FRESHFIELD & FORMBY WALK – 02/03/2017
Long Walk
Today’s long walk, led by myself, commenced at Freshfield Station. Nine walkers took part. Distance 8.5 mile walk, mainly on the flat , on woodland paths, the beach and sand dunes. The weather was cool, and a little windy, dry in the main with some sun and cloud. The walk, which including a break for lunch took just under 3 hours.
Having left Freshfield Station, we headed North, keeping the railway line on our left to cross the line on an unmanned crossing to Fisherman’s Path. This woodland walk took us to the beach, then along the beach the (tide was out) to Victoria Road. From the car park of the Squirrel Reserve, we took the Asparagus Trail, past Nicotine Woods, to Victoria Road. (The Asparagus Trail is where good quality asparagus is grown. Nicotine Woods was named because waste tobacco products were once dumped there). We then walked across the meadows to the car park, where we had our lunch sitting at a picnic table. Then on across the dunes to Lifeboat Road. We then took the Lost Resort and Devils Hole Routes across the sand dunes of Ravenmeols Nature Reserve. (The Lost Resort Trail leads to a part of the beach, which was once to become a holiday resort, but never materialised. Devils hole is where the Natterjack Toads live and breed in the spring). We finally reached Cabin Hill, near to Altcar Rifle Range, where we took the coastal path past the old Shorrocks Hill Country Club and St. Luke’s Church before turning right onto Kirklake Road to Formby Station and the Railway Pub, where we joined the short walk group, who were enjoying a nice meal. After a few well-earned pints with them, we headed home.
Ian
Short Walk
The short walk, consisting of 11 walkers, led by Judith, was a 5 mile circular walk from Formby Station. This route was also mainly on the flat and took 2 hrs 30 mins including breaks. The route started along Kirklake Road, then took the Coastal Path to Cabin Hill, Hoggs Hill Lane, Ravenmeols Nature Reserve and the beach to Lifeboat Road. Then past St Lukes Church and into Kirkslake Road, returning to Formby Station and the Railway Pub, where they enjoyed a lovely meal.
Thank you to both the walk leaders . Very positive feedback from walkers from both groups. Ian’s walk was not only challenging in parts but very informative, and I know everyone enjoyed it. Similarly those with Judith all had a great walk through the woods.