Garstang Walking Festival 2024

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G A R S TA N G

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2024

4 - 12 MAY

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Nine days of walks for everyone to explore Garstang, rural and coastal Wyre and the Forest of Bowland countryside

Coordinated by

Supported by

The friends of

www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival

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Welcome to the 2024 Garstang Walking Festival Coordinated by the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival and supported by Wyre Council.

With over 40 walks for all ages and abilities, the festival is the perfect chance to experience the best of springtime in the countryside around Garstang, rural Wyre, the Forest of Bowland and the Fylde Plain. Choose from a huge range of walks, including the three day Wyre Way Challenge, easy access short walks, family activities, evening walks, wildlife strolls, heritage rambles, dog friendly trails and everything in between. Enjoy the landscapes of Garstang, Wyre, Morecambe Bay and the Forest of Bowland in the company of friendly and knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders.

FIND OUT MORE AT OUR ONLINE TALK To help you find out more about the Garstang Walking Festival we are organising an evening online talk in advance of the Festival.

Join the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival and the Wyre Rivers Trust team to discover which walks and activities are on offer and to get a flavour of what you may discover during the Festival. Plus, find out some interesting facts about the River Wyre.

Wednesday 24 April 6pm – 7pm

Online only via Zoom Book your place at www.wyre.gov.uk/greatoutdoors We will send you a follow up email with a Zoom link nearer to the date of the online talk.

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Read our terms and conditions before booking your walks These terms and conditions will provide you with the necessary information to be prepared before you book and set out on your walk.

It’s always best to be prepared - we’ll be experiencing all types of weather and terrain, walking through remote areas, and sometimes will be out all day without a place to buy food or drink. View our terms and conditions online at www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival to ensure you are fully prepared for the activity!

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BOOKING INFORMATION

USEFUL INFORMATION

How to book

Make sure that you arrive to your activity fully prepared, with food and drink as necessary, dressed for the weather and with appropriate footwear.

Booking is essential on all walks and activities unless otherwise stated.

You can book online at www.wyre.gov.uk /garstangwalkingfestival There are some activities and walks which are led by our partners. To book these activities and walks, follow the booking instructions shown within the listing.

Making a payment

Payments are taken at time of booking, through the online booking system at www.wyre.gov.uk/ garstangwalkingfestival All chargeable activities need to be paid for in advance at the time of booking.

All activities are non-refundable. We are unable to take cash payments.

Get in touch

If you require assistance with any aspect of booking, you can email us at greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887502 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Meet the team

A member of our team will be available on various dates at Garstang Library Windsor Road, Garstang, Preston, PR3 1ED. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the online booking system.

Tuesday 6 February 10am - 1pm Thursday 15 February 5pm - 6:30pm Thursday 22 February 1pm - 3pm Saturday 24 February 10am - 12:30pm March and April dates will be announced on our social media.

Follow us online for updates

Follow @GarstangWalkingFestival on Facebook or visit www.wyre.gov.uk/ garstangwalkingfestival to stay updated on the latest walking festival news.

Walking grades

To help you decide which walk is for you, each walk has been assigned a walking grade, which indicates the difficulty of the walk and the type of terrain.

All - Relatively flat, surfaced paths, no stiles, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, may include road crossings.

Easy - Relatively level ground, fields, lanes and tracks, possibly with some gentle slopes, stiles, livestock.

Moderate - Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some moderate slopes, expect stiles/livestock.

Hard - Uneven ground, fields, lanes and tracks with some steeper climbs, expect stiles/livestock.

Very Hard - Limited paths, rough walking, steep climbs, expect stiles/livestock.

Tramper suitable - Suitable for people using trampers. Wyre Council Trampers must be booked a minimum of seven days in advance. Email greatoutdoors@ wyre.gov.uk to ensure a Tramper is available, in advance of making any payment online. You may also bring your own Tramper if you have one: if this is the case, make your booking online as normal and send a follow up email to greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk to make us aware that you’ll be bringing a Tramper.

