The Skippool History Trail

An easy circular walk of historical interest with fine views of Skippool Creek and the River Wyre Estuary.

Terrain

Fairly easy walking on level ground with one short climb. The route follows tracks, roads, pavements and field paths which can be muddy at times.

Distance

Approximately 4km (2½ miles). Allow one hour to complete the walk.

The Route

Please observe the Countryside Code at all times.

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Wyre Borough Council Licence No. 100018720 2004
Refer to Ordnance Survey Material

  1. Leave the car park where it leads onto Wyre Road alongside Skippool Creek and continue along the road, past Tarn Hows (once Ramelsfield Warehouse) on your left. Look out for the cricket ground on your left which occupies the former site of Poolside Farm. Nearby on your right in the mid of the creek, antlers, animal bones and flint implements were found in 1928 indicating evidence of man's early occupation of the area.
  2. Continue along the riverside path, passing in front of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club which stands on the former site of Silcock's Bone Mill.
  3. On reaching the fingerpost marked Little Thornton, cross the stile, climb the steps and follow the path across the fields to Thornton Hall Farm.
  4. Pass in front of the farmhouse and follow Woodhouse Road to the junction with Skippool Road, turn left and follow the pavement.
  5. On your right, an old barn at Lodge Farm shows evidence of an extension, the older walls are built of cobbles, a traditional local material. Continuing along the road you will reach Silcock's Cottages on your left, a connect with the old bone mill.
  6. At the bend in the road is Thornton Hall with a date stone marked 1811. Take care here as the pavement becomes very narrow and you may need to walk on the road.
  7. Just beyond Thornton Hall, a cobbled road leads down to the river, and provides and 'escape' route when high tides cover Wyre Road at Skippool. Adjacent to this is the site of the former Illawalla, a fine Victorian residence demolished in 1996. Continue along the pavement for 200 metres to finish at the car park of Thornton Lodge.

Nearby Places of Interest

Starting Point

The Skippool History Trail can be found at:

  • The Skippool History Trail
    Thornton Cleveleys
    Lancashire

The trail starts from the Thornton Lodge car park, just off the A585 at Skippool.

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For related information, go to the Walking page.