North Blackpool Pond Trail

The North Blackpool Pond Trail is a green corridor of restored ponds, wet meadows and birch woodland that links a series of former marl pits between Bispham, Anchorsholme and Carleton. Stretching for several miles inland from the coast, it offers walkers and cyclists a surprisingly rural escape just minutes from the seafront, with way-marked paths, boardwalks and information boards explaining the area's industrial and natural history.

The trail's ponds were originally dug to extract marl for fertilising local farmland, and today they support a rich mix of wildlife. Visitors can expect to spot herons, coots, moorhens and dragonflies in summer, with kingfishers occasionally seen along the quieter stretches. Wildflower meadows attract butterflies and bees, and the mixed woodland is popular with songbirds throughout the year.

Access points are dotted along the route, including spots near Kincraig Lake and Anchorsholme, making it easy to drop on or off the trail for a short loop or a longer linear walk. It pairs well with a visit to the nearby Anchorsholme Park or the promenade for those wanting to combine green space with the classic Blackpool coast.