Itinerary Planner

Cumbrian Coastal Route 200 - Section 1 - Morecambe Bay - The Foodie Peninsula

Route: A590, B2277, A590

Miles: 28

Head along the A590 from the M6 and you will discover the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay where expansive horizons, pretty villages and warming walks await you.

But this area of Morecambe Bay boasts more than just picture postcard seaside towns. A flock of foodie businesses have established themselves here, drawn by the lush landscape and mild climate that helps to raise and graze some of Cumbria’s famous local produce. For a real signature gourmet experience Simon Rogan’s restaurants L’Enclume and Rogan and Co, in Cartmel village are a must.

Stop off at Low Sizergh Barn on your way through to pick up some locally sourced supplies. If you hit the time right you can enjoy a spot of lunch in the cafe, whilst watching the cows being milked! If you have the time then a visit to the National Trust's Sizergh Castle is also recommended. This medieval house and its rich grounds and estate are open to the public. You can easily wile away a few lazy hours discovering the hidden sections of garden in this tranquil retreat. The Wild Trail through the woodland is great for little intrepid adventurers.

Keep following the A590 to the roundabout near Meathop, where you can take the B5277 towards Grange-Over-Sands. take time to explore this Edwardian seaside town and its extensive promenade and Ornamental Gardens. The now closed lido sits on the end of the promanade and gives a good flavour of Grange in its heyday, as a busy coastal resort. You can play crazy golf and indulge in some traditional seaside activities here and if your tummy is rumbling there are plenty of award-winning eateries nearby.

No trip down this peninsula would be complete without a visit to Cartmel, however, the lack of parking and narrow roads of this medieval village are not great for campervans and motorhomes. But never fear, you can hop on the train from Grange-Over-Sands to Cark-in-Cartmel and enjoy a pleasant walk through Cartmel Racecourse to the village. Alternatively, the Cistercian Way long distance path leaves Grange-over-Sands opposite the rail station and heads up through Eggerslack Woods onto Hampsfell before dropping down into Cartmel (a 4.5km walk in total). Hampsfell is crowned by ‘Hampsfell Hospice’, a sturdy limestone tower monument, and offers one of the finest viewpoints of all the foothills of the outlying southern Lakeland fells.

Explore the little café’s and shops of Cartmel including Cartmel Village Shop, known as the “home of sticky toffee pudding”. Pre-book a delectable evening at L’Enclume, one of the top five restaurants in the UK. Also, Michelin starred is Rogan and Co, L’Enclumes sister restaurant, offering a more casual dining experience.

Leave Grange-over-Sands full and happy and retrace your route back to the A590. From here head to Newby Bridge at the foot of (Lake) Windermere. For lakeside access either head to the National Trust's Fell Foot Park (warning: narrow entrance) or head on to Haverthwaite where you can pick up the steam train from the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway to the water. From here you can access the lake or catch the Windermere Lake Cruises shuttle across to Fell Foot. If you want a more traditional Lake District experience then hop on the cruise to Bowness-on-Windermere. You can also buy combined rail and cruise tickets from the Haverthwaite station.

Nearby lies Holker Hall and Gardens. Carefully wind your way down the B5278 to find this gem. Whether you're a garden enthusiast or don't know your Dailia's from your Daisies, everyone can appreciate the beauty of these gardens. Discover hidden fountains inhabited by shimmering ducks, labyrinths and lost follies. In autumn look out for the fallow deer grazing in the parkland. The hall also boasts a fantastic local food hall run by "A Days Walk", shop, brasserie and onsite cafe.

Head back up to the A590 and towards Ulverston. You can stop in at Greenodd retail estate if you can fit in more food! Fish and chips, handmade ice cream and baked treats are all available in one spot. From Greenodd you can follow the A5086 to Coniston Water. However, his road is narrow and winding and there is limited parking for larger vehicles. If you do want to access the water and this typical lakeland village, we would recommend staying for longer near Ulverston or Bardsea and catching the X12 bus through to Coniston for the day.

Motor on, along the A590 to the cheery festival town of Ulverston. Birthplace of Stan Laurel, this colourful, laidback town is guaranteed to make you smile.