The River Lune estuary starts from a line drawn from between Fleetwood and Heysham. Given the right conditions it is possible to get from Fleetwood to Lancaster on one tide, but because of the strong tide in the river this is rarely possible without an engine to get you out of Fleetwood and somewhere into the Lune channel well before HW. The tide in the rivers and estuaries of Morecambe Bay come in at an alarming rate so it pays not to be too near the actual mouths before 2hrs before HW, especially in a keel boat. You must give a lot of consideration for these tides and edge over to your destination in plenty of time, as once past you won’t get back if the wind is fickle.

I usually launch from Glasson Sailing Club slip about 2hrs before HW and sail upriver to Lancaster, approx. 5 nautical miles, and tie to the wall to visit one of the many pubs on this historic quay,( sadly including for the wrong reasons – slave trading). There is just enough time to have one drink before the tide changes and sweeps you back down to Glasson. The rail bridge has approx. 30’ clearance so a Wayfarer can just squeeze under without having to lower the mast.

The river is a delight to sail on at any time of the year, as the whole of Morecambe bay is the stopping off place for many migrant birds. You can dry out for the night at many places but keep well away from the deep channels. Go aground +/-2hrs of HW, no nearer, as the tide sweeps in before this and will probably drag your anchor out and take you with it.

If you can lower your mast, you can get under the old rail bridge and up the creeks leading to Condor Green and spend the night completely protected. ( see photo in "The Boat" section) If you have a pair of boots aboard to get across the mud then you can also visit The Stork pub at the end of the creek.

A mile from Lancaster is another stopping off place, "Snatcham’s". A public house that gets its nickname from the times of the press-gangs. It was here it is said, that the glass bottom tankards were invented so that you could see if the King’s shilling was in your ale.

Going the other way from Glasson – to Fleetwood, Morecambe or Peil Island, leave Glasson as soon as you can get against the tide. If you hug the edge you can cheat it a bit but an engine to get you out as far as the end of Sunderland Point is favourite. Sunderland Point is worth a visit – try to find Sambo’s grave- but like all places in the bay it must be quick or you will have to wait until the next tide to get off again. My boat always carries a light and the tent.

. For Fleetwood a dinghy can cut the corner by sailing halfway down the Lune estuary and then bearing away for Fleetwood River Wyre buoy No.12. Don’t cut across directly for Fleetwood, as the banks near Knott End are quite high. There are wrecks near No’s 8 & 10 so don’t home in on these either.

. Evening on the Lune

You probably won’t get to Morecambe on one tide, so from Glasson you must be prepared to go aground somewhere near Heysham, and go on up on the next tide. If you are going to Morecambe, sail right out to the Westerly Cardinal buoy, Lune No.1, then go up Heysham lake. Do not cut the corner as there are numerous stakes on the northern banks going out.

Watch for the high speed Seacat ferry also, it’s wash will be your wash if you are not prepared for it.