PreesallLancaster

Prelan two
Not verified

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Prelan here.

By Mary Oz on 03 Jan 2023


Distance

31km/19mi

Ascent

-

Descent

-

Download this route

Are you sure you want to download this route?

Using a GPX file for the first time?

No, back to route

Give a hike

Pledge to walk this route and help firm up its place in the network - every walk helps.

So far it has been reviewed by two people and surveyed by two people and

No other people have pledged to review this route.

Your pledged routes will show up in your pledges Waylist.

Every review and survey pledged and then walked will help make the Slow Ways network better, thank you for your help!

Sign up or log in to pledge to walk this route.

Back to route

Save to Waylist

Sign up or log in to save this route so you can find it more easily or plan a longer journey.

More options

Save to my account

Sign up or log in to save this route so you can find it more easily or plan a longer journey.

Print (via Inkatlas)

Survey this route

Review this route

Suggest a better route

Report a problem

Description

I have been reluctant to test PreLan One because it uses a lot of field footpaths through an area which is very often very wet. You can see some evidence of this on the OS map at 1:25,000 where the many drainage channels can be seen. Instead, I have uploaded and tried out this version which mostly uses the Lancashire Coastal Way long distance footpath. It is also more coastal and therefore may be more beautiful. Unfortunately it is 12.5% longer, but it may still be quicker!

I have been reluctant to test PreLan One because it uses a lot of field footpaths through an area which is very often very wet. You can see some evidence of this on the OS map at 1:25,000 where the many drainage channels can be seen. Instead, I have uploaded and tried out this version which mostly uses the Lancashire Coastal Way long distance footpath. It is also more coastal and therefore may be more beautiful. Unfortunately it is 12.5% longer, but it may still be quicker!

Status

This route has been reviewed by 2 people.

There are no issues flagged.

Photos for Prelan two

Photos of this route will appear when they are added to a review. You can review this route here.


Information

Not verified

Route status - Live

Reviews - 2

Average rating -

Is this route good enough? -  Yes (2)

There are currently no problems reported with this route.

Downloads - 2

Surveys

What is this route like?

Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.

Grade 3X based on 2 surveys Sign up or log in to survey this route.
Description Note
Grade 3: Route includes rough surfaces that may include small boulders, potholes, shallow ruts, loose gravel, short muddy sections.
Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 2 surveys.
Full grading description

Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.

Survey Photos

Facilities

Facilities in the middle third of this route.

Public toilet (0)
Maybe present Wheelchair accessible toilet (1)
Supermarket (0)
Present at time of survey Restaurant (1)
Maybe present Vegan restaurant (1)
Present at time of survey Accommodation (1)
Present at time of survey Accommodation < £50 (1)
Not present at time of survey Campsite (1)
Not present at time of survey Bothy (1)
Present at time of survey Free wifi (1)
Present at time of survey Public phone (1)
Present at time of survey Mobile phone coverage (1)
Not present at time of survey Train station (2)
Present at time of survey Bench (2)
Present at time of survey Picnic table (2)
Present at time of survey Bus stop (2)
Not present at time of survey Ferry (2)

Challenges

Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.

Not present at time of survey Scrambling (2)
Maybe present Wading (2)
Not present at time of survey Swimming (2)
Not present at time of survey Climbing (2)
Not present at time of survey Stepping stones (2)
Very slippery (0)
Present at time of survey Very muddy (2)
Maybe present Very icy (2)
Likely to flood (0)
Long grass sections (0)
Maybe present Crops encroaching on path (1)
Maybe present Diverted path (1)

Obstacles

Obstacles on this route.

Present at time of survey Stiles (2)
Present at time of survey Step and kerbs (2)
Maybe present Possible to avoid steps, if applicable (1)
Flights of steps (0)
Present at time of survey Gates (2)
Kissing gates (0)
Maybe present Locked gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Disables access gates (2)
Present at time of survey Cycle barriers (2)
Not present at time of survey Ladders (2)
Present at time of survey Cattle grids (2)
Fords (0)
Present at time of survey Narrow bridges (2)
Not present at time of survey Ferry required (2)
Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking (2)
Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking (2)
Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings (2)
Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads (2)
Walking on verges beside roads (0)
Not present at time of survey Railway crossings (2)
Maybe present River crossings (1)
Present at time of survey Cattle possible (2)
Present at time of survey Horses possible (2)
Present at time of survey Tidal area (2)
Maybe present Potential falls (1)
Present at time of survey Exposed to elements (2)
Not present at time of survey Remote area (2)
Not present at time of survey Mountainous area (2)
Not present at time of survey Military training area (2)
Present at time of survey No visible path (2)
Present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds (2)
Other hazards (0)

Accessibility

Is this route step and stile free?