Dog friendly walks are indicated with a pawprint. Remember to keep the grade and duration of the walk in mind and ensure the route is suitable for your pet.

Poor weather

A ranger/walk leader will be at the start of an activity whatever the weather. In extreme conditions, the leader of the group will take a decision on the day whether or not to cancel.

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Book online at www.wyre.gov.uk/garstangwalkingfestival unless stated otherwise in the listings. Booking is essential on all walks unless otherwise stated.

SATURDAY 4 may

Garstang Day Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of all walks.

Dawn Chorus (G1.1)

5am – 6am · Free Garstang area, graded easy, 0.5 miles On the weekend of International Dawn Chorus day, come along to this early morning birdwatch where (hopefully!) we will hear the chorus of bird song.

Bring binoculars, warm clothing and a hot drink. We will keep records of wildlife spotted, which will be shared with the Lancashire Environmental Record Centre.

Garstang to the Fells and Back (G1.2) 9am – 5:30pm · £5 Garstang area, graded very hard, 16.5 miles A walk from Garstang, rising through pastures and villages to high moorland, taking in some fantastic views along the way.

Garstang Now and Then (G1.3)

10am – 1:30pm · £4 Garstang area, graded moderate, 5 miles An interesting walk taking in some of the history and views of the area around Garstang: visiting a disused railway, an old forge, a newer church and a medieval castle’s ruins.

Garstang Library Family Activity (G1.4)

10am – 11am · Free Garstang area A family friendly activity in the library and garden. Connect with nature through stories, crafts and outdoor exploration.

Suitable for families with children. Parent or guardian must stay with children at all times.

Garstang Short Walk (G1.5)

11am – 12 noon · Free Cherestanc Square, off Park Hill Road, Garstang, PR3 1EF Graded easy, 2 miles A relaxed walk on the footpaths and tracks around Garstang’s countryside and the historic Market Town. Taking in fresh air and enjoying the views of the River Wyre, Lancaster Canal and the Bowland hills. An easy walk aimed to be accessible to all. No need to book but Trampers must be booked 7 days in advance.

Garstang Cheese Trail (G1.6)

1pm – 5pm · £4 Garstang area, graded moderate, 7 miles A ramble across fields and canal side paths South of Garstang. We pass the Dewlay cheese makers and cross the River Wyre, returning along the Lancaster Canal towpath, rich in wild flowers and birdlife.

Need any help or have questions? Email us at greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk or call 01253 887502 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Sunday 5 May

Monday 6 May

The Dam that Leaked (G2.1)

Wyre Way Day 1 (G3.1)

Glasson Dock and Galgate: two villages with a shared history (G2.2)

Glasson to Condor Green (G3.2)

10am - 4pm · £5 Scorton area, graded moderate, 9 miles Starting with climb up Nicky Nook to gain a view of some of Fylde Water Board’s reservoirs, we then descend into Grizedale before continuing on to Calder Vale where we’ll pause to eat our packed lunch. We turn west and then north to complete our route.

10am – 2pm · £4 Condor Green area, graded moderate, 7 miles A walk with splendid views from Conder Green to Galgate, returning via Glasson Dock and the connecting canal, visiting a Victorian viaduct and a disused railway.

Bluebell Walk (G2.3)

12 noon – 1:30pm · Free Calder Vale Village, by the River Bridge, PR3 1SQ. Graded moderate, 2 miles A short walk through a beautiful Bluebell wood. A short steep climb to St John’s Church and then an easy country walk along farm tracks back to the Village Hall for afternoon tea (extra charge).

9am – 4:30pm · £5 Wyre area, graded hard, 13.5 miles Part 1 of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from Morecambe Bay to the Forest of Bowland fells. From St. Michael’s Village Hall we take transport to Knott End. We follow the riverbank towards Out Rawcliffe then depart from the river and cross through farmland to St. Michael’s.

