An easy, flat walk from Fleetwood to Blackpool along the promenade and a chance to see the Illuminations. Of course, it wouldn’t be Blackpool without fish n chips – so we’ll stop off in Cleveleys for a chippy lunch. The walk is approx 9 miles in total (but there is an option to make the walk shorter for those who don’t fancy the full walk). We meet in Blackpool and get the tram to Fleetwood which is where we begin the walk. There is plenty to see along the route – sculptures, formal gardens and stunning sea views towards Morecambe and the South Lakes. Oh…and of course views of Blackpool Tower!
Leaders
Dave H and Andrew
Description
From the start point in Blackpool (see details below), we’ll get the tram to Fleetwood and aim to start our walk by 12.45pm. The single fare is £2.90 and approx 50p for dogs! (No return tickets) There are public toilets at Fleetwood (you will have to pay for the toilets) and a tea/coffee hut.
We’ll walk for approx 4.5 miles/2 hours along the seafront to Cleveleys where we stop for a fish and chip lunch at the award winning Kay’s Chippy. 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 to 1 hour depending how busy the chippy is.
At approx 3.45pm we’ll begin the remainder of our journey.
Short option walk: At this point if you don’t fancy the remainder of the walk (approx 4 miles/1 hr 45 mins) you can get the tram back to the start point and have a look at the illuminations at your own leisure.
Long walk: For those who fancy walking, we’ll leave Cleveleys and continue our walk along the prom towards Bispham. From here we’ll begin to see some of the more traditional illumination displays. At Bispham we can stop briefly for take away tea/coffee OR ice cream if you’re brave enough and a toilet stop. We finish the walk at the Savoy Hotel – if you wish to walk further to see the lights towards the North Pier and beyond – you are free to do so. We’ll aim to arrive back at the start point by approx 5.30pm.
Sensible, comfortable footwear recommended as this is an easy but long walk. Please come prepared for inclement weather – it is November and the walk is exposed – possibly windy and raining – so bring appropriate warm clothing.
Start Point and Time
Meet at 12pm on the Blackpool promenade, in the Jubilee gardens opposite the Savoy Hotel on Queens Parade (very appropriate!). Postcode for the hotel is FY2 9SJ. Free on-street parking in the streets nearby is available. Alternatively, park up near The Grand Hotel (formerly the Hilton Hotel) and walk up to the Savoy Hotel along the prom about 5 mins walk.
Alternatively, meet us in Fleetwood if you want to have a look around the seafront – meet us for the start of the walk at approx 12.45pm by the tram stop. There is a lovely cosy cafe opposite – Cafe Royal which does home-cooked food, snacks and cakes at very reasonable prices. (please text or phone on the day if you wish to do this so we know to look out for you)
Directions to Start
By car – from central Manchester, allow about 1 hr for your journey. The M60/M61, M6 and M55 will take you to Blackpool. Follow signs for Blackpool North/North promenade. (If you want to park near the The Grand Hotel – it is a large, ugly, modern red-brick hotel about half a mile along the prom from the North pier, you can’t miss it!) As its the last day of the Illuiminations it might be sensible to leave extra time for travel and possible traffic congestion.
By train – there are trains from Manchester Piccadilly or Victoria to Blackpool (North). Please allow about 10-15 mins to walk from the station to the Savoy or Grand Hotel. Please check National Rail Enquiries for upto date train times and fare info.
Phone
Dave 07929 829 284 or Andrew 07803 174 967
