Burscough and Martin Mere
This walk out on the flatlands of Wet Lancashire visits the internationally important Martin Mere Wetland Centre. At this time of year it is the scene of tremendous spectacle as thousands of pink-footed geese arrive from Iceland to winter in the UK.
Start: Burscough Bridge Interchange.
From Preston centre follow signs for the A59 Liverpool. On reaching the village cross the railway bridge and turn right for the station. It has to be pointed out that parking can be at a premium in the station car park and there will be restrictions at the nearby supermarket car park. It may be necessary to park in a side street off Red Cat Lane. (See below). Burscough is served by good rail and bus links.
Fact file: Distance: 10k
Time: 2 ½ - 3 ½ hours (Add at least 3 hours if you plan to visit Martin Mere)
Summary: Very easy. 15 metres of ascent in total and most of this is the railway bridge. In short it is flat!
Map: OS Explorer 285 Southport and Chorley
Map by kind permission of the Blackpool Gazette
Directions: From the station walk back to the A59 and turn left and then once across the bridge left again into Red Cat Lane. A short distance from Liverpool Road follow a footpath sign on the left.
This leads you to a narrow path alongside the railway and a dedicated trail to Martin Mere.
From this point until you reach the reserve direction finding is easy.
For 600m follow the railway until you come to Crabtree Lane close to a level crossing.
Turn right. Stay on Crabtree Lane for 500 metres
and then, when the lane turns sharply left follow it to the next corner.
Here following the sign post turn left onto a farm track.
Bear right in front of a cottage and then turn right on a path leading across open arable fields
to Marsh Moss Lane.
Opposite as you reach the lane is a concessionary path
leading to the chain link fence that marks the perimeter of Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is the creation of Sir Peter Scott (1909 - 1989). Naturalist, wildlife artist, war hero, broadcaster, author, sailor and glider pilot he developed the notion of "bringing wildlife and people together for the benefit of both" and in 1946 set up a wildfowl reserve at Slimbridge. From here the WWT expanded to manage nine centres in total including Martin Mere. One of his many legacies is the survival of the Hawaiian Goose or ne-ne. In 1952 this had been reduced to 30 birds and was on the brink of extinction. Thanks to the work of the WWT the stock was built up to a point that in 2004 it was successfully re-introduced into the wild. Little wonder that Sir Peter has been called the most influential conservationist of the 20th century. He opened Martin Mere in 1975.
To enter the reserve turn right. (Admission fees apply) To continue the walk keep ahead with the perimeter fence on your right.
Soon on the left a most striking building will engage your curiosity - this is the Harrier Hide - part of the reserve. Constructed from wood, its feathered design is both original and arresting.
The footpath crosses a track connecting hide and reserve
and continues beyond the reserve onto the vast prairie of West Lancashire.
After 200m the track bends to the left alongside a large pool. After a wooden gate
keep ahead on a less defined path following a sluice. This leads to a footpath sign indicating right.
Turn right aiming for a rather worn farm building 200 metres away.
When you reach it turn right onto a track
that leads across the railway
and continues towards the extensive glass houses of Derby Farm.
When you reach the lane immediately in front of the glass houses turn left.
For the next 15 minutes you are on quiet lanes. Continue to the junction of Merscar Lane and keep ahead past the Martin Inn.
Now on Martin Lane walk down to its junction with Gorst Lane
and then join the towpath of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
Turn left. In 3k/2miles this will take you back to Burscough.