Fleetwood walk (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Fleetwood walk

1:53pm Monday 22nd March 2010

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If you want to shop until you drop, why not do less shopping and do some more walking.

This stroll leads through the history of Fleetwood's trawling industry and includes a tour of a fully-restored trawler.

Begin at Freeport, where there are plenty of places to eat and a selection of fascinating shops.

Look for the signs indicating the way to the Jacinta.

On each side of the route are impressive buildings which bring back memories of when Fleetwood was one of the busiest trawler ports in Britain.

Look out for piles of ice close to a factory which was once busy supplying the vital material essential for the preservation of the fish catch.

This factory is thankfully still very busy as it now supplies ice for catering companies and supermarkets.

To the left is the old Wyre docks which was once packed with trawlers but is now crammed with luxury vessels occupying the restored marina.

This is an ideal place for boat watchers to enjoy themselves.

Continue bearing left to reach another car park used by the crew of the Jacinta. Away to the left is an interesting building.

This is the one time offices of Iago Trawler Company which was one of the most important operating out of Fleetwood.

This is the only one of many company offices to have survived on the dockside.

From the office area bear around to the right and approach the Jacinta mooring.

Those enjoying this walk should not miss the Jacinta and two hours should be allowed for the tour.

The hull of the Jacinta has been painted yellow, which was the colour of the Marr Company.

On the day of my visit I was delighted to meet Lionel Marr, who has been largely responsible for the restoration of the Jacinta.

She was launched in 1972 and on her day she was a record-breaking vessel.

Children are told as they tour the vessel that she could catch enough fish to provide 3.5 million fish fingers.

The Jacinta organises events in the former fish room, which now houses a museum and meeting room which can accommodate 150 guests.

The gallery has also become famous for producing Lancashire Hot Pots, which add so much to successful events.

The tour includes the bridge, the radio room, the engine room and the fish processing area.

The unique feature of the Jacinta is that she regularly goes to sea and, given 48 hours notice, she could head out of Fleetwood and thus continue a proud tradition.

From the Jacinta head towards the marina and Freeport.

Pass through yet more buildings associated with the halcyon days of the trawler industry.

There is still a fish auction at Fleetwood but it is strange to find that the supply reaches the old port in refrigerated lorries rather than trawlers.

Return to Freeport car park.

Getting there: From Junction 3 of the M65 follow the signs to Fleetwood. Approach the town centre and look out for a right turn into Freeport. Here this is free parking and a signed footpath leads through the old dockside buildings to the Jacinta which is a fully restored trawler. The vessel is open to the public daily from Easter to November and at other times by appointment. Tel. 01253 885642.