The view back to Parlick from St Michael’s
STAGE 69 (W10) – ST MICHAEL’s on WYRE to GREAT ECCLESTON
3.25 miles – 1.5 hours walk
65 feet climbed – highest point 56 feet – Great Eccleston
A short Stage which connects two of the principal settlements in this part of the Wyre valley. It is dominated by stretches of the River Wyre but also includes a significant road walk.
A map of Stage 69 can be found below courtesy of Ordnance Survey maps. You can subscribe yourself using this link, https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk, which will enable you to import the GPX file which can be downloaded below.
Download file for GPS
To download the GPX file for this stage click on the link above.
From the bridge in St Michael’s cross the road and use the stile to enter the field by the side of the river. Follow the embankment along side the river for about a kilometre.
Following the Wyre out of St Michael’s
The path ends at a concrete wall and stile which exits on to a road. Turn left and follow the road. You can initially avoid the road by climbing up on to the embankment, but the grass can be long at times and walking can be arduous.
Also note that the Wyre Way heads the other way turning into Turnover Hall Farm and then heading west through fields for about four kilometres. These again are not well used and can be wet and muddy in parts, which can be dispiriting especially if you have miles to cover. It also does not visit Great Eccleston, which is a good transport hub, has lots of shops for provisions and is quite pretty. So the Western Loop heads west using the road and then makes its way into Great Eccleston to finish this short Stage.
Continue along the road west for about two kilometres. Just after passing the imposing property called White Hall look out for the significant footbridge over the River Wyre with another metal bridge behind, which houses a water pipe.
Crossing the Wyre before Great Eccleston
Turn left and use the footbridge to cross over the Wyre. Turn left again and follow the embankment upstream along the riverbank.
After about 500m you will come to a wooded area. At this point turn right and descend the embankment and exit into a field. Bear right across the field towards the farm ahead. There is no distinct path across the field and it can be wet and muddy so pick the best route to the farm buildings. Cross the fence (no stile at the last visit and the fence is a crash barrier!!) into the farmyard. Turn left and exit the farm by the gate on to the main road.
Cross the road and almost immediately opposite is a lane. Follow this (Back Lane) straight on to the next main road in the village of Great Eccleston. Turn right and follow the High Street into the centre of the village, which features two pubs, lots of shops and a seated shelter. This marks the end of the Stage.
Great Eccleston with the Bowland Fells in the distance
END OF STAGE
With its slightly elevated position and central location, the village has a long history. It was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Eglestun. It was part of the ancient hundred of Amounderness and in the possession of the brother of King Harold II, Tostig Godwinson. However, he was killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge and his lands taken over by the Normans.
None of the pubs have accommodation if you are planning on staying here. The obvious choice for accommodation is the Cartford Inn, which is a mile into the next stage although it is not cheap. There is limited accommodation locally but it you may have to take a bus to find an overnight stay or finish the next stage and stay at the Shard Riverside.
Great Eccleston has two bus services
- No 42 which links Blackpool with Lancaster. It passes through Garstang, which has links with Preston.
- No 74 which links Fleetwood with Preston.
It also has numerous shops for supplies.
