Knott End-on-Sea
Knott another bike ride!
The Name ‘Knott End’
There are three good theories as to how the place got its name.
1. The ‘Knot’ is a seabird which can be seen flying in large flocks on local sands of the Fylde Coast. They swoop and dive in a similar way to a murmuration of starlings. They appear to float like a cloud above the edge of the beach.
2. The area has Norse roots, with occupation of this general area known to date back to the early Bronze Age. One theory is that when these early Norse seafarers entered the dangerous Wyre Estuary they used knotted ropes to aid their navigation, with the knots marking the distance. Knott End was at the end of the rope.
3. The third theory believes that there were two large mounds of stones or ‘knotts’ that lay out in the bed of the river, until they were displaced in the building of the entrance to the Wyre Dock.
Summary
Knott End-on-Sea is a village in Lancashire, England, on the southern side of Morecambe Bay, North of Blackpool. Knott End has a pub, the Bourne Arms, county library and golf club. There is also a seasonal 3-minute ferry that crosses over to Fleetwood. A hidden seaside town worth visiting if you fancy somewhere different to the popular destinations, such as Blackpool and Morecambe bay.
The Ride
Knott another bike ride? Yes, another bike ride and another great day out. I should really document all of my rides, but it’s hard to keep track as I cycle that often. It’s the long hundred plus days that are the best. Pushing my body to its physical exhaustion. It teaches me to keep on pushing. Even when I am tired and would love nothing more than to stop, I carry on. It’s when I sit down at home I think ‘Actually, I could do that again. Maybe I could go further?’ I love the challenge and love the thought of being able to cover great distances.
Knott End was a chance to test myself, to go somewhere I have never been, and to enjoy the challenge of riding over a hundred miles. The route crossed into the county of Lancashire, through quite single-track lanes, and along exposed roads, surrounded by vast areas of the countryside. I loved this route and the people I was cycling with. All we had to focus on was pedalling, eating and drinking. It was as simple as that. However, with that being said, it still came with its challenges. Winds, constant hills, fatigue, busy roads, steep descents, where shall we get water, shall we go to that café, should I eat now, how is my body feeling. It’s the simpleness of really simple problem-solving solutions which helps focus my brain and makes me aware to be present in the moment. A long-distance challenge is always tough, but it’s what I live for and goes without saying that this was one of those days where I enjoyed every single moment.