Garstang Walking Festival
The fantastic Garstang Festival is upon us once again, taking in a variety of walks and rambles for people of all ages and abilities, showcasing some of the most beautiful parts of our area. Features Writer Rob Bullock explores this year’s itinerary…
The Garstang Walking Festival was launched over a decade ago by Wyre Council to encourage people to visit Garstang and the surrounding areas, enjoy the lovely countryside and to use and support local businesses and organisations.
The theme of the festival this year is Moss, Meadows and Moorland. Walkers will be able to experience the best of springtime in the countryside around Garstang, the Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain. Enjoy bluebell woodlands, wildlife, upland views, local history and explore to the west of Bowland, the wetlands and the coast.
The Garstang Walking Festival’s long-distance walks are famous for there varied scenery and interest. This year’s long-distance walk takes place from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 May and is a series of three walks exploring Wyre from the seashore to the Bowland Fells. This walk is a strenuous walk for the and is more suitable for the seasoned walker as each walk is between 14 to 16 miles long. A minibus/taxi will be provided to get walkers to the start for days 1 and 2 and ramblers are reminded to bring all-weather clothing, walking boots, packed lunch and drinks.
Join the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival for the opening on Sunday 5th May. Enjoy a drink and a piece of celebration cake before the first Garstang walks set off at 9.15am – noon.
A SELECTION OF THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Springtime Wildlife at Nicky Nook
Dog friendly (G6) Sunday 6th May, 10am – 12.30pm
Area: Scorton | Grade: Hard | Length: Approx. 5 miles | Cost: £3.50 / £2.50
Enjoy a beautiful walk in search of springtime wildlife and you can bring your dog with you too but this is a very popular and so booking is essential. Please bring a drink, binoculars, dog leads and dog poo bags!
Abbeystead Circular Walk (G14)
Tuesday 8th May, 10am – 3pm.
Area: Abbeystead | Grade: Moderate | Length: Approx. 6 miles | Cost: £4.50 / £3.50
This is a circular walk encompassing the stunning River Wyre passing through woodland and pastures using footpaths that are seldom used taking in the Shepherds Church and returning via Lower Lee. Booking is essential. Please bring a packed lunch and drink.
Glasson Dock and Cockersands Abbey (G24)
Thursday 10th May, 9.30am – 1pm
Area: Glasson Dock | Grade: Moderate | Length: Approx. 6.5 miles | Cost: £3.50 / £2.50
A lovely circular walk to the coast via the canal, lanes and fields. Walkers pass Cockersands Abbey along the Lancashire Coastal Path beside the Lune Estuary. Booking essential. There is a WC at the start and a pay and display car park. Please bring a snack, drink and binoculars.
Winding Ways in Wyre (G31)
Friday 11th May, 10am – 3.30pm.
Area: Churchtown | Grade: Moderate | Length: Approx. 8 miles | Cost: £4.50 / £3.50
A ramble across the flat lands of the Fylde, through farm land and over streams, along some of the less-used paths. During the walk, walkers might be able to work out why these paths came into being and who used them. Booking is essential and please bring a packed lunch and drink.
Of Roman Legions and Pendle Witches(G39)
Sunday 13th May, 9.30am – 5pm
Area: Dunlop Bridge | Grade: Hard/Very Hard | Length: Approx. 14 miles | Cost: £4.50 / £3.50
The walk skirts to the east of the Bowland Fells before picking up the Roman road up to the head of Whitendale, then following the River Dunlop back to Dunlop Bridge. Booking is essential on this very popular historical challenging ramble. There is a pay and display car park and a WC at the start. Please bring a packed lunch and drink.
For more information please visit: discoverwyre.co.uk or call 01995 602125
