By chance heard about today's walk across Morecambe Bay Sands in Lancashire. I was driving north from Cheshire to Scotland, and liked the idea of this. So I made my way to Arnside on the coast, together with about 600 other enthusiasts (and their dogs in many cases) and we all set out together out into the Bay - at low water of course!
This area is 35 square miles in size, and when the tide flows, it covers the bay in 30 minutes, making it a most dangerous spot. Today's walk was in support of the Bay Search and Rescue Team, who use amphibious vehicles. Our leader Cedric Robinson, is the Queen's Guide to the Sands (so named after he guided Queen and Consort over Morecambe Bay in a horse and carriage). Cedric is a retired fisherman, and has written his autobiography entitled, "Sandman". Have a look on amazon to find out more about him.
Before a walk he carefully explores the lie of the sand. The sands can shift each day and each moment. Even as we set out today, our route was uncertain and we zigzagged our way to and fro to avoid deep channels of water or soft patches of sand. We could not avoid crossing the outlet of the local river, however, and as one our large group surged across this water. The water reached nearly to my waist and I am 5'5" tall. It was quite dramatic.
I did not have my camera with me (less to carry) so only have these snaps of the river estuary taken on my way home. We walked about 10 miles plus, I should think. It was wonderfully refreshing and therapeutic to splash about in bare feet over the sand, especially after hard week's work at Slaidburn YHA as temporary warden. A real day off!
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