2:49pm Monday 2nd November 2009
By Ron Freethy
Pilling is a farming village but has also earned a good living from fishing especially shellfish. Cockling is particularly important and supplies are delivered to resorts such as Blackpool.
Watching the state of the tide at Pilling is not a new experience. The village has two churches dedicated to St John the Baptist. On the wall of the older church is a sundial, a memorial to the Rev G Holden and dated 1766 which is inscribed ‘Thus Eternity Approaches’.
George Holden was fascinated by tidal movements and is credited with investing the first set of tide tables. Look out for the notice board of the new church.
On the old church there is the date over the arch which reads 1717 and on the door to say that the key is available from 24, St Johns Avenue. The church is well maintained thanks to the efforts of the Churches Conservation Trust.
From the car park next to the Golden Ball follow School Lane towards the church. This area is full of flowers almost throughout the year and looks cared for as befits the village which has won several awards. Here too are splendid autumn colours.
From the modern church entrance follow the path around the grounds to a wicket gate with a caravan site away in the background. Pass through a field open with grazing cattle and through another gate.
This leads to the cemetery and the old church after exploring the church pass through an avenue of yew trees to a gate. Turn left and approach the road through the village.
Cross the road and look out for a footpath indicating Pinfold. Pass through trees and overgrown footpath to the old village sheepfold. Stray sheep were once impounded here until owners identified them by examing their ear or lug marks. This practise dates back to Saxon times and has only ceased in the last century.
Continue along the track which can be overgrown in the summer because it is not well known. Approach old farm buildings to the right and left. Bear right and through a gate. Turn right and reach a car park and toilet block close to the road through the village. Here too is the Old Carr Farm restaurant and tea shop.
From Old Carr Farm cross the road and look out for a faded sign post, indicated left. This leads over fields and reaches Pilling beach where there is another car park.
Pilling beach is always popular whatever the state of the tide. At low water the clean sands and mud flats are ideal for collecting cockles by both professionals and amateur fisher folk.
Along the sea defence wall there are remains of the old gun emplacements dating back to the second world war.
Turn right at the sands and follow the narrow road for just over a mile. See Flake Hall on the right and take advantage of the seats arrayed facing the fields and the sea. Return to the car park around the Golden Ball along School Lane.
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