Links to other Links
To see the current state of the tide at Knott End on Sea click here.
Alternatively, if you are an Apple user you can download a Tide App
But is the Knott End beach wet or dry? The beach is wet during Spring Tides (these occur around Full Moon and New Moon). Note: the word Spring has notning to do with the season, it simoly means that the tides have a large amplitude and spring in and out.
The beach is dry at other times when the tides have a smaller amplitude: Neap Tides. Neap tides happen during the quarter or three-quarter moon.
The complete moon cycle from New (0%) to Full (50%) to New (100%) takes approximately 30 days so the beach is wet at approximately fortnightly intervals and dry at approximately fortnightly intervals.
Look carefully at the image above, particularly the Age of the Moon. Then decide if the beach is wet or dry.
Knott End beach is DRY
When the Moon's Age is approximately
25% or 75%
This is the phase of the moon today
the moon
Knott End beach is WET
When the Moon's Age is approximately
0% 50% or 100%
Note: anyone venturing out on the sands must be aware that the speed and height of any tide is dependent on weather conditions.
A depression over the Irish Sea can add a couple of feet on to the sea level and a few days of south westerly gales can have a similar effect. Add on to that a few days of heavy rain in the hills surrounding the bay and there can be a problem if the whole lot coincides with a high spring tide. The higher the tide, the faster and sooner it comes in.
A 2 metre tidal surge is not unknown in Morecambe Bay, sometimes with unfortunate results, such as the 'Great Inundation of the Sea' in 1720. Such a surge also occurred about 50 years ago and resulted in extensive flooding all across Pilling Moss. Shortly afterwards the sea defences were raised all the way from Knott End to Pilling and the new sea wall was constructed across Cockerham Marsh which reclaimed a lot of salt marsh and prevented spring tides from cutting off the road connection as they had done since time immemorial.
If contemplating a walk on the sands please visit Tide safety
Videos of the Wyre Bore - not as spectacular as the Severn Bore!
Tidal bore on the River Wyre collides with boat
Tidal Bore on the River Wyre, 21st February 2015
Tidal bore on the River Wyre at Hambleton 29 Oct 2015
Novels inspired by the history of the Preesall salt mines.
These novels are a "must read" for any Over Wyre enthusiast. They are works of fiction and the place names have been changed but you will have fun identifying familiar locations and, at the same time, enjoying an exciting read.
Knott_End-on-Sea; the Wikipedia entry.
Seeing the Isle of Man from the promenade at Knott End. Yes, it is possible, but only sometimes.
Read a physicist's take on how, when and why.
Identifying ships in Morecambe Bay.
Books written by local authors base on local events and places
The Pilling Pig the name of the old Knott End railway.
Just announced (2019) a book: The Pilling Pig by David Richardson of the Cumbrian Railways Association.
Will the Pilling Pig run again? Visit the web site of KE Railway.
YouTube videos
Watch Nodrog and local history researcher Stewart venture alongside a lost railway line that once served a salt mine and discover the secrets it holds. The Preesall Lost Salt Mine Railway
Lancashire Footnotes Minisode Sixty Five with a not entirely accurate but amusing - The Pilling Pig Route
The Poulton and Wyre Railway Society; opening up the railway to Fleetwood!.
Explore the diversity of Lancashire: Liz Loves Lancashire
Preesall War Memorial The Mystery of `The Mount`
Knott End from the air - a 2019 film.
When to see light aircraft on the beach. Keep your eye on Lancashire Landings.
Climbing Blackpool Tower
One of the authors of these pages, Tony Heyes , was a member of the climbing team who, in 1962, climbed what was then the tallest building in the UK.
In 2019 the other author of these pages, Gordon Heald, re-wrote the story at the request of the Blackpool Gazette.
Read here the epic winter climb of Blackpool Tower.
There are a number of Facebook Groups devote to the area. for example:
Knott End & Preesall Community
Garstang & Knott End Railway Memories
Preesall & Knott End against Quarry Application