An Unforgettable Trek Across Morecambe Bay
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk on water? Well, I haven’t quite managed that biblical feat, but I came close yesterday on a recent adventure across the sands of Morecambe Bay. With my trusty companions and the legendary King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, leading the way, we embarked on a walk from Arnside to Grange Prom. It was a journey filled with camaraderie, breathtaking views, and a fair share of aching feet. Here’s a cheeky recount of our unforgettable day.
The Crack of Dawn: The Start of Our Adventure
The alarm shrieked at 06:30, a time I usually associate with blissful sleep rather than the start of an adventure. Begrudgingly, I rolled out of bed, reminding myself of the exciting day ahead. By 07:10, I had picked up Darren, who looked as bleary-eyed as I felt. We were on a mission to catch up with Warren, Mark, Cliff (Warren’s uncle), and Carl (Cliff’s son-in-law) at Junction 5 of the M61 by 07:20.
Warren, ever the early bird, was slightly ahead of schedule. This meant Darren and I had to put the pedal to the metal to catch up with them on the M6. We managed to join the convoy just before Junction 36 (A590), breathing a sigh of relief. We parked at Berners Close Car Park in Grange-over-Sands at 08:15, a whopping 45 minutes ahead of schedule. Kudos to Warren for his impeccable timing (Sarcasm)!
Cornish Pasties and Safety Briefings
With time to spare, we took a leisurely stroll down to Grange-over-Sands rail station to catch the scheduled bus to Arnside. Once in Arnside, we couldn’t resist grabbing a delightful Cornish Pasty at The Old Bakehouse. Trust me, there’s nothing like a good pasty to fuel a day’s trek across shifting sands.
At 11:00, we met the man of the hour – the King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson. Along with approximately 600 other eager participants, we gathered for a safety briefing. Michael, with his wealth of knowledge and reassuring presence, explained the dos and don’ts of our journey across the bay. The sense of anticipation was palpable as we prepared to follow in the footsteps of history.
The Walk Begins: From Shoreline to Sandbanks
The walk officially began just after the headland at New Barns. We followed the shoreline for about 1.5 miles, the scenery shifting from solid ground to the intriguing expanse of the bay. The moment of truth arrived: it was time to go barefoot. Off came the shoes, and we set off across the sands towards the River Kent.
Walking barefoot on the rippled sand was a unique experience – part invigorating, part uncomfortable. The sand’s texture varied, sometimes soft and forgiving, other times hard and unyielding. After approximately 1.5 miles, we reached the River Kent, where we waded through water up to our knees. The coolness of the river was a welcome respite for our feet, though a challenging crossing for some along with the smaller dogs in the group.
Midway Pause: A Well-Deserved Break
At around 3.5 miles, we made a brief stop to allow the group to come together and catch their breath. This was also a perfect moment to dig into our packed lunches. There’s something immensely satisfying about eating a simple sandwich in the great outdoors, surrounded by like-minded adventurers.
Refreshed and recharged, we set off again, our destination now clearly in sight. The landscape of Morecambe Bay is both beautiful and humbling, a reminder of nature’s vastness and our small place within it. As we walked, conversations flowed easily, the shared experience bonding our group even more.
Reaching the Shore: A Triumphant Finish
The final stretch took us back to shore near the Memorial Sports Field at Grange-over-Sands. We had walked approximately 6.9 miles, a feat that felt both monumental and surreal. As we reached solid ground, a wave of accomplishment washed over us – we had done it!
Our adventure concluded with a well-deserved pint of Cumbria Way by Robinson Brewery at The Royal Oak in Lindale, just outside of Grange-over-Sands. There’s nothing quite like a cold beer after a long walk to toast to a day well spent. The drive back to Hindley Green was filled with laughter and shared memories of our sandy escapade.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back, the walk across Morecambe Bay was more than just a physical journey. It was a test of endurance, a lesson in history, and a celebration of friendship. Walking approximately 6.9 miles, with about 4.9 of those being barefoot on rippled sand, was no small feat. The pain in the arches of my feet was real, but so was the sense of achievement.
I must extend a heartfelt thank you to Warren for organising this adventure. His meticulous planning ensured everything went smoothly, allowing us to focus on enjoying the experience. If you ever get the chance to walk across Morecambe Bay with Michael Wilson, seize it. It’s an adventure that will leave you with stories to tell and memories to cherish.
So, lace up your walking boots (and then take them off again), gather your friends, and set off on an adventure across Morecambe Bay. You won’t regret it – even if your feet might!