10am – 12 noon · £4 Glasson area, graded easy, 4 miles A short walk with views of the Lune Estuary from Glasson to Conder Green following the Lancaster Canal and the old railway.

Border Villages: Elswick, Great Eccleston and the River Wyre (G3.3) 1pm - 4:30pm · £4 Elswick area, graded moderate, 7 miles A country walk linking Elswick, Lancashire’s ‘Best Kept Village’ 2023, and Great Eccleston, and including a Wyre riverside walk. The route crosses open fields and includes quiet country lanes and village footpaths.

Coronation Walk (G3.4)

Springtime around Nicky Nook (G2.4) 1pm – 3pm · Free 12 noon – 3:30pm · £4 Scorton area, graded moderate, 6 miles with 200m ascent A stroll from Scorton over Nicky Nook into the lovely valley of Grizedale, taking in some upland habitats and woodland glades, bring your dog with you too.

Sunset Moments at the Mount (G2.5)

7:45pm – 9pm · Free Fleetwood area, graded easy, 0.7 miles A short inspirational walk with the Fleetwood Wellbeing Way team, following the route of the Wellbeing Way. A warming brew will be available at the Mount Pavilion. Dogs must stay on lead.

Cherestanc Square, Garstang Graded access for all, 1.5 miles The anniversary coronation walk to (and around) Garstang Millennium Green, where you could stay and enjoy your own picnic, or continue on with the walk leaders and return to the square.

Garstang Walking Festival’s Big 20th Birthday Bash!

1pm – 3pm · Free Cherestanc Square, Garstang Family entertainment in Cherestanc Square from 1pm, followed at 2pm by the anniversary coronation walk.

Follow our social media to find out more about what’s on!

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Tuesday 7 May

Winmarleigh Day Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of all daytime walks which start from the Church.

Winmarleigh and Cabus Canal and Countryside Local History Walk (G4.1) 9:30am – 3pm · £5 Winmarleigh area, graded moderate, 9 miles An interesting walk from Winmarleigh through Cabus, across pastures and along the Lancaster Canal, taking in some of the history and features along the way.

Winmarleigh Moss Walk (G4.2)

9:30am – 3:30pm · £5 Winmarleigh area, graded hard, 8 miles We will head out through lowland farmland towards Winmarleigh Moss.

A hidden gem and the largest of Lancashire’s low raised bogs. See native flora and fauna associated with bog habitat, whilst learning about how crucial peatland habitats help in the battle against climate change. We will make our way back using local lanes and footpaths through the Fylde lowland plain, with views to Bowland and the Lakeland fells.

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Winmarleigh Nature and Wildlife Study Marquee (G4.3)

11am – 4pm · Free St Lukes Church, Winmarleigh Join Wyre Rivers Trust, Wyre Coast and Countryside and The Bay – Blueprint for Recovery for fascinating nature, wildlife and wellbeing activities. No need to book just turn up.

Winmarleigh – a little village with a big history (G4.4)

1pm – 4:30pm · £4 Winmarleigh area, graded easy, 3 miles A walk including a visit to Winmarleigh Hall and St Luke’s Church to learn about their history. Refreshments (extra charge) will be available in the church.

Winmarleigh Evening Walk (G4.5)

6pm – 8:30pm · Free St Luke’s Church car park, Winmarleigh Graded moderate, 5 miles An evening walk through woodland and pastures along some little used footpaths around Winmarleigh. There are some lovely panoramic views of the fells on the return. No need to book, just turn up.

Wednesday 8 May Wyre Way Day 2 (G5.1)

9am – 4:30pm · £5 Wyre area, graded hard, 11.5 miles Part 2 of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from Morecambe Bay to the Forest of Bowland Fells. From Dolphinholme Village Hall we take transport to St. Michael’s. We variously follow the river and cross fields through to Churchtown, Garstang and Scorton to reach Dolphinholme.

Navigation for Walkers – Day 1 (G5.2)

9am – 5pm · £10 Bleasdale area, graded easy, 3.5 miles An introduction to navigating with map and compass, in the Bleasdale area.

