Autumn in Lytham St Annes

We took a few days in St Annes, Lancashire, with my mother. As a young teenager I used to live nearby and cycled between greenhouses and market gardens. I had no concept of rights of way and went wherever I could access on my 5 speed Raleigh racer. I can't recall ever being turned back although I can remember falling off; a large frame and skinny wheels aren't ideal for slimy muddy tracks!

There has been plentiful building on this, now largely unused, farmland but the inland border of St Annes hasn't changed since the 1970s.

One evening I went out exploring along the tracks to the airport radar station (now privatised). It was enjoyable to move out of the urban area, hopefully the land won't be built-on, and in view of its risk of flooding I think further development unwise. 

A month in Falmouth

After my retirement we rented a flat in Falmouth to make a comfortable transition from the hectic world of work. There's plenty in the area whether it's the South West coastal path, Penzance Lido or cultural events at The Poly. We had a lovely time and I'd thoroughly recommend this approach as a sound retirement plan.

There are numerous apparently old bridleways and byways. It's worth noting though that some of the byways marked on OS maps are paved minor roads. Perhaps this designation is to stop the roads' use by vehicular satnavs? Some footpaths I attempted were overgrown and poorly maintained. Some farmers seem to disregard the presence of a right of way and had planted crops, closed walls and left rather aggressive cows to graze.

 

Of course, the coastal path is beautiful and the crown of access in the area. Around key spots the path was fairly busy but as usual, many of the lengths I walked and ran were quiet. The presence of broad rivers and peninsula puts natural breaks into the path. However, there are plentiful local ferries, with a long tradition of helping travellers along the coast.