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Running in Southport, Lancs
Muttley
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I'll be in Southport for a few days next week. At the Travelodge on Lord Street. No car.
Looking at the map in satellite view, it seems that from Coastal Road there's paths leading onto a beach or sand dune area. And the direction of Ainsdale could be promising.
So - road or trail shoes, and any pointers to where I can get some good runs in? Ta muchly in advance.
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There's beach and sandy trails a-plenty: I like to alternate between the two, helped by simple navigation - the beach is flat and devoid of shingle and it's a simple clamber over the smaller dunes to the paths and pools. Endangered natterjack toads live here.
The pine woods around Formby Point boast firm, reliable trails and peaceful solitude - except at holiday times! - and there are routes as far as the army firing range the other side of Freshfield. The NT site at Formby Point is well equipped with paths - and the slowly thriving red squirrel population.
Ainsdale Beach to Formby pine woods is about 6 miles on the beach - you could run one way and get the train back if you wished!
Shoes? Road shoes fine for the woodland trails and the beach; if you head inland, the sand hills are best handled with trail shoes.
You'll need a whippet?
And a cap?
Umm, no.....that's Yorkshire you're thinking of - the nicer side of the Pennines
I can be my own whippet
That's super, swittle, many thanks. I'll be in Southport from Wednesday through to Sunday. I plan a recce in Southport on Weds to check out the paths heading south, and on Thursday taking the train to Formby and running back. Looks like perfect running territory.
It was great. I got a couple of decent runs from Southport along tracks heading southwards, through the dunes and along the Trans Penine trail. And found a near-unused cycle track that was good for some intervals.
Cheers swittle
Glad to share, Muttley. It's a peaceful place to run.