There will be a classroom session in the morning, with slides and discussion, with practical navigation in the afternoon during a local, low-level farmland walk.

Day 1 must be completed in order to take part in day 2.

Langden and Hareden (G5.3)

9:30am – 2:30pm · £5 Bowland area, graded very hard, 7 miles A beautiful circular walk following Langden Brook rising to open moorland with picturesque views and descending via Hareden Brook. Weather dependent: if, due to heavy rain, it is not possible to cross the brook we will stay in Langden Valley covering a similar distance.

Bilsborrow, Brockside Bluebell Walk (G5.4)

10am – 4pm · £5 Bilsborrow area, graded medium, 8 miles A circular route starting from Bilsborrow.

We make our way along tracks and through pastures and beautiful bluebell woods to Brock Bottom before returning to Bilsborrow. There are several stiles and some road walking.

Sykes Geology Walk (G5.5)

10.30am – 12.30pm · Free Bowland area, graded moderate, 1 mile A short walk to look at the rocks, minerals and fossils in the area around Sykes. There will be opportunity to look amongst the old mine waste for samples of the minerals worked. This is followed by looking at the limestone rocks and fossils in the disused quarries.

Catterall Meander with Wyre Rivers Trust (G5.6)

1pm – 3pm · Free Catterall area, graded easy, 3 mile Join the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival Volunteers and Wyre Rivers Trust to stroll across pasture to reach the River Calder and the Lancaster Canal, returning alongside the riverbank. Some historic features and river management topics will be highlighted on route.

Bloomers Walk (G5.7)

6pm – 7pm · Free Garstang area, graded easy, 1 mile A walk around the Garstang in Bloom gardens, meeting the volunteers who care for the blooming green spaces in Garstang.

Thursday 9 May

Pilling Day Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of walks which start from the Village Hall.

Navigation for Walkers – Day 2 (G6.1)

9am – 5pm · £10 Bleasdale area, graded easy, 3.4 miles Those who completed day 1 of Navigation for Walkers can then take part in day 2. A learning session in the morning is followed by some more practical navigation in the afternoon during a local, low-level farmland walk.

Follow @GarstangWalkingFestival on Facebook 7

Pilling Village and Coast (G6.2)

10am – 1:30pm · £4 Pilling area, graded moderate, 5 miles A walk from Pilling to the coast returning via the village centre. Dogs on a lead welcome.

In Search of Spring Wildlife (G6.3)

10am – 11:30am · Free Pilling area, graded moderate, 1 mile Explore the Village Hall fields, picnic area and tracks around Pilling in search of the signs of spring wildlife. Families welcome.

Pilling Churches (G6.4)

1pm – 3:30pm · £4 Pilling area, graded moderate, 2.5 miles A countryside walk through pastures and along lanes taking in all four of the Pilling Churches.

Pilling Short Walk (G6.5)

2pm – 3pm · Free Pilling Village Hall, Taylors Lane, Pilling PR3 6AB. Graded moderate, 2 miles A pleasant rural walk along paths, lanes and across fields around Pilling. No need to book, just turn up.

Sullom Evening Walk (G6.6)

5:30pm – 8:30pm · £4 Calder Vale area, graded moderate, 4.5 miles A walk in the Calder Vale area to Sullom Hill for the views and the pretty Calder Valley.

Friday 10 May Wyre Way Day 3 (G7.1)

9am – 3:30pm · £5 Abbeystead area, graded hard, 10.5 miles The last day of a 3 day walk along the Wyre Way from Morecambe Bay to the Forest of Bowland Fells. From Abbeystead we take transport to Dolphinholme. We follow the river into Abbeystead, then to Tarnbrook, over the Forest of Bowland moorland to Marshaw, returning to Abbeystead.

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Great Eccleston to St Michael’s (G7.2) 10am – 4pm · £5 Great Eccleston area, graded moderate, 9 miles A circular walk along the banks of the River Wyre, joining the Wyre Way to St Michael’s and returning through fields to rejoin the river and walk back to Great Eccleston. There are several stiles and some road walking.

