In the early 60's I used to cycle to Ringway and stand on the footpath that ran from the Airport Hotel and crossed within a few yards of the 24 threshold. Unfortunately the footpath was closed when the runway was extended. I have some old B&W photos of the terminal and control tower under construction.
In those days security hadn't been invented and it was possible to wander around the airport at will. It was only when the roof gardens and piers were opened that they restricted access to the aprons, not for security reasons, but to ensure that you paid the sixpence to go through the turnstiles.
Airclues