Walks around North Meols
Walk D
Commencing at the Fog Bell building on Marshside Road (bus stop route 42)
Walk towards the coast, crossing Elswick Road.
On top of the rise – the 1892 sea embankment now part of the Sefton Coastal Path - turn right onto the path and continue until you reach the stile. The land on your left is part of the RSPB Mar side Nature Reserve and is known as Sutton's Marsh (after the local Farmer). Several species of wading birds are visible throughout the year.
Turn right at the still onto Dawlish Way. This was originally Millar’s Pace and the boundary between Southport and Crossens. Follow the bend round to the left, cross over the road and take the road on your right, now Millar’s Pace.
At the next main junction bare right. On the opposite side of the road you will see Fairhaven Road which is the next part of the route to Churchtown. However there is an opportunity for refreshments at The Shrimper Public House, the Fylde Fish Bar, or the Co-Op Supermarket which are situated on Fylde Road beyond the junction.
Continuing along Fairhaven Road to the main road, Preston New Road. There is a Post Office on the corner.
Cross over the road and turn right. A few metres further on you will see a large grass area.
Look for the footpath sign pointing to the left. This takes you though the Stray, the route of an ancient eel fishing stream, now culverted. After crossing several roads you will see a car park and an entrance to Botanic Gardens.
Walk through the Gardens crossing over the footbridge to the Cafe and Museum. Beyond them are the main gates leading onto the main road. This was the site of the first sea bank built by the monks in the 13thC. Opposite is the manor house Meols Hall. A wooden fishing dock was discovered several feet below the surface when the gates were being built in the 1930's.
The is an opportunity to wander through Churchtown Village with its quaint shops and building. You will pick up sign posts pointing to the right to take you back to Marshside.
Crossing over at the traffic lights follow Marshside Road back to your starting point or pick up the local buses at the junction.
A deviation off Marshside Road along Larkfield Lane, on the right will take you through the old fishing community of Marshside. Look for the passageway (known locally as a ‘ginnel’) on your left this will take you across Cleveleys Road to a continuation which brings you out into Shellfield Road and the heart of the old community. There are several examples of old cottages and buildings including the Marshside Temperance Hall. Marshside did not have its own public house until the Shrimper was built in the 1970’s. This where the Marshside Brass Band rehearses. Turning to the left will take you back to Marshside Road.
We hope you enjoy our suggestion for a ‘Walk on the Old and Wild Side’