Not present at time of survey Free of stiles (2)
Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs (2)
Free of flights of steps (0)
Not present at time of survey Free of other obstacles (2)

Measurements

Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.

The narrowest part of the path is 35.0cm (2)

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 57.0% (2)

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 32.0% (2)

The steepest camber: no data

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear in places (2)

Successfully completed

We asked route surveyors "Have you successfully completed this route with any of the following? If so, would you recommend it to someone with the same requirements?". Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Recommended by an expert

We asked route surveyors "Are you a trained access professional, officer or expert? If so, is this route suitable for someone travelling with any of the following?" Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Terrain

We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.

29.0% of the route is on roads (2)

5.5% of the route is lit at night (2)

59.0% of the route is paved (2)

5.0% of the route is muddy (2)

2.0% of the route is over rough ground (2)

2.0% of the route is through long grass (2)

Report a problem with this data

2 surveys

Information from verified surveys.

3X January 2023 by Mary Oz
Read survey
3X October 2023 by Lancaster Ramblers
Read survey

Sign up or log in to get the link to survey this route for Prelan.

Geography information system (GIS) data

Total length

Maximum elevation

Minimum elevation

Start and end points

Preesall
Grid Ref SD3662047350
Lat / Lon 53.91841° / -2.96648°
Easting / Northing 336,620E / 447,350N
What3Words loudly.innovate.resembles
Lancaster
Grid Ref SD4718261726
Lat / Lon 54.04879° / -2.80819°
Easting / Northing 347,182E / 461,726N
What3Words lace.tight.agree

Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.

reviews


Lancaster Ramblers

09 Oct 2023 Autumn

This Slow Way was done in two stages. The route from Preesall leads up Park lane and follows streets and village paths to reach the coastal path at the outskirts of Knott End. The route along the coast is beautiful and overlooks Morecambe Bay towards the Lake District hills. At the time of our visit there were flocks of geese and lapwing as well as gulls. The new Isle of Man ferry was also observed entering Heysham harbour. The coastal path is followed as far as Pilling Sands and the car park on Fluke Hall Lane. After a short walk on the lane a track leads back onto the permissive embankment track. (Note closed Boxing Day to Good Friday). Again fine views across the bay and over to Bowland can be seen. The track finishes at Lane Ends and a quiet lane is taken to the main busy A580 road. Fortunately this is only a short stretch and Horse Park Lane to taken to Pilling Hall farm. The farm was relatively clean and dry when we passed through but it is a cattle farm. The footpath route of the Lancashire Coastal Way is continued upon through fields and passes by Greystock Lodge with a narrow passage between buildings and hedge/ditch. It emerges on a track leading to Gulf Lane and then Crimbles Lane to Cocker Bridge. After crossing the main road, clear tracks and paths are followed past Pattys Farm, with adjacent small airfield, Bank End and Bank Houses, both with small caravan parks. The sight and sounds of Little Egret and Curlew were in the air. The route continues along the bank by the edge of Cockerham Sands, passed the remains of Cockersand Abbey, Abbey Lighthouse, the final lighthouse to be operated by a woman and Abbey Lighthouse cottage. The coast is left via the aptly named Marsh Lane (a bridleway) to Glasson Dock and its marina. The coast is then regained and the very pleasant route follows the old railway line to past Stodday where a footpath inland is taken towards Aldcliffe., then onto Aldcliffe Drive and finally to the canal towpath which takes us into Lancaster and the railway station finish.


