FOLLOWING on from my article on Days Out By Train for Winter Days Out earlier on this year, which can of course be taken any time of the year, I now give ideas for Spring days out, writes Ted Brookes. With the advent of longer daylight hours, and wildlife becoming active and the appearance of the ever popular daffodil, it is a time to launch the official 'out and about' season. These are three suggested places to visit all based on Monday to Saturday travel only. Southport and the Sefton Coast COMBINE a day trip to Southport with a ride on the Mersey Rail Line to Freshfield to visit the Red Squirrel Reserve and the Pine Woods area of the Sefton Coast. Book a day return fare from Bolton to Freshfield. The usual concessions apply for rail card holders. Catch either the 9.45 or 10.45 Southport train then on arrival at Southport change to the frequent Mersey Rail trains. On arrival at Freshfield turn right to cross over the line with care then continue down the road to the Reserve. You may also wish to stroll round the woods. To finish off the day, catch the frequent return service to Southport where you may wish to spend some time before returning to Bolton. Return times from Southport are 15.50 and 17.36. Sunset over Morecambe Bay A walk on the coast at Southport Glossop and Hadfield THIS is a suggestion for either a day out to Glossop in the Peak District or a combined visit to take in Hadfield for a stroll in Langdendale.

Glossop is a small market town in the Peak District and is a gateway to the High Peak Hills. For the less energetic, a visit to Manor Park should be made. This is reached from the station by following the main road in the Sheffield direction until the Park signs are seen.

Old Glossop is a pleasant part of the town adjacent to the Park. There is a Market Hall, small shops and places for refreshment in the town.

For the more energetic who feel like walking a few miles, they should stay on the train to Hadfield. On alighting, go down the station approach then first time right by the public toilets along Platt Street to access the Langdendale Trail which is a walkway along the old railway line through the Woodhead Tunnel. There are good views of Langdendale and the reservoirs in the valley below. For exploration by the rambling fraternity, walk as far out and back as you like then catch the train to spend some time in Glossop by breaking your journey.

These two stations are in Greater Manchester ticket area, therefore Senior Citizens with passes should for simplicity book Hadfield day return which is currently 80p return. For the remainder, you should book G M Rail Ranger or, if you need to travel by bus to Bolton Station, purchase a bus/train ticket on your first bus journey. Price is currently £3.50.

There is a frequent train service from Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly -- change there for the half-hourly service to Hadfield.

Travel Mondays to Saturdays only after 9.30am. FIVE PAGES OF LISTINGS START HERE Morecambe and its Bay VISITING the revitalised resort of Morecambe makes for a pleasant day out by train.

First of all, the more energetic should alight off the train at Bore Lane, which is the stop before Morecambe for a walk along the sea front into Morecambe. This is a pleasant walk which gives excellent views across the bay of all the Lakeland Fells. As you approach the old lifeboat station en route, look out on the view-finder and the Birds of the Bay chart.

To reach the sea front, turn right from the station and follow the main road until it meets the shore road. Then turn left towards Morecambe.

For all visitors, the attractions include the Statue of Eric Morecambe with the surrounding plaques. This is a crowd-puller. The extended stone jetty should be visited to see the views of the surrounding area and the Tern project sculptures.

The Festival Market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. These are small shops and an Arndale Centre also that you may wish to visit.

Suggested train times, Monday to Saturday, are 9.31 and 10.31. Change at Lancaster for an immediate connection. Return times from Morecambe 15.59, 17.17 change at Lancaster for the Bolton train.

Book day return fare. The usual discounts are available for Rail Card holders.

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