16 “Stramblers” met at Ainsdale Station on a miserable, grey, blustery morning. At least the rain had stopped.
We headed west from the station towards the beach, passing some very nice houses with interesting gardens.
We eventually reached the coast road which we crossed by the dilapidated Sands Hotel. Further along to our left we passed Pontins and then the old Toad Hall nightclub.
We then walked onto the beach. Once we turned south we were walking into the wind, this made the walk very challenging!
Mental note to self: if we ever do this walk again check the wind direction and maybe walk the other way!
The wind was blowing the sand in all directions making very pretty patterns. We had the beach mostly to ourselves apart from the odd dog walker and a couple of diggers that appeared to be clearing some of the paths from the beach into the dunes.
We eventually reached Fisherman’s Path. We were all delighted to leave the beach at this point and walk out of the wind. We headed along Fisherman’s path until we reached a right hand turn for Victoria Road. This took us into the Pinewoods, where we saw plenty of evidence of the damage caused by the winter storms. Fortunately all paths were clear although we did have to duck under some of the fallen trees branches.
We continued along the path making only one error which we quickly realised and did a ‘u’ turn to get us back on the correct route to Victoria Road.
We walked up Victoria Road, admiring the properties and soon reached the station. Here some of our group went home, the rest of us went to the Freshfield pub for a well earned lunch.
Thanks to Anne for the report and photos.