Brock Bottom History and Archaeology (G7.3)

10am – 12 noon · £4 Brock area, graded easy, 2 miles A walk along the river bank from Brock car park to the mill, looking at the structures in the vicinity.

In the footsteps of John Bateman, the Victorian engineering genius (G7.4)

10:30am – 2:30pm · £5 Calder area, graded moderate, 6.6 miles A walk across fields and over stiles, following the River Brock and then pausing to admire the pipes carrying Thirlmere Aqueduct. We follow the Brock in an upstream direction before peeling off to head towards Landskill and then Calder Vale, where we’ll pause for lunch before continuing to Cobble Hey Farm.

Scorton Short Walk (G7.5)

2pm – 3pm · Free Scorton Village Centre, graded moderate, 3 miles A short walk from Scorton taking in the farmland and upland landscape views of Nether-Wyresdale and Bowland. No need to book, just turn up.

Garstang Fairtrade Walk (G7.6)

2pm – 4pm · Free Garstang area, graded moderate, 3 miles The Garstang Fairtrade team lead this short walk. Enjoy some Fairtrade refreshments at the Quakers House before walking through the town centre and learning more about how Garstang became the world’s first Fairtrade town.

Saturday 11 May Of Roman Legions and Pendle Witches (G8.1)

Preesall Salt Mines (G8.3)

Claughton Estate Walk (G8.2)

Lapwings and Hares Tramper Trek (G8.4)

9am – 5pm · £5 Dunsop area, graded hard, 14 miles 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 rivers Whitendale and Dunsop back to Dunsop Bridge. A mixture of field paths, country lanes and rough fell trails.

10am – 12 noon · £4 Claughton area, graded moderate, 2 miles A special walk with the owners of the estate taking a look at its historical landscape, including a visit to a lovely Bluebell woodland, which is also a heronry. Bring your binoculars as the herons (if present) are perched at the very tops of the trees!

10:30am - 2:30pm · £5 Knott End area, graded moderate, 6 miles This is a fairly easy walk across fields and over stiles and along country lanes to visit the sites associated with the local salt mines. The salt mined in Preesall was exported across the world but almost nothing now remains on the ground. You wouldn’t suspect it was ever there.

1pm – 3:30pm · £4 Claughton area, graded moderate, 3 miles, Tramper friendly Join the countryside rangers to look for lapwings (and hopefully their chicks) and maybe a hare or two. Walkers welcome.

Tramper friendly, Tramper must be booked seven days in advance.

Join the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival and help us to lead and coordinate the festival! It’s a great way to explore local paths and countryside and to meet like-minded people. If you are interested email greatoutdoors@wyre.gov.uk

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SUNDAY 12 May

Bleasdale Day Refreshments available for an extra cost at the end of walks which start from the Parish Hall.

Bleasdale Skyline (G9.1)

9am – 3:30pm · £5 Bleasdale area, graded hard, 12 miles From the Parish Hall this walk crosses farmland, ascends Parlick and follows the skyline (offering impressive views on a clear day). We will be able to see the extensive peatland restoration work before gradually descending and returning to Bleasdale.

Wildlife of the Upper Brock (G9.2)

10:30am – 1pm · Free Bleasdale area, graded moderate, 2 miles Put on your wellies and get ready to explore one of the Brock rivers that run from the Bleasdale fells in search of freshwater and riverside wildlife! With the help of Wyre Rivers Trust and the Wyre rangers, we may even do a bit of river dipping. Come along with your binoculars and a hand lens if you have one.

Bluebell Walk (G9.3)

12 noon – 1:30pm · Free Calder Vale Village, by the River Bridge, PR3 1SQ. Graded moderate, 2 miles A short walk through a beautiful Bluebell wood, a short steep climb to St John’s Church and then an easy country walk

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along farm tracks back to the Village Hall for afternoon tea (extra charge). Dog friendly. No need to book, just turn up.

