Morecambe’s West End Pier was lost to a storm in 1974 and its central pier was demolished in 1992. It basically died of old age and that was the end of Morecambe’s piers. The only pier like structure remaining is the Stone Jetty, originally a rail hub. Work was done on the jetty in the 1990’s and now, together with the iconic Midland Hotel which sits at its foot, it is one of Morecambe’s outstanding features. It’s home to a tern project that includes games, quizzes, tern sculptures and a large compass. It also boasts a café which was originally a station upon which a small lighthouse sits.
Its a favourite diversion for those walking along Morecambe’s newly resurfaced promenade (the prom) with its restored wave wall. As you walk out along the Stone Jetty you will see boats moored on the right hand side which make it look like an old fishing town. A Time and Tide bell sits on that side of the jetty which rings at particular high tides and is designed to signal the danger of climate change.
At low tide you will see deep gullies to the left of the jetty where the sands have been gauged by the tide. These are ever changing and are a reminder of the hidden capricious nature of Morecambe Bay with its sinking sands and racing tides due to the shallowness and lack of incline in the bay floor. It was slightly grey this morning but not to the point of being dull — and it was windy. The tide was…
