Whether you love to stroll, dawdle, power hike or run, there’s lots of fantastic places to walk here on the Fylde coast.
Here’s our favourite five right on the doorstep of our luxury accommodation in Lytham St Annes…
Life’s a beach
Leaping through the sand dunes or blasting through the wide open spaces of St Annes beach is a joy. And, it’s literally just a hop, skip and a jump from Hy Hotel in Lytham St Annes.
The beach stretches as far as the eye can see. If the visibility is good, the Lake District shimmers in the distance and the wind farm off the Cumbrian coast comes into view.
Start at the pier in St Annes and head north towards Blackpool or go past the beach huts and pick up the coastal path towards Lytham. You can easily ‘while away’ several hours messing about in both directions.
Alternatively, walk out to the water’s edge and pad through the rippled sand to see what the tide has brought in.
If you are feeling a bit more energetic, paths weave through the sand dunes and you get an uplifting view of the coastline – watch out for the sea holly, it’s mauve coloured leaves are spiky!
The great thing about the beach is how clean it is – thanks to the local council and many local litter picking volunteers.
The amazing new coastal path
In 2020 the new coastal path opened stretching from Fairhaven Lake (half-way between St Annes and Lytham) through to Granny’s Bay and down towards Lytham.
After weeks of lockdown, the reopening of this stretch of coastline with its wide paths, stylish seating and landscaping was just what everyone needed.
There’s parking at Fairhaven Lake to make life a bit easier – and the paths are accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
Tiered steps down to the beach and estuary pathway offer kids lots of exciting places to explore.
Witch Wood
This little stretch of woodland is well known by local people. It starts in Ansdell (off Blackpool Road) and takes you into the heart of Lytham, ending near the train station.
It follows the railway line and runs parallel to Lytham Cricket and Sports Club. The woodland was once part of the Clifton family estate and it was opened by Prince Philip in 1974.
It’s named after a horse that belonged to the Clifton family called The Witch – and it’s got that magical quality – think Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Lytham Green
The iconic windmill, the estuary views across to Southport and the distant moorland make it an inspiring place to walk at any time of the year.
Dog lovers enjoy walking on the green but the neighbouring path makes it great for prams and wheelchairs too.
There’s lots of benches and covered seating. Enjoy watching the shrimping boats moored up on the mud flats waiting for the tide to come in.
As you come to the end of East Beach, passing The Queen’s pub and the windmill, you can drop down onto the marshland and there’s another path that skirts round the marsh with even more great views.
Lytham Hall
Lytham Hall was the home of the Clifton family and is now managed by the Heritage Trust for the North West.
The 78-acre parkland features huge trees with broad vistas and lots of fascinating places to explore.
The main drive runs from the centre of Lytham and offers a nice long stroll. Parkrun takes place every Saturday through winding woodland pathways.
There’s lots to see and do – our favourite is going to visit the animals – pigs and rabbits and taking a stroll through the courtyard to the walled garden. The parkland is free to enter, visit Lytham Hall’s website for more details.