River Wyre

The River Wyre rises in the Forest of Bowland and flows for 28 miles to Fleetwood on the Irish Sea. Its two headwaters, the Tarnbrook Wyre and the Marshaw Wyre, join near Abbeystead. Below St Michael’s on Wyre the river becomes tidal and meets its main tributaries, the Calder and the Brock. Cartford Bridge and Shard Bridge carry roads across the lower reaches. The Wyre Estuary Country Park follows the western bank from Skippool to Fleetwood. The river’s sheltered estuary shelters Fleetwood’s former fishing port and marina. The Wyre Estuary Ferry links Fleetwood with Knott End-on-Sea across the water. At Burn Naze the river once supported large chemical works drawing brine from local mines. Industry has since declined but continues on a smaller scale along the estuary. The Wyre Way long-distance path follows the river from source to sea. Visitors walk or cycle the Wyre Estuary Country Park’s paths and see wading birds on the salt marshes. The park’s headquarters at Stanah organises guided walks and conservation events. In Fleetwood the converted docks hold a marina and an outdoor shopping centre. Sea anglers fish the estuary for bass and flounder. The river’s quiet upper reaches offer woodland and farmland scenery in the Forest of Bowland.