Bolton-le-Sands
This route could not be easier. From Bolton-le-Sands it follows the Lancashire Coastal Way to Carnforth and returns along the Lancaster Canal. It is a walk full of interest though – not least the railway station at Carnforth where Trevor met Celia briefly in 1945. Based on a Noel Coward play “Brief Encounter” has become an enduring film classic despite the fact the plot is firmly based on the idea that nothing happens. (If “Transformers 2” is your kind of movie do not go and see “Brief Encounter”!)
Start/finish: Bolton-le-Sands Shore Road close to Red Bank Farm caravan site. From Junction 35 of the M6 follow signs for A6 south. Once on the A6 pass through Carnforth and Bolton-le-Sands. After Bolton-le-Sands bear right onto the A5105 towards Morecambe. In 300 metres turn right following signs for Red Bank Farm. Over the railway turn right onto Pasture Lane. This quickly brings you to the shore. Parking to the left.
Fact file: Distance: 11k 7 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Summary: Easy walking especially when the tide is out. WARNING: Though the Coastal Way follows the shore line so there is no obvious danger the tides on Morecambe Bay are notorious for the speed they come in and have caught out many unwary walkers. Do not venture anywhere onto the sands - even if you have consulted your tide table.
Maps: OS OL Explorer 296 Lancaster, Morecambe and Fleetwood, OS OL Map 7 The English Lakes South-eastern area.
Directions: With Morecambe Bay on your left walk along the raised embankment northwards.
After St Michaels's Lane the embankment ends
so continue on the flat reaching Wild Duck Hall a large white building.
Keep to the left of the hall on a service road
leading to Bolton Homes Farm. From this point the way is a little less straightforward
in that the salt marshes are dissected by creeks and pools which need to be carefully negotiated
especially when the tide is high.
After a rock strewn point of land
the way reaches the estuary of the River Keer close to Marsh House Farm.
After a stile
continue along lane
which bring you to a junction where the Coastal Way turns left.
Keep ahead on Crag Bank Lane passing beneath a pair of railway bridges
to a road junction.
Here turn right for Carnforth.
If diversion is needed or refreshment both can be found at the railway station.
This was one of the locations of the 1945 British film classic "Brief Encounter" starring Celia Johnstone and Trevor Howard. In fact the plot centres on a relationship that starts, develops and ends in the station refreshment room. Because of this Carnforth attracts thousands of visitors every year to soak in the atmosphere of David Lean's film.
Shot in the closing months of the war there was still a blackout over much of the country to the south which made north Lancashire an ideal place to shoot the station scenes. Today you can re enact your favourite scenes in the Refreshment Room which retains the look and atmosphere of the late 1940s or else immerse yourself in the exhibits of the attached visitors centre.
The route continues past the station to the busy road junction with the A6.
Cross the road and continue slightly uphill past the Shovels Inn to the canal bridge.
Just before it turn right and following the access path around a children's playground reach the tow path.
With the canal on your left walk back to Bolton-le-Sands.
This is easy uncomplicated walking. In its heyday of the early 19th century the Lancaster Canal had the reputation for being one of the swiftest canals for packet boats carrying passengers. With just one flight of locks between Preston and Kendal the 57 mile journey could be done in less than 8 hours!Once you reach Bolton-le-Sands at Bridge 125 continue to Bridge 122 Bolton Church Bridge. Pass under it and then take the path up to St Michael's Lane.
Turn left and then cross the A6.
St Michael's Lane will take you back to the shore and car park.