Bleasdale Circle and Farms (G9.4)

1pm – 4pm · £4 Bleasdale area, graded moderate, 4 miles An afternoon amble through fields and farms, beneath the imposing presence of Parlick and Fair Snape Fell. We will visit the historic site of the Bronze Age Bleasdale Circle.

Bleasdale Nature Trail (G9.5)

2pm – 3:30pm · Free Bleasdale Parish Hall, graded moderate, 2 miles Walk the Bleasdale Nature Trail with the Wyre rangers. Find out about how it was created and enjoy discovering the wildlife along the route, as we pass through ancient woodlands and over farmland, wetland and wader rich pastures. No need to book, just turn up.

Festival Celebration meal (G9.6)

4:30pm – 6pm · £10 Bleasdale Parish Hall Join us as we celebrate the 20th successful Garstang Walking Festival.

Meet the walk leaders and friends you have made as we enjoy a celebratory meal on the final day of the festival. Two course, home made, locally sourced meal and lots of good company.

To

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A6

The Wyre Way

1

10

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Dolphinholme

Indicated by Forton

Morecambe Bay

Rossall Point Tower

Fleetwood

To

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17

21 18 Scorton

20

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Knott End-on-Sea

Winmarleigh

Cabus

Oakenclough

Pilling

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Preesall

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Garstang 13

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Wyre Estuary Country Park

Hambleton

Thornton

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Bleasdale

Calder Vale

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Catterall

Claughton

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Out Rawcliffe

Barnacre

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St Michael’s on Wyre

4

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Churchtown

11 Forest of Bowland

Bilsborrow

Myerscough

Great Eccleston

Poultonle-Fylde

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WALK J4 LOCATIONS The map above shows the approximate locations of the meeting points for each walk or activity in the Festival.

Full details of start locations will be given at time of booking.

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J3 Location 1 Abbeystead 2 Bilsborrow 3 Bleasdale

4 Brock Bottom 5 Calder Vale 6 Catterall 7 Claughton 8 Cobble Hey 9 Conder Green/Glasson Dock 10 Dolphinholme 11 Dunsop Bridge/Trough of Bowland 12 Elswick 13 Garstang

14 Great Eccleston 15 Knott End 16 Pilling 17 Rossall Point Tower 18 Scorton 19 St Michaels-on-Wyre 20 Winmarleigh 21 Wyresdale Park

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This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of th Controller of her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosec or civil proceedings.

Wyre Council Licence No. 100018720 2004.

M6

Walk Number G7.1 G5.4 G5.2, G6.1, G9.1, G9.2, G9.4, G9.5, G9.6 G7.3 G2.3, G6.6, G7.4, G9.3 G5.6 G8.2 G8.4 G2.2, G3.2 G5.1 G5.3, G5.5, G8.1 G3.3 G1.1, G1.2, G1.3, G1.4, G1.5, G1.6, G3.4, G5.7, G7.6 G7.2 G8.3 G6.2, G6.3, G6.4, G6.5 G2.5 G2.4, G7.5 G3.1 G4.1, G4.2, G4.3, G4.4, G4.5 G2.1

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Visit www.discoverwyre.co.uk to find out about upcoming events taking place in Wyre as well as places to eat and drink, things to see and do and much more.

For information on Garstang and Garstang Town Council services, visit www.garstangtowncouncil.gov.uk For information on the Forest of Bowland visit: www.forestofbowland.com For information on Morecambe Bay visit www.exploremorecambebay.co.uk Photography throughout by Mike Coleran.

If you would like this information in large print, please contact Wyre Council.

Wyre Council, Civic Centre, Breck Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire FY6 7PU. Tel: 01253 891000 www.wyre.gov.uk

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Disclaimer The information contained within this publication is given in good faith on the basis of information submitted to Wyre Council. Wyre Council cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. Although efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of the publication at the time of going to press, changes can occur and it is advisable to contact the booking office prior to the event to confirm the information provided.