We’d planned to visit a museum in Lancaster really. But part way down the M6 motorway, Dave said he’d heard that it was easy to get to Hest Bank now the new Morecambe link road is open. For anyone who doesn’t know, Hest Bank is a small settlement on the Morecambe Bay coast, just north of its more illustrious neighbour, and with easy access to coastal walks. We’d seen it any number of times from the train whilst hurtling between Oxenholme and either Lancaster or Preston, but like Stagshaw Gardens the other week, never bothered to go and explore it before.
Of course, after that, we just had to divert and take a look. The route our sat-nav found for us was a bit slow and tortuous, but we got there eventually to find a level crossing, a car park, a small café, and the most amazing views across the bay to Grange-over-Sands and the Lakeland fells.
We dived into the café – small, cosy, friendly and incredibly old-fashioned – for a coffee, then set off along the foreshore for a walk. The immediate scenery is pleasant – salt marsh on one side, farmland on the other – but what really makes this special is those views. They really are incredible, and an invitation to snap away for any photographer. And no, I couldn’t resist either.
Although it was sunny there was a strong easterly wind blowing and it felt bitterly cold, so we only walked a short distance this time. But the footpath continues up the coast, presumably for miles, so it would be a great place to come back, with boots and warmer jackets, for a really long hike. Especially on another clear day, with those sweeping views to tempt us that little bit further.
Well placed bench taking advantage of the views across Morecambe Bay to the Lake District.
Sweeping coastal scenery, looking north towards Arnside Knott.
FIONA GLASS 