Mary Oz

03 Jan 2023 (edited 04 Jan 2023) Winter

This is a long route which I walked over two days in the winter. This was facilitated by the number 89 bus which runs from Lancaster through Glasson Dock, Cockerham, Pilling and Preesall to Knott End, every one and a half hours, every day except Sunday. I started from Preesall and ended in Lancaster, but used the bus stop at Marsh Houses, which is half way between Cockerham and where the route crosses the A588, to enable me to go home for the night, midway. Facilities along or near to the route include the following:
Preesall: pub and supermarket
Pilling: toilets 20p, pub, B&B
Pilling Amenity Area: picnic tables
Farm Brew Co: food and drink at weekends
Cockerham: pub
Pattys Farm: accommodation
Glasson Dock: pub, toilets 20p, café, shop, chippy van, tables
Conder Green: pub, café, tables
Lancaster: every reasonable thing

This is a really beautiful and fairly wild, remote-feeling route, which largely follows the Lancashire Coastal Way and is mostly easy to navigate. The birdlife is spectacular (take binoculars!). I saw and heard curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, redshank, little egret, heron, flocks of geese, pink footed geese, shelducks, heron, mallard, swan, moorhen, and a starling murmuration. The 360 degree views are spectacular, from the Coastwatch Tower at Fleetwood, inland past extensive flat farmland, the Bowland Fells, Lake District hills, Heysham Power Station, Lancaster’s Ashton Memorial, Barrow-in-Furness shipyards, Piel Castle, the wind turbines out to sea, and the Isle of Man ferry.
There are some issues to be aware of though. Pilling Embankment (from Sandfield Cottage to Lane Ends Amenity Area) is not a public right of way, but there is permissive access. However, between Boxing Day and Good Friday access is not allowed in order to protect over-wintering birds and lambing sheep. I’m not sure how policed this is, but the alternative route is the roads via Pilling which is the route the Lancashire Coastal Path follows.
There is a short section of A588 at Lane Ends with no verge. The traffic is slightly busy and fast but there is good visibility and I didn’t feel unsafe. After this the route through the farm at Pilling Hall may involve crossing a yard full of cows. It is well signposted, and I was lucky that the farmer was around, and she shooed away the cows and opened the gate for me and advised me to stay to the hinge side of the gate into the field where there was hardcore beneath the cow muck! She was very helpful and said that she’d like to divert the path to an easier route around the farm.
After crossing a couple of wet fields, the route followed three miles of very quiet country roads, and I was very tempted to stop at the Farm Yard Brew Co, but I had a bus to catch!
It is possible for very high spring tides to flood parts of the path from the A588 crossing, so it’s worth checking tidetables, but for most of the year it will be fine. There is a small airfield at Patty’s Farm, then several caravan sites, then Cockersands Abbey which is worth looking at. Also, look out for the plaque on Lighthouse Cottage when you meet the road again.
The route crosses fields soon after this as the coast is privately owned and protected here. What looked like a dry farm track “Marsh Lane” turned out to be very muddy. Worse than that, Janson’s Pool was completely flooded. I was forced to make a diversion across the field and along the embankment, ending by climbing a padlocked gate at the caravan park. (I was not the only one!) I was temped to fail this route, but it seems this is an occasional event, and this is a recognised long distance public route. The satellite views on OS Maps and Google both show a dry crossing here, and there are several photos on geography.org showing it as dry, such as geography.org.uk/photo/3363347 and 3695623, 2943648, 1187763 and 3495213. I think this was caused by previous high rainfall not a high tide. There seem to be ongoing debates about dealing with coastal flooding and protecting the birdlife in this area, so the situation (and the route) may change.
After Glasson Dock there is a lovely, gravelled, tree-lined former railway cycle-track running alongside the Lune estuary. Just before reaching the canal there is a brilliant view of Lancaster Castle. Be sure to leave the towpath at the footbridge as access is not possible to the road and footpath, after the railway bridge.

Well, I think that was one of my longest reviews yet, due to it being such an epic route!.


Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.

Overall ratings

2 reviews


0 reviews

2 reviews

0 reviews

0 reviews

0 reviews

Show all


Other Routes for Preesall—Lancaster See all Slow Ways

Preesall—Lancaster

Prelan one

Distance

28km/17mi

Ascent

140 m

Descent

139 m

Review this better route and help establish a trusted network of walking routes.

Suggest a better route if it better meets our methodology.

See all routes from Preesall.

See all routes from Lancaster.