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Furness Flyer

There is no better way to explore this lesser travelled part of the Cumbrian Coast than by bike. The Morecambe Bay Cycleway (Sustrans route 700) offers coastal views and quiet country lanes, interspersed with which quirky towns and villages well worth the stop off.

The availability of electric bikes to hire across the route make it achievable even for the novice cyclist. This option takes in the first section of the route and matches it with a rest day in the festival town of Ulverston.

Day 1

Morning

If arriving by Avanti West Coast at Lancaster station, take a Northern train to Ulverston station (39 mins). Ulverston is a great base for this weekend break with a selection of self-catering accommodation or B&Bs (it even has a campsite not far from the town centre). If you are staying over you can drop your luggage. From the station it is just a short walk to Velo Cycles, where you can pick up a hire bike. Velo offer standard bike hire or smile-inducing electric bikes, which give you that extra help along the way.

Lunch

Not far up the road from Velo Cycles is the Quaker meeting house Swarthmoor Hall. This 16th Century Country House is known as the cradle of Quakerism because, in the mid 1600's the Hall to became the Quaker movement's headquarters. Fuel up for your journey in these beautiful surroundings and maybe learn a little more about the hall’s fascinating history.

Afternoon

Follow the route up over Birkrigg Common and out onto the coast for some stunning views. There are plenty of places to stop and ponder, plus some welcoming refreshment and ice-cream stops. When you arrive at Rampside follow Rampside Road and then Roose Road. This takes you towards Roose Station on the right. Here you can board the train back to Ulverston. Only two bikes per train service, no booking required. Please check train times before you travel. Return your bikes when you gat back to the station.

Overnight

Overnight in the festival Town of Ulverston which hosts a packed festival calendar across the year. There is no shortage of quality places to eat and drink so take your pick.

Day 2

Morning

If you are feeling fresh after your ride you could head up to the local landmark of the Hoad on Hoad Hill. Well signposted from the town centre, this in-land lighthouse (known locally as the pepper pot) was erected in memory of one of Ulverston’s famous sons, Sir John Barrow. Sir John Barrow was a British geographer and promoter of arctic exploration. On a weekend, if the flag is flying on Hoad Hill you can gain access to stunning views across the Lakeland fells and the bay from the top of the tower.

Lunch

Gillam's is a high class, traditional tearoom located in a beautifully restored 18th century building in the heart of Ulverston. Gillam's is a member of the tea guild and serve over 20 varieties of finest quality loose leaf teas and a selection of speciality coffees, alongside quality tearoom fayre.

Afternoon

Spend some time exploring the independent shops in and around the towns marketplace and alleys, and visit Cumbria Crystal, the Ulverston attraction offering a chance to see glassmakers using traditional methods.

Spend some time finding out about Ulverston’s famous son, Stan Laurel. Although raised in America, Stan was born in Ulverston. The statue outside the Coronation Hall was erected in his honour, where many Son’s of the Desert make pilgrimage. You can learn more about his life and works at the Laurel and Hardy Museum towards the rear of the Coronation Hall.

If slapstick humour is not your thing then the walk back out of town to Conishead Priory and the World Peace Temple at the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre. The stunning Buddhist temple set in the priory and grounds offer a tranquil retreat. With walks through the grounds to the sea and a café set in the stately priory it is a lovely place to sit and ponder.

Evening

Stay another night exploring Ulverston’s night life or return home on the train.