Pathways > The Pathways book > Promenades
Promenades
Through the 18th and 19th and into the early 20th centuries business boomed for British seaside resorts. Early visitors were encouraged to the sea by physicians, whose remedies included drinking seawater as well as taking the air and bathing. Going into the sea was strictly controlled through the use of the 'bathing machine'. In this contraption you could change in privacy and enter the sea away from prying eyes. Stepping down into the water you might well be 'plunged' by an attendant. It all meant that the remedy could be charged for, of course.
People eventually broke free and, particularly with the arrival of the train, flocked to the seaside purely for pleasure. Some even swam nude. The promenade and the piers mixed business with pleasure, providing a platform on which visitors could mingle and where entertainment and refreshments could be offered.
From the early days the seaside was also associated with licence. The promenades and piers on which people strolled decorously by day were the venues for a good deal of fumbling at night. Prostitution thrived. The authorities did their best to overlook the seamier attractions of their resorts but were canny enough to promote them with posters of pretty, handsome and available-looking young things.
The Brighton seafront walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld.
There is a special thread in the Pathways forum for seaside promenades, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a list of other walks on promenades:
Ayrshire and Arran
This walk is on tarmac paths from Troon promenade to Prestwick and return by train or bus. It can be linked to Walk Number 1889 to make a much longer walk from Prestwick to Troon and back.... More info
This walk can be started at either end. Starting at the Citadel it follows The Lang Scots Mile, which is measured as 1,984 yards instead of the usual 1,760 and then continues along the promenade and inland a short distance along the side of the... More info
This walk starts at the mouth of the River Ayr, passing through some built-up areas of Ayr before returning to the shore via Newton of Ayr and along Prestwick Promenade.... More info
Bedfordshire
Bedford is famous for its riverside promenade. This walk takes you round the whole route, but could be curtailed at a number of bridges or via short cuts. The walk is always refreshing in any weather and never far from a pub or restaurant to watch... More info
Conwy
This is a linear coastal walk using a specially made path, as well as promenades and sea walls. It goes from west to east to take advantage of the prevailing wind.... More info
Merseyside
A bracing walk across the top of the Wirral Peninsula along a fine promenade or, if the tide is out, on firm, clean (if not quite 'golden') sands. At New Brighton we turn south along the Mersey for fine views of Liverpool's new waterfront.... More info
Norfolk
A promenade around the town of Holt, taking in the local places of interest.... More info
Suffolk
Start from the church, high up on its hill at Stoke by Nayland. It will frequently be visible throughout the walk. Walk through the village and soon use a brief section of the Stour Valley Path (which paradoxically follows the River Box at this... More info