Illuminating Walk
Local writer and walking enthusiast, Steve Garrill, takes us on a coastal walk in Blackpool. Photography: Gregg Wolstenholme
Squires Gate to Bispham (5.2 miles)
You can choose how far you walk and then get the tram back (38 stops between Star Gate and Fleetwood). This is part of the King Charles III England Coast Path and Lancashire Coastal Way. Easy walking and great in any weather.
Wheelchair/pushchair start from the next stop at the Pleasure Beach as there are steps up from Squires Gate Station.
1. From Squires Gate railway station go up the steps, cross Squires Gate Lane and turn left down towards the sea. If you turn right, you’ll reach Blackpool Airport.
2,584 Wellington Bombers were built on a site at the airport (the hangars are still there and used as commercial premises). Blackpool was the RAFs biggest training camp.
2. Cross the road and join the path around the back of the new tram sheds along the new sea wall. The tram sheds are the terminus of the Blackpool to Fleetwood tram service.
The tramway runs from Blackpool to Fleetwood and dates back to 1885. It is the second oldest electric tramway in the world and runs for 11 miles.
3. Continue along the sea wall. After less than half a mile you’ll reach the Mirror Ball.
The Mirror Ball was created by artist Michael Trainor in 2002 and, at 6 metres in diameter, is the world’s biggest.
4. Continue along the promenade and you will pass the Pleasure Beach before reaching the Sandcastle Water Park then South Pier.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened in 1896 and covers 42 acres. The Big One, which opened in 1994 is the tallest rollercoaster in the UK and the longest in Europe.
South Pier was built wider and shorter than the other two piers at a cost of £50,000. It opened in 1893 and was originally called Victoria Pier.
5. After less than a mile you reach the Manchester pub on the right.
To visit Tramtown, turn right and follow the tramlines the short distance to Tramtown. This is where the fleet of Heritage trams is maintained by volunteers.
6. Pass Central Pier, the RNLI station and Blackpool Tower.
Central Pier was opened in 1868 with the emphasis from the start being on fun.
The RNLI station is open to visitors and is one of only two RNLI stations to house three inshore lifeboats.
Blackpool Tower opened in 1894 and was modelled on the Eiffel Tower.
7. Shortly after this you reach Tower Festival Headland.
Tower Festival Headland was built as part of the new sea defences and can accommodate up to 20,000 people. Each year it hosts the World Fireworks Championship and the Blackpool Illuminations Switch On.
8. Continue to reach North Pier.
North Pier, built in the 1860s, is a Grade II listed building. It is the oldest and longest of the three piers. It has survived storms, fires and boats colliding with it.
9.After North Pier, bear left to walk along the Lower Walk (unless it’s a very high tide). After one mile bear right up to Middle Walk and continue to pass to the right of the public toilets. Take a right and left to enter Jubilee Gardens.
10. After exiting Jubilee Gardens continue for a further mile along the cliff top to reach Bispham and the end of the Illuminations – enjoy!
Signed copies of Walks from the South Fylde Line by Steve Garrill are available from Plackitt & Booth in Lytham and online from railwalks.uk
