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Cumbrian Coastal Route - Section 2 - Furness Peninsula and Island Hopping

The Lighthouse on Walney

Route: A5087, A590, A595

Miles: 40

Route Guide and GPX File

Religious history and industrial heritage are two intriguing themes to be explored in Furness, both of which are set amongst unique habitats and coastal islands, which offer respite to Grey Seals and Natterjack Toads.

This is a landscape of contrasts - the soaring red sandstone ruins of Furness Abbey, the industrial heritage of Barrow and the protected dunescapes of the coast, linked by a breath-taking journey along the Coast Road (A5087). Why not round off your visit with a spot of island hopping?

To begin, follow the A590 to the Festival town of Ulverston. This vibrant market town hosts a wealth of quirky events and festivals throughout the year and even when there is isn't an event taking place, there is plenty to explore along its bright cobbled streets. Ulverston was key in the birth of the Quaker movement. Visit nearby Swartmoor Hall to find out more.

From Ulverston head along the A5087 (the Coast Road) towards Barrow in Furness, for a scenic journey right along the coastline.  As you leave Ulverston keep an eye out on your left for the impressive Temple for World Peace and the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre at the Historic Conishead Priory. Visitors to the centre can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the romantic gothic house set in fine gardens and extensive woodlands that lead down to the shores of Morecambe Bay. Access to the centre is along a narrow road, so you might want to park up at Bardsea and follow the coastal path back along the shore and up through the grounds.

As you near the end of the coast road you will discover Roa Island, just south of the village of Rampside. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway but is one of the Islands of Furness. Next door and accessible by causeway from Roa Island is Foulney Island, arctic and little tern breed on this island nature reserve during the summer, whilst in autumn and winter, it is a great site to see waders (no dogs allowed over the summer breeding season). Be careful as the island is cut off by the tide twice a day.

Over the summer you can catch the ferry from Roa to Piel Island. This fifty-acre island has a king, a castle and a pub! The landlord of the Ship Inn is crowned the "King or Queen of Piel" in a ceremony where they sit in an ancient chair, wearing a helmet and holding a sword, whilst alcohol is poured over their head. Be careful - if you sit in the king's "throne" by accident you have to buy everyone in the pub a drink! The current motte and bailey "castle" was built in the early part of the 14th century. It was probably intended to be used as a fortified warehouse to keep cargo safe from pirates and other raiders. 

Follow the Coast Road into Barrow-in-Furness. This industrial town has a long history of shipbuilding, as a visit to the Dock Museum will reveal. This spectacular modern museum is built over a Victorian graving dock. Explore the fascinating history of Barrow-in-Furness and discover how it grew to the biggest iron and steel centre in the world. You can also learn more about the areas war-time efforts and if you have read the diaries or watched Victoria Wood's Housewife 49, you can get a real feel for what war-time living would have been like here.

Just outside the town, you will find Furness Abbey. Discover one of the richest Cistercian monasteries in England. Local rumour has it that there are underground tunnels connecting the Abbey with Piel Island. Overnight parking is available in the nearby car park. Just pre-book here

Whilst in the area make sure you hop on over to Walney, another one of the Islands of Furness, connected to the mainland by the Jubilee Bridge. For Thomas the Tank Engine fans this is possibly the location of the fabled Island of Sodor, based between Barrow-in-Furness and the Isle of Man. Vickerstown on Walney is incorporated into Sodor in the stories and renamed Vicarstown. 

Some of the Island's less famous residents live on the South Walney Nature Reserve. This is the home to Cumbria's only grey seal colony. Whilst access to the breeding ground is restricted you can sometimes catch a glimpse from the hide or the webcam in the small visitor centre. Access is down a narrow single track so not ideal for larger vehicles, however the walk to the centre offers good views and can be linked in which the new section of the England Coast Path (www.nationaltrail.co.uk). There are a couple of great free camping spots on Walney, provided by Barrow Borough Council. Just pre-book here.

Head through Barrow-in-Furness on the A590 and pick up the A595 towards Millom. If there is suitable parking stop in at Broughton-in-Furness to stock up, in one of their local shops or grab a bite to eat.

Millom was a small village that almost doubled in size overnight with the growth of mining in the area. The town is now home to the Millom Discovery Centre, where you can find out more about the towns industrial heritage and the local history of the RAF.

Just outside the town, located on the site of a former iron mine, RSPB Hodbarrow Nature Reserve is a coastal lagoon and grasslands. The site supports breeding terns, ringed plovers, redshanks and oystercatchers. You'll also find protected great crested grebes nesting on the island here. 

Just a stone's throw up the coast is the pretty fishing village of Haverigg. Its stunning blue flag beach and marina make it the perfect place to visit for sea lovers. It is also a great base for walking up Black Combe, whose 600m peak offers some great view out over the Irish Sea.

Head home from here or continue your journey onto Cumbria's west coast.

