Lytham Hall - Snowdrop Walk

Having done this walk at least three times before, I was expecting it to be a fairly routine, familiar walk with very uncertain weather conditions. Nothing could have been further from the truth!

After parking near Saltcotes Lane, on the outskirts of Lytham, we set off in rather dull weather conditions towards Green Drive. This is a pedestrianised area of trees and shrubs, popular with dog-walkers. Our 'resident ornithologist' (PO'D) immediately spotted a yellow wagtail. (A good time for bird-watching whilst the trees are bare.)

Emerging from Green Drive, we made our way to the entrance to Lytham Hall, formerly the home of the Clifton family.

On entering the grounds, we were soon directed, by make-shift signs, to the 'Snowdrops Trail' and, lo and behold, the sunshine broke through the clouds to reveal the vast areas of snowdrops at their best.

On seeing the signs for the Cafe, there was unanimous consent for a coffee stop. Here we were greeted by a very welcoming 'young lady' behind the counter. She was also a very persuasive saleswoman, pointing out to us that, "If you buy a drink, you're not allowed out without buying a cake!" So, desperate for a drink, we were also 'force fed' slices of homemade, cherry flapjack! Eat your heart out JW!

Returning to the snowdrop trail, Paddy decided that an alternative and "quicker' route could be found that would take us towards the exit. So, after ten minutes of fighting our way through brambles and climbing over tree trunks and branches we arrived back where we started - at the Hall! (memo: must give Paddy a compass next time)

Leaving the grounds, we continued through a residential area and into Witch Wood, a linear wooded area, which took us eventually out onto the main road. From here we made our way, briskly, to Fairhaven Lake and the 'Spitfire Memorial' where 'Biking Mike' had waited for over an hour, in the early spring sunshine, to show us his new toy - a super-lightweight, carbon fibre bike! He's risen from Preston and was returning via Cleveleys.

A late lunch was taken overlooking Fairhaven Lake and, after parting with Mike, we made our way to the promenade. The view across the Ribble estuary towards Southport with the sun shimmering on the low tide was spectacular. This was enhanced by the views towards the aptly named, snow-capped Winter Hill.

Continuing towards the iconic Lytham windmill, we turned inland passing through Lytham town centre and through the residential area back to the car.

A routine walk? Anything but..!
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The new apiary area

A group of volunteers are doing wonderful work improving the grounds

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