FLEETWOOD

FISH & SHIPS Miles 5 (walked) 1(Tram) 1/2 (walked)

Condiments :-  Mike, Anthony, John W, Vic, Danny.

TODAY'S ROUTE

Fleetwood, once a major fishing ports is now an empty echo of it's former self. As we walked today the ghosts of seafaring days were all around.

We parked in a corner of the "Freeport" car park and once "booted" up

we set off to follow the rivers edge towards the sea.

After passing a group of men repairing drainage channels we arrived at the mud filled quays where once many fishing boats had been moored.

Along the edge, at regular intervals, were  rusting bollards which once had been polished clean by regular use of  ropes holding boats to the quayside.

A scattering of small boats evidenced some life amongst the rotting hulks abandoned in the estuary.

As we progressed along the path a modern footbridge took us over some indeterminate obstacle.

Some parts of the quayside did indeed look in good repair and would presumably be used when the tide allowed. The Isle of Man ferry has long since ceased to operate though.

Some of the posted messages we passed did little to raise the spirits.

At this point the quayside path ended and we turned inwards towards the town.

The forecast sunshine had not yet materialised so we left the gloomy clouds outside and went into the "Ferry Cafe" for a welcome coffee.

Having , so far , painted a rather gloomy picture of our visit to Fleetwood, the day and the surroundings now brightened up considerably. The sun now shone brightly completely changing the feelof the seaside town. Young men even held the door open for us as we left the cafe. (Do we look THAT old ?)

A much brighter and cheerful aspect !!

After following the trail of fishes along the prom........

...... and noting that even the homeless had castellated buildings to shelter in. (Not really a positive that though)

We arrived at what is possibly your writer's favourite public statue. A young family waiting for the homecoming of "Daddy" after a long and perilous trip out on the ocean.

Nice that someone had put some flowers in her arms.

We were now following the promenade as it took us west before turning south towards Cleveleys

We left the prom briefly to take a look at the Marine Hall gardens. The Hall is in the background.

Across the road from the gardens was the "Mound".  I'm not sure what the building is called or it's purpose.    Do you know ?

Drop your pace ? You must be kidding. Reverse is the only gear we have left !

We stopped briefly to look at the boating lake where Marine rescue was practised .

Ahead of us, in the distance, we could now see the extraordinary building that housed the coastal watch service (Coastguard)

It's falling down !.... No it isn't.

LUNCHTIME 

Behind us as we ate our lunch was a rather busy golf course.

Something is amusing Mike !!

What on earth was the architect thinking ? Get out lads before you get squashed.

From very modern building to creatures from aeons ago....... Surely that's a dinosaur. Isn't it ?

No it's a piece of driftwood from the sea.

A quick chat with a passer bye before we continue our walk along the prom.

The sea which was far away and out of site is now encroaching the groynes as the tide comes in.

The stumps you can see protruding from the sand are the remains of the original coastguard station.

At this point we left the prom and climbed over the sea wall to join the footpath alongside the golf course.

New , delightfully carved, handrails had been fitted to the stile since our last walk here 2/3 years ago.

As we walked along a series of identical but puzzling "Sculptures" could be seen against the sea wall.

No idea what they meant or represented.

As we came to the end of the golf course we had a decision to make. Cut back through the town to the car park (Danny's Choice) or continue along the new footpaths towards Rossall School.  which the rest took. Maybe not the best decision and JW should keep his nose out of other people's walk plans.

The footpath at this point either led down to the road or crossed this rather intriguing bridge, the pool beneath which held goldfish , to continue along the sea wall.

We dropped down to the road and took a left turn which led us down to the tramway .

We didn't have long to wait before the next tram arrived.

A short stretch on the tram (we did actually get off one stop too soon) before we were once again wending our way back to the car and home.

JW