Local Walks
Pilling Ammenity Area
https://goo.gl/maps/8SgLjwbJdbkhYA937
The Amenity Area has two lakes and car parking facilities for visitors who often stay to enjoy the views of the Lune Estuary and out to the Irish Sea. You can either walk here from the cabins but be aware that there are no pavements or you can drive and park up. The walk around the amenity area is lovely, there are picnic benches to enjoy a picnic and most Sunday’s an ice cream in the car park. You can get on to the sea wall from the far end of the amenity area and look out across the bay.
Pilling Sands
https://goo.gl/maps/QdfRwkyFBXXgs4No6
Pilling Sands in an area of salt marsh – popular with bird watchers thanks to the wading birds that visit whilst they refuel and shelter over winter. It sits on an estuary overlooking the River Lune towards Morecambe Bay. Behind the beach there is a dedicated nature reserve and a section of the Lancashire Coastal Way passes nearby.
As you walk along the beach you will see remnants of gun emplacements within the sea wall. These are thought to date back to the Second World War. Pilling Sands is dog friendly year-round.
Beacon Fell - goosnargh
https://www.forestofbowland.com/green-guide/bowland-visitor-centre-beacon-fell
Beacon Fell is one of the oldest country parks in the country, being designated in 1970. The Country Park consists of 110 hectares of woodland, moorland and farmland. The summit is 266 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Forest of Bowland AONB and Morecambe Bay. On a clear day it is even possible to see the Isle of Man. There is an abundance of wildlife including rabbits and hares. Roe deer are a little more elusive, but patience may well be rewarded!
Nicky Nook - scorton
https://wyresdalepark.co.uk/nicky-nook
Nicky Nook, though modest in height, offers splendid views over Lancashire’s coastal plain, Morecambe Bay and beyond to the Lakeland fells. On a really clear day it is possible to see the Isle of Man and the Great Orme on the North Wales coast. Birds such as meadow pipits and skylarks are common on the fell, while the more fortunate may catch a glimpse of tree pipits or yellowhammers.
An easy and popular walk from the centre of Scorton along the side of the reservoir and then over Nicky Nook with a return visit to a dog friendly Applestore cafe for a slice of cake.
Wyre Estuary Country Park
https://www.visitlancashire.com/dbimgs/Wyre_Way_overview.pdf
The award winning Wyre Estuary Country Park offers year-round activities and events for all the family including ranger-led walks, environmentally themed activities and annual events like the Family Sculpture Day. An innovative children's play area provides children with a great opportunity to enjoy natural play and have fun in the park. Visitors to the park can also enjoy a walk along the network of accessible paths by the breathtaking Wyre Estuary. On a sunny day enjoy a picnic. We have selected some of the finest picnic spots for you, whether it's nearby while your little treasures explore or somewhere you can enjoy the view. If you want to bring your own picnic or BBQ, then please do, but remember to recycle as much of your rubbish as you can! With an exciting woodland and geology explorers trail there's an opportunity to discover the wildlife and learn about the native trees in the park's woodland setting.
Millennium Green Garstang
http://www.garstangmillenniumgreen.org.uk/
Established in 2000, the Millennium Green by the River Wyre in Garstang is a pleasant open space for use by all, owned by a charity and managed by volunteers. The land is secure and will never be developed.
Stunning views across the Bowland Fells and riverside walks. Space for gentle relaxation, walking, recreational and educational activities all associated with the countryside, but right here in Garstang.
Picnic area free from dogs with barbecue-friendly tables
Lune Estuary, Lancashir
Start at the The Stork Inn and join the Lancashire Coastal Way to Glasson, once a railway that linked to Lancaster. The dock thrives as a leisure marina while still catering for coasters and inshore fishing boats. It was built in 1787 to serve Lancaster, as the city’s wharves and channel had silted up. In 1825, it was connected to the inland waterways network by a branch of the Lancaster Canal, allowing large ships to reach Lancaster.
Turn along Tithebarn Hill, topping out beyond the village edge and an immense panorama of marsh, bay and hills. Keep left, then go right from the sharp-left bend on to Marsh Lane and, beyond caravans, along a grassy field track to Crook Farm. Turn left along the lane here.
Fork right at Lighthouse Cottage, recalling a lighthouse built in 1847. The wooden-towered 16m (54ft) lighthouse, lit by paraffin lamps until 1947, was demolished in 1954.
Continue along the shoreline before veering left to the remains of Cockersand Abbey, founded in 1192. Walk through the derelict farmyard and along the access track to Moss Lane. Bear left, drinking in the wide horizons and the distant Bowland Fells. Keep right at the junction, remaining on Moss Lane to the left turn for Glasson Dock.
After 650m, take the waymarked gate right and walk the edge of two fields to a drainage ditch. Turn right; in 200m go left on the fenced track, reaching a road beyond a gate and houses. Turn right for 80m, then left along a track beside Hill House. Beyond the pen, walk ahead to the canal bridge; drop to the towpath and turn right, canal to your left. At the bridge past The Mill, turn right to find The Stork Inn.
https://www.countryfile.com/go-outdoors/walks/lune-estuary-lancashire/
Cockersand Abbey
This interesting circular walk crosses farmland and pasture before returning along the Lancashire Coastal Path to Glasson.
In particular, the coastal path is a changing environment, the high tides of Morecambe Bay change our view constantly as the tide ebbs and flows. It also creates a wonderful habitat for our wildlife; so there is a lot to see and admire.
But most important is the ‘light’, it’s an artists and photographers dream; big skies and high reflecting surfaces, the light dances on this wonderful corner of Lancashire.
Not much remains today of the buildings of Cockersands Abbey, much of the stone was used in local buildings and the quay across the Lune at Sunderland. The Chapter House remains whilst a few ruined walls help us understand the context in which the community lived here, on this sometime’s unforgiving coastline. They must have endured difficult conditions.
Plover Scar Lighthouse was built more than 150 years ago, it functions still, although the ‘back light of two’ was demolished when the lighthouse was automated. It marks the channel of the Lune, but imagine before it was built, there were over 100 merchant ships registered at Lancaster, this must have been a very busy shipping lane.