Lighthouse  Lighthouse  Bardsea  Manjushri Temple  Piel Island  Furness Abbey  Walney Island  Haverigg  Haverigg

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Itinerary Items

Item
1 Laurel and Hardy Museum
2 Shed One Distillery Tours & Tastings
3 Buddhist Temple for World Peace, Ulverston
4 Barrow Public Park
5 The Dock Museum
6 Furness Abbey
7 South Walney Nature Reserve
8 Haverigg & the Whicham Valley
9 Cumbrian Heavy Horses
10 Black Combe
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Product Information

  1. Laurel & Hardy Statue in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Laurel & Hardy Statue in Ulverston, Cumbria

    Laurel and Hardy Museum

    Ulverston

    The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.

  2. Owners Andy and Zoe Give a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Owners Andy and Zoe Give a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Try Cuckold's Revenge Gin at a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Wide Range of Botanicals Used at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Owners Andy and Zoe Welcome You to a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Try Chuckle Berry Gin at a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Gin at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Enjoy Some Gin and Tonics at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Botanicals Used at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Range of Gins Made at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Local Artist Draws Owners Andy and Zoe from Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Owners Andy and Zoe Give a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Try Cuckold's Revenge Gin at a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Wide Range of Botanicals Used at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Owners Andy and Zoe Welcome You to a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Try Chuckle Berry Gin at a Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Gin at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Enjoy Some Gin and Tonics at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Botanicals Used at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Range of Gins Made at Distillery Tour & Gin Tasting at Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Local Artist Draws Owners Andy and Zoe from Shed 1 Distillery in Ulverston, Cumbria

    Shed One Distillery Tours & Tastings

    Ulverston

    Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a relaxed spirits tasting in our stylish visitor bar.

  3. Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria

    Buddhist Temple for World Peace, Ulverston

    Conishead Priory, Ulverston

    Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach.

  4. Barrow Public Park
    Barrow Public Park

    Barrow Public Park

    Barrow-in-Furness

    Set in 45 acres, Barrow's award-winning park provides the perfect place to stroll on sunny afternoons. Barrow Park..... always something going on, always something growing on!

  5. Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Entrance and Signage at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exterior Signage at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exhibits at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Entrance and Signage at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exterior Signage at The Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

    The Dock Museum

    Barrow-in-Furness

    Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe serving hot meals and homemade cakes and gift shop.

  6. Ruins of Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Ruins of Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Arches and Exterior at Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exterior and Grounds of Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Ruins of Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Arches and Exterior at Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
    Exterior and Grounds of Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

    Furness Abbey

    Barrow-in-Furness

    Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.

  7. Views at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Views at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Seals at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Butterfly at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Walking Platforms at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Wildlife at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Views at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Seals at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Butterfly at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Walking Platforms at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria
    Wildlife at South Walney Nature Reserve at Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria

    South Walney Nature Reserve

    Barrow-in-Furness

    South Walney isolated position on the southern tip of Walney Island makes it a special place for wildlife and people. It is a haven for bird life, many of which nest on the shingle beaches in the spring. No dogs allowed because of risk to wildlife.

  8. Haverigg & the Whicham Valley

    Haverigg & the Whicham Valley

    Millom

    This is a shortish ride through the pastoral landscape of the Cumbrian coastal plain. The fells of Black Combe and White Combe provide a stunning backdrop for pretty woodlands, lush green fields and dry stone walls.

  9. Cumbrian Heavy Horses in Millom, Cumbria
    Cumbrian Heavy Horses in Millom, Cumbria

    Cumbrian Heavy Horses

    Whicham, Valley, Millom

    The ultimate horse riding experience in the stunning Cumbria. We are UK's only specialised heavy horse riding establishment! We are a small, professional, family run Equestrian Centre unique in the use of our magnificent heavy horse breeds.

  10. Black Combe - Photo by Mark Winterbourne from Leeds. West Yorkshire, United Kingdom / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)
    Black Combe - Photo by Mark Winterbourne from Leeds. West Yorkshire, United Kingdom / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)

    Black Combe

    The long ridge of Black Combe rises almost from the sea and is linked to the Ulpha Fells which run north into the heart of the Lake District.

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Laurel and Hardy Museum (54.19462,-3.09372)Shed One Distillery Tours & Tastings (54.19681,-3.08242)0.7
Shed One Distillery Tours & Tastings (54.19681,-3.08242)Buddhist Temple for World Peace, Ulverston (54.17325,-3.0671)2.53
Buddhist Temple for World Peace, Ulverston (54.17325,-3.0671)Barrow Public Park (54.11232,-3.2344)11.56
Barrow Public Park (54.11232,-3.2344)The Dock Museum (54.11191,-3.24019)0.34
The Dock Museum (54.11191,-3.24019)Furness Abbey (54.13548,-3.19837)3.41
Furness Abbey (54.13548,-3.19837)South Walney Nature Reserve (54.05774,-3.20986)7.82
South Walney Nature Reserve (54.05774,-3.20986)Haverigg & the Whicham Valley (54.19626,-3.28902)14.64
Haverigg & the Whicham Valley (54.19626,-3.28902)Cumbrian Heavy Horses (54.25943,-3.27466)6.39
Cumbrian Heavy Horses (54.25943,-3.27466)Black Combe (54.25605,-3.32619)3.04
Total Distance *50.4 miles
Estimated Journey Time1.62 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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