Crossing a contested space

Steve Little took the Fleetwood-Larne ferry to join the Odyssey meeting on Saturday 21st August 2004.

This eight hour daylight crossing showed that rather than a space between places, the Irish Sea is a contested region.

This page is under development and will archive the experience and geographical context of the Fleetwood-Larne route.

The Fleetwood-Larne ferry is described by Stena Line as a "no frills" service.

Originally a freight-only service, private cars are now carried.

Passenger facilities for the eight hour journey are basic but comfortable.

The Stena Leader has had several owners and has been lengthened during its service life.

Stena took over the route from P&O. A history of the service is available at http://larneferryweb.com/index.htm.

Departure times are adjusted according to tidal conditions in the Wyre estuary.

Knott End, opposite Fleetwood Docks, offers extensive walks

Next to the Purser's Office a detailed chart shows the route indicating each hour of progress

The Mull of Galloway lighthouse is passed after 5 hours

This is situated at the most southerly point of Scotland

Luce Bay, beyond the point is a live firing range for RAF pilots.

Larne Harbour is reached after 8 hours.

Click HERE for the next part of this journey.

This page contributed by
Stephen Little
Head, Centre for Innovation, Knowledge and Enterprise
Open University Business School
Milton Keynes, U.K.
s.e.little@open.ac.uk