ONCE again, we take to the train to get to the start of this week's walk.

Using the third in a series of 12 walks produced by the Bentham Line, we follow an easy two-and-a-half mile route along the coast from Morecambe to Bare Lane.

There is plenty to see, including the larger than life-sized statue depicting comic legend Eric Morecambe in one of his characteristic poses with a pair of binoculars around his neck (he was a keen ornithologist).

The statue - on Morecambe promenade - is set against the stunning backdrop of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District hills, and people queue to have their photo taken alongside it.

The "rail to trail" concept was devised by railway enthusiast Gerald Townson, who is a leading member of the Friends of Bentham Station, the Leeds-Lancaster-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership and the Lancaster and Skipton Rail User Group (LASRUG).

Covering 68 miles between Heysham Port and Skipton, the walks have been compiled by Stuart Ballard, of LASRUG, and vary in length from two-and-a-half miles to 11-and-a-half miles. Some of the shorter walks can be combined to make a whole day out.

Special dispensers have been provided at the stations to hold copies of the walk leaflets, but they can also be downloaded from communityraillancashire.co.uk/walks/self-guided-walks.

Step by step

Exit Morecambe station and cross pedestrian crossing towards large bus shelter/kiosk (L) and long semi-circular metal seat ahead. After passing kiosk turn left and walk down the Poem Path, towards the iconic Midland Hotel. Pass the Festival Market building (L) and the old Railway station (L) which houses the Information Centre and The Platform. At the main road turn left towards the bus shelter to cross Marine Road on the pedestrian crossing.

After crossing turn left and then sharp right through the flood wall. This is the start of the Way of the Roses cycle route that goes across the country to Bridlington.

Turn right on the prom (signed ‘Bare’), sea (L), and head towards the front of the Midland Hotel. At the Midland, turn left to the Stone Jetty, (possible extension to walk), then right towards the new RNLI building and shop. Continue around the prom to the car park, where the prom turns left. Soon afterwards pass a play area (R) and the statue of Eric Morecambe in his characteristic pose, atop a mound with steps (R).

Pass the clock tower and identify the Lake District hills across Morecambe Bay (L) in graphic detail on a panoramic profile of stone (L). Continue along promenade, pass another RNLI boat station and yacht club.

Continue northward along the prom towards a single multi-storey block of flats to sign ‘Bare, Local shops and Station’. Exit promenade, cross road, turn left and take next right, Princess Crescent, for traditional shops.

Beyond shops bear right into Bare Lane. (Possible extension - continue along Promenade to Happy Mount Park). Pass Public Footpath sign to Hest Bank (L) on opposite side of road behind bus shelter. Continue on main road to the station, which is next to the level crossing barriers.

It is important to wait on the correct platform to catch a train here, so please consult the information posters and overhead screens on the platforms.