A cycle ride alongside the Irish Sea on the Fylde Coast from Fleetwood to the South Pier at Blackpool. Firstly following the River Lune from Lancaster then crossing the River Wyre on the pedestrian ferry from Knott End.
The Knott End to Fleetwood Ferry costs £2.50 for man (or woman) plus bike, but check timetable first as sailings are limited by tidal flow.
This makes an interesting ride from Derby (by train) and can easily be accomplished as a day trip. With a Railcard the total cost of a single ticket from Derby to Lancaster and a single ticket from Blackpool South back to Derby is only £18.25 which is excellent value considering the distance. The downside is that you have to make an early start from Derby at 6.40am but this gets you to Lancaster for 9.07am.
I previously rode this route in July 2017 in inclement weather and this was the subject of a previous post.
The actual cycling distance is about 30 miles.
Platform 11 at Crewe Station with the Virgin Pendalino for Lancaster arriving. The helpful young lady is a virgin (at least that's what it said on her jacket).
Almost any downhill street from Lancaster Station takes us to the banks of the River Lune where we follow this excellent path signed to Glasson, on the South side of the river.
Keep as close as possible to the riverside, but do not follow narrow footpaths which take you away from the highway.
View across the river.
Tidal landscape.
The Stork Inn from where we follow the main road signed Pilling.
A bit of a drag along here. Eventually follow signs to Knott End.
The Wyre Ferry arrives at Fleetwood.
You can buy an ice cream using your credit card here at the start of the long off-road path from Fleetwood to Blackpool.
But first check out the sculpture.
This elegant work by Anita Lafford stands on the promenade at Fleetwood. It is called "Welcome Home".
"Welcome home is erected as a tribute to the families of Fleetwood fishermen who have down the years shared the dangers and uncertainties of the industry. Around this spot families have gathered for generations to 'welcome home' their menfolk from the sea. Welcome Home is provided by Fisherman's Friend with the assistance of Wyre Borough Council. It was designed and sculpted by Anita Lafford"
Where engineering works require sand and gravel there is plenty to be had.
The recently completed sea defences now run all the way to Blackpool, with broad traffic free cycling paths having several options to suit all weather conditions. They separate the Irish Sea (on the right) from the landward houses now protected from flooding. Note here on the left alternative cycle paths sheltered from the Westerly sea winds.
Access routes to the Promenade are well designed.
The new sea front is visually the most striking with seats, lights and shelters in re-enforced concrete which should last for many years hence.
The concrete seats do not look very comfortable.
This is the coastguard's lookout tower at Rossall Point.
Looking back now towards Blackpool's most famous landmark.
See drone video of the Tower HERE.
Finally, a refreshing pint of beer at Wetherspoon's pub - The Velvet Coaster, which is opposite the South Pier and a short distance from Blackpool South Railway Station, from where we catch the train home to Derby via Preston, and Crewe.
