm for our return journey by tram to Blackpool. The fare is approx £2.50 and 50p for dogs! Assistance dogs travel free. There is a tea/coffee hut at Fleetwood for take away drinks or ice lollies, should it be hot and sunny!
There are toilets along the walk route but there may be a charge for some of these. Sensible, comfortable shoes/trainers etc recommended as this is an easy but long walk. Remember your sun lotion and rain wear just to cover all bases! Don’t forget it will be exposed and possibly windy so bring appropriate clothing, and a drink especially if its hot weather.
For those who don’t fancy the full walk:
Option 1: Its possible to return to the start point by tram from most points along the walk – just let the walk leaders know so we can accommodate your needs.
Option 2: Or you could join the walk at Cleveleys. We should arrive about 1.15pm for lunch and be ready to depart at approx 2pm for the journey onto Fleetwood. Meet us in Kay’s Chippy or at the ice-cream van on the prom opposite the Olympia Arcade. Please let us know if this is your plan so that we can look out for you.
Start Point and Time
Meet at 11.45am on the promenade, infront of the Hilton Hotel (North Shore, Blackpool). Postcode for the Hilton Hotel is FY1 2JQ.
Directions to Start
By car – from central Manchester, allow about 1 hr 15 mins for your journey. The M60/M61, M6 and M55 will take you to Blackpool and follow signs for Blackpool North/North promenade. The Hilton Hotel is a large modern red-brick hotel about half a mile along the prom from the North pier, you can’t miss it! If the weather is good – it might be sensible to leave extra time for travel and possible traffic congestion.
Parking – there is FREE on street parking at the side and back of the Hilton and nearby Imperial Hotel on Dickson Road, Derby Road and Wilton Parade.
By train – direct from Manchester Piccadilly at 9.53am, arriving at Blackpool North train station just after 11.12am and return trains at 5.41pm, 5.52pm and 6.21pm. The return fare is approx £18.00. Please allow about 10-15 mins to walk from the station to the Hilton Hotel. (Trains from Manchester Victoria are currently subject to a bus replacement service between Mcr and Preston – so not recommended.) Please check National Rail Enquiries for upto date train times and fare info.
Phone
Contact Winnie’s assistants – Dave H 07929 829 284 or Andrew 07803 174 967.