Marshside RSPB Ramble
This is approximately a 4 mile circular walk which will take roughly between an hour to an hour and a half to complete. It will take you past part of the Marshside RSPB reserve which is situated in Southport, a few miles from the town centre. It's an easy walk and suitable for dogs.
We start on Fleetwood Road, next to Stanley High School. There is road side parking available, but it's a reasonably busy road, especially at the start or end of the school day, so it may be easier to park in one of the side roads close by. The post code of the school for Sat Nav's is PR9 9TF.
Next to the school playing fields, is a play park, the path we are taking is right between. I must add a quick warning, this path is very popular with local dog walkers. Unfortunately, not all pet owners pick up after their animals and sometimes you need to watch where you are walking.
Follow the path till you reach a bank, turn right walking past the rear of the school. If you look over to the houses on your right, you will see the fog bell. The fog bell has stood in its current position since 1896.
To read more about the Marshside Fog Bell, click on this link.
Once the bank meets the road, cross over the road and turn left. You are now on Marshside road. Follow the gravel path to the top of the road. Signs for the RSPB reserve will soon be seen.
As you reach the top of the road, traffic lights can be seen straight ahead. Turn right and continue on the path. You are now on Marine Drive, often referred to locally as The Coastal Road which the road later becomes when heading in the Formby direction. This is a busy 50 mph road, dogs should be kept on a lead. If you are interested in bird watching, now's the time stop at one of the lookouts or follow the signs to the visitor centre which is open from 8.30 am till 5 pm (closes at dusk in winter).
The gravel soon gives way to a grass pathway. After walking a little way along, look left on a clear day to see Blackpool, Lytham St Annes and on a really clear day the Lake District. Cars are whizzing by constantly, but look right to see the birds in the marsh land. It's almost like walking a path between two worlds. On a nice summer's day, butterflies and other insects will fly across your path.
Towards the end of the pathway, a herd of cows can usually be seen on the right hand side. The grass gives way to a tarmac pavement. You will walk past the Southport Wastewater Treatment Works on your right. Continue up to the roundabout known locally as the Plough roundabout after the pub at the other side which was demolished a few years a go.
Once you reach the roundabout, stay on the pavement and turn right. The area is known as Crossens and you are now on Preston New Road. The road is a major route into Southport from Preston and one of the houses down this road once belonged to Albert Pierrepoint. 'The most efficient executioner in British History', (Wikipedia).
You will soon approach a BP 24 hour petrol station on your right hand side. Immediately after the garage there is a junction, turn right here, into Fylde Road. A little over halfway down, there is a Co-op on the right hand side and a Chip Shop, Fylde Fish bar next door but one to the supermarket if you are feeling peckish. If you don't want to walk along with a bag of chips you can also dine inside.
At the end of Fylde road turn right and cross the road to take the first junction on the left into Fleetwood Road. You will see Stanley High School and just past the school is the path where you started.
